Realistic or Modern 𝔼𝕦𝕔𝕝𝕚𝕕 | Main

[Kipsy]

WELCOME! When writing for this roleplay, please put your character's name, location, interactions, and mentions at the top of your post. Everything else, such as pictures or mood, is up to you.


Context:

Twelve days ago, the Devil's Children discovered withdrawals from their accounts throughout the past few months. It didn't come as that big of a surprise; the humans had been growing in power, their rebel groups finally united under the anonymous leader who dubbed the resulting faction Expera. Expera had been a growing threat for some time now, even though they had remained completely silent ever since their formation. The mafiosos should've known something was up.

On the third of September, after much debate, they had contacted the boss of Expera, who they believed responsible for the attacks on their finances. Their request? For a meeting to take place between the four separate factions. A festival-like masquerade ball is to be held at the Helias family's mansion to the east at 10 pm, and it is open to all who wish to attend. Even the Farlans, with their reluctance to have anything to do with Helias members, are leaving their penthouse. Of course, there is bound to be inevitable tension amongst the three supernatural gangs. However, being a public event, it is no doubt the mafiosos are determined to maintain their powerful images, for they are the ones who the rest of the supernatural in Euclid look up to. It is likely their vanity will keep them civil.

Now, it is the tenth of September. The air is growing chilly as the sky grows darker. The developed, busy city of Euclid that resides on the edge of a small peninsula is steadily growing more and more covered by fall leaves. Civilians hurry from shop to shop, their cheeks rosy from being nipped by the cold. They're not yet used to this weather; the years have steadily growing cooler and cooler during the fall. Overcast clouds hang in the sky as if omnipotent, their whispy shapes somehow foreboding. To think, just a week ago, that the sun was still visible. It is almost as if this weather is a warning, a warning for those naive enough to continue on with their lives when the world is ever-changing.

Whether you're one of the esteemed Devil's Children, a family member, a subordinate, or a human, the future of the city's balance is now up to you.


Elizabeth
Location: Helias Estate | Interacting: OPEN
​

Of all the things Elizabeth expected from the Devil's Children, hospitality was not one of them. Much to her surprise, they'd handled everything with an unusual level of civility. The offer was sent to her via email three days ago, declaring that they had found out about her transferring their funds to her own bank account. It wasn't her personal account, which provided her and her group some level of anonymity still, but that didn't seem to matter in this case. For, after a series of back-and-forth emails, it was requested that she attend what they called the "Summer's End Ball".

This only served to shock Elizabeth further. The ball entailed that all members from all groups were to attend. A meeting amongst the leaders would be held in the meantime to, as they put it, "settle things". In that sense, the ball was merely a guise, a facade meant to cover up the business they would be dealing with. Even though she knew the Devil's Children were no doubt pissed, she still decided to push as far as she could to maintain her and her group's facelessness. It was decided, then, that the ball would be that of a masquerade, celebrating the end of summer. Weapons were to be left behind. The protection of everyone was guaranteed.

Elizabeth could only hope this wasn't going to be an ambush of some kind. She couldn't see any way of getting out of it, either; even if she refused, the Devil's Children would no doubt work harder to track her down. Not only did she have her people to worry about, but there was her daughter's safety to consider, too. Hopefully, handling things civilly would allow for them to finally, finally, understand that humans were greater than pathetic slaves to be used by the supernatural. Maybe, if she was able to convince them, they could work something out. Provide a better life for humans in Euclid that forewent a life of servitude. It was a longshot, but she had to take it.

This was what had Elizabeth clothed in a dress, her hair tied up in a bun and her cheeks dusted with rouge. A golden mask adorned her face. From the moment she entered the venue, the Helias family's estate, she wished she could turn around and walk away without any repercussions. Sadly, it was too late for that. At least the ball had been opened up to the general public and was almost akin to a festival. Without her saying anything, she'd be passed off as a normal, everyday human, along with all of those who were with her. Her dress wasn't at all elegant, more practical than anything, and she wore flats instead of heels on the off chance she needed to make a run for it.

What made her stand out, though, was that she knew where she was going. The dining room was just to the left of the drawing room, as she was told from the final email. Surely, the Devil's Children were already there, waiting for the arrival of a, up until now, faceless human. Were they going to kill her? She sure hoped not. At the very least, her daughter would be safe. With a deep breath, she nodded to the two who were guarding the door. They let her in, and, with reluctance, she seated herself at the end of the table, unprepared for whatever was going to be thrown her way.

Xian
Location: Helias Estate | Interacting: OPEN​

This is not what Xian had in mind. He thought he could get away with staying in his room during the ball. Having been in the middle of a book when he was ushered by a few servants to get ready, he was in a pretty grumpy mood. A pout adorned his lips as he scowled at his entire closet. There were a variety of suits there for him to choose from, but none of them were ones he wanted to wear. Instead, he picked a red dress shirt and a black vest, complete with black jeans. Definitely not the formal look that was expected from him, but he didn't much care. All he wanted to was get back to his book.

The servants provided Xian several options in terms of masks, most of which were way to glamorous in his opinion. He settled for a slender, black one that would tie in the back, mostly so that he didn't have to hold one up to his face the whole time. Then, the servants left, clambering off before he had the opportunity to bite one of their heads off. He looked at himself in the mirror but didn't feel like it was really him looking back. The "him" he usually saw was a guy still in pajamas with a messy shock of hair and zero interest in the affairs of his father's gang. This version, though, was entirely different than what he was used to. Frankly, he wasn't sure he could pull it off if he even decided to try.

"It's only for three hours," Xian mumbled, tying the mask firmly on his face. "Three hours of my time I will never, ever get back." His primal side prompted him to throw a bigger of a tantrum, but he resisted. There was no need to make things worse than they already were with his father. He was sure Dad was plenty mad enough after he told him last week that he had no interest in taking on the family 'business'. Even if he wasn't, Xian himself was mad, mad that he was the first born son to a life he didn't want.

Stepping out into the hall, his footsteps echoed as he made his way to the mezzanine. The sound of chatter and music rattled through the house, sending shivers down Xian's spine. How much trouble would he be in if he left and went back to his room? It probably wasn't worth it.

With a sigh, he stepped out onto the mezzanine and plodded down the steps, reluctance visible in his frown. He felt several pairs of eyes on him, which wasn't surprising considering how rare it was to see him out and about in the first place. In any case, there were way too many people here for him. People that he was going to try to avoid talking to for the next three hours while his father was in a meeting with the other Devil's Children. He considered it a miracle that no one had died yet. Perhaps they'd be lucky and it would stay that way for the rest of the evening. Perhaps.

 

[deianeira]

Drusilla Farlan
Location: Helias Estate // Interactions: Open​

From the second that her husband had announced the ball that was soon to take place, Drusilla had known it was a bad idea. Now, she was never one to overestimate her intelligence---that was a trivial mistake, made only by truly dim individuals who wished for their fall from high society to be swift and brutal---but it didn't quite take a genius to realize why bringing the three largest gangs in Euclid, along with the uprising faction of humans, to a party under one roof was a poorly thought-out idea. Surely, with the topic of conversation at the simultaneous Leader's Meeting bringing the financial business of the humans into the light, it was inevitable that some kind of altercation would occur, not to mention the current rivalry between her coven and the werewolf clan.

Nevertheless, Drusilla went along with the new plans. She was not one to needlessly provoke her husband's temper, even if she believed that the humans and their infuriating leader could be squashed as easily as a bug beneath her heels. That would settle the whole affair, wouldn't it? Regardless of her thoughts, Drusilla now had more important matters to attend to; making sure she wasn't an embarrassment to her coven, at a ball hosted by Helias, nonetheless.

That is where Drusilla found herself mere hours before the beginnings of the “celebration”. Her hair was already pulled up into an elaborate twist, curling strands meant to frame her face were pulled back gently by a plain white headband. Drusilla applied her makeup the same way that she approached her duties as the esteemed wife of the most intricate gang in the city: with unrelenting intent. She needed to dress her best in order to save face were for events at tonight's ball to go awry. Finishing up with the faint powder that dusted her face, Drusilla released her hair, letting it fall back into its proper place. She dressed quickly and glanced in the mirror. Her dignified floor-length dress was a season or two out of style, but it would do for an event such as this. ‘We don't want the dogs and slaves to be getting an idea that we think this function is of too much importance, after all,’ Drusilla thought to herself, slipping on her heels and grabbing her clutch on the way out of her bathroom.

She didn't see her husband for the entire way to the foyer, and, after waiting around for some time, Drusilla decided that he had already left, or that it would be redundant to wait for him, considering that he was perfectly capable of calling one of the slaves to drive him. After grabbing her gold lace mask from the hallway hat stand, Drusilla made her way out to where the chauffeur was waiting outside of the Escalade. He opened the door for her and shut it once she had gotten in.

Once the flashes past her window began blurring from the bright city lights of the North to the calmer, forested areas of the East, Drusilla knew that they were close. She hadn’t personally even been to the Helias Estate; why would she even need to? Regardless, the scenery was certainly a change from what she was used to. When Drusilla made her way up to the doors, the two guardsmen let her in without complaint, and she walked into the house.

Drusilla was by no means comfortable in this strange building, but, in her mind, it was always best to put up a front of nonchalance in situations such as these; who even knew who could be watching her from afar. As she entered the main ballroom, she grabbed a flute of champagne from a wandering server and began to survey the current guests of the festival.

Mei-yin Helias
Location: Helias Estate // Interactions: Xian Helias ( Kipsy )​

Mei-yin had been quite ecstatic when her father had announced a spontaneous ball, a ball to be attended by both the public and the other gangs alike. Of course, her excitement wasn't expressed around her family; it was only when she had gotten to her room that she let out a quiet whoop of happiness. In fact, the only emotion that she had really even shown at the announcement was humor; the look on Xian's face had been oh so amusing. It was like someone had just told him that his biggest dreams were now impossible, the look of horror and disgust on her older brother's face.

While the Summer's End Ball may seem like torture to him, Mei-yin quite enjoyed the idea of such an event. It simultaneously gave her a chance to network with other elites of the city and dress up in a nice dress, a girly desire of hers that wasn't often able to be expressed. She had always loved trying on her mother's gowns as a child, and that had easily transferred on to her teenage self; a childish desire for all things pretty and sparkly and gleaming.

