Fantasy Harrison's Collection

[Lovable Dark-side]

Harrison's Collection

Harrison is a competent man. Strong, Controlling, Ruler of the eastern desert of Del'tonia. He has titles, wealth, and is know by many people for many things. Yet, what he must be known for the most is his collection.


The Arcane.


To be more specific people born of arcane nature. One with the affinity for magic. Harrison had always been fascinated with these "creatures". He admired the complexity of their nature, their abilities, their beauty. So, naturally as one would do if they were fond of a play or story he gathered merchandise. He created a collection.


Harrison traveled from country to country, collecting children of the arcane as he went. Finding them anywhere from open markets to private sellers. Only taking those with abilities that interested him. The larger his collection grew the more people seemed interested in it and the more interest the public took the more he flaunted his prize group of arcane trophies. Throwing huge parties and making them serve those who came, putting on performances, or even forcing them to fight. He saw them as nothing more than dolls to have fun with.


You are a child of the arcane. A human being with the affinity to use magic. Yet, you are seen as a doll, a plaything, something inhumane. In this land you are both feared and thought of as beautiful. You are sold at markets of shops for a few sacks of gold and a quick handshake. That is why you must learn, adapt, and survive. This is your story, your life. Right now is the starting point. What you do will change your path.





Be ready.




In this rp you will be playing as a person in Lord Harrison's collection, attempting to survive and maybe even escape to find some semblance of freedom. Character choices will make a huge difference down the line, and I plan on making this very, very character involved. If you have any questions I will happily answer them.​

 

[Lovable Dark-side]

Spoiler

1. Tag the people who you are talking to in post. It helps keep everyone organized.


2. Attempt to let everyone post at least once before posting your next response. If they are taking a long time or aren't online just go ahead and post.

Dear Count and Countess *******,





You are formally invited to a night of both business and pleasure at the table of Lord Xander Harrison. The day will start with wine, a warm meal, and politics, then wind down to a night of laughter and a personal showing of my collection. Their will even be a few face to face meeting with a couple of them personally. Written below will be a small list of who will be shown during this party and who will be available for the meetings.


Early Showings:


Aaqilah & Nicolai: Aaqilah and Nicolai will be showing both their mental will and strength as they attempt to humor you by defying the laws of earth. Moving objects with ease with their minds alone.


Amelia Lavehart: Amelia will show you her ability to make objects that were once nothing more than pretty fantasies of madmen painted on a canvas and bring them into existence. As part of this show you are encouraged to bring your own paintings to test this ability yourself.


Wyre Nai & Sage Deynair: Wyre and Sage will take you on a journey of fear and pain, and they control your soul and mind with sound and image. This is a showing for those who want to test both their will and their sanity.





Evening Meetings: (These will be held in the southern pallor)


Daxton Lentel:


We ask that you please excuse any rude or troublesome behavior ahead of time from Daxton. He is a recent addition and has yet to learn the ropes.


Rune Oroitz:


We ask that you please excuse any rude or troublesome behavior ahead of time from Rune. He is a recent addition and has yet to learn the ropes.

​

Boone Osborne


Valentina Ross


Night Fights: (As usual these will be held in the arena near the northern gardens. Bets will start at 150 gold.)


Alex & Minerva Vs. Jaila


Boone Vs. Nicolai


We humbly hope for your presence at during this event. If you do choose to attend Nicolai & Sage will greet you upon arrival. Ask upon them anything you wish.

Sincerely,


Janis Wilingham Head of House

​

​

Wyre

​

Raw, Wyre feels raw and exposed as Janis and two other servants who she couldn't remember the names of scrub her body with thick bristled brushes that left her skin so dark a pink that is is almost vermilion. It was if these women thought they could scrub the impurity out of her body and replace her with a new girl. But in reality it was Wyre herself that is impure and their scrubbing is for not. The small copper haired child closes her eyes, attempting to block out the many emotions that flood her body with every touch they make. Anxiety, fear, and pity...It was the same as always. She keeps her eyes close and just listens for a bit, listens to the chatter of the women around her not as if they say anything interesting. Listens to the sound of water softly lapping at the rim of the stone tub she sat in. The scent of her over perfumed water dancing to her nostrils, causing her to give a quick sneeze. Lavander. She opens her eyes after a few minutes and stares at the faces around her. Harrison must have a thing for blue eyes. Because it seems every woman tending to her shared that trait.


The forced bath and quick observation is soon over though as an impatient and rather loud knock sounds from the door of the bathroom. The signal that it is time for the next one to be prepped. The three women quickly pull Wyre up by her thin arms and throw a dressing gown on her, before rushing her into the joining room. Janis stopping only for a second before to talk to the other prep team.


"We need them all spotless. Special guest tonight and I don't think Lord Harrison wants a group of disheveled pigs." She says, a pruney hand on her hip and she tells the others. They all nod and go on their way shutting the door so Wyre could no longer see inside the bathroom she once occupied. She now sits on a stool in front of a mirror, the two women from before replaced with a cow of a woman named Clemence. Who quickly latches onto Wyre. Who in response says a small prayer.


Clemence looks her up and down, analyzing her hair and skin tone as she does every time before a performance. She reaches out and flicks a strand of Wyre's recently shorten hair out of her face and shakes her head disapprovingly. Wyre's hair had been one of her best features, but with a quick trip to the kitchen Wyre changed that with just a few snips with a pair of kitchen shears. " It will have to do for now." Clemence mutters and goes to the closet pulling out a stark white corset and a light blue dress made of linen. The sleeves of which gracefully feel downwards towards the floor. She was meant to look like a Nymph.


(Sorry, this is a bit long. I will post in Sages point of view later. Feel free to post guys)

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Amelia Lavehart


Amelia bit her lip as the coarse scrub brush was dragged harshly across her skin. Most of the helpers here quite liked Amelia for one simple reason. She didn't make a fuss.


So fragile, so dainty, the harsh scrubbing left scratches and red marks. The woman scrubbing her down must have really hated the Arcane, or Harrison, or perhaps just little Amelia herself. Janis scolded the woman, and brought in another person to do the scrubbing. Apparently she was to wear a sleeveless dress, but now that couldn't happen because of her bloodied arms. Amelia silently thanked the heavens.


"We need them all spotless. Special guest tonight and I don't think Lord Harrison wants a group of disheveled pigs."


Amelia restrained herself from crying. She wanted to cry rather often. But she tried her best not too.


A smaller women from the prep team took Amelia to a room and laid out plain corset as well as a dress. It was a pale green with white and purple accents. Amelia quite liked it.


Daxton Lentel





"U-unhand me you.. awful, terrible people! Kidnappers!" Daxton yelled, squirming as he was shoved into a bath. "I've got a family! I've got people who need me! You can't do this! Let me go!" And that was when his screaming ended because a maiden literally shoved a bar of soap in Daxton's mouth to shut him up. Daxton coughed, choked, and spat the bar out into the tub. He was quiet after that, though he kept on giving the women washing him glares. He probably wouldn't get the taste of soap out of his mouth for a week.


He had to be washed with his gloves on. Ironic, how when Daxton was still free, he refused to take them off. Now, there was nothing he wanted more then to turn these people to gold, and he couldn't. He felt so exposed and so humiliated. He missed his sisters. He hoped that they were okay.


A mean looking woman yanked Daxton out of the tub, shoved what looked like a bag for him to wear, and dragged him to a wardrobe where she pulled out a fancy suit and tie with dress shoes. Daxton was appalled. He never wore fancy clothing, not even when he'd gotten his powers. It was itchy and uncomfortable. Would he have to spend the whole night in that suit? Oh, god.

 

[Iomana]

Aaqilah

​

She was as still as a statue, eyes closed in a way that almost seemed meditative as the brushes scrubbed over her skin, removing any traces of dirt. After years of going through this process, it seemed like second nature to the young woman. Every once in a while, a particularly vindictive attendant would give a rough scrub of the brush but at Aaqilah's peaceful countenance and lack of a reaction it soon stopped. Soon, a knock sounded, signaling the next Arcane's turn in the tub and Aaqilah was quickly bustled out of the bathroom, still practically dripping water as she was rushed along.


