Fantasy The Five Kingdoms - The Fall of Sarthenfall - Ic

[NinjaGirlGamer]

𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒊𝒏​

“You want to know why it's failing?”

“It's because PEOPLE LIKE YOU won't let me UNDERSTAND what the HELL IS GOING ON WITH THEM!”
The sound of Baxter’s shout made her stop her motion. She could feel Baxter’s eyes burning in the back of her mind. He ripped her up with his words.

“YOU OUT OF ALL PEOPLE!”

Ivanna felt a little stung by that last part.

“Well. Guess I was wrong”

Ivanna was about to turn around and say something but Baxter already made up his mind by flowing past her and exiting the room.

Isn’t this what she wanted? For that little peace and quiet that’s all too familiar. The silence in the room when no one was there. Alone in your thoughts with not a person to stare and wonder. How did you get this way? She thought about letting him go, going back to the silence and loneliness that awaited her. That has always awaited her, for she had no one. But....

“Expect no help from me in the battlefield”

Everyone

“Maybe people would actually like you”

Leaves

“Psychopath”

Because

“We’re not friends”

She pushed them

“Guess I was wrong”

Away

A strong hand grabs Baxter by the wrist and forcibly yanks him back inside the room. The door was closed shut right after with Ivanna looking down on the ground. She didn’t want to do this again, she couldn’t keep doing this to herself. Letting people go, letting people hate her for the sake of their own safety. Safety from her.

But Baxter

No. She didn’t want Baxter to hate her too. Not like this.

Ivanna looks up to finally face Baxter with her true self. The one she hides from everyone, the broken woman in black. She stood in front of the door, not looking anywhere else but directly at Baxter. “Maybe you’re right.” Ivanna started to say, it was gentler from before. “Maybe I am some crazy psychopath that only cares about bloodshed and have no emotions when killing. Maybe I am truly the monster I become.”

“But—“

“That’s not what I want to be”

“And I don’t want you to walk away with that notion. So—“ She deeply sighed out. “I’m only like this...because I don’t want you to get hurt in the process.” She sniffed in the presence of tears and looked away before looking back at Bax.



“I’m protecting you from me.” It was the thing she never revealed to anyone. She would always take the head charge or tell people to stay back when things were dire. She worked alone for a reason and that reason was to protect the people she cares about.

“I don’t want you to get hurt because of me. Because that’s my biggest fear, everyone that I have ever loved dying because of me.” Her heart was burning with all the built-up emotion inside. It was suffocating.

“Because that’s what happened to my family.” A single tear streamed down her face, she never talked about this. For no one was there to comfort her during the dark times. “There was a little girl, who lost her family right before her eyes. Every. Single. One. Of them. That little girl was me.”

Xanto

 

[Xanto]

Baxter Callahan​

Baxter felt Ivanna suddenly grab his wrist and yank him back into the room. This time he stumbled, unprepared since he thought she desperately wanted to be alone. Thud. The door sounded shut again as Bax raised his gaze to meet Ivanna's. "Maybe you're right," Ivanna admitted in a much softer tone than before. Despite the change, Baxter's blood was still slightly boiling. He was trying to force it down though during the time she explained how she didn't want to be some psychopath. Regardless, his brows remained furrowed with his cold features still in tact. The man was ready to turn back around and walk up the stairs if she just repeated their whole previous discussion.

That was of course until she stated not wanting to hurt him in the process. At this, Baxter's features slightly softened. Maybe now she would tell him? His overall vibe was still aggressive though since she couldn't even look him straight in the eyes-Tears? The rebellion leader slowly let his guard down, while the watery-eyed Ivanna mentioned protecting him from her. From what? From a switch randomly going off and making her kill him? What was it?

These questions were soon answered though when she revealed her biggest fear of everyone she ever loved dying because of her. How? Baxter's gaze studied the features around Ivanna's face with his own now shifting to concern. No one was dying here because of her. If anything, she was helping them stay alive.

“Because that’s what happened to my family,” She finally confessed as a tear streamed down her face. Apparently, Ivanna witnessed her family's death at a young age. All the other details at this point didn't matter. He just started to picture things in Clyde's shoes had they happened.

A moment of silence hung in the air. Baxter just stared at Ivanna with a look of concern. He hadn't been put in this emotional situation for a while mainly since most people didn't have the guts to say anything. Regardless, although he appeared stiff and heartless, the leader was rather . . let's just say he actually was the more emotional of the two Callahan brothers.

Baxter suddenly reached out and held Ivanna's arm. He noticed how much she tried to hold it all in. How much she tried to keep it all to herself. He noticed how they both weren't used to these kind of interactions . . anymore. "You don't have to hold back," His thumb slightly brushed against her arm in a sort of comforting motion. " . . We're in this together, to prevent this from happening to anyone else. And maybe that's your motivation," Baxter suggested trying to remain dynamic in keeping his word to understand her. "You're one of our greatest fighters," He stated as a matter of fact, "And now that you've opened yourself up . . in the slightest, I think you're one of our greatest members." This being said, it didn't take long for the leader to get back to business. The man heard what happened to Jeod. Now was the time to help Ivanna move away from the person she didn't want to be. "Ivanna, you're one of the people I depend on in this team," He confidently started, "But that doesn't mean you abhor the people who want to help." Okay, okay maybe Baxter wasn't exactly the kindest to his members. However, he never beat the crap out of anyone for trying to help. Even if they all had their own minds and tactics, Bax knew that they had the same goal. "We're all in this rebellion knowing our current day may be our last. We each have our own motivations. So if we get injured . . die, it's not because of you. But because we fought with you. It's because we're fighting for you," Baxter concluded trying not to turn the moment into a typical nagging session, " . . . It's normal to hurt, because it means you loved."

NinjaGirlGamer

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel smiled when Clyde gave her the royal bloodline book to her. Since she is going to return the book to him after she is done, because she knows that Clyde won’t hand it over to anybody. Especially if Baxter asks him to use it, for it would be extremely disrespectful for him to use her princess title to get people to respect them like that. Not to mention that Annabel herself doesn’t even act like a proper princess, and her last name isn’t in the book. So even if they were to see the last page of the royal bloodline book, nobody would believe them without seeing the star birthmark as proof. “I will give the book back to you, as long as you don’t let Baxter use the last page for his advantage. Because that idea isn’t going to work, due to him having to show my birthmark as well. I am not going to take my clothes off in order for someone to see the star birthmark on my right hip.” said Annabel. “Also, there is a missing page in the book, since I did check the whole book out. And please make sure you don’t lose it as well, Clyde, since if a lucky slave Ezersian were to read it. You would most likely be a target, because it does have your full name. I don’t want my precious nephew to be a target, for you are too innocent to deal with something like that.” Annabel was hugging Clyde dearly after she had said that.
She then got up to go to her room, but Clyde asked her to tuck him it again. “Alright, and make sure that you don’t mess it up again,” said Annabel, as she tucked Clyde in his bed. She also patted him on the head.
Xanto

 

[NinjaGirlGamer]

𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒊𝒏​

Ivanna just looked at Baxter with the face of suppressed emotions. Fighting back the tears, she didn’t want to break down in front of him. That was until Baxter grabbed her arm, usually she would have shoved him away, peel his hand of her, shouted at him to not touch her.

But this time, this time was different.

Ivanna just stood still while hearing Baxter’s speech. The man could preach, I’ll give him that. But she didn’t want the praise he was giving her. Ivanna felt like she didn’t deserve it. Baxter went on to speak about her unwillingness for others to help her. She felt like she was being lectured, well he is the leader after all. She knew Baxter wanted to make the situation better by easing the pain. But it didn’t matter how many people pitied her, Ivanna truly believed she was beyond healing.

Her whole persona, BloodBringer, was a way for her to cope with the monsters living inside.