It was for this reason that Mei-yin had dragged her handmaid's around the shopping district of Euclid three weeks before the date of the ball, as well as the reason it took her many hours to eventually choose what dress she would wear. Mei-yin eventually decided on a golden a-line dress, after much deliberation.

As she stood now, welcoming the incoming guests to the party with a smile and the greeting of ‘We hope you enjoy the festival!’ Mei-yin was happy with her abilities to entertain. From the entrance, she could get eyes on every single person, human or supernatural, that walked through the door. At first, no one seemed too important. Some of the general public had shown up, but not many; they knew that, even with the guise of a ball, the collection of so many rival gangs was bad news. A few fae had walked in, and she didn't pay them much mind either. The fae of the Wiljay gang were not people she needed to get involved with. It wasn't until a short woman in a simple black dress walked through the doors that Mei-yin's interest was piqued.

Nothing about the woman's appearance was what set Mei-yin off. The simple dress, the flat shoes. All the elements of her outfit and appearance were meant to be unassuming, and therefore, she didn't really take note of them. No, it was the woman's scent that really made her confused. The woman was obviously human. She had the same undertones as every other member of that species. Typically, this wouldn't have been an issue; the party was opened to the public, after all. Some humans were to be expected. It was when the lady turned left to the dining room, instead of right to the ballroom, that Mei-yin was surprised.

Mei-yin would have attempted to follow the woman, if it wasn't for the very concise instructions her father had laid out beforehand: you are not to go anywhere near the dining room, the leaders shall be doing business there. With a small, disappointed pout, Mei-yin shook her head and abandoned her post at the entryway. She had decided that she would seek out her brother. Anything happening near the door would be boring after this discovery.

It took Mei-yin some time to find her brother in the ballroom. Knowing him, he had worn the almost-casual clothing on purpose in an effort to go unnoticed. It never worked, of course. Her brother was heir to Helias’ crown, and eyes were always on him. It certainly wasn't out of Xian's ballpark to try, though.

She grabbed some small hors d'oeuvres from the table adjacent from her, and walked up to her brother. Cracking a smile, she held out one of the snacks (a dumpling of some kind, by the looks of it) as an offering. “Ready to run off to your room, yet?”

 

[Psychonaut]

PETER SCHELL
HELIAS ESTATE | deianeira

Peter could breathe easy. His worst fear was baseless - people still had balls.

Or, at least, Euclid did - in this case, the Summer's End Ball, a citywide celebration that spilled out from the gates of what Schell could only assume was the property of the local rich kids and out over the surrounding acres, revelry manifest in a labyrinth of vendors' stalls and carnival games. He drank in the culture like craft beer: it was what he lived for now. There was so different from the quiet, human suburbia he was used to - Euclid belonged to vampires and werewolves. The very air smelled exotic, full of celebration and foreignity. He loved it.

"You really know how to pick 'em, huh, Pops?" Peter remarked, grinning at the battery of native cuisine and gambler's temptations.

"Something like that," Ethan replied, hand in hand with Noelle.

The trio pierced the veil, immersing themselves in a Euclidean tradition like denizens, Peter ahead, his parents close behind. None escaped the atmosphere, left smiling irrationally as if high off the very fumes of the place.

Soon enough the youngest Schell peeled off, veering nearer the hub of the region's present merriment. He had dressed well enough to pass for a noble, clad in a blazer and unusual confidence. He entered the Helias domain with ease, taking a glass from an itinerant caterer like it was his singular duty.

"I like it here," Peter remarked, throwing his voice at an adjacent female. "Is it always this nice, or have I arrived on some special occasion?"

 

[deianeira]

Drusilla Farlan
Location: Helias Estate // Interactions: Peter Schell ( Psychonaut )​

As she sipped her champagne, Drusilla Farlan sighed in displeasure at the unvaried clientele of the Helias Ball. Herr husband was surely discussing business with the other Devil's Children, while the Lady of Farlan's coven was left to a mere observation exercise. At this point, the party was in full swing, with traditional music crooning from overhead speakers and happy, blindsided citizens smiling and dancing to the beat of the drums. It all seemed too much like a hoax to her; the hair on the nape of her neck raised, every muscle tense and ready to be put into action.

Maybe it was her atrocious early experiences in Euclid that made her so cautious, but Drusilla had always been superstitious to some extent. Niklaus was, of course, conversing with the other leaders, but she had no idea where Kiefer was, and that combination upset her to some extent. Taking a long sip from her glass, Drusilla counted to ten in her head. 'It is best not to worry for either of them,' she thought to herself, 'they are both grown men, and worrying is simply wasting my time.'

With that, Drusilla continued to glance around the ballroom and it was only the bright flash of a noble's clothing in her peripheral vision that caught her attention. "I like it here. Is it always this nice, or have I arrived on some special occasion?" The boy questioned. With a glance, she noted that he was probably older than a simple boy, but at this age in her life, he was certainly younger. This, combined with the manner of speech he used, honestly confused Drusilla. 'Does he not know who he is speaking to? I thought that he was of upper status?' Even if they were not from her faction, it was a customary greeting for most citizens of Euclid to be respectful towards upper members of the Devil's Children gangs, and people had been giving Drusilla a wide berth all night. Regardless, she decided to give the boy a try; it wouldn't hurt to scare him a bit, after all.

With a long pause, Drusilla chuckled slightly and took another sip of her beverage. "I wouldn't be able to tell you." The vampire smiled slightly, just enough to show the pointed tips of white that rested on blood-red lips, a subtle, but clear warning, "I'm not typically on this side of the city."

Looking directly at the stranger now, Drusilla was able to assess that he was certainly no one she had met before. 'Best to figure that out now then,' she thought. "If you don't mind me asking, would you be so kind as to introduce yourself? I don't believe that I've met you before."

 

[RoninN7]

Emma Bradshaw
Location: Helias Estate|Interactions: Open​

The upcoming ball was something Emma was not looking forward to, as it meant she and the other vampires would have to intermingle with the wolves. She never did like the Helias and how they thought they were somehow "above" being a part of the Devil's Children. Regardless of her feelings, her boss had spoken and the Farlan coven was to attend this wretched ball. She had no trouble dancing her day away for leisure, but this was strictly business so there would be none of that. Emma had to be on her toes and keep her senses sharp, for this event had the likely outcome of going South quickly. It was only natural that uniting the three most powerful supernatural crime syndicates would generate tension and cause old rivalries to bubble to the surface. Not only that, but it appeared that some slaves had decided to defy their masters and withdraw money from the accounts of the bosses. If it were up to me, I'd have them dealt with discreetly, crushed from within until their will completely erodes, leaving nothing but quivering cowards who realize their place in the world: beneath out boot! She was quickly snapped out of her own thoughts when one of her men entered the room to deliver her mask, which was a beautiful red to match her bright red lipstick and backless red dress.

Spoiler: Her Attire

Emma's mood improved considerably upon seeing her mask, which she approached with enthusiasm. "Thank you, dear. Is the car already waiting for me?" She picked up the mask and held it in her hand, softly caressing its edges with her thumb. "Yes ma'am, all three underlings you requested are waiting in the car, along with your driver." Her hand gripped the mask and lifted it toward her face, her other hand helping fasten the velvet ribbon attached to the mask. Once the mask was secured to her face, Emma turned back to her underling and nodded decisively. "Good, I will depart in a couple of minutes. You can go and scout your assigned area, and do not move until I return, understood?" Her voice was commanding and to the point, as her duty had temporarily pulled her away from how beautiful she felt in that moment. "Right away, ma'am." The man nodded toward her and backed out of the room, leaving her alone in there. Emma picked up her necklace and placed it around her neck, clicking it shut at the back and allowing her hair to cover the back of the necklace.

She took a quick moment to admire herself in the mirror, a joyful smile creeping across her lips as she felt somewhat at ease at the sight of herself. Emma sighed before turning and walking out of the property and into the vehicle that was waiting for her. Without needing to say a word, the driver quickly released the breaks and drove forward. As they approached the estate, Emma breathed in deeply, preparing herself for the upcoming "festivities," and, more than anything, preparing for something to go wrong. "Keep an eye on everyone but remain casual. Don't follow the leaders because they will probably want to discuss business away from prying eyes. You can drink and eat and dance as much as you want, as long as you don't lose sight of our objective. We are here for business first, and if I catch any of you slacking off, we will have words!" She didn't even have to turn to face her underlings to know that they were in agreement with her, her command over them absolute.

They all exited the car, except for the driver who took the vehicle away once Emma and her three underlings were out. "Once inside, we split. I'm trusting you won't mess this up, just don't make me have to remind you of our purpose here." The men nodded and, as Emma had said, once they walked in the three underlings went in different directions, leaving Emma alone. She sighed and got herself a glass as she took a few steps into the estate, looking around to see if anything was... off.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Carver Lee
Location: Helias Estate|Interactions: Open|Mentions: deianeira Kipsy ​

The prospect of having vampires and faes in the Helias estate was not something Carver felt particularly excited about, particularly with how unstable things had been in recent times. Not only that, but the humans' transgression was something that could not go unpunished, but Carver knew that the pack wouldn't deal with them overtly, so hosting this ball was probably one of the few good options they had in dealing with the matter. Unfortunately, something gnawed at Carver: uncertainty. He wasn't sure that this plan would work, that the human responsible would show up, or, even if they did, that any sort of solution would come of it. He very much preferred to go out and deal with the humans himself, and he considered suggesting the idea to the alpha, but he thought better of it. Having been relatively new to the Helias pack, Carver understood that he needed to abide by the rules and prove himself before giving himself the liberty to act out. Just as he was readying his suit, two of Carver's underlings walked in to inform him of the situation. "The guests have begun arriving, Mr. Lee."