In the next room she was roughly toweled off then set in front of a mirror as an attendant proceeded to apply makeup and style her hair. When she was done, the woman took a moment to admire her handiwork. Aaqilah's hair, which was normally worn loose and free, was now done up in braids in pinned in a bun in a style similar to a flower. Here eyes were ringed in black, making the color seem intense, as if her stare could gaze straight through to someone's soul, and, combined with the red now coloring her lips, it had a striking effect. 'An exotic beauty, like some mysterious and untamable beast,' a guest once commented. At the time, she had only given a smile and a light laugh but it took all of her willpower not to strangle the man on the spot.


Next, she was herded into the room where her clothes were being laid out. A deep scarlet skirt, layered and appearing as light as a feather, lay next to a top of the same color. From where Aaqilah stood she could see that the shirt was cut low enough and short enough to leave her midriff bare and allow a bit of cleavage to show. She was then instructed to hold her arms out. Gritting her teeth, Aaqilah simply smiled and did as instructed.

 

[Kiroshiven]

"Agh!" Alex fell to the floor as his trainer shook his head at him with dismay. "I'm not done yet." Alex ground his teeth as he stood up and took up the fighting stance he'd learned a long time ago. It was something he used very rarely, but generally guaranteed a win. The instructor moved quickly, but Alex threw him clear across the room. His eyes shimmered with blood lust as he walked away. "Never underestimate a Siskit." Alex grinned as Minerva applauded him.


"Nii-sama, that was amazing. I really thought you were going to lose their for a minute." Minerva handed her brother his towel as the knock on the door came as expected. She turned to see maids and service women come in with a bucket and soap. "Again? This is the fourth time this week we've had to fight." Minerva sighed as she started up rock, paper, scissors with her brother to see who would be the blade and who would be the wielder. "I win this time Nii-sama." Minerva smirked as she made her scissors cut the air.


"Yeah yeah. At least if Jaila wins I can blame it on your lack of aggression." Alex playfully rubbed his sister's hair as he stripped down and jumped into his tub. His sister followed suit, climbing into her tub like a lady. "You really should just jump in. That way the cold water won't bother you so much."


"If you didn't waste time fighting and actually let them come in when they first knocked, then the water would be hot." Minerva looked over to her brother. Her eyes drifted across his features and stopped just at his shoulder. The scar symbolizing their past was a dark reddish brown that just pulled at her heart strings. She reached out and ran her hand along the sore area.


"I've told you not to worry about it sis."


"I know. I just feel guilty."


"It's not your fault." Alex ran his hand along his sister's cheek and she shivered in what he assumed was pleasure. "We're in this together. And just like always, we'll destroy ANYONE that gets in our way." They clasped their hands together. In their nine years there they had yet to lose a fight. They weren't about to lose their. "The Siskit twins never lose." The two said in unison as they began scrubbing and preparing.


Whereas the other dolls were dressed up nice, clean and fancy, they were there to scare and frighten the guests. Fear was another form of entertainment after all. Alex slid on his torn suit that made him look like a phantom and Minerva dressed up in a gown that looked like it was rags more than it was a dress, but this was how they were supposed to look. They were nicknamed the devil twins by the guests and they ALWAYS lived up to that nickname.

 

[Ashaficent]

Valentina Ross

​

Valentina sat absolutely still, as two women worked furiously on her skin with coarse brushes, scrubbing like if they scrubbed hard enough, all of her sins and impurity would be washed away.


Valentina was used to this treatment. It had become something natural and expected. The women worked on her long, white hair and and got rid of dirt from the nails of her petite hands.


Soon, she was done and thrown some clothes, the ones that she usually wore for her performances (refer to CS) - not the grey bunch of rags she was forced to wear otherwise.


Her character on stage was the cute, loli girl loaded with energy and life. Like the sight of water in the middle of a desert, she was supposed to be cute and refreshing and brighten everyone's day.


Strapping on her choker around her neck, she stood up straight and tall - ready to play her part. She noticed that some people had already gotten ready, while others were still getting scrubbed. She didn't care anyway, she preferred to keep to herself.

 

[Kiroshiven]

Alex finished up and slid on the half-demon mask that he always wore. It would probably be another ten minutes before minerva was finished. She took her time doing EVERYTHING. What a pain. Alex sneered as he thoight about it, but caught sight of Valentina finishing up as well.


She has to play a bubbly little child, poor kid. Alex glid over to her and smirked. "Whats up mon petite fleur?" He smirked as he repeated something he's heard Harrison call some of the smaller girls. He wanted to get a small rise out of Valentina, but figured it'd amount to nothing. "You ready for tonight's show? Because honestly, I'm sick of fighting." Alex slid his hands into his pocket and looked down at her.


Alex didnt mind when Valentina was dolled up, she was cute. But cute didnt mean much of anything. Her confrontstional attitude and her gift in and of itself was what drew him in. He just wanted to get past her wall, though Minerva wouldn't allow that. She clung to him for dear life. Even that prick Nicolai had tried to get her away from him and failed. Too bad for Minni. Alex looked over to see Minerva was getting close to finishing up. "I hope to enjoy this show with you Valentina, but dont let anybody know." Alex smirked as he started to walk back towards Minerva.


@Ashaficent

 

[Ashaficent]

Valentina Ross



​

Valentina was content stand around by herself, until she was approached by Alex and called a 'petite fleur'. She stared up at him blankly, like he had just spoken to her Chinese, his 6' 3 form towering over her tiny 5' 5.


He asked her if she was ready for the evening show, and informed her that he was sick of fighting. "I think we all are." She responded coldly, looking away. She wasn't particularly fond of the Siskit twins, they were a bit too attached to each other.


If she was being completely honest with herself, she knew that she was kind of jealous of her relationship. She never had anything like that in her life, never knew what it felt like.


He then said something about hoping to enjoy the show with her, but not to let anyone know. She stared after him in mild surprise as he walked off with a smirk on his face. "I won't." She mumbled, looking down at her feet.


Valentina didn't understand what Alex exactly wanted from her, as cynical as it sounded. She would often be dragged into a conversation with him, where he would act rather strange but nice at the same time. What was it about him...? She didn't get it at all.


@Kiroshiven

 

[blackrosedrop]

Jaila


Fights are both the best and worst thing to happen around here, Jaila thought as she sat in the bathtub, drawing her legs up to her chest. She hadn't liked it before - being so exposed and open in front of the same strangers that kept them captive, dressed them up like little dolls for Harrison to show off to any amount of guests. Who would be sick enough to want to see humans being paraded about? Or even fighting each other? As one of the servants (she never bothered to learn their names) scrubbed at her dark hair, she dug her nails into her fists. No matter what, she wouldn't show weakness. Even if they ripped her hair out, she wasn't going to give in, or ever give up. Being stuck there was only a minor setback and one she would soon fix.


She'd been there for long enough to observe what went on at parties. For the first few weeks she'd only been allowed evening meetings with the guests. It wasn't at all what she expected. Guests pawing about, making remarks, asking bizarre questions. Maybe it was better she wasn't considered a human any more, she wouldn't want to be part of a race that made light of objectification. The only thought that kept her going was the hope of the tables turning - of getting out of that place and hunting them down. She'd teach them a lesson, alright.


The fights weren't that bad - in many ways they were useful. It enabled her to get a good view of the rest of the house, as well as see Harrison. Something about him made her skin boil. When you were feeling ready to give up, seeing him always started her drive of anger again and reminded her of what she would do to him when she escaped. Fighting also made sure that she could use up her powers. She had to be so careful when sleeping - the beds were flammable and leaving in the darkness within close proximity to the others, she didn't want to kill someone in their sleep. Unless of course they were Harrison or one of his guards.


When the servant (or maybe a slave too) decided that she was clean enough, she allowed Jaila to get out from the bathtub. She splashed water all over the place but it didn't bother her. Anything she could do to make their lives suffer a fraction of hers lit something up in her gut. Jaila grabbed for a towel and wrapped it around herself. She'd lost some weight since she'd arrived there, yet shaped up a little. She didn't look like a little girl any more.


Jaila dried herself and a few moments later a servant brought in something for her to wear. Since she was fighting she'd been allowed to wear a proper outfit as opposed to a ridiculous corset. It wasn't much better though. Someone had picked out a silver dress that rode down to her knees. It was sleeveless and all across it shimmered small, silver discs. It looked nice, sure, and in another life she would have been thrilled to wear such a thing. Now she just wanted to tear it up in two ... But it had been a while since she'd worn nice, new clothes. Since she was fighting she might as well look good doing it, especially because she was up against the Siskits. Two against one wasn't really fair, but she knew that their weakness was each other.