“We're all in this rebellion knowing our current day may be our last. We each have our own motivations. So if we get injured . . die, it's not because of you. But because we fought with you. It's because we're fighting for you.”

“It's normal to hurt, because it means you loved.”

Ivanna wiped her face from the dried tears on her skin before starting to speak. “Sorry—“ She began “I promised myself I wouldn’t get like this.” Ivanna made a promise long ago that she wouldn’t be weak. She combed through her messy curly hair as she breathed out. “Promise me one thing.” She spoke in almost a whisper. “Don’t tell anyone about this. Ok?”

Ivanna didn’t know how the others would react, and for that. She didn’t want to know.

Xanto

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

Spoiler: Azalea’s Dress

She wanted to die.

Well—it was the first thought she’d had as the group rounded yet another stone stairway. No wonder Aodren never left his palace. It took ages to get up to. The stars twinkled above them as the group made their way up the stairs—no simple task for the ladies, adorned in their formal attire and dresses, which too, had been a problem itself.

The whole day had been spent planning, sneaking in and out and more. One group having been sent out to in fact, get and find formal attire for the ball that evening—which had been precarious and dangerous at best, knowing every move they made was likely watched by someone, somewhere. Azalea had been lucky she’d gotten sleep at all the night before, the couch a near blessing compared to the beds on the ship, the safeness of the home like place only adding to it. Tensions had been high, especially with Azalea shooting Angelo impish smirks that meant nothing good for later. As tensions were so now as James led them to the final stair, guiding the group across a wide, white bridge with green latticework and pink, vibrant flowers laced through the railings—large, currently open double doors awaiting them at the far end of the bridge—the palace doors. Azalea peered up at the stars as she walked along, her sleek dress trailing behind her. She’d chosen a sleek, black velvet dress that accented and hugged her slim, petite, lithe curves nicely, a giant, gold servant embroider on it and snaking its way up the entire back of her dress, golden trim snaking it’s way out into vine-like shapes at its sleeves; a bold, daring dress at the least, her dark maroon waves fell down well past her shoulders, framing her touched up face; though today—she’d left the scars on her face. Not the freckles—but the scars. They’d always remain, she decided. Wethere she liked it or not.

Azalea glanced back at the others as James came to a stop in front of her as the two guards that had stood by the palace doors gestured for them to stop, the faint sound of elegant music, violins and strings, echoing somewhere far off within the palace in front of them. She turned back as the two guards approached. She tried to make out the masked guards expressions, but could not through the matching silver, hard, ornate masks that covered their faces, their hard plate armour bearing Delchistrier’s red and white colors and emblem. James wore a similar one—though his mask wore an unsettling smile on it, rather then the expressionless faces the guardsmen held.

“Prostite, gospoda. Moya vecherinka ne lyubit, kogda menya zhdut.”

“Yego Velichestvo treboval, chtoby vse byli obyskany pered tem, kak voyti v vecherniy bal ... Dzheyms?”

“Na samom dele. U menya malo vremeni na boltovnyu. Dvigaytes' dal'she, vy ne khoteli by, chtoby korolevskiye vlasti Sartenfolla zhdali, ne tak li? Yego Velichestvo ne budet dovolen.”

Slowly both guardsmen turned to the group in unison, a few seconds of silence carried on before one of them shook his head, recovering himself quickly and stammering out, “Net net! Konechno, konechno, davay, davay - vashe velichestvo.” He bowed, as did the other one before they gestured the group along.


Azalea looked in awe as they were lead inside. She’d never seen anything so...wealthy. The walls were of the finest marble itself, her black-skippered feat padding against red velvet, brightly lit candles and torches lit the vast corridor they traveled down, with lots of red streamers wrapped around the white marble columns that upheld it all, the ceiling stretching far above them. Gold framed paintings lined the walls as they were led through multiple corridors, the sound of well played strings, elegant music becoming louder and louder until they were escorted outside two dark maroon double doors, where a small man approached had been standing idly, perking at seeing the company though pausing at seeing their faces bare, the two guards that had guided them stepping away already, briskly leaving the group as if they couldn’t wait to leave. The small man approached, his fists clenching.

“V chem smysl etoy goloy katastr—“

“Ob"yavite nas.”
James commanded sternly, cutting off the poor-tempered man, he opened his mouth before James leaned in and murmured something for a few moments, Azalea catching briefly her name, and a few others. The mans eyes widened, positively giddy with excitement and eager for thrill as he bounded over to the double doors, he flung them open wide. The small man—the announcer, stepped into the ballroom, James, then Azalea, following the others, stepped within.

The Ballroom was massive. It was filled with people—all masked and holding various sorts of beautiful dresses, the ladies bedazzled in skirts—mainly big and bountiful but in all varieties, the men dressed mainly in dashing black suitcoats or theyre regal uniforms. The ceiling seemed to stretch for miles above them, an orchestra played a flowing, elegant tone in the far corner of the room, the floors beneath them were a dark, sleek onyx that her dancing slippers felt as if she were gliding upon, the room brightly lit by a dangling chandelier with candles and sconces lighting the white walls around the room, green vines filled with the same vibrant, pink flowers entwined around the marble columns still. It was...beautiful. But Azalea did not have the time to enjoy it...

Spoiler: Dramatic Music — PLAY IT

As every single thing stopped the moment the announcer began to announce the group members one by one as they crossed into the room. Far off, she saw a blonde haired man turn, a golden, grand mask admiring his face, grander than all the others, more detailed and ornate, bigger in size. He wore a equally golden frown atop his light blonde, curly locks. Azalea’s gaze narrowed, and she found herself walking through the ballroom, leading the front as the group entered ballroom, all eyes on them, the crowd seemed to part as they walked towards each other with a sense of purpose, even the orchestra—had gone silent. Azalea and the man stopped in front of each other.

“Azalea. How dare you,” the man hissed quietly as he reached out and gently took Azalea by the hand, “show up to my ball and disrupt my party, arrive in my country, and upstand me. The nerve of your arrogance.” He bent low and kissed the top of her hand with the grace of a small smile on his lips that didn’t at all match his tone, murmurs of bewilderment spreading through the ballroom.

Azalea gave a feline smirk as she dipped a small cursty, “Aww, I knew you missed me,” she murmured in a purring tone, positively smug as the two straightened and faced each other. All eyes turned on them. They kept their pleasant smiles as they exchanged murmured hostile words.

“Of all siblings. You.”

“Me.”

“You bitch.”

“Still not over it I see.”

“I should lock you all up now for this little upstanding.”

Azalea’s feline smirk widened as she gestured to the muttering, gossiping aristocracy around them. “We both know you can’t do that, anymore,” she drawled quietly, cockily. “Though I’ll give you points for effort last night. I do admit, I’m a bit insulted you thought seven people could kill us.”

“Don’t get smug. As long as your here I have ranking over you. You, Princess, are in my land. You are in my palace.”

Azalea raised her chin and square her shoulders, defiant as she peered up at the man. A glimpse of what she should be. “We our Queens, and you will refer to us as such.” she said fiercely in a low tone.

His lips pulled up into what Azalea could guess could only be a sneer under his mask, “You are not Queens. Queens do not join ragtag rebellions. Queens are in control of their kingdoms. You five are nothing but little girls running around like chicken with your heads cut off.”

“No—Queens fight for their people and I, unlike you, do not abandon my people.I’ll do whatever it takes for my people—even if I have to take you down with me.” She said lowly, her tone becoming icier though her smirk kept itself on her sharper features.

“Watch. Your. Tongue.” He hissed coldly, a deadly quiet anger in his thickly accented tone.

“Address. Them.” She growled back challengingly, unbacking.

The two held stubborn, hate-filled stares then, each challenging the other to break down. Blue eyes behind a golden mask boring into her yellow-green ones. Air crackled between them. Finally, he turned to the crowd. He threw up his arms in celebration.