Carver simply straightened out his suit and picked up his mask before turning to face the men. "Good, thank you. Get back to your positions now, I'm almost out." The men quickly nodded and began heading out as Carver fastened his white wolf mask to his face. "Oh, and do let me know if things get out of hand around you. Remember, we can have fun tonight but this place is about to become a ticking time bomb. Business first, understood?" Carver's underlings stopped in their tracks and turned to listen to their Capo, immediately nodding in agreement and giving Carver a dutiful stare before fastening their own masks. "Of course, Mr. Lee, business first." One of them spoke for both of them before they both finally headed out of the room, leaving Carver to his own devices. He took a moment to see himself in the mirror as he fixed his collar and adjusted the cuffs of his shirt. For a moment, he didn't see himself, and he saw his father staring back at him. It was a soothing, yet surreal sight for Carver, who'd forgotten what it felt like to see his own father after years of crime, but, at that moment, he felt more connected to him than ever.

Spoiler: His Attire

Carver came back to his senses as the sounds of the nearby ball began getting louder and louder, as more and more guests arrived every minute. He cleared his throat and stepped out of his room, making his way toward the ballroom. On the way, he pulled out his phone and texted his underlings some orders, just to be safe. Keep yourselves out of the boss' business but make sure to watch his children and the people. Stay near your assigned areas and watch. Have a drink or two but stay alert. Numerous texts came back in the affirmative, indicating to Carver that all of his underlings understood his message and had their orders clear. Once that was taken care of, Carver entered the ballroom, quickly making sure to scan his surroundings for any people of interest. He quickly noticed both Mei-yin and Xian, and a sigh of relief escaped his lips as he noticed one of his underlings mingling nearby. Carver closed his eyes for a moment before making his way around the ballroom, finding a server and getting himself a glass, which he wasted no time to begin lightly sipping on. He then took a position somewhere toward the center of the ballroom, surveying the area around him.

 

[narwhal.]

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Kiefer Andreassen
Location: Helias Estate
Interaction(s): RoninN7
​

The day started off like any other day: with tranquility. Well, as much tranquility as a mafioso could have, anyway. A breeze caressed his cheek as he raised his head to eye the boundless grey sky above, then to the city. Long shadows yawned over the tangled alleyways, and people spilled from them to form shifting human currents. Blinking his eyes to clear his hazy vision, Kiefer inhaled a long breath of the static air and gently perched his chin against his propped up hand with his folded knee tucked against his chest. It seemed that the cold did little to interfere with Euclid and its daily routine as people spilled from the streets and headed towards their mundane destination. He would have been one of them, had today not been the day. Pulling the cigarette away from his lips, he watched as wisps of gray unfurled, then disappeared.

It wasn’t that Kiefer disliked gatherings or flamboyant streaks such as the one that would occur today - quite the opposite, really - but rather the reason behind this one, specific meeting. The idea of hosting a spontaneous ball that served as a ‘talk’ for the most influential gangs of the city, along with the new rebelling human faction, could no doubt end catastrophically with the slightest misstep. And, he thought as his sharp eyes narrowed, they had to consider the undying tension between their coven and the Helias family. It seemed that, ironically enough, their rivalry and disagreements tightly anchored them together in a peculiar, fateful way. They would all be fortunate to have no accidents emerge. He wasn't entirely certain whether if he had faith in his own kind and the others to keep things as civil as they had when they were standing together, face-to-face. The thought almost amused and exasperated him simultaneously.

“Sir,” he heard subsequently from behind. His thoughts vanished temporarily. He lazily tipped his head to the side to see his chauffeur and a few of his men. They looked expectant. With his slender fingers tugging at his thick locks, Kiefer gently huffed a small sigh, pulled himself off the ledge he’d been perched on, and nodded his head in their direction. It was time to go to the Helias Estate, to the so-called celebration.

As he entered the vehicle, he glanced in the rear-view mirror. He had almost forgotten that he had worn a loose white dress shirt complete with slim high waisted black pants for the occasion. His thin mask laid there on the back seat of the car, meticulously crafted with strings and gems of black and gold. It was adorned so that it appeared to look like a fox and covered only half of his face. Had this been a different gathering, Kiefer was certain that he would have worn something more elaborate, but this would do for today. Pulling up his loose sleeves, he rolled his wrists a little as if to expel some of the restlessness that coursed through his veins and watched as the streets outside morphed into patches of green. "Nervous, Kief?" He heard from his side. He didn't have to turn to know that one of his associates sported a slight smile. "You wish," he answered as he lightly flicked Elijah's head. "And we're on duty now, so don't refer me as that." The young vampire could get in a lot of trouble for that if the wrong person overheard, and he wanted to avoid that scenario.

Tucking a strand of his hair behind his ear, Kiefer eyed the estate before he entered the structure with his men following him close by. Supernaturals dressed in all sorts of gowns and attires walked across the polished floor. Slowly but surely, noise began to fill the empty space and reached the ceiling above. The vampire allowed himself to lean back against one of the pillars and twirled the glass in his hand, quietly observing the guests as they laughed and greeted one another. Soon, he knew that he would have to join in, to keep some engaged or entice those who looked more distant than the rest. He wanted to ensure that most, if not all of them, had a good time not only for the sake of the image of their house but also for themselves in an odd way, including himself. After all, how many times would they ever see so many of them together in an extravagant setting such as this one? He imagined that something like this most likely never occur again, unless circumstances between the four groups drastically changed. While he did not completely feel at ease with this ball, what was done was what was done, so why not enjoy it while it lasted? Until things began to escalate (if it did), he would be attentive and wary, but casual.

With a small tilt of his head, Kiefer signaled for his men to leave his side. He didn't have to tell them his thoughts; their eyes told him that they would not lose sight of their objective. He caught a sight of Elijah's face brightening momentarily as he disappeared behind a group of people. Kiefer found himself feeling mildly amused at the sight of the eager and much younger vampire. No doubt that the bubbly guard was off to dance or stir up a conversation with someone.

It was then he, out of the corner of his eye, noticed a very familiar individual with her hair done up in an elaborate twist. Ah, he thought with a subtle but affectionate quirk of his brow. Drusilla. She was engaged in a conversation at the moment with a face he didn't recognize. Although he wanted to greet her now, he decided that it would be better if he approached her later down the road, when she wasn't busy. Still, he made sure to keep an eye on her. Perhaps it was the time they had spent together back in the day, far before they had joined the Farlan coven, but he found that he could not help but feel a twinge of worry. If she needed him, he would be there by the side in the blink of an eye. He shifted half of his attention back to the vast ballroom and the animated people who filled it with life, letting himself be enveloped by the atmosphere and the ongoing chatter. A movement of bright red caught his focus this time, and he realized that the individual was none other than Emma. The capo looked tense when she looked around with a glass in her hand.

"Hello Emma," Kiefer said, shapely lips forming into a nonchalant curve. "Something wrong?"
[/div][/div]

 

[Angel Evans]

Niklaus Farlan
Helias Grounds
Interactionpen
Mention: Eliruz deianeira
Niklaus sat calmly as his servants bathed and dressed him. His hair was pulled back into a neat bun and he gave new meaning to the phrase “Devilishly handsome”. Drusilla was taking her sweet time and so Klaus went on ahead without his wife. Besides there was a meeting he had to attend. At the door a servant was waiting for him with an elegant gold lace mask. He smiled flashing those razor sharp pearly whites earning him a blush from the human female.

It was a nice night so Klaus decided that’s he’d drive himself today. Peeling out of the underground parking lot of the penthouse,he stopped to grab a light snack before arriving in front of the Helias’ estate. Stepping out the car he threw his keys to the valet flashing those blood red eyes that meant certain death to humans as a warning not to dent the expensive vehicle. Elegantly he walked up the steps it almost looked like he was gliding, as you’d expect from king of the vampires all eyes were on him as he traversed the room as the ogled at his beauty. Picking a champagne flute off of tray he made his way over to the meeting room taking note of his wife mingling with two men and chuckled. At the entrance to the conference room Klaus was immediately let in and was welcomed by the sight of the other three leaders. “It seems I’m fashionably late. Let’s not waste anymore time. Akeno-Chan,if you will” Klaus took another sip from the glass and looked over at the human female a knowing smile creeping it’s way into his face.

 

[Kipsy]

Xian Helias
Location: Helias Estate | Interacting: Mei-yin ( deianeira )​

Xian was currently trying to hide in a corner of the ballroom. The eyes planted firmly on him, however, didn't waver, and he felt his body slowly curling further and further into itself with every growing moment. His own gaze darted around the faces of the people in the room. Their varying scents were overwhelming, the mixture of werewolf, vampire, faerie, and human aromas all in one place so unusual that it was taking an awful lot of effort to get used to. One thing was for sure, though: he didn't like it. Then again, he'd always been a weird one when it came to smells. Oversensitive, that's was the proper term.

Spotting his sister from a distance, Xian ducked and scrambled for nonexistent cover. It wasn't anything personal, per se--he had always adored his siblings since he was little--but she would definitely try opening a conversation with him and he wasn't in the best of moods. He didn't want to accidentally snap at her over something that wasn't even her idea in the first place. Finding no way to get out of interacting with her, though, he pulled back to his original spot in the corner, a permanent frown on his lips.

When Mei-yin approached him, Xian looked down at the dumpling in her hand. His eyes darted from the food to her smile. Reluctantly, he reached out for her peace offering, taking it from her and stuffing it promptly in his mouth. After chewing and swallowing, he wiped his lips with the cuff of his shirt.

"More than ready," Xian replied, continuing to glare at the rest of the ballroom's occupants. "It smells in here." A random, off-hand comment, but that was precisely the way his brain handled conversations. "Hey, can you cover for me? I was in the middle of a good book and I'd like to get back to it. I don't know... if anyone asks, say I'm in the restroom?" The chances of her accepting were slim and he knew it. Besides, how cowardly of a request was this? The son of the great Helias boss shouldn't dare behave this way. He shook his head, waving his hand dismissively. "Nevermind. Forget I asked. This is supposed to be good for me. Exposure therapy, right?

"Just... at least tell me you are having fun." As long as his sister was enjoying the festivities, then it would all have been worth something.