She felt sure that she could win tonight - if she was angry enough. Hell, if that happened, it was entirely possible she could burn the whole place to the ground. Maybe set somebody's clothes on fire - maybe Harrison's ... If his puppets didn't knock her out first. Unconscious, she was no good at all. And if she lost? Well, at least the Siskits wouldn't think she was a threat. They'd dismiss her, allowing her the chance to sneak under their radars. A lot of people were stupid like that. Even so, Jaila had a good feeling about tonight.


She pulled on the dress. She needed to be careful about her positioning - it was tight, but it allowed her to move about without restraining her. She pulled on some matching crop-shoes that had been left out too. Then the servant dried the rest of her dark, wavy hair and let it hang loosely on her shoulders. It reached below her waist now. A lot of the guests remarked that it was her best feature. The first thing she'd do when she got out is to cut it all off.


A splash of make-up and finally, she was ready. She'd felt so agitated recently that maybe a fight would be the best way to blow up some steam, literally. She fingered the bracelet on her arm, watching the purple gem reflect in the light. Such a pretty chain.

 

[Pretzel Heart]

Rune winced at Daxton's muffled shoutings on the other side of the door. He had been made to sit guarded by an impatient-looking servant to await his turn in the bathing room, and the struggle that seemed to be happening inside filled Rune with a sort of dread...what horrible things were going on in there? Then again, Daxton, although like him in his newness, was most unlike him in his proneness to shouting, so the cause may have been anything at all. Between the two of them Rune was certainly the quiet one, content to absorb things into his large, round eyes.


For so many years he had been running. Running without end. Without even an end in sight. Blown from town to town, city to city, given nothing but false hopes...


Now that he was here, finally captured and sold off, there was a certain comfort in it. The relief of never having to run again. The ability to just...rest...


If only Elma were beside him.


But where Elma was, at the moment, Rune had no way to know. And so he would just wait. For for his 'true master' to return...


So it shouldn't be too bad, if I'm a bit curious, right?


It was a chance to glimpse into the life that, while on the run, he had never known. Though he suspected that it was odd, the sort of thing Elma would admonish him for, he couldn't help his fascination with the daily workings of a slave. This is what would life have been like for him from the beginning. If he had never met Elma.


Never had someone to pull him forward from the dark...


At last it was his turn, and Rune was all too quickly ushered into the bathing room and summarily stripped. Even ordinarily he preferred to cover himself as much as possible with layers of clothes, so being thus exposed made him feel especially embarrassed. 「Vulnerable」 Like his entire being was on display for just anyone to walk by and snatch.


Due to the nature of his powers, the servants dealing with him were all wearing gloves, long clothing, and masks to protect themselves. Otherwise bathing might have been impossible. Though he wondered what it would feel like, for them, if instead of this strange, unknown boy they were suddenly running their brushes over the person they most wanted to see. Maybe a lover. A child. Even servants in such a place surely had someone like that.


Everyone had someone they wanted to be with, hidden in their deepest fantasies. A secret wish that only he could grant.


He suspected that's why the slavers he had woken up to had told him that, when Lord Harrison was coming, they were positive he would be picked.


If applied by a skillful tactician, surely his powers had many uses, but none of these seemed particularly helpful to himself, and so he had never truly understood them. Elma had, time and again, tried to explain...why it was so important no one ever caught them, ever touched him...and though Rune had done his best to commit those abstractions to memory, they always seemed to carry themselves off like flotsam in the tide...


Though even Rune could understand the weight of the sound of coins as they had landed into the slavers' outstretched hands. While various things he could not bring to mind...such as their names, their words, Lord Harrison's expression...he had been taken in by the dazzling sunshine that had illuminated the transaction. With a flash of silver the coins had made a melodical heap clinking together like the bells he remembered from a small village they had stopped in, once. Wedding bells, was it? Or was that just a 「Fairy Tale」? In either case, he could still feel the chirp-like ringing of both bells and coins in his mind, and thought that the juxtaposition was rather beautiful.


But such musings made him feel guilty. He probably shouldn't think such things about the coins that had bought his freedom and his life.


「Freedom」


It was such a bright, golden word and so naturally Rune shied away from it.


「Freedom」


And yet, it was into the impenetrable sunlight of those two syllables that Elma had been so desperate to run towards. Always dragging him behind...


Like a babe the Arcane made no motion to assist the servants as they prepped him, allowing himself to be lifted into the bath, sat down in position. One of the women set about refreshing the bandages wrapping his head. From her noises he could sense that the wound was almost healed. It made him sad, in a way. Like the passage of time. Out of the corner of his eye a subconscious flash of a date just a few days ago hung in the ether. The day he had first been brought to Lord Harrison's domain. The other servants began to wash him, and despite the unpleasantness of being so naked before them...if he closed his eyes, he could almost remember his mother's hands...


As they lifted up his arms to scrub him, he felt the glittering wet chain of the bracelet slide down arms too thin to support it at his wrist tip.


It was silver.


Also just a few days old.


At the time he hadn't been sure what was happening, couldn't possibly know the significance as the silver links were fastened together forever around his arm. Rune had been more preoccupied with the fact that they had tried to take his rings. He couldn't allow that, and cried and cried so hard that one of the servants sick of listening to him told the others that they were made of worthless iron anyways and so might as well give them back. The traveling cloak that had been his companion for so long had not been as fortunate...It was so tattered and worn that Rune probably shouldn't have felt anything to watch it taken and thrown away, but inside of that cloak were the last remains of Elma's warmth. The way they had wrapped themselves inside of it together. Huddled for life against the frigid sands of the desert at night.


At least now he had a bed. A proper bed. Sure, it was a small, thin mattress shoved into a wooden box, but for him any mattress at all was a long withheld luxury after so many nights spent outside on the ground. Even this bath was nice...despite the harsh bristles of the brushes. He could feel years of dirt, fear, exhaustion being wiped away. But it was unsettling, too. The layers of grime that had marked his years with Elma...now lost to the murking water.


Piece by piece, year by year, scrubbed away...


No. He wasn't ready. He couldn't lose him. He couldn't lose Elma.


And so Rune kept his dark amber eyes transfixed on the iron rings for the remainder of the bath, playing dramas of long-ago memories on constant repeat in his head...holding fast to the last remaining remnants...


Next he was lead to room stocked with endless wardrobes out of which each of Lord Harrison's dolls were being fitted and dressed. He remembered someone saying something along those lines...that Harrison made sure to dress them up for every show, though Rune hadn't really understood what that meant.


「Dress up」


The suit that was laid before him made his eyes go wide, trying to take in every shimmering detail and committing it to his memory. He had to keep these new ones, of all these new experiences, somewhere safe, at least.


"I really...get to wear such a thing?"


He shouldn't be smiling, he knew, but he couldn't help himself. Dressed in the deep navy tailcoat defined by fine fabrics and silvery trim, he would look just like a prince.


「Prince」


No, that wasn't right. Princes were golden. And white.


Something about that felt important, and far-off in the distance, Rune thought once again that he could make out a number. A date.


Is it...finally returning...?


Ever since getting the 「concussion」, the spatial awareness of time he had so greatly relied on seemed off. Fuzzy. Wrought with missing links. He stared hard, trying to make out the date that his mind was trying desperately to supply him with...


But one of the servants took his vapid look for mere vacantness, and with an exasperated sigh set about getting him dressed. When he looked at himself in the mirror, he could scarcely believe what he had become. Like a glittering jewel. For a strange second, he imagined he could see what he had been constantly told others saw in him.


「Allure」


The temptation and beauty of the Arcane.


"He's going to have to meet with the guests tonight, can't we do something about that bandage?"


The servants began to talk above him as Rune remained transfixed by the mirror. He almost wanted to reach out and hold that image of his face. So white and pure...


"Janis mentioned a hat...?"


"Ah, right."


In moments Rune's still reflection was rippled by one of the women pulling him back to place a silk hat atop his head. It was loose enough to fall in just the right way to both hide the bandages and not irritate his wound. He thought that that was surprisingly thoughtful.


「Thoughtful」


Not the sort of thing one should think of a slavemaster...


Elma would be disappointed.