“What a grand day! It has been years since any Sarthenfall born royal has stepped foot in our lands—rejoice, my people, for we stand to witness history!” He exclaimed, his young voice booming over the ballroom as he turned his gaze around the room, stopping as he turned back to the group, “And in such times of strife—it is no wonder they have come with rumors of civil war, our poor, poor young princesses, faced with such loss at the simple mistakes of the poor, shameful decisions their parents made, helpless to stop them from driving their own country into the ground, they can not help the savage rulings of their country, ” he mused loudly in a false, sad tone. Azalea clenched her jaw but kept her cool smirk. The Game. Apart of the Game. He was ripping them apart already. Murmurs of agreement spread through the room.

“But alas! Now is not the time, dear folks, to mourn their weak country—let us rejoice! Rejoice that we can stand, united as a front, and console and welcome these people as they come—rejoice! Rejoice that Delchistrier will always stand tall and embrace and forgive with open arms. Let us welcome the Princesses to our kingdom, and encourage this opportunity to teach them and comfort them—on how to best rule a country.” He said warmly, murmurs and spreads of applause breaking around them, but all Azalea could hear was the pounding of her heartbeat, the sound of rushing water in her ears, blocking out the sound of claps around them as she watched Aodren’s lips curve into a triumphant smile as he looked down upon her.