 

[Psychonaut]

PETER SCHELL
HELIAS ESTATE | deianeira

Peter had taken out his only formalwear for the evening, and sartorially-speaking, at least, it made him look rather dashing: a trim cobalt suit of lightweight wool, a button left undone at the sleeves in proof of its bespoke construction, a shock of vermillion silk tucked carelessly into its breast pocket; a crisp white shirt beneath, left open just enough to tempt a wayward eye but not enough to embarrass his parents, secured with eye-shaped links; and handsome leather captoe bluchers bar-laced and freshly-polished, matched with his belt, wristwatch strap, and hair. A thin stainless steel square-link chain hung from his neck, complementing a roughly-wrought ring of the same material on his left index finger and a simple cuff on his right wrist - so simple, in fact, it looked as though he might have found a rod and bent it to shape himself with a couple pairs of pliers. His hair was trimmed into a neat undercut, pomaded over from a recent hard part, and he smelled faintly of oak, honey, and cinnamon.

While his attire might have given the impression of wealth, it was nothing that couldn't have been imitated by a patient opportunist with a good tailor - nothing, of course, except for his watch, an elegant silver Breitling that a knowledegable horologist might have identified as worth north of a quarter of a million dollars. He didn't wear it like that, though: fastened high and tight for display, to be seen more by others than himself. Rather, it barely escaped its cuff, meant solely to tell the time - and what he was capable of, if only to the few who could recognize it.

He hid his excitement with a sip of champagne. He was talking to a vampire!

"We haven't - I'm not usually on this side of the country," Peter quipped in reply, a grin baring perfect human teeth. "Peter Schell. Or are we not supposed to give names here?" he added, lowering his voice conspiratorially, amusement thinly disguised. "You don't have an extra mask, do you?"

 

[RoninN7]

Emma Bradshaw
Location: Helias Estate|Interactions: narwhal. |Mentions: deianeira Angel Evans ​

Emma scouted the ballroom, quickly finding her gaze drawn to several figures, some of which she recognized, including none other than Drusilla, the boss' lady. She felt a little more at ease, especially after she noticed the boss himself, Niklaus, make his way toward the meeting room where the other leaders were probably waiting for him. As her eyes darted around the room, Emma couldn't help but feel a familiar presence approach, but her focus kept her from properly identifying who it was, especially since she was looking away from the approaching vampire. She then heard the familiar voice of the underboss, Kiefer. As his words hit her ears, Emma felt slightly startled for a moment but quickly regained her composure and her body seemed to relax a little. Having her boss there certainly calmed her down, and gave her a reason to be a little more at ease. She turned her head to face Kiefer, a smile forming across her bright red lips as she respectfully greeted Farlan's underboss.

"Ah, hello Kiefer," Emma spoke as she gave him a respectful nod, acknowledging his position above her within the coven, "I'm just a little concerned with this ball. As I'm sure you can understand, putting the most powerful people in the city under one roof for 'business' can get somewhat stressful, especially after what happened recently with the boss' accounts." Her tone was genuine but somewhat hopeful in the interest of keeping things under control, she didn't want to cause worry or inspire distrust in her abilities. One thing that Emma always felt was confidence, and this night was no different. She was confident that she and her underlings could keep the Farlan present safe and that no harm would come to any of the higher-ups, and she also felt confident that her people wouldn't be the ones to cause any potential ruckus, but she couldn't say the same for the humans, wolves, or faes. "My men here have reached their assigned destinations and they understand their orders, and those left back at our home are keeping guard in case of any potential ideas our enemies could get while most of us are here. Even then, I can't say I trust these people here to keep things under control."

Her eyes turned serious once more and her vision appeared to focus on Kiefer, even though her gaze was almost looking right past him at some unseen presence in the ballroom. Of course, there was nothing there, and she had just gotten lost in thought as she spoke. The sounds of laughter from the guests around her brought her back to herself, and her expression softened once again. "I shall let that be my problem, though. How about you? Are you enjoying yourself so far?" Emma had now entered "social mode" where the worries of business were present but circling the back of her mind, and she instantly became more amicable and easygoing. She smiled at Kiefer, keeping her eyes on him as she awaited his response, raising her glass to her lips and taking a small sip before pulling it away from her face once more.

 

[narwhal.]

[div style="text-align:justify;padding:20px 50px;"][div style="text-align:justify;padding:20px 50px;"]

Kiefer Andreassen
Location: Helias Estate
Interaction(s): RoninN7
​

“I’m just a little concerned with this ball. As I’m sure you can understand, putting the most powerful people in the city under one roof for ‘business’ can get somewhat stressful, especially after what happened recently with the boss’ accounts.”

As he listened to the capo voice her concerns, Kiefer allowed his hand to rest against his side while the other remained lightly perched on his own waist. He noted that when she spoke, she sounded earnest, genuine, and confident all at once. Though it was true that there was a subtle knot of unease that rested in his chest as he absorbed all the activity around them, he had little to no doubt regarding Emma’s ability and her resourcefulness. Hell, she was probably more responsible than he was. The thought humored him a little, and he soon found faint amusement making its way in his cold gaze. Knowing his men and their antics, he imagined that a few of the young guards would most likely agree with this statement.

When her eyes appeared to focus on him, the vampire almost found himself quirking a brow. She wasn’t looking at him at the moment - not really. Perhaps she was lost in thought like he was. It would make sense why she seemed to be looking at a transparent entity somewhere in the ballroom, past himself. The evening was bringing opportunity after opportunity for questions, worry, and wonder, after all. No one, not even the gods, would know the outcome of this near-impromptu gathering. Kiefer watched, with mild curiously, as Emma’s expression slowly softened and her expression shifted to something more amicable. “I shall let that be my problem, though. How about you? Are you enjoying yourself so far?”

“I suppose I am,” he answered as he searched her face, reflecting her smile with one of his own. “As much as I can in a situation like this, anyway.” He wasn’t lying - though tension coiled in his muscles, ready to spring at a moment’s notice, he was finding small and different ways to entertain himself. The architectural embellishments of the estate, the meticulousness of the masks, the swirling of the drinks, the intriguing curses he picked up from other conversations that enveloped them - they were all little things he found himself looking out for. It took much to impress the Farlan underboss, but he excelled at keeping his mind occupied with what he had. "It seems like the meeting has only just begun and my head is hurting from all the noise," he said as he leaned most of his weight on his left leg, attentive and unperturbed gaze sweeping over the ballroom before resting on Emma once again. With a slight tilt of his head, he indicated the large balcony just beyond their reach, where only a few individuals lingered with a drink in hand. "I may take a step outside momentarily. Care to join me?"
[/div][/div]

 

[Eliruz]

Akeno Helias
Helias Estate|@ForgottenBlood Kipsy Angel Evans
​

The banquet had started off to a good start and everyone seemed to be at peace with each other so far, which was a gain for the Leader, seeing how he was the one hosting it on his grounds. The wolfish male awaited for the other leaders to arrive, resting back against his chair, speaking quietly to one of the servants who had questions. Adorning his neatly shaven face was a black and golden mask that matched his black suite and small gold adorning cuff pins and tie, which he non-nonchalantly fixed, seeing how his wife and mate, Na'Mara, had to constantly redo it. His dark brow furrowed in annoyance and he growled quietly at the last servant, who took the warning and scrambled out just as it opened to accommodate the first of Akeno's special guests. Straightening his broad shoulders, he lifted his chin and turned, resting a hand onto the crest of a chair that was setting at the large dining table. He caught sight of a young woman and could already smell that she was a human.

"So this is the leader of Expera? Seems..quite unlike a woman of her stature.." He thought to himself as he assessed her appearance, behavioral expressions, and demeanor; she had quite the elegant demeanor. Pulling out his own chair, he allowed himself to sit and peered at the female before extending a polite greeting to her. "Hello, and welcome to the Helias estate; I hope navigating wasn't an issue?" The wolf rumbled before finding the doors opening once more, the smell of Vampire hitting his nose with a horribly sweet but bitter scent. Suppressing a low grunt and a scrunch of his nose, the male waved Klaus in with a friendly smile, though his blood instinct was to attack and rip him into tiny porcelain pieces. Akeno-Chan? Atleast the blood sucker was trying to be decent, besides the demanding tone and his eyes practically glued to the human servant.

Clearing his throat to gather all attention from the three other leaders, Akeno leaned forward and pushed himself to his feet, a welcoming smile on his lips. "Hello, and welcome to my home. We are all here due to a problem that I believe can be solved peacefully and through compromise; now, as for the problem at hand," he continued, looking around the room at the three leaders, "Not only has Helias noticed our personal money being taken but so had the Farlans and the Wiljays. Seeing how we were able to track it back to Expera, we have brought you here to solve this issue, seeing how you were in charge of said operation." Akeno lifted a hand towards Elizabeth and then lowered it back to the table. "As I've said before, this situation calls for no violence nor hostility, which is why a truce has been drawn for the night."

Aerwyna Wiljay
Helias Estate|Interactions Open
​

A party was being held at the Helias Estate, which was hosted not only for the supernatural, but also for the mundane, which confused Aerwyna, seeing how humans in Euclid practically despised every creature other than another human. With a soft sigh, the blue haired heir made her way through the large crowd, her violet hues surveying the mass of unknown faces and failing to find any of her own folk. Though Aerwyna wasn't finding any of her people, she did get any shocked and awe-filled gazes and stares as she walked through the crowd; she wore a very beautiful flowing gown that was a soft blue, sleeves elegantly falling loosely along her arms. Her long flowing blue locks were pinned back into an intricate bundle of hair, which had many small bright lavender colored jewels and pearls.

Spoiler: Her Outfit

With a soft exhale, the faerie made her way to the food table and grabbed a plate to fill. Wyn moved down the line, snagging a few faerie delicacies and a champagne glass of her favorite mead before she made her way towards the balcony to eat in piece. Her eyes remained forward and trained on her target: the two french-styled glass doors.

Clemantine Grace
Helias Estate|Interactions Open
​

Sneaking inside to follow her mother wasn't an easy task, especially when wearing a practically skin tight dress and heels that felt like they were completely skinning the soles of her feet. Clem kept her golden mask aligned with her features and made her way inside with a grateful nod to the guards; why was security so..minimal tonight? Nearly every single species of supernatural was here, even humans, like herself, which would make a great meal if the food set out didn't satisfy the blood suckers mixed in the crowd. Her hazel gaze flickered around the room, her heightened hearing picking up on some conversations; that was odd.. Usually her hearing wasn't as strong as it was today, especially her sense of smell and eye sight. Making her way through the crowd, she began getting looks, as if she looked like a good snack or even a meal; her eyes flickered up to meet the gazes of those staring and her eyes flashed a bright crimson, to which she didn't even notice herself yet there was an aching pain in her throat, as if she was thirsty.