But he had to remain positive, for his sake, so what was the harm in taking inside of himself the materiality and influx of senses and emotions of this new life? There were so many things he had left to learn, to see, to experience...


If only Elma were here to share it with him.


One day, soon, they would be reunited right...?


Seemingly finished, Rune found himself wondering over to where a familiar face stood, white suit in hand.


"Is something the matter, Daxton?" [ @CloudyBlueDay ]


Seeing the boy staring with distaste at the fine clothes he had been given filled Rune with confusion. But he liked Daxton. Because he was also new, and so also knew nothing.


When he had been told that he would have to do 「face to face meeting」 with some of the guests, Rune had been filled with unsurety. He had never been around so many people before. Well, notwithstanding the endless faces that had existed like prop sets to the scenery he and Elma had shared. In those instances, Elma was always there to do talking, however. Rune didn't think he could excel in being put on conversational display...he was sure to say something off...to get lost...But having Daxton and Valentina there would surely help. Even if Valentina didn't seem to like him, he admired her spirit, and would do his best to follow her lead. Boone, too...but Rune wasn't sure what to make of him, yet. He was drawn to him, sharing his same eyes and hair, always sitting there in the sunlight...but he also seemed a bit distant, and so the younger had been hesitant in his approach. [ @Ashaficent , @cojemo ]

 

[cojemo]

Boone Osborne


One could never quite get used to the harsh barbs of the servants brushes as they scraped away any and all built up dirt that clung to the skin after laboring in the gardens for hours on end. Sure, every bathing was the same and learning what to expect was only an inevitability, but that didn't make it any easier to deal with. Each time it stung all the same, and the feeling of being scrubbed down by the women Harrison had hired as servants while being bare was humiliating to many. If anything, these baths weren't meant to make a person presentable, but instead to make them tolerable as the servants washed away any inkling of pride that may remain. Put the 'dolls' in their place so they wouldn't act out against the guests. Indeed, getting used to such a cleansing was near impossible, but that wasn't required of Boone. All he had to do was deal with it, and through gritted teeth as the thistles turned his skin a bright red he did just that.


The cleaners had begun to appreciate Boone over the few months he'd been there during these task, as nary a peep of displeasure escaped his lips as he cooperated to get things done with little hassle. Don't get the wrong idea; The boy gained no joy from having his body hastily scrubbed down, but his stone-faced stare as he lifted his arms when he knew he had to showed at the very least a willingness to tolerate with his current situation. One could even say that was his entire philosophy about living as a doll. Showing displeasure allowed them more control, and showing eagerness gave them something to take away. Instead, he simply existed, did as he was told, and nothing more. Acting out of emotion was a fools game and only caused trouble. He'd learned his lesson already, and he wasn't ready to be retaught the mistake that so vividly remained in his memories.


Being jerked by his arm out of the stone tub, Boone followed through with little resistance to where he was then fitted with the familiar suit and tie he'd worn on numerous occasions. While the suit itself was actually quite posh and stylish, the circumstances didn't allow him to appreciate the black suit and red tie he was being stuffed into. Once again, however, it didn't matter what he thought about it, so without a word he was hurriedly rushed while at the same time gently shoved into the attire as the servant did their best to quickly dress him without damaging the fabrics of the suit. After all, if he were to look less than presentable then the maids would surely be punished, with Boone receiving the exact same treatment.


After finally being aggressively plopped down in a chair to have his black main of hair straightened and groomed, Boone finally had a moments time to think about how ironic this entire exercise was at the end of the day. The guests that Harrison had invited were to meet and chat with members of his 'collection', Boone being one of them. He'd learned quite well how to put up with the superfluous of the pseudo-intellectuals who attended these parties. Just like always, he'd simply bare with whatever insulting hogwash or pointless questions they'd throw at him and respond as he saw fit. Unlike some of the others he despised so much Boone didn't put on a smile, but instead stoically stood as he always did and avoided causing any problems. There was a certain crowd that was drawn to him that weren't so keen on the others, but he couldn't care less, as he was simply doing his job.


Nonetheless, that wasn't what was ironic, as he was set to participate in the fights at night. After being dolled up and meticulously cleaned, he'd be rolling around in the dirt of the gardens while violently throwing fists at his competitor. While Boone was displeased with the idea in general, he had to admit that the fights were almost therapeutic for him, as he could actually let out some of that frustration he had built up and not get locked into a dark room for the day. Sometimes he'd be a bruised and beaten mess, and sometimes it'd be his opponent. Didn't matter to Boone in the slightest. It was just another thing he had to do, and since it was necessary he'd follow through.


Still, even then things weren't so cut and dry. This was still done to entertain the rich, and not doing so meant risking punishment. As such they expected brutal violence and powers to be used, and that caused multiple issues for he boy. For one, using his ability meant digging up the gardens roots to use for combat, which meant creating more work for him to do later. However, the more serious problem was that he'd have to hurt some of the others. If it was someone like the fragile and porcelain-like Amelia the he'd feel bad, but that wasn't an issue that day. Luckily he'd been paired up against Nicolai, an altruistic jerk who caused him nothing but frustration.


The finishing touches were finally placed on Boone, and as he was pushed away to ready the next person, he adjusted the collar of his suit, his amber eyes gazing over the two new recruits who would soon be gawked over and treated like nothing but pretty ornaments. Even though at first glance it didn't seem like it, Boone was always worried for those first entering into this house of horrors, and these two gave even more reason to do so. Rune reminded him a lot of Amelia, only that she'd been there for even longer than Boone. He wanted to desperately find out about her and help her out, but what he guessed was his stoicism intimidated her. He was almost sure she was broken down by this place like many others, so if Rune was already like this, then he was in for a tough time.


And then there was Daxton, who while seeming like a general loudmouth and troublemaker, Boone couldn't help but have a soft spot for the kid, if only because he reminded him of his past. Still, this boy's fight wouldn't last long if Boone had to guess. Everyone's feisty before being shown how powerless they really were. Of course, how long those two would stay the way they were was anyone's guess. Would they try to make an escape? Most likely, but many did before being taught that acting out did nothing. One could never quite get used to things under Harrison's control, so they'd need to learn and adapt to their current situation and wait patiently just like everyone else.

 

[Kiroshiven]

Unlike the others, Nicolai had already gotten dressed up ans was awaiting the arrival of the guests. As one of the two chosen to greet the nobility he was SUPPOSED to smile and be polite to them, but as always, the stage Nicolai was FAR different than the Nicolai that was so adamantly hated by the throngs of other pieces of the collection. They called him fake, liar, weasel and scoundrel. He felt scorned each time that they called him so, but so long as he continued to be of use to them, he'd take the abuse with pride. It was just one small step to atoning....Nico shook himself as he hid his sorrow form the guests.


Each guest approached with a partner in tow. They looked at him as they would one of their favorite toys. Their smiles mocked their position as if Nico and the others were merely plastic that could be thrown out when they were done. Nico ground his teeth as he motioned with his head for them to move along. The couples snickered and waved goodbye while mockingly saying they couldn't wait to speak with him. It was funny because he knew they were talking about the interviewing session.


The men that would speak to him always asked countless questions about his fights and his powers. What he could do, what he couldn't do, what happened if he exerted himself too much. Normally a flip of the bird or spitting on their shoes got a laugh out of them. It was like they thought of him as a small dog acting up. The more vile he acted, the more more adorable they thought he was. It was infuriating to the point that he'd destroy the bracelet if the guards wouldn't immediately jump him. The women, however, teased him about his innocence and tried to get a rise out of him. If he even cringed they giggled furiously. He was a hamster trapped in a cage that every move he'd make was funny. He learned that if he remained quiet and just sneered at them they'd grow bored and move along. Whereas most of the others danced to the tune of the piper, Nico was able to dance to his drum, if only for the nights. Then it would be back to following orders and being a whipping boy for Mr. Harrison's amusement. Sadistic prick.


Nico sighed deeply as he continued to watch the flood of people before deciding to ignore them completely and focus on the schedule. Two performances. The first one will be easy, move this, move that. I'm working with Aaqilah huh? Well, that's okay. She's mysterious, but she's smart enough not to start trouble tonight. Then there's the fight with Boone. I hate the fights. Mr. Harrison says I have to make it a show. He set up stipulations so that I can't just end the fight in five seconds. Tonight's going to be a long night after all. Another heavy sigh left his lips as he looked over at his partner for greeting. It was Sage, a guy that thought he was a god.