And felt the rage pounded harder and harder into her with each second.


~~~~
Timeskip: The Ball — Delchistrier Palace
Time: 11:32 PM
Weather: Clear
Xanto explosiveKitten
Blackrose7 Inheritance NinjaGirlGamer

 

[Xanto]

Raymond Callahan and Baxter Callahan​

What a darling plan. Raymond sarcastically thought as he walked through the double doors after the Sarthenfall royals were introduced. His own maneuvers usually involved slyness and secrecy to avoid getting caught and/or decrease the likelihood of it. This strategy was showy and obvious though. Not only were each of them introduced, but also they were the only ones without masks. Ray glanced at his brother, who was sporting his usual cold features. This time, the younger Callahan's brows slightly furrowed. Earlier that morning Bax and Ray reviewed their plan. The discussion wasn't quite smooth sailing though. Raymond disagreed and the two bickered for a moment in the house's secret lower level away from everyone else's sight.

___​

"It's the only way!" "How do you expect me to come up with an escape plan?" "Since when were you concerned about plans? You don't even like plans!" "Yeah Bax, when I'm by myself . . But with all of them?" This was usually the discussion they had before all the other missions. However this time, they HAD to be known and eyes were ACTUALLY CONSTANTLY watching them. It was completely opposite from what Ray was used to criminally dealing with. At this point, it would take some kind of magic.

___​

"What a grand day!" A voice boomed. Raymond looked up at the sound assuming it was the king speaking. He listened to the man expectedly put them down, yet welcome them somehow with open arms regardless. Well, there wasn't really anything much the group could do now other than proceed with the mission. Besides, the brothers managed to come up with three solid plans in case of emergency.

Raymond's gaze calmly shifted around, looking for Layla based on her hair and eye color. If they did it right they wouldn't have to escape. Found her. Luckily, there were only a handful of redheads around them. Also, it wasn't hard to spot a couple of servants step out of a certain woman's way as her eyes turned to view the commotion.

The crowd erupted in applause following the king's not-so-pleasant conclusion. Raymond's eyes almost immediately landed on Azalea, then followed her gaze to the king's lips. Perhaps the whole group knew that despite the cool smirk, she tried keeping her short temper under control. No reason why anyone would want her to test it now. Azalea could randomly explode soon enough.

"Più velocemente lavoriamo, più diventiamo sicuri," Ray numbly stated as he bumped pass Bax's shoulder and walked toward Azalea and Aodren. Formalities and blah blah blah. He'd save it all for Layla, his target. Right now, they each had to proceed with their assigned mission and get out. This Aodren thing was a distraction. If anyone could butter up the king Ray knew it wasn't him or Azalea anyway. It had to be people used to biting their tongue and gallivanting among nobles.

The music soon started playing again and the crowd lightly dispersed. On that exact note, Raymond smoothly intercepted Azalea. He stepped in between the two royals, placed his hand on her waist, and stepped around Azalea turning her 180 degrees away from Aodren and toward him all in one motion. "Princess, shall we dance?" Raymond asked as he slightly smiled at Azalea. His gaze then slowly raised past her's to meet the king's. "Your highness, an honor to meet you," Ray bowed his head, "Please, I encourage you to meet our other princesses as well . . especially Princess Aurelie." Yes, she out of all of them was used to biting her tongue and gallivanting among nobles.

Raymond's hazel gaze then lowered back down to Azalea's, "So, what do you say?"

"Non lasciare Aurelie fuori dalla tua vista," Baxter mumbled to Angie as his eyes scanned the area for Maxim. The rebellion leader was just within earshot to hear Raymond's sneaky suggestion of offering up Aurelie as some sort of diversion. He then cast a glance at James. If anything, James as the assigned floater should be ready to take on Artem in case Aurelie and Aodren miraculously did get into in depth conversation. Otherwise, James should try and pry Aurelie and Angelo away from Aodren to focus on Artem.

Ms. Sparrow explosiveKitten Blackrose7 Inheritance NinjaGirlGamer

 

[explosiveKitten]

She hated this. This entire situation was terrible, horrible and she HATED it.

She had run from this kind of life nearly eight years ago, yet here she was, about to start shmoozing with a foreign king and his court. What a great time.

Angie was desperately keeping a straight face while they were being announced, as Angie had given a fake name to keep up with the illusion of her being Aurelie’s cousin. She had been given an Aubigian name, so she was going to use it, and try to only respond to it.
Arno Chevalier. Whatever that means.

She watched idly as everyone made their way over to the king himself, Azalea and him exchanging heated words (Offff course they have negative history! How WONDERFUL!) before the king turned and addressed the entire ballroom.

Angie could feel Aurelie begin to shake in her fancy yellow couture dress at all the attention, grasping Angie’s arm with surprising strength. If she hadn’t been trained to be a proper lady, her knees probably would have been knocking, her teeth chattering, and her nails would be stubs by now.

“Aurelie... Aurelie, I’m losing circulation in my arm.” Angie hissed under her breath.
“What?”
“My arm, Aurelie, you’re choking my arm.”
“What? ... Oh!”

The princess very suddenly released her death grip on the arm and tried to keep proper position without killing her escort’s arm.
Angie sighed when all this was said and done- The King insulted them all right in front of them, and she could practically hear Azalea’s teeth grinding to dust during the entire speech. At least she kept her mouth shut. But now she was seething under the skin, a bomb waiting to go off. Someone needed to calm her down. Angie glanced over in Aria’s direction at first, but apparently Raymond beat her to it.
Ray... asked Azalea to dance.

Now it was Aurelie’s turn to be confused as Angie started to breath hard in an effort to not mock Azalea mercilessly at the moment.

Angie shook her head and leaned over to listen when Baxter walked over and spoke in her ear, before she leaned away and muttered, “Come se potessi mai togliermi Aurelie dal braccio... Lo vedrò fatto.”

She turned swiftly and marched in the direction of Aodren.
“Uhm, Arno. What are we doing?”
“You are going to talk to Aodren.”
“Whaaaat?!” The petite princess squeaked, clutching back onto Angie’s arm.
“The Delchristians like Aubigians better than any of the other countries in Sarthenfall, and you are the most diplomatically gifted. You know how to walk the walk and talk the talk, so this is your job now.”
“Ohhhhh, gods, whyyy?”
“Look, I know you’re nervous, but we need you. You are the best for this job.”
“Nnnmmm.... Why me...”
“... How do I greet him?”
“What?”
“I need to say hello somehow, how do I say, uhhh, ‘Your Highness’ in Aubigian?”
“... Bonsoir, Votre Altesse.”
“Great. I’ll definitely remember that.”
“... just let me do the talking.”

Aurelie, with purses lips and shaking hands, approached the King. Hopefully this would go well. She stepped daintily forward, with her cousin close beside her and curtesied perfectly, before speaking up.

“Salutations, Votre Altesse. Je suis Aurélie Beauchamp, princesse du royaume occidental d'Aubigine, et voici mon cousin, Lord Arno Chevalier. C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer.”

When she heard her ‘name’, Angie took that as the cue to bow to the king and repeated what Aurelie told her earlier.
“Bonsoir, Votre Altesse.”

Xanto Ms. Sparrow

 

[NinjaGirlGamer]

𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒊𝒏​

Not in a million years had Ivanna imagined she would attending a ball with royals and nobles alike. You think this would be a major achievement for someone of her low status, but in reality.

She hated every minute of it

The preparation wasn’t any better. The amount of refusals to wearing a dress was so high, it drove everyone up a wall. So they decided to let her wear what she wanted.

A suit drenched in the color of black.

Spoiler: Ivanna’s Suit

Spoiler: Ivanna’s Cape

Ivanna was fixing her collar while the rest of the group was climbing the stairs. The amount of stairs didn’t bother her, it was practically another leg day. However, the tightness of her suit was starting to make even her scars itch. Once everyone reached the final stair, Ivanna swiftly combed through her newly curled hair before straightening up her posture. The music was getting louder and louder each step she took. Glancing at James talking to the guards, then watching the double doors open.

Ivanna deeply sighed, Here we go.......

The scenery was spectacular, every inch of the place spoke of high class. From the floors to the ceiling along with everyone in attendance. It looked like a fairy tale. A fairy tale Ivanna was dreading to be in. Nevertheless, She kept her neutral composure as all eyes were on them. She could faintly hear the whispers being thrown at the group, Ivanna knew one of them was probably talking about her and her “boyish attire.”

The music went into complete silence as all of the group was in plain sight with Azalea taking the lead. Ivanna peeked over quickly to see the interaction between Azalea and Aodren. She could hear some of their bickering. So Hot Head knew about him? She scoffed in her head. What else was she hiding.

Then the King formally introduced the special guests. And I mean formally as in pure mockery. However, Ivanna’s face from an outside view spoke of no emotion, but inside, she was thinking of all the ways to display Aodren in a humiliating light.

After the introduction, the nobles and aristocrats dispersed. The gang seemed to be going to work, and this was Ivanna’s cue. Ivanna moved herself next to Annabel while keeping her hands behind her back. “Alright Snowflake here’s the plan,” Ivanna said in a low whisper “You try to find the middle aged woman who so happens to be the Spymaster, and I’ll scope out the place.” Ivanna concluded before going off to the side. Taking in all of her surroundings while taking note of every servant in the room. One of Ivanna’s “bad attributes” was not trusting anyone, however in this case, it would be her strongest suit. Observing the room while blending in with the crowd.

Ivanna had to admit, this was a huge opportunity. Sure sure she had her noble days, but that was when she was a child. A fleeting memory lost in the back of her mind. She did retain one thing though, waltzing, and it has helped her survive by using the principles of the dance to implement them into learning martial arts. No one would have guessed waltzing could be used as a weapon.

A servant approached Ivanna with a tray having a bottle of wine with wine glasses. Ivanna smiled politely and took a glass from the tray. “Thank you” She said in her noble voice, walking over to the balcony area where the view looked over the kingdom of Delchistrier. Once she was away from everyone’s view, She poured out the wine over the balcony and gave out a frustrated sigh.

God I hate balls

Interaction: Blackrose7

Everyone else: Ms. Sparrow Xanto explosiveKitten Inheritance

 

[Blackrose7]

It was at this moment that she knew that she fuck up, for Annabel didn't expect that the ball would be this stressful. As she hadn't seen the full effect of the game, because of how calm the Delchistrierans were at the inn. Heck, not even the assassination attempt had shown her the seriousness of the game. Because that felt like something Ezersis would try to do.
Now that Annabel got a good look at the seriousness of the game. Her mind began to think of different ways to talk to them properly, because she wanted to be respectful. 'James wasn't joking around about the game's nature, since it looks intense. I should be alright if I am careful with my wording and just listen to what they have to say like I usually do.' thought Annabel.
Her plan was to flirt with the nobles, so they wouldn't lose interest in the conversation.

While Aodren did his speech to the special guests, Annabel just stood there with a neutral expression. His words didn't rip her apart like everybody else in the group, for she knew that some of the things he said were true. Regardless, Annabel needed to improve herself for the sake of her kingdom, and Delchistrier can help them out in a way.
Aodren eventually finished his speech, and the real problem for her has begun. Ivanna moved next to her and started to whisper about the plan. "Ok, and wish me luck." said Annabel, whispering.
Once Ivanna had left her on her own, Annabel just walks around the ball hoping to find the spymaster.
Interaction: NinjaGirlGamer

Everyone else: Ms. Sparrow Xanto explosiveKitten Inheritance

 

[Inheritance]

Jeod Swift​

If Jeod was as invested as the rest of the group was in this rebellion, he might have been very nervous at this dance. Of course, he loved dances, and was great with people and even better at dancing. He was very happy to be here, and felt that he could be himself for the first time in a long time. Dressed in his usual suit, though perhaps with a bit more gold and a bit more polish on the shoes, he was happy to ask people to dance and have a great time here. He didn't eat or drink anything-he wasn't stupid- but he talked to people and acted as though he was indeed some noble that belonged here. Perhaps his talks with the heir to the Lorelthian throne helped with that, but he never had much of a problem fitting in. Tinkers were almost always welcomed everywhere.

Though he was having second thoughts about overthrowing the rebellion. Yes, he thought they were going from bad idea to bad idea; and yes he thought that they would soon crash and they would probably all be in for death, but his annoyance with the rebellion dwindled when not around Cali. Without her, he didn't feel like doing anything direct, and didn't feel like he had it in him. He had a solid mind and could probably be decent at leading a battle with his strategic mind and charisma, but he had no experience leading people, and no great resume except for that he was a tinker. He had thought hard about their plan, and he found himself unable to want to make any sort of move against their current rebellion. Ray was he friend, and he couldn't live with himself if his abandoning of the rebellion got the man killed; and he didn't really want to see anyone in the rebellion die.

Ivanna was a special case, but even then he didn't want to see her die. He was not a vengeful or violent person, and his anger with her had subsided almost entirely. He still wondered why he was going to let her die in the inn, but when he thought about it, he really didn't. There was something every man or woman of the road knew, and Tinkers knew it most of all:

"A Tinker's debt is always paid
Once for any simple trade
Twice for freely given aid
And Thrice for any insults made"

Her attack on him was as blatant of an insult as he thought possible, and if he had even begun to pay her back, he had barely done so once. Still, he wouldn't cause her to die or attack her, but he wouldn't help her in her time of need.

So Jeod danced and socialized, all the while keeping an eye out for his target. He hadn't seen Priscilla yet, and hoped she would reach out to him so that they could begin to take down their target-one who he would be more than happy to publicly engage in a word duel. The man was supposed to be very sharp of tongue and swift of mind, but Jeod fancied himself the same way if not better, and was excited for the opportunity. It was about time he started to have some fun here.


Ms. Sparrow Xanto Blackrose7 NinjaGirlGamer explosiveKitten

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

She couldn't hear anything under through the roaring rage that pounded and encompassed her as she fixated her icy gaze on Aodren's masked face. It didn't help all the eyes that lay on them all, those cruel masked faces that reminded her all too much of Soris and his magicked masked dancers. Azalea couldn't breath, stifled and suffocated, head pounding. What was she doing? She couldn't do this. She couldn't play these games. She was gonna fall apart in front of everyone. She was gonna ruin everything...again.

And then...there was Raymond.

He stepped between herself and Aodren, her brows arching upwards as surprise shot through her as he placed his hand on her waist, smoothly whirling her around, her dress sweeping the marble floor under her. The move had taken her by enough surprise that it had slapped some of her senses back into her like cold water, dousing her. She felt, felt past the rage as she met his gaze briefly, the pounding in her head ceasing slowly, ignoring all the eyes she knew were certainly watching them. Azalea exhaled, given the chance to steady herself as Raymond addressed Aodren, slowly coming back down to he reality.

Aodren watched the interaction, his expression hard to discern under the extravagant, gleaming golden lions mask, though his lips curved into a satisfied smile impartially with the Calore's princess silence, though this turned to mild surprise when he found she was not reacting to Raymond with a classic shove, or with her biting his head off, blinking at Raymond as he addressed him. The Delchistrier King gave an arrogant smirk in return. "Mhm,I should think it is," he replied, "and yes, I should hope the other Princess's are for more gracious and well-mannered," he paused, lowering his tone so not all that watched could hear, even as his smile appeared genuine. "For your rebellion's sake." he murmured lightly, though the mild threat was clear.

Azalea's lips pressed into a white thin line. A second from whipping her head around and snapping back at him with something much less subtle before Raymond turned his attention back on her, meeting her gaze once more. There was something about his gaze that gave her pause in her anger, her stomach tightening with some mild, blooming emotion that was foreign. "So, what do you say?" he asked, proposing and offering her to...dance. She hesitated.

Did she really deserve to dance? She never thought she could....afterall, it was her love, her ambitions for dancing that had got them here in a manner. Got them Soris. Even though every time she heard a tune, or instrument, her mind was already figuring out what dance to pair with it, what steps and rhythm would match best. But her love of dancing had cost them everything. Aodren took her beat of silence as something else and barked a mild laugh. "I apologize mon monsieur," he said, amused, "you are far better off asking a lady that won't savagely assault you, perhaps one of Delchi--"

"I'll do it." Azalea spoke up, cutting off Aodren and squaring her shoulders a bit. She wouldn't let Soris take that. She wouldn't let him take her love of dancing, twist it into fear. Besides...she gave Raymond a mild smirk that tilted the corner of her lips, a part of her had consistently wondered in the back of her mind how well he had danced. She didn't think there was another person in here she'd rather dance with more...how did that happen? Azalea's smirk grew sly and she glanced over her shoulder at Aodren, "I'd be happy to," she said, watching with no small satisfaction, the smug smirk wipe clean off his face before looking back to Raymond, yellow-green gaze sparking with secret delight as she offered out her hand to him.

"Tch," Aodren took a few steps away from the pair after regarding the back of Azalea's red head, masked dancers automatically parting the way for him where he crossed the floor, halting as Angie and Aurelie approached him and stopping his progress entirely, folding his hand behind his back as he was addressed, not bowing for the Aubinge Queen as he should have, peering down at the duo observantly.

It was at this time Azalea's gaze flicked past Raymond's shoulder, more levelheaded now as her eyes landed on a remarkably tall, lithe woman at the far end of the room, a glass of red wine it seemed in her hand. Azalea knew instantly who it was. Her long, sleek, fiery red hair was a bright beacon, unlike Azalea's more dark, wine colored hair. She adorned a mask of simple silver that only covered half her features. "Don't look now," Azalea muttered, "but I think I found our lady," she said, watching as Layla began to cross the room for Aodren, but stopped suddenly, her gaze landing on Aodren and then Aurelie. Azalea could've sworn she watched her oddly long fingers turn white at the tips as they pressed into her wine glass. Uh oh.

Aodren didn't spare Angie a glance once she had bowed and introduced herself as a man, dipping a dismissive nod to her before his attention entirely fixated on Aurelie and her dainty, smaller features. He reached out and gently took Aurelie's hand, "Ah, a pleasure mademoiselle," a charming smile taking way on his face as he bent low and placed a slow kiss upon her hand. He understood her entirely, after all, the west language of Sarthenfall and Delchistrier's dialect were nearly one and the same, although mixed in Delchistrier in a sense, with Aubinge's language more direct and less so, though stemming from Delchistrier all the same. "I am glad to finally meet Aubinge's bijou," he murmured in a low, warm tone. Recklessly and shamelessly flirting before all, surrounded in his court of snakes.

Xanto explosiveKitten