Clem pushed her way through the mass of dancing and socializing people, making it to the refreshments' table. Snagging up a cup, she scooped some water into it and began sipping it as if her mouth was on fire.

Spoiler: Her Outfit

 

[Nico]

Florian Wiljay
Location: Helias Estate | Interactions: Aerwyna Wiljay Eliruz | Attire: x x x | Hex: #FF195E ​

Other than it taking Florian almost three hours to figure out how to fix this stupid tie he managed to make it to wolf territory. Never one for stuffy balls or formal gatherings, he did, however, love the idea of dressing up. Maybe it was his affinity for glitter and its sadistic charm of sticking on everything until you die, he didn't know. That's probably why his hair was shimmering with silver glitter to match his attire, what was a party without a little sparkle. He had to fight not to pick the nail polish off his fingers in nervousness before he even arrived. It was an old habit of his to pick and bite on his nails, to the point where he just started painting his nails on his own with the help of youtube. Going to the parlor was expensive out of his own pocket.

When he arrived at the venue he walked through the doors and peered around to see his surroundings. Several people were mingling and chatting, nothing he took much interest in, what they were saying was none of his business. The air made his nose tickle with the scent of vampires, fae, humans, and wolves all mingled together. It kind of disgusted him, it was wrong to have everyone getting along like this. He would stick with his kind tonight, thank you very much. Well, unless, one seemed very interesting and offered him amusement. His sky blue eyes darted around the venue until it rested on a figure headed towards the balcony, his sister Aerwyna.

He made a beeline to the food table and took in its contents. The twinge of alcohol burned his senses and it caught his interest immediately. He picked up a flute of wine and a plate of carefully placed cheeses. Wine never really was his thing but he didn't see any whiskey or scotch. Tough luck for him, that was his go-to booze. It's firey taste burning his throat and warming his stomach always brought him happiness. He was no means a drunk, those thoughts made him feel like one though. Shaking the thought out of his head he made his way over to Aer. He heard whispers about his hair and it stroked what little ego he actually had.

He did manage to catch up to her and slowed to a pace beside her. Noticing she was hyper-fixated on the door he just kept following.

"I don't know anyone at this party, so I think I'll join you outside the party," he said and took a sip of wine.

"Shit's too stuffy for my taste."

 

[deianeira]

Mei-yin Helias
Location: Helias Estate // Interactions: Xian Helias ( Kipsy )​

Mei-yin grinned at his acceptance of her peace offering, even if she could tell that it was with severe reluctance if the way Xian grimaced was anything to go by. She had always pushed harder than he had, and, while she didn't mind being the one to initiate conversations and ask to spend time together, she missed the days from when they were younger and the three of them had been thick as thieves.

Really, while Xian had always been reclusive and to some extent, antisocial, Mei-yin had a feeling that there was more to the story than that what he had told her. Call it sibling intuition or just Xian being a pretty lousy liar, but she hoped that if he wasn't going to confide in her, that he'd find a way to resolve his conflicts.

Regardless, that wasn't the subject of tonight's ball. Focusing her attention on her elder brother, she frowned slightly at his request to cover for him. While it had always been in both of their interests for her to cover for him in the past (he could escape, she could fill his place), it would soon be time for their father to begin roping Xian into the gang's political and social affairs. He would have to get used to it as soon as possible, or he may have a particularly difficult time transferring his duties from one role another. Xian seemed to understand this as well, as he quickly rectified his question, and gave a similar reason to the one that she had previously been pondering on. "Exposure therapy, right?" He said.

In what she hoped was an encouraging fashion, Mei-yin returned his question with a smile. "You could consider it that," she stated, "but I think it might be better to say that it's good practice for the future." She shrugged slightly. Hopefully, her brother wasn't too put-down by her refusal.

"Just… at least tell me you are having fun."

Mei-yin hummed slightly. "I am!" She replied brightly, "Even though it's really loud and I barely smell anything specific over the cesspool of scents, this is fun, in a way." Glancing around at the attendees of the festival, Mei-yin continued, this time in a much lower voice, "I know none of us 'Devil's Children' are really supposed to get along, but as long as they're not out to attack us and they're polite enough, are the other clans that bad?" After a second thought, "Nevermind, don't answer that. Wouldn't want you getting in trouble with dad, after all!" Mei-yin laughed a bit at this. Her and their third sibling's punishments would always be lesser than their eldest brother. It was simply because they weren't the heir.

Turning back to look at Xian, Mei-yin bluntly changed the subject. "Let's talk about something more interesting." With a conspiring look, she lowered her voice even further. "What do you think that dad and the other leaders are talking about in the dining room?"

 

[RoninN7]

Emma Bradshaw
Location: Helias Estate|Interactions: narwhal. ​

Emma's senses could pick up on the tension that Kiefer seemed to be under, and she couldn't blame him. Despite all the preparations and their abilities, it was still a situation most would prefer to avoid altogether. Regardless, that was their reality and there was no use trying to fight it, and it would be better to simply remain prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. As her boss responded to her question, Emma couldn't help but allow a small chuckle to escape her lips as she slightly raised her glass in agreement with his statement, as if offering a toast to his words. This was an unusual situation and, for all the tension Emma felt just thinking about her job and how delicate the business Boss Niklaus was there to deal with was, she couldn't help but feel more at ease. Somehow, having Kiefer there and talking to him gave her some reassurance and comfort. Despite her confidence in herself and her underlings, Emma appreciated having someone who she could share mutual trust with. She'd spent most of her life leading on her own, and it certainly got lonely at times, but ever since meeting the Farlan coven that had no longer been the case.

The emotion made Emma feel some sort of warmth inside she wasn't very used to, and she felt true gratitude toward Niklaus and his coven for taking her in as part of the family. Unsure of how to react to this, Emma decided to help herself to another quick sip of her drink, allowing herself to take in the taste for a moment. It wasn't exactly her favorite, but the drink was adequate enough, plus it helped keep her facade as just another guest. It was then that Kiefer mentioned the meeting and his headache, which prompted a change in Emma's demeanor. A slightly concerned look came upon her face, not necessarily one of extreme concern, but the typical concern that seems socially appropriate upon hearing of someone having a headache. She considered asking about it, but the current situation made her realize that a headache wasn't entirely the most uncommon thing for people to experience at that moment. He then asked Emma if she'd join him outside, signaling toward a balcony.

She took a moment to look at the people out there and inspect the area outside, deciding that it seemed quaint enough, plus she didn't mind continuing her conversation with Kiefer. "By all means, lead the way." Emma allowed her boss to move first, moving to keep herself next to him toward the balcony. Her gaze quickly swept around the room one last time, spotting two of her underlings quickly and giving them a quick nod, which they immediately mimicked. "So, how exactly do you think this will all turn out? I personally see quite a real possibility of conflict... Perhaps even a physical altercation. Hopefully, our... peers can keep themselves under control long enough to prevent something like that." Her words carried a genuine conversational tone that even had some mild humor in it at the mention of conflict. Emma's mannerisms and tone were so inconspicuous that, unless someone was listening in on their conversation, no one would ever suspect that she was talking about anything other than mundane topics such as the weather. "More than anything, however, I just hope we get the chance to enjoy ourselves here if everything goes smoothly. Or should I say, as smoothly as they can go given the circumstances." They hadn't quite reached the balcony yet, which is why she spoke so nonchalantly, so as to avoid attracting attention. The closer they got to the balcony, however, the more inviting the cool air of the outside world seemed to Emma, who was looking forward to escaping the palpable tension in the ballroom.

 

[narwhal.]

[div style="text-align:justify;padding:20px 50px;"][div style="text-align:justify;padding:20px 50px;"]

Kiefer Andreassen
Location: Helias Estate
Interaction(s): RoninN7
​

Though he did not verbally comment anything, the flamboyant vampire smiled at her toast. The expression Kiefer wore now showed his appreciation for those surrounding himself including Emma's current companionship, but that was the extent of how far it would go. The astute underboss was rather stingy about how he relayed his gratitude, preferring to keep mostly to himself regarding the matter even when he was aware of his own, voluntary obligation. After taking a drink from his own glass, he placed the object on a passing waiter's open tray and made his way towards the balcony. When he glanced down and spotted slight concern wandering across Emma's face, surprise dotted Kiefer's eyes. It wasn't extensive concern, he knew, but still. For some reason, he hadn't been expecting this reaction from the capo among everything else. The vampire's face wasn't visible because he had turned his head away, but it was clear that he was addressing the question that lingered at the tip of her tongue when he spoke again. "It's nothing, love. This place is just a little overwhelming."

When they had been first tasked to come to the Helias estate, he had known that encountering every individual gathered here would be one of the requisites. As more people spilled in through the doors, however, it was clear that the scent had become too poignant. A small intake of fresh air would go far for them. Quietly, he scanned the room and spotted a few of his men nod their head in his direction. He would make sure that they also had the chance to clear their heads; even though he had not spoken to them since they had parted ways, he knew they were feeling the same way. "So," he heard Emma begin, anchoring him back to reality. "How exactly do you think this will all turn out? I personally see quite a real possibility of conflict... Perhaps even a physical altercation. Hopefully, our... peers can keep themselves under control long enough to prevent something like that."

"What?" Kiefer said dramatically - mischievously - as he theatrically placed a hand on his chest, faking offense. Even so, he spoke lowly, doing well to keep themselves unrecognized. "Emma, how could you not trust our peers? I am personally offended by this statement." He listened as the blonde capo continued, expressing her hopes of relaxing if no altercations arose. "No use worrying about something that hasn't happened yet," he answered her with a conspiratorial tug of his lips and turned to the two french-styled glass doors. "It's best to enjoy ourselves till then." His lackadaisical words were not a result of offhandedness but rather coming from a place of understanding. With the recent cacophony that encircled them, every individual's workload had doubled, leaving them working tirelessly to remedy the internal and external damages. Before they reached the balcony, Kiefer found his sharp gaze briefly flickering up to two specific closed doors, where the meeting was taking place. His eyebrows knitted together, but only temporarily. Hopefully, everything went smoothly, indeed.