"What do you think of tonight Sage?" Nico's words were cold toward the annoying young lad, but it was better than the nobles that would chastise him and twist his thoughts into a corrupted mess of disgust. He wanted nothing to do with that and would even brave the child's god-like delusions to such torture. There was no fate worse than dealing with those stuck-up inbreeds......save being a servant of Mr. Harrison's.


@Lovable Dark\-side

 

[Lovable Dark-side]

Sage


Sage looks down upon the swirling mess of velvet strewed women with men adorned in silken suits at their elbows. Some of them smile up at him, their eyes full of a mixture of awe and...anxiety. They must have been new. Sage stares back directly into their eyes when ever they do so. A small smile upon his face as they look up at him. He liked the attention, though he couldn't say he liked their particular company, so he quickly ushers them through the large oak door; his smile which was quick to appear disappears in moments as this process continues. "Yes madame I am really an Arcane child. If you would like to see my abilities be free to come to my showing." He says to an particularly stubborn woman who keeps bombarding him with questions. She of course just gives a laugh at his quickness to get rid of her, thinking it all part of the fun. Personally Sage couldn't figure out which was worst at these moments. Greeting the nobles that thought of themselves above him something which infuriated him to no end, or having to deal with the servants that cleaned him before every showing. At least his washers knew to be afraid of him, these dressed up pricks couldn't tell the value of a person if someone with value rubbed their ass in their faces, or at least stood in front of them. Sage would know. He has stood before these ignoramuses many a time and all they have done was chuckle before him. Though as far as he knows he hasn't rubbed his butt in their faces. That would be wanton.


As the greetings went on Sages thoughts moved to other things. He starts ignoring the nobles, some of which took to this unkindly. But he knew they wouldn't try to talk to Harrison about it. They wouldn't risk the showings being canceled. That was one of the only reasons they came besides their tactical meetings of territories and arranged marriages. People crave seeing the collection like an opium addict craves opium. The dolls bring excitement into the lives of etiquette and routine. They saw them as chained disposable gods. Which Sage doesn't mind the god part, but the chained and disposable...well he didn't approve of that; disposable gods don't last long. Though Harrison has to be a most displeasure-able man in Sage's mind, he couldn't say the man was lacking intellect. Just look at all these people. Nothing but nobles around his little pink finger, he was using them as cards in his deck. He keeps them entertained with promises of seeing gods on a leash and then signs them into deals that help mostly him. Sage had to admire his prowess. The man knew how to use his resources. Then suddenly Sage shakes himself, just a little not something one could notice unless they were truly paying mind to him. The man knew how to use his resources.


When the stream of pint up noblity starts to slow Nico turns to him, his eyes cold along with his voice, breaking Sage out of his small stupor.


"What do you think of tonight Sage?" He ask. Sage just looks at him for a moment, running his tongue over his teeth, his mind going onto tonight's events. What am I doing tonight? He thinks to himself, knitting his eyebrows together in thought before finally remembering. Ah, yes dealing with Wyre. " Tonight I think is going to be the same as almost every other showing. Alex and Minerva is going to win their fight. Everyone is going to have their eyes on Aaquilah, because lets face it your not as pretty on the eyes Nicolai. Someone is going to piss of the new boy; the one who can turn things into gold. Amelia will do her picture thing, and I...Well I have to deal with Miss Wyre tonight," He says Wyre's name with a hint of venom, his violet eyes narrowing slightly. " That's probably about it. We all know enough on how to stay out of trouble and those who don't are stuck in the meetings, meaning they pretty much get a free pass to say what they want and all the little nobles will oooo and ahhhhh because their new." He starts to continue on, but suddenly a small bell rings and the last of the nobles walk in. All of them giggling and "sneakily" glancing at Sage and Nico. "Come on," He turns his back on Nico," It's time for the showings."


(For times sake I am just going to say showings and the arcane interviews will be held at the same time)


Wyre


Wyre lets out a small groan as Clemence her one woman prep team tightens her corset on last time, white cords in her hands and a foot planted firmly on the the wallpapered wall in front of Wyre. Wyre herself had her hands on said wall, taking no notice of its floral patterns and just attempts to do deep shallow breaths, oxygen just barely making it to her lungs. Before she can even adjust to the new tighten corset she is then again thrust in front of a mirror. This time it is full length though, so she may see herself from head to toe. They changed her...her short, fiery, orange hair was brushed and pinned up on one side, small pins with light blue stones greatly contrasting her hair, making them stand out against the orange. Her face had been covered in makeup, lips made more pink with a stick paste like substance, grey eyes lined with kohl in order to make them seem larger. Even her normally box like body has been given artificial curves that didn't belong to her. Wrinkling her nose and lifts her thin arms up above her. The long trailing sleeves of her light blue dress following the motions, the lace of the sleeves rippling as she moves. Wye grips onto her small sun shaped amulet and closes her eyes, hoping that when she opened them that this Wyre would disappeared and the one she preferred would return. One........Two.........Three. She opens her eyes but there is no change her appearance just a doll for dress up. To her this had to be the worst part of being part of the collection, not the forced fight, the labor in the fields, the showings. It had to be the fact that they changed every single bit about her. Changed her body, her mind, as she wasn't really Wyre when she was like this. They took her and molded her like the redden clay that she use to make pinch-pots out of in her village.


She grips onto the bronze amulet harder once the bell rings. The small silvery sound filling her ears. Still she stands in front of the mirror, blinking back the tears in her eyes, as Clemence grabs onto her arm. A sneer on her face. "Keep ya cry'n for later. Ya got business ta do and I don't want to deal with the brunt end of the broom if ya late." She pulls to the farther end of the prep room, and Wyre glances about one last time. Her eyes on the others in the room with her. They all changed once they were on a stage. Before Clemence and Wyre can make it out the door Janis stands in their way. Her eyes inspecting every girl before they leave, making sure each and everyone of them are presentable in every shape and manner. Her eyes quickly fall to the bronze amulet, the metal glimmering in the low candle light.


"No...Wyre we can't have your Helias Nonsense on the stage tonight. We have to many important people from the northern end of Del'Tonia," She her voice neither cold nor warm as she holds out her hand. A hand in which Wyre promptly spits in, which of course causes her to be slapped in return. Her own spit now covering the left side of her face, "I will have none of your bullshit tonight!," Janis harshly whispers, grabbing onto her chin forcing her to look her in the eyes. " You will take the amulet off or I will force it off of you. I can't set of your binding bracelet because your needed, but I can make sure that little piece of crap is melted down and never seen again." Wyre stares back no hesitation, gritting her teeth. She wouldn't do it. She wouldn't give her goddess to Janis, not even it caused later problems. After a few moments of an intense staring match, and Janis finally figuring out that this was one line Wyre wouldn't cross. She sighs, and lets go of her chin. "At least wear it under your dress, so no one can see." Wyre nods, wipes the spit of her face, then quickly stows away her necklace under the neckline of her dress.


It doesn't take Wyre to long to make it to her performance room. It was the same room every time and she has walked to it for almost 2 years. The twisting corridors no longer confused her as she walks through the maze like house. She swiftly enters her room and sits down grabbing the lyre that was already set up for her. She plucks a few strands making sure its in tune and then looks at her surroundings. The rooms was decently big with a high ceiling the reverberated every note she played, making her music louder and more intense. The walls were a soft pastel pink like the color of a blossom of an apple tree before it comes to bear fruit. Gold trimmings lined the ceiling and the whole room just scream wealth.


She, herself was set up on the small stage that would hold both her and Sage tonight.


@Kiroshiven


@Ashaficent


@Iomana


@cojemo


@Pretzel Heart


@blackrosedrop


@CloudyBlueDay

 

[Kiroshiven]

Alex & Minerva


Minerva glared sternly at her brother as he returned from his chat with Valentina. "lolicon." She says with as harsh a tone as she can muster. I will fucking gut that bitch if Harrison ever puts her into a fight.


"Brocon." Alex responded in kind. He knew his sister's obsession with him. Half the time, she wouldn't even go the bathroom without at least letting him know where she was going and how he shouldn't talk to any of the girls while she was gone. It was smothering. "You know I need to socialize right? Even if I hate half the people here." His mind wandered to the guy that had come in as such a trouble starter eight years ago and now was one of Harrison's favorite dolls because of how well behaved he was. It was sickening. "Fricking Nicolai needs to wake up already. This world won't move if he keeps doing everything for everyone else. It's survival of the fittest here."