~~~~

It might've been the worst mistake, now of all times, to part from one another. It was a ruthless court of liars and manipulators. If they were alone, the might be for more likely to get a worse experience, indeed, chances would be taken. It made sense only, that the hungry and powerful aimed for those with nobody at their side, and it was exactly what would befall Ivanna it seemed as she wandered and strayed from Annabel.

It seemed she only wanted to be seen when she allowed it, and nothing else. Somehow the woman got about, in her frivioulous gold and black skirts, she was somehow a shadow itself amoung the crowd, eyes following Ivanna from afar and watching her step out into the balcony.

"Not much for parties?" a woman's steely voice asked from directly behind Ivanna as she stepped into the dark night, the Spymaster's intention obviously. Nadira stood with perfect, upright poise, the middle-aged woman's expression or tone gave away nothing but cold politeness from the golden, bird shaped mask she wore, her dark blonde hair bulled back into a tight bun from her face with a golden comb that pinned it all together. The thin, small-boned woman glanced Ivanna up and down, brown eyes flickering in quite distaste as she beheld her attire. It was clear the suit did not strike the traditionalists woman's favor. "You are quite obvious about it. Most ladies do not wear such...attire to events such as this. Nor are they supposed to hide away unless they are hiding secrets or their distaste for such events. Some may find it insulting." The Spymaster said in a matter-of-fact manner, her tone never changing from its firm, cold and unfeeling politeness, just drilling and picking into Ivanna considering she was alone. Nadira testing her.

All from the woman who had already likely been given a run down about everyone in the group, and all their personalities, with her collective spies. Already knowing Ivanna and what she was about. However brief. So Nadira would pick and pick in her cunningness. Evaluating Ivanna's every move and word.

Blackrose7 NinjaGirlGamer
~~~~~~

Of course, with Jeod alone himself for the moment, the hungry dove in naturally, its mischievous predator finding his target from the far corner of the room, appearing half drunk but surprisingly conscious and aware of his every move, he watched Jeod for some time in his drunken slur, through his dancing, which he only partook in when the movement was lively, and over the heads of the women he recklessly and shamelessly flirted with. He would've been on Aodren's arm likely right now, had Aodren not been so easily bewitched by Aurelie.

Lyksander wove his way through the dancers with a slight stumble, carrying himself with a sense of self importance he did not have, two women in tow behind him, their cheeks flushed with drink and giddiness in their brief time with the young man. No doubt Lyksander's women for the night. The haughty, spirited man came up behind Jeod, aiming to throw an arm around him which appeared joyful and friendly though in truth was a subtle manner of imposing himself on the Tinker, "Ah! A foreigner, care to share a drink with me and my lovely ladies?" he drawled, nudging him a too little harshly in a seemingly playful manner though it was not, the painted fox mask he wore fitting for his personality, his visible mouth breaking into a wide grin. "Party with us and surely you'll relax, friend! We'll make you feel right at home!" he said loudly in an obnoxious manner, a few heads turning to look at them. It was a tough spot Lyksander was already imposing on him. To get drunk and loose with him and appear reckless, or to appear rude and disrespectful to a cabinet manner in front of all who watched. Lyksander's brown eyes sparking with young, bold mischief as he awaited Jeod's reply, picking on him alone for the moment, with no partner in sight.

Decisions, decisions...

Bakuyoshi Inheritance
~~~~~~

Aria appeared as calm as she could, offering polite, courteous but stiff smiles with her freckled features as the ginger woman swept about the floor in her dark, navy blue dress, which contained some animals white-grey fur at the shoulders, having picked the dress with it most reminding her of her Northern lands, her redheaded locks braided into a simple but pretty braid that went down her back. In truth, balls and politics were far from here scene, as was dancing. Her skill lied in tactics and battles, not...this. She'd usually left the dancing to her cousins and all the other heirs of Sarthenfall while she was off commanding the fields.