Once they reached the balcony, Kiefer lightly pulled up his loose sleeves again so that they remained rolled above his wrists. "That's better," he mused to himself as he felt the wind brushing past them, tugging at their attires and styled locks. They had left behind all the hustle and bustle within the ballroom, leaving them exposed to the vast forest outside. It was quiet out here, contrasting the ruckus they had been facing for the past week or so. Perambulating towards the scenery, Kiefer leaned his arms against the flat ledge and allowed his hands to fold over one another. Different from his usual chattery self, the vampire seemed to be taking in the view and observing the way how the clouds nearly touched the tips of the tall trees. It was as if he was letting his crowded thoughts roll with them. Glimpsing over his shoulder, he soon beckoned Emma over with a light wave of his hand. "I won't bite," he said with a subtle twinkle in his eye.
[/div][/div]

 

[RoninN7]

Emma Bradshaw
Location: Helias Estate|Interactions: narwhal. ​

Emma acknowledged Kiefer's explanation for his headache and all semblance of mild concern was immediately gone from her face, replaced by the same amicable expression she had before. She suddenly sensed a shift in her boss' attitude after her comment about the way things could go there, which slightly caught her off-guard. Her eyes fell back onto him, a somewhat inquisitive look on her face as she tried to gauge the way he reacted to her words. Emma's curious look turned to a smile as Kiefer began to speak, exaggerating his tone and his motions in a way that forced a laugh out of Emma. Since she was speaking with none other than Kiefer, a member of the coven, Emma could allow herself to drop a couple of her walls for the time being and enjoy the interaction. "Oh, my sincerest apologies!" Her tone was just as exaggerated as Kiefer's own as she dramatically placed her own hand on her chest for emphasis. Emma flashed a smile as he continued speaking, admittedly agreeing to what Kiefer was saying to her.

"You make a fair point, but it is my job to worry, however. I suppose since nothing has happened yet, I can allow myself some enjoyment for the time being." As Emma conceded to enjoying herself, her tone was that of feigned annoyance and, as she clearly indicated with her head movements, she clearly had no problem with Kiefer's proposition. She looked at Kiefer as he paused to look toward the meeting room, feeling the anticipation he seemed to be experiencing at the moment. Emma really did hope that nothing problematic would come from this meeting and that she wouldn't have to get her hands dirty that day, and she simply finished her drink before turning away and placing the empty glass on a nearby servant's tray. Once they'd reached the balcony, Emma could feel the cool air blowing past her and she briefly closed her eyes and tilted her head upward to take it all in. It was comforting to be out of the suffocating atmosphere of the ballroom and into the more welcoming outside world. The few people that were out there with them seemed to really take notice of Emma and Kiefer, staring at them for a moment before returning to their conversations.

"It's certainly better than being in there." Emma agreed with Kiefer's comment, motioning toward the ballroom behind her as she walked through the balcony, following the underboss. As he leaned against the ledge, Emma chose to stand back and look around her, taking note of those that were outside with them. Sure enough, she couldn't find any of her underlings out there or anyone she recognized as part of the coven, and she breathed a sigh of relief knowing that her people were where they needed to be. Despite admitting to Kiefer her desire to enjoy herself, Emma couldn't help herself. When it came to business, the capo always had to be aware of her surroundings and the status of those who work with her. Kiefer's voice pulled her out of her thoughts as he called her over, inviting Emma to join him by the ledge with a motion and a rather ironic remark. She smirked at him playfully before walking over slowly, allowing herself to take in some of the scenery around her as she walked. "I couldn't possibly think of any reason why I would think you bite... none at all." Her words came out with a clear tone of playful sarcasm as she finally reached Kiefer's side and rested her elbow against the top of the ledge, looking over the forest before them. Emma's body was angled toward her boss as her head was turned toward the forest that seemed to stretch forever into the horizon.

"A long time ago this would have been a dream come true; dressing like this in a place like this with company like this. It really is strange how life twists and turns, isn't it? I would have never expected to end up in a place like Euclid, but, looking back, this might just be the right place for me." As she spoke, her eyes almost shone with nostalgia and her expression softened. Emma continued to look straight out into the forest, her sentiment genuine and her tone sincere. Despite giving the appearance that she had lost herself in conversation and emotion, Emma still maintained focus on the task at hand and the current situation, and she was simply looking to keep the conversation going with Kiefer. As was typical of Emma, she liked her conversations outside of work to hold some substance and wasn't big on small talk, and it also didn't hurt that she was talking with someone she trusted more than most. Her expression changed, however, as she remembered her recent detachment from the coven in favor of business, which, in all fairness, was carried out in the name of the Farlan group. "Speaking of which, how has your business been going? I have been so busy recently, carrying out jobs and securing locales, that I can barely keep up with everything that goes on in our family." Emma's gaze fell on him, her eyes glimmering with curiosity, her interest genuine.

 

[deianeira]

Drusilla Farlan
Location: Helias Estate // Interactions: Peter Schell ( Psychonaut )​

It wasn't particularly difficult to see how strangely excited the man was, although Drusilla was not so sure about. Did I say something? She was quite curious about his sudden increase in interest; a pleasant change, but a confusing one nonetheless. Maybe he's just never been around too many supernaturals? Drusilla was fairly certain he was human; her only doubt would have been a particularly skilled fae glamour strong enough to cover even the scent of fae blood, which was, in all honesty, quite pungent. Still, she doubted this. The guy's mannerisms were much too immature for such a species as the fae, who were known for their grace and charisma.

Reminding herself to relax, Drusilla fixed her mouth into a small smile, satisfaction growing in her chest only moments later when her conversation partner's straight and perfectly human teeth were exposed in a grin only moments later after the mention of his residency. Hmm… I'm getting better at that, she thought, deduction skills are always important to hone.

Separately, Drusilla was quite glad that her partner, now known as Peter Schell, was from out of Euclid, or even the state in general. It would've be been extremely embarrassing for the Lady of Farlan to make such an amateur mistake. Regardless, the name didn't ring in bells in her head, either from the family name or from his face.

With a small chuckle at his quip, Drusilla introduced herself. "No, you can definitely give out your name. I am Drusilla of the Farlan family. It's a pleasure." With a raise of her champagne glass, she nodded in recognition. "And no, I wouldn't happen to have an extra mask. I wasn't aware if they were mandatory, but I doubt they are." Drusilla laughed to herself, "Or, you could go take somebody else's! I wouldn't want to provoke a riot, though."

"So, Peter, tell me about yourself," Drusilla stated, learning into her own arm slightly, creating an air of nonchalance. She hoped that her open language would make him more willing to talk, even if his personality didn't seem all that bad."If you're from across the country, why are you in Euclid of all places?" She spread out her arms and gestured, "Why not somewhere safer?"

 

[Kipsy]

Xian Helias
Location: Ballroom | Interacting: Mei-yin ( deianeira )​

"Good practice for the future, huh?" Xian echoed, his mind racing. This was not the future he had in mind for himself. It was the future being forced upon him by expectations he believed he would never be able to meet. "I guess so." As if he really had a choice anymore, right? There was nothing that could change that at this point. Maybe it was just better to give into the cruel hands of fate that continued to grasp at his ankles.

A smile graced his lips as Mei-yin continued, speaking of how maybe the other clans weren't all that bad so long as they were kind and not bloodthirsty. She was so accepting. Then again, he was trying to be that way, too. Trying and failing, but surely that got him points somewhere. It wasn't his fault that he was raised with so much prejudice towards the other races. But it was his fault that he was still biased by that, wasn't it? In any case, Mei-yin was enjoying herself, and he was glad to see that. It made him feel a bit better about everything, like maybe this wasn't such as bad of an idea as he thought it was. Of course, he still wasn't happy to be out around so many people, but at least it was soothing to be in his sister's joyful presence.

They had been so close when they were younger. The three Helias children were closer than peas in a pod, spending every waking moment playing. They'd race each other in their wolf forms some days; on others, they'd build giant forts in the ballroom with chairs and blankets. Xian couldn't deny missing those years. When had things changed? Since he realized the pressure that would soon be placed on his shoulders? That had ended up changing his outlook on life significantly, but... he'd never want them to grow this far apart. Even though they were still good to one another, there was a disconnect. He hated to think that he was the cause.

Before he could reply to her, Mei-yin threw a question his way, the very same question he himself had been pondering: what was their dad talking about with the other leaders? Granted he was curious, he hated the idea of one day being present at one of those meetings. For that reason, he pursed his lips, unsure of how to answer her. "I don't know. Maybe Dad just wanted to get them in one place to make it easier to kill them all at once. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case." He shook his head. "If it really is just a normal discussion, it's probably not that interesting at all." Raising an eyebrow, he looked at her, a bit of mischief from the old days glimmering in his eyes. "Why do you ask? Thinking of spying on them?" His intuition could be way off--it usually was when it came to making impulsive assumptions such as these--but he threw the guess out there anyway.

 

[Psychonaut]

PETER SCHELL
HELIAS ESTATE | deianeira

Nor was it hard to read her, not that Peter minded the study. Her dress: expensive. She had money, and he doubted she'd earned it. Her ring: existent. She had a husband, yet he was nowhere to be seen. Her self: beautiful, sure, but he knew that look, like she was operating her face with a switchboard. She was a vampire.

Werewolves were more subtle - you could keep a secret of your lycanthropy outsided of a full Moon. They were essentially human, albeit with an unusual interest in the lunar cycle and a taste for red meat. Vampires, though - even those that tinted their skin and filed their fangs were plainly obvious to him. Bitten or born, they were almost aliens - especially the born, with no lived experience of humanity to inform their act. Something about them was off, an unplaceable, unsettling je ne sais quoi that used to send a shiver up his spine whenever one looked at him.

This particular specimen seemed important in Euclid, or at least thought herself so. It might as well have been written on her forehead the way she balked at his egalitarian treatment, how stiffly she postured in a caricature of ordinary comportion, and the gleam of perceived superiority in her eyes. It wasn't that he didn't like vampires - they just didn't often like him.

"Drusilla of the Farlan family," Peter repeated, swirling his champagne and glancing back at the door, wondering how she fit her ego through it. "I'm visiting mine. We Schells don't scare easily. Euclid doesn't seem so bad, though - is it?"

 

[narwhal.]