"Then why do you keep trying to take care of Valentina?"


"The same reason you cover up for Wyre's pranks. She interests me, that's all there is to it. If you can't accept that, that's fine. But don't forget we both need the other to survive, however, Valentina can copy either of our powers so long as we're nearby. And we're not even sure if it has to be each other. If Valentina can copy my power and I can use her then that means there could be countless others out there like us." Alex looked at her with a smile. "Think about it, a horde of people with the ability to grab another and use them as a weapon. We could easily find you-know-who once we're free if we discover these things." Alex had to be the brains of the two as Minerva was too blinded by her connection to him. If it was up to her the two would hide away somewhere and never be seen again. She just wanted to keep him to herself and it was infuriating.


"That really does sound amazing." Minerva mumbled as she fiddled with the ends of her gown. The ding signalling the start of the shows caught her attention quickly though. "Wyre's performing soon!" Minerva clapped her hands quietly as she slipper her arm around her brother's. She always loved to watch Wyre perform. Adding in the illusions by Sage made it great.


"I'd rather see Amelia or Nicolai. And of course people will be watching Aaqilah. That girl does have some looks."


"Do I need to remove your tongue nii-sama?"


"You can try, but you've always failed." Minerva pouted as she started to move.


"Fine! I'll go watch the show by myself and you can go off and watch Nicolai and Aaqilah move rocks." Minerva raged as she left the room and started heading that way. "I wonder if one of those new kids would be interested in coming. I'll drag em both along. It would do them good to learn how this place operates." Minerva nodded as she started her hunt. It wouldn't be hard, she remembered hearing Daxton's screams down the hall.


"Well that means I'm free to experience the evening with mon petite fleur." Alex smirked as he once again referred to Valentina as HIS little flower. Harrison may own the collection, but certain "dolls" were going to be his in order to escape, and he may even hold onto them beyond escaping. After all, his sister was hardly good company. Alex took his time as he began to move through the throngs of nobles lined in their silken suits and dresses that showed more skin than was respectable or necessary. Harlots. Every last one of them. Alex managed to find Valentina as she was moving about. "Which of the early shows are you feeling like seeing?" He said it casually as if her choice really wouldn't influence his. Truth be told, it wouldn't. He was going to watch Nicolai and Aaqilah. He just enjoyed messing with Nicolai as he moved objects around by affecting gravity. It was dangerous AND fun.


@Ashaficent @CloudyBlueDay @Pretzel Heart

 

[blackrosedrop]

Jaila sighed to herself and made her way to the performance hall, or whatever they called it. Aaquilah and Nicolai were going to entertain the guests first, as annoying as they were. She slipped through the streams of guests, ignoring the occasional hand that smoothed over her hair, and slipped to the side of the stage to stand at the side. She'd see how it went to determine the atmosphere of the day, and keep a good view of everyone. It was darker along the sides, easier to blend into the shadows, despite wearing a dress that screamed attention.


It wasn't the show mainly that she wanted to see, it was the guests. She knew that only way she'd be getting out of there was by slipping out of the bracelet, and there wasn't anyone she knew who could do it. But maybe if she kept looking about carefully, maybe she'd be in luck and find somebody with the knowledge to remove the spell. It was unlikely, but she was out of other options by now. She scanned the rows of guests - it was busy tonight, busier than she'd ever seen before. It felt like the whole world had turned up. It made her sick.


Flashes of bright colours and white teeth and twisted ribbons - the loud chatter echoing, it was giving her a headache. Standing about was going to get boring fast, she realized. She ought to go and find the Siskit siblings, go and wind them up to make them restless later - especially Minerva, the girl seemed to get angry easily, and that would be a major weakness for the two of them. Jaila found it easy enough to control her emotions if they were focused in the right direction, it was too risky for her not to.


She perched down in the corner. Hopefully the guests would be too absorbed in the show to bother with her, while she watched them. Maybe there was another Arcane out there, maybe one that could help free them. Maybe somebody even richer than Harrison who might want to steal the group for his own amusement, who might even kill him for it. She wondered, would the bracelet still work if Harrison was dead? At the end of the day, Harrison was a human so he could be killed like one, just as easily. No powers to get in the way.


She knew she should be training, but her mind wasn't into it. She didn't want to miss something in one of the guests - something behind their placid faces. A stranger ... A hero. Or somebody stupid enough to go up against Harrison. It was a shame she wasn't doing interviews, she could tell them all sorts about Harrison. If she played it off well, they might even believe her. It was strange that for a man like him to have so much control over everyone else, that she still knew very little about him.


Jaila clicked her fingers, drawing a flame to her fingertips. She watched it swirl around, warm her skin, and then glow against the bracelet. She'd trying burning the thing off hundreds of times - all in vain. Every time she pulled the flame away again, it would be stone cold again. She snuffed out the light and leaned back against the wall.

 

[Kiroshiven]

Nicolai


Nico looked at Sage as he responded EXACTLY as Nico thought he would. This boy is predictable to every gesture. Nicolai sighed as he shook his head and hardly listened to the ramblings of the madman. However, it seemed tonight he was bit more sane. He mentioned that the Siskit twins would likely win against Jaila, this was undoubtedly going to be another stomp. When the two got serious they truly were the Devil Twins. He'd watched them as they put another doll in critical condition once. Normally Harrison would be upset at that, but he'd found a person with the ability to heal any wounds done to them. That child died later on due to overexposure to illnesses. The kid couldn't heal himself. Nicolai's thoughts continued to run when the bell sounded and yet again he knew he would need to go to another set location and move things around for the masses, but this time he was ACTUALLY in the same room as Aaqilah rather than out in the garden moving a thirty foot tall statue of Harrison himself. "At least I don't have to put that back into the hall of Harrison. The narcissist needs to take a break from himself once in a while." Nico sighed as he turned back into the house.


People. There were countless people inside. The hurried about finding where each of the shows would be held. Nico knew that three shows would go on simultaneously so that the fights later on would make as much money as possible. "I wonder if Wyre will be okay? And what of Amelia? The girl's by herself tonight." Nico sighed as he moved himself through the crowds and found himself standing in the room he'd be performing in. There's several massive objects. The giant block of coal that Harrison will probably want me to compress into a diamond. I did it once and it took Jaila trying to barbecue me to do that. Nico caught sight of the girl at the edge of the stage and merely shook his head as he walked over. "Sitting at the edge of the stage is dangerous Jaila. My guards are going to be standing there and they'll probably want you to move." Nico said kindly to the girl. She looked decent in her outfit, but Nico felt her gaze trying to analyze him beyond the surface. "Look, I'm just being honest here. If you want to watch the show, I'd recommend a corner or something." Having dealt with the possibility of Jaila getting caught up in some trouble, Nico walked out to the the center of the stage and awaited his partner for the evening.


@Iomana @blackrosedrop

 

[Ashaficent]

Valentina Ross



​

Valentina was wandering around with her head down, doing her best not to interact with the idiots that had come to the party. Harrison's friends were always too happy, too flighty, too annoying.


Some people had noticed her, and regarded her like one would look at a particularly adorable stuffed toy. They would call her over, and she would smile brightly and act all excited. They would pinch her cheeks and ruffle her hair, then send her off with a kiss to the forhead. They simply couldn't control their cute aggression when it came to Valentina, it seemed.


She hated that. She hated being touched.


And then, she was approached by Alex. She had grown quiet used to him randomly popping up, she had started to expect him even.


He asked her which one of the early shows she felt like seeing, to which she thought about for a moment before replying with a shake of her head. "I don't really think I'll be seeing any." Her tone was always so dead, so dull, except for when she was performing on stage. The Valentina that Harrison showed off was a cute, sprightly girl who would somehow manage to wriggle her way into your heart.


@Kiroshiven

 

[Iomana]

Aaqilah

​

It seemed it was time to move. Slipping


from the dressing room, Aaqilah made her way to the hall where her performance would be held. The path was as familiar as the back of her hand and as she walked it the girl allowed her mind to wander. She was paired with Nicolai tonight, a fact that was only made slightly more bearable by the knowledge that he would have his stage personality in place. A cool exterior she could deal with but when faced with that all-loving personality of his, Aaqilah only felt irritation and a slight bewilderment towards the male.