But the rebellion needed this, so she shoved down the minor displacement and awkwardness she felt and gave her bets smiles while she searched for both her target and her partner, Cali, who she'd lost admist the dancers and crowd. Unfortunately, everyone was in mask, and this made things all but difficult as she weaved her calmly and stiffly through the dancers that made no move to part for her of all people, turning and nearly bumping solidly right into a man adorned in dark blues and reds, his mask a painted, black wolf. The gentlemen's hand shot out to steady her, gripping her shoulder. She swiftly apologized, "I'm sorry," she said, smiling, a strained thing as she shrugged her shoulder out of his hand which remained longer then it had to. Out of the corner of her high she glimpsed James look towards her before looking back to resume his own casual discussion with Artem or so she assumed.

The man gave her an unreadable smile, silver eyes boring into her with a disregarded laziness. Aria glanced to his slightly tussled sandy blonde hair, recalling Ivan's description.
"Your forgiven, Princess." he said politely, a charming hint to his tone though his eyes carried no warmth and he made no bow or curtsy as he should have, and though it didn't usually bother her, this time it did, but she bit her tongue swiftly. He continued on, hooking his arm around her's without her permission as he lead her through the crowd and out of it, speaking. "Please, mademoiselle, allow me to introduce myself as Ivan, Lord Chancellor of Delchistrier." he said, pausing as he released her arm and turned to face her, now conversing at the far wall, and away from the dancers swarms.

"A pleasure, then, Ivan." she said as politely as she could muster, eyes darting around for Cali before looking back to a oddly expant silver gaze.

"It is custom for people to bow to the Lord Chancellor in Delchistrier," he said smoothly in a matter-of-fact tone she was sure meant to irk her, "Though you are clearly Sarthenfall's Northern Princess and I do not expect you to know this," he droned on with the same charming smile that didn't match his eyes, giving a wave of his hand. Though Aria had never heard of such a practice. Ever. She was positive he was playing her, trying to get a royal to bow to him. Her lips pressed together.

"You do know how to cursty?" Ivan asked in his false, warm politeness.

"Oh I know how to curtsy," she replied as lightly and innocently as possible.

He gave a gesture. "Then go ahead." he said, with mild authority. A bold move of him, indeed. Aria glanced out of the corner of her eyes for any sight of Cali as she gritted her teeth slightly, looking back to Ivan.
Bakuyoshi
~~~~

The ball's most distinguished predator, most power-hungry snake of all, watched from afar. Indeed, the generals intentions and eyesight had been set on Baxter the moment he was introduced, curious and cunning, watching him out of the corner of his eyes as he spoke and charmed his way with nobles and aristocrats alike, though his boredom was slowly becoming evident and more impatient as the moments ticked on. Finally, when he saw the rebellion leader alone, and only then, did Maxim weave his way through the masked dancers that danced in pairs and slipped about the room in a fast paced waltz, the more lively, elegant music that played from the band in the far right corner of the room setting the pace for all this. The dancers parted and slid from him and his path easily as he strode for Baxter, for even the nobles, for all his kindness and display of charm towards him, and heard some dark, dark stories of his brutalization, court gossip ever so common about the man.

"The leader of the Sarthenfall rebellion," Maxim greeted as he stepped towards Baxter, his hands clasped behind his back, golden-wolf mask gleaming and shining brightly under the light of the massive, glimmering chandeliers around the ballroom. His tone was neither warm nor cold and gave no respect to Baxter at all, dipping his head towards him. "Bold of you to set foot in here, a traitor to your own crowns, the one who brought war unto your own country," he gestured outwards to the room and its company, "But here you are, you, your rebellion, your royals, when I could have you all arrested right now, but here you are," he glanced at his booted feet for a minute, laughing and shaking his head before looking to Baxter, clapping the rebellion leader on the shoulder as if they were friends sharing a joke. But he was laughing at him, lips spread into a wolfish, feral grin, his icy eyes dancing. "Truly remarkable," he said, as if he were praising Baxter. But all who knew, who played The Game, knew there was a deeper game behind the Generals guise of friendship.
Xanto

~~~~~~~~
!!THE ROLEPLAY IS BACK ON EVERYONE!! WEEWOOWEEWOO))

The Ball — Delchistrier Palace
Time: Evening
Weather: Clear

 

[NinjaGirlGamer]

𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒊𝒏​

She was bored. Beyond bored. This wasn’t in her field of specialties, Hell probably the whole archive. She leaned over the balcony while looking over the kingdom. Pfft this shitty kingdom. Ivanna was waiting for something to go wrong. Combat wise. Not Politics. She didn’t want to get involved in a dispute that was going to be about diplomatic affairs and noble gossip. That was the royals job, not hers.

“Not much for Parties?”

Then it seemed this night has begun to turn out for the worse as Ivanna heard the firm voice emitting from behind her. She turned around to see the masked woman sporting a black and gold dress with a golden comb to match. Ivanna evaluated the woman before her, checking off every description of her supposed target. It was the Spymaster. Shit. Ivanna took a quick peek behind the Spymaster to see if Annabel was nearby. She wasn’t, this made Ivanna realize she was in a very tight position right now. One that she can’t use combat to get out of. Ivanna stood there as the Spymaster criticized her attire and mannerism. She was testing her and it was clear to Ivanna. Currently, her mind was in a frenzy on what to say. One thing Ivanna noticed right away was the nature of the Spymaster’s gaze. She was analyzing her, just like Ivanna currently was. However, the woman gave no hints other than that. It was clear she was masking her intentions so Ivanna couldn’t discern what she was probably thinking. She had to act carefully, otherwise she would jeopardize the whole mission. And possibly the whole rebellion.

Therefore, Ivanna formed a charismatic smile. One that she may or may not have practiced in the mirror for several hours straight before they arrived. “I’ve decided I needed some fresh air, ballrooms are sometimes ridiculously hot with all the people in the room. It can be overwhelming at times.” Ivanna spoke in a noble tone, something she may or may not have practiced as well. “I mostly prefer the outdoors, it’s comforting to be with nature and feel the breeze.” Ivanna switched the empty glass in her hand to her other hand “Sorry, where are my manners. Ivanna Karnstein, pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She said with a smile as she took a bow to the woman.

“I hope my attire doesn’t offend you, My Lady. You’ll have to forgive me of choosing something that is way different from regular tradition. Where I come from, we are generally flexible in our customs. As we think, uniqueness is what gives life a little spice.” Ivanna spoke clear and firm with every word she said while adding a hint of noble ascent. She could only hope that she could keep this small talk short and brief for Annabel to come by and save the day. One can only hope.


Where are you Snowflake

Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7

 

[explosiveKitten]

Angie could practically hear Aurelie screaming for help, from inside her own mind. This was a mistake, wasn’t it?

Aurelie was shaking, almost visibly, but managed to still her arm when Aodren took her hand and placed a kiss upon her gloved knuckles. If she wasn’t uncomfortable before, she sure is now. Hopefully it didn’t show on her face.
“E-Eheh, oh please, you... you flatter me, Y-Your Highness. Hehe.” When allowed to, she retrieved her hand and firmly wrapped it around her “cousin” ‘s arm, where it was normally resting. Having firmly made contact with her escort, she seemed to find her head again, and continued with the conversation.
“After all, I-I couldn’t compare to the splendor around us. Truly, this is a magnificent palace you have here. And the decór is so very grand.”

Angie soon tuned out the conversation, seeing as Aodren was focused solely on Aurelie for some reason. She took the brief moment to look around the room, taking in everyone’s current positions and situations.
So... they were all separated. And being individually found by the many members of the Royal Council or whatever, and were probably a mere five seconds from being picked apart by vultures. Oh, joy. And she was stuck here with Aodren.