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Kiefer Andreassen
Location: Helias Estate
Interaction(s): RoninN7
​

So, she was smiling. Good, the vampire thought to himself, feeling his chest puff out a little as he watched a laugh escape the stern capo. A ball was still a ball, and he hadn't changed his mind about wanting to entertain those around himself, even with the stakes that hung over their heads. The inquisitiveness from her expression faded into humor when she spoke with an exaggerated tone, returning his theatrical quip with one of her own. "Well, of course," he answered her feigned annoyance with a lighthearted tug of his lips, picking up the innocuous nature of her words. "It would be a waste for someone such as yourself to let this event pass with little to no enjoyment."

Of course, Kiefer, as autonomous and free-spirited as he appeared to be, was acutely aware of their circumstance. He had a duty to ensure the wellbeing of the coven should something go awry, and he did not take that responsibility at face value; he had a title to uphold and, more importantly, a large family to protect. After this intermission, he reminded himself to return to the center of the festivity where he would be able to keep a close eye on his men and the movements of the guests. As he pushed the door open, he heard Elijah speak through the small device in his ear. So far so good, boss. Hey, if you've got time, you should try the delicacies here - they're pretty good. Kiefer had to suppress the urge to roll his eyes, stopping to press his hand on the tiny device as he pushed the door open.

"It's certainly better than being in there."

"Aw, you don't enjoy the glamor of the celebration and the company of our peers?" Kiefer gently teased Emma one last time as she joined him by the ledge of the balcony. When his focus quietly returned to the limitless forest ahead, he soon found himself resting his chin on his propped up hand, sharp gaze softening to an extent. "A long time ago this would have been a dream come true; dressing like this in a place like this with company like this. It really is strange how life twists and turns, isn't it? I would have never expected to end up in a place like Euclid, but, looking back, this might just be the right place for me." He didn't turn his head to see Emma, but hummed a small response in agreement to her words. "Life does lead us to unexpected places," he said candidly, drumming his fingers against his cheek. He took a small glance at her side profile and noted that her expression carried a newfound resemblance of nostalgia.

Though he thought about asking Emma about what she had said, he advised himself against it. Kiefer realized that he was not the most empathetic or sensitive individual around, and he did not want to pry or revive what could possibly be a bad memory. "I didn't expect finding myself in Euclid, either," he said instead with a mild shrug, lips curving to form a half moon. "Or as who I am now, for that matter. The underboss of the Farlan coven?" He waved his hand. "If I'd heard that in the past, I would have laughed."

He felt a shift in her demeanor as she inquired him of his business, then summarized a portion of her own schedule. "Same old, same old. The only difference was the inclusion of the celebration today. Otherwise, things have been fine," the vampire answered easily, until he saw Emma's curious eyes match those of his. After a beat, he raked his hand through his hair. "It's been a little busier than usual, though," he admitted, which was as good as Kiefer Andreassen would get admitting that he was also running into some difficulties keeping up with everything occurring in the family.
[/div][/div]

 

[MoxxyMoxx]

Dream
www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/856458054114625413/
Location: Helias Estate - Entrance
Interactions: Open
Outfit: X X X X X​

Mistakes were happening. That's all Dream could think. The simple fact is that risk is important and the situation the Wiljays' had found themselves in was too dangerous. A meeting with an unknown threat on enemy territory whilst still having to look his best was a nightmare. Dream wished the boss could've kept out of other gang affairs and stuck to protecting their own. Faeries were tricksters, yes, but certain circumstances were difficult to pin down and work with. Grand meetings were one of them. He couldn't even bring his favourite gun.

Dream was stuck with knives under a long flowing dress that was originally meant to be even longer with flowers and a whole array of ideas. He was meant to show up outdressing people but he instead had to go with something else. A long flowing purple dress with a blue blazer draped over his shoulders and thigh high black boots. He didn't even want to mention the second outfit under his first. He had to be prepared for anything tonight. With pen knives strapped to his legs and a knuckle duster in clear site, it was clear he wasn't playing. He hoped he wouldn't forget his shoe knives either. A Capo as smart as him needed to be alert. He wasn't taking any chances.

As he walked up to the entrance, his icy glare immediately made an appearance. Scanning those he could see, he mostly spotted less important players in the game. It was mainly footmen and a few clearly superior players but not by much. He hoped the boss would be aware and as attentive as he was. The boss gave him his position within the gang personally and if anything were to happen, Dream might lose it. That couldn't happen. He had to support his family. His mother needed a normal life.

Alas, Dream had no idea what would await him. The shear thought of all that could go wrong troubled him. However, he had his head glued on straight; he could handle this. 'Ifs' and 'buts' weren't something he liked to think about. He would handle this. He was a Wiljay. He could do anything.

 

[erised]

Kirin Helias
[ ballroom ] [ interacting with: Kipsy and deianeira ] ​

The youngest Helias had finally made his way to the party, fashionably late as usual. Timeliness and Kirin had never really gotten along all that well, and this was a prime example of it. Oh, if it was something he wanted to go to or wanted to do, he'd arrive hours early. But if it was something he didn't care about or had no interest in whatsoever, then being on time was the least of his priorities.

Kirin snuck into the ballroom, hoping to go undetected by his parents, who would undoubtedly chew him out for being late once again. However, they were nowhere to be found. Not that he was complaining. It seemed that no leaders were actually around, just the children and other members mingling in the ballroom of their house. With a quick scan of the room, he eventually spotted his siblings and snuck up behind them.

He arrived just in time to hear Mei talk about the other clans in a low whisper and then heard his brother's reply. "Well," he began, announcing his presence, "yes, they are that bad," he chuckled. "And no, I doubt dad brought them here to kill them all."

Then Kirin rolled his eyes. "Xian, is that even a question? Of course she wants to spy on them," he scoffed. "As much as I'd love to join you on that expedition, there's no need to go on one at all. I overheard dad grumbling in his office the other day about how money has been withdrawn from our bank accounts mysteriously over the path few months," he said, keeping his voice at a whisper. "So I'm assuming this whole meeting thing is about that. Probably to figure out which of the clans has been taking it."

 

[RoninN7]

Emma Bradshaw
Location: Helias Estate | Interactions: narwhal. ​

The way Kiefer and Emma were interacting seemed to entertain Emma a good amount, reminding her of who her boss can be when not worried with work. Thinking about this was something that made Emma feel quite comfortable in the moment as if she were talking to a friend or one of the closest things to a friend she felt she'd had in a long time. It made her happy to know that she could still talk to her boss in a relaxed manner, even if it had been some time since the last time the opportunity presented itself. As he teased her with regard to how she felt about the people around them in the ball, Emma rolled her eyes, exaggerating her expression of annoyance a little, her smile widening a little more, revealing her fangs for a brief moment. Once she was by her side, Emma noticed the shift in Kiefer's posture and the way he looked out toward the forest with a softer expression. It forced her lips to curl into a small smile as she herself turned toward the forest, allowing her gaze to get lost among the ocean of green.

Emma listened intently to his response, her gaze still focused on the trees and the horizon beyond them. She noticed a small pause in Kiefer's words as if he seemed to be thinking about something before he continued speaking. The way he spoke and the things he said made Emma sigh a little as a bright smile formed across her lips, it all resonated with Emma and the way she felt about her situation. Not in a million years would she have expected to become part of a large vampire crime family a hundred years ago, but she was glad that her life had carried her in that direction. "You can say that again," she said, pulling her right hand up to her face to gently move her hair behind her ear before allowing it to softly fall back down to her side. Once she turned to face him and ask about business, she kept her eyes on Kiefer, allowing herself to think back to several years prior. Her curious look quickly turned to a warm smile as she heard Kiefer talk. Even though he said fairly mundane and unimpressive things, it brought back some memories to hear him talk about his business with her.

"Tell me about it, I feel like I get a new job every other day recently. It has been quite a busy few weeks but I must say it is quite exciting, even if it is tiring," she commented, her body now completely turned toward Kiefer as the conversation went in a direction she felt more comfortable in, which allowed her to let go of the last remaining tension in her body. "Speaking of, it has been a while since we have conversed about this," she replied, slightly tilting her head to the side as she gauged Kiefer's response, "and it has been even longer since we have gotten the chance to work together." Emma sighed softly as she turned her body toward the forest, now resting both elbows on the ledge as her body was no longer as stiff as it had been previously. She kept her face turned toward Kiefer, scanning his expression to see if he would react in any overt way to her words. "Even though things did not always go as smoothly as we would have hoped, it was rather fun to get to work with my boss. People do not often get the chance to show their own boss how work is done," she teased, her smile pulling her lips apart and shaping her expression into a toothy grin. Even though she wasn't being serious, and her tone revealed as much, Emma wanted to try and enjoy herself at the moment, and she felt like she could allow herself more liberty as long as she didn't overstep any boundaries or disrespected him, two things she never wanted to do.

 

[narwhal.]

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Seonhee Im
Location: Helias Estate
Interaction(s): RoninN7
Mention(s): deianeira Kipsy erised
​

"You'll be meeting everyone and you don't find that kind of scary?" She remembered a new handmaiden of the household asking her the question as a result of a rather one-sided conversation. At the time, she'd been in the middle of trying to figure out certain details of the event, and the young, inquisitive werewolf hadn't exactly been making her job any easier. The earnest inquiry had, however, caught her attention. She'd found it a pointless one, since fear would not save her from the requisites of the ball, but Seonhee had reminded herself that it was natural for the new wolf to seek answers to her many curiosities. The stern capo had given it some thought before she had answered. "I don't find it scary." "That's awesome," the younger and animated girl had answered almost immediately with a sparkle in her brown eyes. "If I were any of you, I sure would have been." Though Seonhee's hard gaze had reciprocated her dimpled smile, it'd been difficult to maintain that look for long when the girl had looked so excited and hopeful. An odd twinge of warmth had permeated through Seonhee's chest. When she'd spoken again, there had been a strange softness to her eyes, unbeknownst to herself. "You have to learn how to overcome it quickly, even if you are.”