As she entered the area proper, the sudden crowds of guests surrounded her on all sides and, as much as she would have liked to quickly stride through, the woman forced herself to take slow, gliding steps. The press of leering eyes burned her skin and an errant hand reached out for her on more than one occasion. However, before they could reach her, she brushed past them, eyes boldly meeting the guests' gazes and a beguiling smile on her lips. Similar to Nicolai, she too had her own 'act'. To the guests currently slobbering after her like starving animals fixing their eyes on a prime steak, she was to be a treasure seen but not touched, something unattainable. It apparently added to her 'charm' or whatever term those pesky attendants used.


Finally, she made her way to the stage, mounting it to come and stand beside Nicolai, shoulders straight as she faced forward, though her eyes did flick towards him as a small smile touched her lips. "Hello, partner. Here is to another successful night."


@Kiroshiven

 

[Kiroshiven]

Nicolai watched as Aaqilah entered the room. It was the first time he actually got to see her in her performance wear. It was revealing, but that wasnt what locked his eyes on her. The way she carried herself was something of a spectacle. She stood tall, back straight face forward and her head held high. She was like a goddess that was moving among the people, making sure that nobody was able to touch her. It was a level of allire that even Nico couldn't deny.


As she took the stage he caught her glimpse at him and he almost smirked. "Hello partner. Dont break too many hearts tonight. I'd hate for Harrison to break one of his dolls." Nico kept his stoic expression as he jabbed at her. However, his eyes stayed focused on hers before scanning the crowd. His eyes caught several guests with multiple women around them. They were drowning in alcohol and lust like the filthy hedonists that Harrison's party catered to. Nico noticed himeslf slide a bit closer to Aaqilah. However, he didnt say anything. He knew she could handle herself, but these were guests. They all knew the rules when dealing with guests.


@Iomana

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Amelia Lavehart


After her corset had been tightened unbelievably tight, her dress was thrown on. Amelia's gold necklace was of course stowed away under the dress - it didn't match the colors, her maiden said.


She was the second act of the night. After Aaqilah and Nicolai. Amelia was already so weak, so small. Harrison had been putting on so many shows, her health had deteriorated rapidly. There were dark circles under her eyes. Her skin, which was pale before she got here, was now almost white. She looked sick. She was sick.


Of course, her impurities had been covered up with makeup. Blush applied to her pale cheeks and covering up the darkness under her eyes. She knew how to smile. She knew how to put on a show. Looking at her would be looking at a caged puppy, still doing what they were told. But only if you looked closely. Not many cared too look close.


She was ushered backstage. Amelia could peek through the curtains to see the two perform, her arms bruising painfully.


Daxton Lentel


"Is something the matter, Daxton?"


"Something the matter?" Daxton echoed, his voice filled with mocking. "Yeah, something's the matter. I was kidnapped and now I'm going to put on a show and wear fancy clothes for people who approve of me being kidnapped!" He yelped, kicking the wall. "C-cause of this.. damn.. uhg. Arcane." His voice quieted down as he looked around behind him. No one had shoved soap in his mouth yet.


"I don't get how you're so okay with it." Daxton muttered. "I've got four sisters to take care of. The littlest one.. she's only 10." Daxton said, his voice strained. "I've gotta get out of here." Daxton muttered, giving one last, angry, menacing glare towards Rune, the taste of soap lingering in his mouth as he stormed away.

 

[Iomana]

Aaqilah

​

Her lips pressed together, the closest expression to a frown the female wore since the night began. "Not a chance." Noticing him slide closer, it didn't take her long to figure out why and she nearly scoffed out loud. Five years and counting and the worse that Aaqilah encountered on stage was an overly drunk guest shouting out rude comments. Plus, even if things did go sour, while she knew she couldn't harm a guest-- even in self defense-- she was certain that she could protect herself just fine.


Not long afterward, an assistant, accompanied by several others with their arms full, mounted the stage, his voice booming as he introduced the two, beginning their act. Yes assistants placed their items on the stage before stepping off to the side. The objects themselves were six elegantly crafted paper dragons, each one spanning about eight feet in length. Taking a small breath, Aaqilah stepped forward, smile in place as she lifted an arm. Thanks to the paper, the dragons were light, causing no strain on Aaqilah as one slowly rose to the air along with her arm, causing the audience to gasp in glee.


Inwardly, she sighed. The arm gestures weren't necessary to move anything but they added flair, something that the guests eagerly ate up. Guiding the dragon with her arm, she sent it soaring over the air above the crowds, the creature bending and twisting along with her movements. Soon, her other arm raised, sending a second dragon out to join the first, the two dancing and twisting around the other, and, in no time at all, the entire army of dragons was flying around her, filling the air with the sound of rustling paper and the delighted exclamations of guests. At this point, Aaqilah's movements gave the appearance that she was dancing, body swaying and moving gracefully while her arms maneuvered the dragons. Sending them in one final spiral around her, the female gently let the dragons drift to the ground, amidst the applause from the guests. Giving a curtsy, chest heaving slightly as the effort of moving so many things at once shortened her breath somewhat, Aaqilah moved back to stand by Nicolai, the same smile as ever back in place as the assistants moved to clean the dragons from the stage. The first part was over.





@Kiroshiven

 

[Pretzel Heart]

「Kidnapped」


Daxton didn't seem very happy with his question, which Rune didn't understand. The words had seemed simple enough when they had left his mouth, but the other boy had somehow read so many textures into them that the meaning became something ugly that he didn't like. Rune thought that perhaps he should apologize...but instead one word that Daxton had said filled his mind, preoccupying him so much that he was unable to do so.


「Kidnapped」


He knew that it was a phrase Daxton used often, usually while he was yelling. Not that he wasn't often yelling in and of itself. But Rune wasn't really sure what the phrase meant. It seemed to imply someone being taken away from somewhere, against their will. But Rune had never had anywhere to be taken away from, at least, not that he remembered, so he found himself being unable to relate. Unless it was possible to be 「kidnapped」from the harsh, swirling sands of the desert.


The blinding light...


But try as he may, he could not remember the details of that day. Only that it had been morning.


Shouts...


Elma's voice...


And at some point, of course, he had gotten that 「concussion」. Which was something to do with the injury to his head. Possibly also why he couldn't remember. Not that he had been very good at remembering things to begin with...


After angrily kicking the wall Daxton threw out more bitter words, this time directly towards Rune


"I don't get how you're so okay with it."


Why I'm...so okay with it...


Okay with being a slave? An Arcane in Lord Harrison's Collection? It was true Rune didn't mind. But that was only because he was curious, about this new life. Because he didn't want to run anymore. Had Daxton been running before this time, too? He realized that he had never asked, and now he was curious. But now wasn't the time for that.


"I'm okay with it...Because I just want to see Elma again," he replied in an equally murmured tone.


He would only stand whatever his new master, the other Arcane, or anyone else placed in his path because he believed with all his heart that he would see Elma again.


One day soon.


Surely, with the wide nets Lord Harrison had thrown across the Arcane of Del'tonia, surely Elma would have to be caught and brought back to him?


But really, in the end it didn't matter where Rune waited. If someone told him that they would be more easily reunited through his escaping these decorous halls, Rune would slip out in an instant. No matter the cost. Even if he had to sever his own arm with the pretty bracelet to do it. He hadn't thought about how he might go about trying to run away, feeling no need, and he wasn't particularly bright or athletic, but Elma had always told him that his powers had certain uses. So he would do his best. He would remember those uses. And he would use them to get away.


But for the present he felt no calling to do so, because he couldn't imagine that, with him caught, Elma would be far behind.


Daxton obviously didn't approve, in any case, darkly muttering something about his much-talked about sisters.


"You're so strong, to think of nothing but your family like that."


It was that strength that had drawn him to Daxton, even if he didn't seem to like having him around. For his part, Rune had tried to put himself in Daxton's place, to figure out why he was always making a fuss and trying to get away. Before it had merely perplexed him, but if all Daxton wanted to do was help the people he needed to take care of...


Though Rune previously hadn't considered it, wouldn't Elma, in Daxton's position, fight just as hard to get back to his side? Likely, he was fighting, even now.


Wasn't he?


And if that was the case, then maybe Daxton really did deserve to be free.