Normally, Angie wouldn’t care, but... Aodren has completely ignored her. Yeah, sure, she wasn’t a princess (or Queen?) like Aurelie, or Azalea, but she had been introduced as LORD Arno. That had some status back in Ezeris, at least. So why was he so fixated on Aurelie?

... This was definitely a mistake.

Ms. Sparrow

 

[Bakuyoshi]

"This whole crowd sucks, I knew it was a ball but by the gods there are enough people to fill the Mysterious spirit twice over, and they are all dancing. Oh come on Aria a signal is all, oh never mind, excuse me gentlemen perhaps another time and I may have a dance. I am here on business." She excused a lone man as she began to make her way for Aria. Her mind racing as to how to do this. But when push comes to shove let her Lorelthian blood do the talking. Especially if this was the Lord Chancellor which meant she had to be a little more welcoming on her end.

'Well good evening Aria, here I was afraid I had lost my partner for a few moments, I know my sister nor your cousin approve of me losing you so easily. And who might this be?" she gave a gasp looking at Ivan before giving a small curtsy to him. " oh but that is rude for me to ask a man his name without giving mine. I am Ceallachain Auscent, but most call me Cali if they prefer so. Call me whichever name you prefer moreseo. And with my introduction out of the way perhaps I can have yours in honor of this chance meeting." She said about to hold her hand out for a handshake before realizing that it was not Lorelthia she was in. "Apologies my people usually shake hands as a means of introduction, I forget I am no longer in Lorelthia but that means I should not be slacking in my manners. So do feel free to correct me if I do anything to offend you."

Ms. Sparrow

 

[Blackrose7]

During her search for the spymaster: Nadira, Annabel decided that it was a good time to get something from the food table. Since she wanted to eat something before she could find them. 'Hm. If I will something from the food table. I should get something healthier like strawberries and bananas. Chocolate is too risky, and they probably put poison in it. It is also not a good idea to eat something that can ruin my dress in the game. I should get a fork, a knife, and two napkins. Because I am going to be putting them on a plate.' thought Annabel.
She was smart enough to do this, as she had seen the nobles eat like that. The real problem comes when trying to pick a spoon, knife, and a fork. There are different types of them for different reasons, so it isn't easy to remember that.

Annabel then looked around for a place to test the fruits for poison. This princess didn't want to eat it in front of everyone, since she thought that it was rude to do this in front of everybody. 'I should probably do the poison test on the balcony. That way nobody would see what I am trying to do.' thought Annabel. Not knowing that the balcony was rude in Delchistrier, she went there to make sure that the fruits were safe to eat.

Once at the balcony, Annabel started to check the strawberries and bananas for any poison with the fork and knife. She wasn't going to eat it if they did, because an Ezerisian like her would know about the poison food trap. 'Did they put the poison in the fruits as well? Because I hope that they didn't do that, since they do like to eat strawberries and bananas.' thought Annabel.
During that time, she hasn't noticed that Ivanna and Nadira were there. For Annabel was enjoying her peaceful time at the party.
NinjaGirlGamer Ms. Sparrow

 

[Inheritance]

Jeod Swift
"They try to beat me, they try in vain. When I win, I win in pain."
-------'Death', by Jeod Swift-------
​

If his opponent hadn't shown up in the next twenty minutes, Jeod might have started to grow bored. While this half drunken rich boy and his fox mask seemed like a waste of his time, he was careful not to misjudge him. He had his job, and he intended to do it well... even without the help he was supposed to have.

"Why of course! A drink would be amazing! Oh and trust me, I'm a man of the road my home is wherever there is a warm hearth and some good stories to be told." He paused, grinning. "And coin, if the others aren't around."

He eyed the two young ladies behind the fox masked man, nodding to them slightly but otherwise ignoring them. He was wary of them, but he didn't care for their charms. There was a time and place for that, and here was sure as hell not one of those times.

Ms. Sparrow

(Sorry no pic Sparrow was hazing me to do this now)

 

[Xanto]

Raymond Callahan​

Raymond casually raised a brow, while waiting for Azalea's response. She seemed hesitant about dancing, doing something he knew she loved. Soon enough, the casual thought turned into curiosity. His typically confident gaze wavered off to the side in confusion as the mere silence between them stretched. It didn't help that Aodren spewed out useless information as if he knew her better. . . Wait, did he?

Ray's facial features shifted into a straight expression as he eyed the king. Meanwhile, Aodren kept yapping till- "I'll do it," Azalea suddenly spoke up, prompting Raymond's eyes to immediately move back and meet her's. Anyone close enough would have seen his hazel gaze light up. The subtle expression was cut short though when the man caught her mischievous smirk. Right, Azalea's a dancer. She was probably ready to judge (and later tease) the skill he long tucked away.

As soon as Azalea gave her closing statement to Aodren, Raymond took her hand and led her to the dance floor. Once there, they moved rhythmically according to the music. His body almost effortlessly followed the motions of the rest, moving in sync with his partner's. It wasn't long before Azalea told him not to look at Layla . . yet. Raymond nodded before firmly spinning them around and glancing at their target. He wouldn't let dancing get to his head. They had a mission to accomplish.

Step after step followed even a slight lift. Despite his surprisingly on point dancing, Raymond made a sly effort to step on his shoe lace as he smoothly guided Azalea and moved them around. His gaze then moved to Azalea's to check on her. Actually, it stayed there for a bit. He felt kind of guilty for not being able to dance with only her on his mind; however, duty called. Now that his shoe lace was loosened, Ray weaved him and Azalea through the crowd until he suavely spun her off to the side. He followed her there, both stopping by their target. "Pardon me," Ray shot a glance at Azalea before bending down and tying his shoe.

Baxter Callahan​

Baxter was scanning the area until a man approached him. Without a doubt, he was the stranger he searched for. The golden hair and blue eyes fit the description of his target properly. Maxim. The golden-wolf mask dipped its head as Baxter dipped his in return.

The Delchistrierian General went on about the rebellion as Baxter had expected, erroneously assuming they were traitors to the dark king himself. There was even a subtle threat of arrest before the guy finally ended with a seemingly friendly clap on the shoulder.

Baxter smiled. Yes, he smiled. The rebel leader attempted to tap back into the charming man he once was. For Sarthenfall. His own hand clapped the general's shoulder in return, a little harder. "A brother in arms. It would be an honor if I was in the presence of the General Maxim Prokirvaka?" He waited for some sort of confirmation before continuing, "I've heard much about you in my short time here." Baxter chuckled in an almost different persona. This type of work was not his forte. Give him a battle and he would almost easily slam the opponent over. This acting job was different though. But alas, he had to look at Maxim not as an opponent, but an ally. Baxter didn't need Maxim. He needed the general's army. Maxim needed him.

"A general is reflected by his army. Not only by their armor and numbers, but also the battles they choose. The wars they win," Baxter turned his body so that it fully faced Maxim. His broad shoulders came into a better light as his natural, serious tone returned in a lower volume, "We can win this game . . Or you can cleverly assume I, along with the last surviving royals of each bloodline, sailed for 30 days merely to walk in and get captured."

Ms. Sparrow

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

Oh.

He was good. He was very good. Few had ever matched her dancing, truly. Typically, Azalea found herself leading her gentlemen...er, what her parents had considered gentlemen. Raymond was a different story, when she glided about the smooth marble floors he followed in perfect rhythm, matching her. She was surprised, more then surprised, and it showed, both brows arched upwards as she silently peered around with her gaze, at all the masked dancers. Her nerves were tingling, tense. But she'd ignore it. She wanted more of it, the dancing. Enjoying the swift release of her limbs, the taunt tug and pull. To be herself. Or what she was, in a sense it was a vague, foreign feeling, but all too soon it ended nonetheless. Azalea kept it hidden of course, her features setting into stone as Raymond expertly spun her off and set them by Layla as he bent to tie the shoe she had known he'd cunningly undone. This was war, and she had a job to do, duties. Even if it meant forgetting herself for a night.