A sense of déjà vu struck the Helias capo when she found herself - with as much patience she could muster - answering the same question again in their room. "As expected of our boss," Hotchka, her youngest and newest guard, said enthusiastically. She leaned over, gaze suddenly a little cautious and curious. "By the way, I heard Junsu referring you as 'Sunny' the other day. You know, now that I've been in the team for some time, may I-" she began, though she did not quite finish her sentence, letting it trail off instead. The hopeful look in the younger werewolf's eyes almost shook Seonhee's resolve. Unfortunately for the young team member, almost wasn't nearly enough. "Definitely not," she answered while crossing her own leg over the other and leaning back in her seat, satisfied with the details the identification documents in her hands revealed. She had finished her own preparations early; all that was left was to check the estate once more to see if anything was off. "In fact, no one should be calling me Sunny." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Junsu giving Hotchka an evil eye from the front of the room, who returned the sharp glare by sticking out her tongue. "I can see the both of you, you know." Immediately, they froze and straightened their backs. Junsu coughed politely in his sleeve. Good god, she had a bunch of children working in her faction. "If we're done here," she began as she rose to her feet, stoic visage soon replacing the smallest twitch of her lips, "we're leaving." After an hour and a half of checking over the estate along with the position of her men, the doors opened.

Im Seonhee hadn't ever been one to shy away from celebrations, but this was one that admittedly sparked a sense of unease within her chest. She now surveyed the flock of individuals who paraded through the doors from a corner, dressed in a slim, black suit with a glass in her hand. It was rather simple, but Seonhee had never been one to aim for an abundance of splendor - not with the strict family tradition she had adopted and the job she had committed herself to. If something were to happen tonight, she would have to be mobile and quick-thinking both as a human and a wolf. Failing to protect the Helias family was as good as failing her own life; she could hear her late father’s strong words echoing in her head, a haunting chant that repeated itself over and over like a broken record. Currently, she could feel the tip of her small knife press against her flank on the inside of her jacket, sharp, cold, and ready. She cocked her head to the side, trying to assess the guests she could see, some whom she recognized as other high-ranking mafiosos of the Farlan coven and the Wiljay family. The Helias capo took a long sip from her cup, feeling the cold, maroon liquid slide down her throat. Bubbly voices filtered through her ears, blurring together into incoherent lines. Though there was so much sound, the werewolf found that there was silence to be found amongst all the noise if she concentrated enough on the peculiar stillness that lingered around them.

Her dark, guarded eyes traveled over to the closed doors, where the leaders were currently gathered together. She did not let any words leave her lips, but she silently acknowledged the palpable tension that leaked through its corners and cracks. The three most powerful supernaturals were there together along with the unnamed figure who had been behind their recent troubles - it was bound to feel a little foreboding where they were. “Remember, stay alert. Keep an eye out for Kirin, Mei-yin, and Xian in particular,” she told her men through her ear piece. She knew the three were perfectly capable of protecting themselves, as they were independent and strong, but it still was in Seonhee’s nature to worry about them both as a capo and as an individual. After she took a small pause to set her drink down by her side, the mafioso gave one final instruction that was barely enough for her own men to hear, like an afterthought that had slipped past her lips: “Be careful, all of you.” With that said, Seonhee ran her fingers through her hair and drew back the worries that weighed down on her neck.

It wasn't long before she began to walk through the thick crowd, politely excusing herself as she made her way to the stairs of the estate. The higher vantage point would give her a clearer view of the cluttered ballroom, making it easier for her to pick out people of interest. Climbing a few steps while lightly drawing her fingers over the railing, Seonhee placed a hand over her ear as an attempt to block out the chatter of the vast room after spotting a rather familiar face in the crowd. He adorned a white mask that was shaped into a wolf and seemed to be taking in the profiles of the guests as attentively as she. Though she couldn't see his expression behind the object, she had a feeling that Carver Lee wasn't particularly excited to be here in the middle of the ball, making it a rare occasion for her to relate herself with the other werewolf. For a moment, Seonhee hesitated before directing a question in his way. "How are things on your end?" She spoke coolly and politely, though the words came out more stiffly than she had hoped them to be.

Her feelings for the other capo were... strange to say the least. She did not fully understand him or his methods - she could not allow herself to trust him so easily since their rather unfortunate first meeting. Yet, deep down, if the situation came down to it, she knew that she would risk her life for him all the same. Seonhee didn't mean to sound as distant as she had, but her steely personality did not help her intention and she silently cursed herself in her head for it.
[/div][/div]

- - - - -​

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Yoon
Location: Helias Estate
Interaction(s): open
Mention(s): @arabella. Nico Eliruz MoxxyMoxx ​

After nearly an hour of preparation, Yoon grinned at the mirror in his room, twirling around to see the full extent of his dark suit. He'd never worn something so fancy and the idea filled him with an unadulterated sense of wonder, which reflected rather transparently in his turquoise eyes. He could have never afforded such a thing back in the day, before he had been chosen for this job - and even then, he liked to give his earnings to his four younger siblings. He wanted to give them what he couldn't in the past. Food, warm blankets and water, pillows, books, snacks, games - the list of what they couldn't have was endless. He'd been in the mafia business around a hundred years now and still found it difficult to let that old worry go, when they had constantly feared shortage and waste with what little they had. Today, however, it was a part of his work to dress nicely, and he supposed he could treat himself for one day. Besides, there would be other occasions where he would be able to wear this again, wouldn't he? The fae was fully prepared to wear it for the rest of his life if he had to, really. Running his fingers through his hair, Yoon then shook his dark, silky head and brushed down the front of his classy attire. Automatically, he leaned over and reached for his phone; he remembered that that Min, the youngest of them, had wanted to see him dressed for tonight's occasion.

Outside, he was greeted by his men, all whom had also dressed up for the occasion. Though their attires were similar, their masks differed from one another in both form and shape. His own mask was layered with golden curves, made to conceal a little more than half of his face. “Yoon, I can't do this,” He heard a low voice say above himself. It was none other than Regin, who had a terrified glint his stoic green eyes. His tall and shy friend looked like he wanted to find an excuse to leave if he could. “Oh really,” the tall capo said with a twinkle in his eyes, one that matched the glimmer of the gems embroidered in his blue mask. "Regin Muriel Camry," he continued, emphasizing the usage of his full name whilst letting his amusement show on his lips, "you are one of the kindest and strongest individuals I've met by far. I know you can pull through tonight for sure, even if it may be difficult in the beginning. Come on," he then said as he lightly tugged the guard's sleeve, "We'll get through this together." And it was true. He had a feeling that they would be able to pull through the night somehow, no matter how many twists and turns fate decided to throw in their direction. Perhaps he was naive or perhaps he was too optimistic - still, Yoon believed in the best when it came to people and situations. If it hadn't happened yet, then there were a myriad of ways the future could go whether it be for the worst or the best. Despite fully knowing the tensions and differences that grappled at them, he wanted to believe that tonight would turn for the best for every individual there, no matter who they were and who they worked for. A fizzle of excitement bubbled its way through the fae, contrasting the look of dread that crossed Regin's face. Still, the guard seemed to have relaxed to a degree as Yoon steered him through the estate without wavering.

It was a different world in here. The scent of perfume, the various attires, the decorations - the night was so vibrant that Yoon found it difficult to discern where he had to begin looking. Here, politics and bloodshed and status were seemingly forgotten, swept under dancing feet and hearty laughter (well, for the most part, anyway. He could still sense the unease that lingered in his own head and the uncertainty that came from some specific individuals he recognized, but that was something he wasn't focusing on at the moment). Guests swayed in a synchronized fashion and flocked individuals who joyously twirled together. Silk appliqués decorated the long walls with different palettes of mahogany and gold. Amber seemed to be a predominant color in the room, illuminating all tangible surfaces and people within. "It's okay," he said reassuringly, glancing up at his companion who tensed at the overwhelming amount of things to look at and experience. "See? Things are fine." He then turned around to face the rest of men, who seemed to take in their new environment slowly. Some looked eager to dive in while others looked calm, but everyone looked as nervous as he felt internally. "Grab a drink or two, but don't forget why we're here," he said, his tone still fairly lighthearted yet collected. It was a tone he used only when he relayed certain information to his team, which they reciprocated with an effortless nod of their heads. Soon, they had all dispersed, positioning themselves in different areas of the vast room. Regin glanced at him one more time, to which Yoon responded with a nod of his head and a genuine curve of his lips. "You'll be okay, I promise. Call me if you need me."

Once he'd watched all of his men disappear into the crowd, he spotted quite a few people he had memorized over the years while working as a mafioso from the other organizations. He had encountered some of them before, some in more fortunate situations and others in less. His gaze swiveled around to the area the leaders would be gathering. Briefly, momentarily, his eyebrows furrowed together, displaying the gnawing emotion he felt deep down. Yoon hoped that Aquaria, Florian, and Aerwyna would be okay. He spotted the latter Wiljays together now, moving towards the balcony. Though he considered himself as someone who was still lacking, he would do whatever it took to keep them safe, should something bad occur during the ball. Aside from his duty, he felt that he was obligated to the family - his would have never survived had it not been for them, after all. It was no surprise that Yoon Baek was appreciative of the opportunity he had been given many years ago, and he did not take his job lightly as a result. He knew too many who were less fortunate. The fae was hauled away from his thoughts when he sensed the sudden close proximity of a few individuals. Due to the surge of the crowd, a few waiters nearly bumped into him, though the mafioso dodged them with relative ease. He smiled easily and good-naturedly shrugged off their frantic apologies. Some of them were precariously balancing multiple cups and plates, and Yoon knew that he would have offered to help had he not been here with an objective to complete. Until the night was over, he would not be free to act as he pleased. He watched a few of them wobble their way past the guests. Yoon silently hoped that they would be okay - he couldn't imagine how tired they were. They most likely had a long night ahead of them.

Soon, in the midst of the crowd, he spotted none other than Dream. The fae was gorgeous - as usual - dressed in a flowing dress with a blue blazer. Yoon almost found himself moving over to talk with the aloof capo, though he was stopped midway by a few individuals who approached him, some who were clearly intoxicated. With a slightly troubled smile making its way on his face, Yoon leaned his weight on his right leg and and ran his hand through his hair as they spoke. He enjoyed speaking with people, this was true, but... He glanced over his own shoulder at the waiters, who still seemed to be having a difficult time moving past the crowds. It seemed that he, too, had a semi-long night ahead of himself.
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