Or at least have his sisters brought here. Even if they weren't Children of the Arcane...


"Sorry, I don't have anyone out there like that, so I couldn't understand. Why don't you ask Lord Harrison to fetch your sisters? Then they would be taken care of, right?"


While Rune put on one of his broad, empty smiles, Daxton was already storming away. Flustered, Rune began to chase after him. It was a strange feeling, running after a back that wasn't Elma's...


He's annoyed with me...


It seemed to Rune as if a lot of the Arcane in Harrison's collection were easily annoyed with him.


Was he really so irritating? He didn't know. The only interactions he had firm memories of to compare them to were his years with Elma. It was true that the other boy sometimes got frustrated with him, because Rune was slow in both foot and mind. He couldn't always keep up with him. He couldn't always understand why they had to run. But Elma had never broken away. Never stormed off without him. Instead he would turn around, and calmly begin to explain...


That was why Rune needed him...


It was possible that Elma was the only person in this world who truly cared for him.


He'd often wondered about that. What did his master see when their bare arms brushed...?


If their powers had been reversed, he knew that looking into Elma's eyes, he would find no change.


Even the memory of his mother's face had been long lost and replaced. Elma was his only family, now. His entire world.


He only needed such a person in his life, and if that person was the only one to love him, then that was okay, too.


"Daxton, wait!" Before he realized it there were already tears forming in his eyes. Something about that scene...someone walking away without him...without turning back......without taking his hand.........


It was...terrifying.


Dark, without color.


Like a 「Bad Omen」


There it was, again. Fluttering right by Daxton's head.


A date.


But Rune didn't have the time nor patience to play with riddles, just then. Besides, Rune didn't know where they should go, and he doubted the other newcomer did as well. It would be better if they found someone with more experience to lead them. Surely even Daxton wouldn't mind that...right?


As if in answer to the silent prayer, Rune saw a trail of purple up ahead.


"Ah, is that Minerva?"


It didn't seem like Alex was with her, for once. What luck! Rune had been waiting for just such an opportunity to speak with her. Out of all of the others in lord Harrison's collection, he felt himself drawn to Minerva the most.


Maybe because, with the way she acted with her brother, Rune sensed that she was just like him.


Someone who could understand what it meant to need another half...


[ @CloudyBlueDay , @Kiroshiven ]

 

[Kiroshiven]

Nicolai


Nicolai watched as Aaqilah moved the dragons about the room with both grace and beauty. She played her character very well. As he was caught up in the show, Nicolai even found himself clapping for her. He caught sight of how tired she was and moved ever so slightly. It wasn't time for him to be his usual self. "Don't push yourself too hard now Qilah." Nico went with a short nickname for her as he watched the assistants moving around the large boulder of coal as well as several blocks of marble that were easily too big to be moved.


"Ladies and gentleman, you've gotten to see the grace and beauty of Mr. Harrison's doll, now witness the raw strength of his puppet." The announcer said and the crowd began to look to Nico. He sighed as he stepped into the crowd, but kept himself above off the ground. It was simple to reverse his gravitational pull. Thus walking on air was simple in and of itself.


Now standing a few feet above the crowd and in the center of the room, Nicolai could begin his feats of wonder. He reached out towards the three objects with one hand despite the unnecessary motion it was simply for show. He felt the building begin to rumble as he focused his power on the boulders each one rising several feet into the air. The first step was complete, now he had to not only make the marble spin around the coal, but make the coal as small as possible. Nico took a deep breath as he began to manipulate the objects. The blocks of marble began to move slowly as the crunching and cracking of the coal imploding upon itself began to fill the room. It was strenuous, but it wasn't going to take long. The momentum of the marble began to propel them forward and thus he only had to keep the two within the coal's gravitational pull. He raised his other hand and began to act as if he was compressing the coal. The rock started to shatter and anyone there might have been able to feel the heat from the amount of force being exerted. It was difficult, but within a few minutes the once massive block of coal was changed through sheer pressure into a diamond about the size of a child's fist. Nico set the three objects down and walked over air back to Aaqilah. "Raw power is all I'm good for after all." Nico chuckled softly as he smiled at her before returning to his stage presence. He was sweating and felt exhausted. His performance only took ten minutes, but it had felt much longer.


@Lovable Dark-side @Pretzel Heart @CloudyBlueDay

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Daxton Lentel


"I'm okay with it...Because I just want to see Elma again," Daxton softened for a moment. Was someone Rune loved being held hostage? Elma? Hm.. maybe that made his whole obedient demeanor a little bit more okay. Not a whole lot better, though, in Daxton's opinion. Someone so submissive was bound to have a tough time. Like that Amelia girl. Man. She looked so fragile and tiny, Daxton almost felt bad for her.


"You're so strong, to think of nothing but your family like that." Daxton froze. Was he.. strong? He just wanted his sisters to be safe. He didn't know if that meant he was.. strong.


"Sorry, I don't have anyone out there like that, so I couldn't understand. Why don't you ask Lord Harrison to fetch your sisters? Then they would be taken care of, right?" A fire ignited in Daxton. He bared his teeth like a wild animal. For a moment, Daxton had felt sorry for Rune. Not anymore. "So they can live in captivity too? And be treated like SLAVES?" He roared. "What the heck is WRONG WITH YOU?" He shouted at the younger boy.


Now Daxton stormed off for real. "Daxton, wait!" Daxton now hated Rune with a burning passion. How stupid did a kid get? So.. so oblivious.. what a- "Ah, is that Minerva?" Rune!" Oh, god, not now.. "And Daxton! You're both here, perfect. I want you two to accompany me to watch Wyre and Sage. They always have an amazing performance." Daxton moaned.


"So how was your forced cleaning?" "Got a bar of soap shoved in my mouth." Daxton said quietly as Minerva latched on tight to him. No escaping now. "You know Daxton, if you turned a few of the maids to gold, Mr. Harrison might actually let you wash yourself before the performances rather than that absurd attack against your flesh. It'd be such a waste if you were to lose your power if they scrubbed too hard. I mean then Mr. Harrison would think you were broken and throw you away." Staring up at Minvera, eyes wide, he watched as she dragged her finger across her throat. He longed to call her out, maybe try and punch her or whatever. But he knew Minerva could knock him out without a second thought, and all she had to do was call her brother over and he was done for. His expression hardened again as he gritted his teeth.


"I couldn't turn them to gold even if I wanted too." He said sadly. He held up his gloved hands, locked at the end with metal cuffs only Harrison had the key to unlock. He felt imprisoned in his own body, and he was miserable. His bracelet had to be placed up almost near his shoulder due to how long his gloves were. As Minerva turned her attention to Rune, Daxton sighed. This sucked.


"Are you ready boys? Because you're about to get the show of a lifetime." Another moan.


@Lovable Dark-side @Pretzel Heart @Kiroshiven

 

[Iomana]

Aaqilah

​

Using a moment to take in Nicolai's exhaustion, Aaqilah delicately raised an eyebrow as a smile played at the corners of her lips. "Perhaps you should be more concerned for your own limits rather than mine." Once again, it was her turn. Just before she started to move, she paused, throwing a glance back over her shoulder towards the male. "And do not call me 'Qilah'." Walking back out towards the edge of the stage, Aaqilah sank into another low curtesy, head bowed as the sounds of the attendants bringing out the next props filled her ears.


However, just as she straightened, a voice yelled out, "How about you get offa that stage and come down here with us! I'm sure we've got a couple of tricks just for you!" Aaqilah stiffened slightly, her gaze easily locating the man who had called out. Two of the guests who were obviously drunk, as evidenced by their slurred words and uneven gait, made their way towards her, the crowd parting for them as a few laughs and additional comments rang out from its masses.


Another pair of lecherous drunks. Struggling to keep the calm smile on her face, the female have a small shake of her head, quickly moving to take a step back from the edge of the stage. No matter, she was sure that if she paid no heed to their words then they would surely grow bored and wander off, and, if all else failed, there was still the fact that the stage separated them.


Yet, unfortunately for her, one of the men was more agile than he appeared. Despite his intoxication, he made it to the edge of the stage and managed to reach up, catching Aaqilah by the wrist just before she could move out of his range. "Haha, gotcha!" With a laugh and a vicious tug, he pulled her towards him, sending the girl pitching off of the stage, a scream leaving her mouth as she did so.





@Kiroshiven