So Azalea turned to their failed killer, and gave Layla brittle smirk full of polite ice.

All she had to do was remember her mothers smile. Or Soris's. Layla had at this point glanced to the duo that had stopped beside her, gaze flicking in mild annoyance, glancing down at Raymond then at Azalea. Her painted red lips curled up into a charming smirk as she glanced to Azalea's cheek, to the scars that ran across it. She knew. "Mmm, the Midland Princess," she purred, turning to Azalea entirely before Azalea could get a word in. Layla raised her wine glass to her lips and took a slow, leisurely sip. The liquid stained her lips, reminding Azalea briefly of blood, though it was far from what drew her attention.

Up close it was like the mistress was carved from marble, and she was tall, very tall. At least 6'2", Azalea thought. The half silver, simple mask she adored that did little to mask her upper features. Her sleek, blood-red hair up done in an elaborate half-up-half-down hairdo that covered her ears, adorning fair, unmarked skin. Not even a freckle, from what Azalea saw from her face. But it was her eyes.

Now she understood what James meant with his comment. She had the most unique eyes...they were lovely, she thought. Dark blue with a unique lilac, silvery iris. It reminded her of someone else, though she couldn't place who. "Lady Ambassador...a pleasure," she said, trying not to choke on her words. What she really wanted to do was throttle the woman that tried to all kill them the night before.

"Indeed. I'm so glad we've had to chance to meet," Layla replied effortlessly. She didn't curtsy or bow once, and Azalea fought the anger that licked at her spine.

"Are you?" Azalea said icily, unable to stop herself the pointed words spilling from her.

Something like amusement glinted in her bright, unique eyes. "Why wouldn't I be?" she replied in the same, sweet polite manner, shaking her head mildly at her as if she said something stupid. Azalea wasn't fooled. Not in the slightest. She had to remember...this woman was a snake.

Azalea gave a dismissive wave and a snort, as if amused, "Pffff, your right," she said casually in a slighty sardonic tone to her, "I'm sure you enjoying seeing lots of people," she smirked mildly, though her eyes were completely insincere and taunting, "In fact, I'd even bet they trust you," she mused dryly as she leaned forward into her a bit, as if they were sharing some funny joke.

Layla titled her head a bit, her smile thinning briefly down at Azalea before returning to its charming look, sipping from the wine glass briefly. "Of course. Those that put their trusts in me always get exactly what they deserve," she replied innocently, gaze flicking over Azalea briefly in mild assessment now. Azalea couldn't place her accent. It was neither Delchisterian nor anything she'd heard in Sarthenfall. Layla smiled a bit more. "No matter the cost."

Azalea cocked her head now, grinning. "I'm sure lots of people trust you, Ambassador. You have one of those faces." she replied friednly enough, with some hint of mild sarcasm to it as she glanced over the mask she wore. Layla cocked her head at the vaguely pointed joke, her smile faltering.

Game on, rotter.
Xanto
~~~~~
A fair distance away from the two tense redheads and Raymond, did King Aodren pursue his relentless pursuit with poor, docile Aurelie. The King cocked his head, his lips still pushed into a charming smile. Perhaps, taken with her already, at the least. "It is, isn't it? Mademoiselle, I dare to say it is the only respectable thing my father did in his time, improving on this castle." he gave a chuckle, looking around the filled ballroom of chiffon and latticework, in all its white, red and gold, glimmering splendor. His hazel eyes twinkled with pride before glancing back to Aurelie, leaning forward towards her. "I always knew at least Sarthenfall's West Kingdom could at least appreciate some actual taste, certainly the least repulsive thing in your country." he said, intended as a compliment though came out more arrogant rather, he extended his hand towards her.

"Would you like a tour of the palace? I would rather enjoy spending some time with you.." he said, pausing then to glance at Angie as if he had just realized she was there all along, or rather, finally had the care to take notice. Annoyance flashed in his gaze, his expression under the roaring golden lion mask matching. "Ah. Right," his tone rippled with irritation before he squinted at Angie. "Lord Arnold, was it?" He asked dismissively, whether intentionally using the wrong name or not a mystery.


explosiveKitten

~~~~

Nadira fixated Ivanna beneath her mask with a brown-eyed steely stare. Whether she appraised of Ivanna's courtly manners or not beneath her mask was a matter of debate, her expression concealed tightly with her sharply pointed bird mask. She stepped around Ivanna as if she were insignificant, her arms clasped behind her back as she peered out over the balcony, across the stretching, beautiful, lit city of Delchistrier. "Oh yes, I'm quite aware of your...customs," she said crisply as if it were a disgusting topic to speak of. "Tsk. Dresses are meant for ladies, not men, for reasons not even they grasp quite. Not only because of their splendor and allure, girl, but because of what can so easily be concealed beneath them. I am sure half the men have eyed your attire already and made a note to stay far away, especially with such...drab colors," she paused, glancing to Ivanna.

The steel of her tone was unrelenting and firm, matter of fact before the middle aged woman continued on, giving a wave of her white gloved hand. "Wear what you will but remember the message you send out with it. Men would not want to approach a lady who wears such things, why, they would be intimidated. Women have already gossiped of the brief glimpses they've caught of you, none pleasant." She turned at the sound of Annabel's footsteps watching her step out unto the balcony briefly, her ears trained for even the slightest of movement. Her gaze flicked to Ivanna briefly. "Men never know what things lie beneath a woman's skirt other then what he would like to imagine. Deceit is a tool like no other, as is surprise. Dresses bring more power to a woman then fashion. Think on this next time, and remember it." she said, as if she was teaching Ivanna a lesson, which she was in a manner, but also picking at her just to see how well she could remain to be polite and courteous.

Her attention was drawn away from Ivanna then as she noted Annabel had not yet uttered a word of greeting, which she thought was obviously rude and unmannerly of her, slowly panning to Annabel only to notice her obviously inspecting the fruit on her plate, inspecting it with a fork and knife and oblivious to both Nadira and Ivanna it seemed. Nadira blinked at her before her eyes narrowed to pinpoints. "A word of greeting may not be tradition in your country, but it is in mine. If we were to poison you, girl, we would not jeopardize the safety of all the peerage to do so. Nonetheless our fruits." she said, tone cold and harsh as if lecturing a little girl. "To crash a ball and then cut apart our food," she said, clicking her tongue and now radiating disapproval. "I would have thought James, the traitor, would have educated you in our ways and it seems he did in all the wrong ways, the fool." she shook her head, back straightening tightly, cocking her masked head at Annabel. "A disappointment. And I had such high hopes for you foreigners," she tsked, looking over Annabel with obvious distaste in her tone. Hopefully her faith and favor could be recovered, quickly.

Blackrose7 NinjaGirlGamer
~~~~~~

Lyksander grinned under his painted fox mask turning to join Jeod at his side and giving him a hard clap on the back, towards the two masked ladies who both erupted into silly, intoxicated giggles, before Lyksander threw an arm around Jeod. "Ah! a man of revels then! I do hope you enjoy games," he said, giving a few laughs as he aimed to forcefully guide Jeod through the dancers, not caring who he bumped into or elbowed that was in his path, caring a high and mighty air about him, following after the two masked women who aimed to keep leading through the dancers to a small sitting area with velvety lounge chairs and sofa, kept at the far side of the room and making it a little more secluded in a sense. "The names Lyksander, His Majesty's Lord of Revels, personally apperances must be kept, but I prefer much wilder parties," he said, chuckling.

Lyksander snapped his fingers at some servants who stood with platters at the far wall, on wait and looking miserable, gesturing them over demandingly. The servant man, a bit on the scrawny side, looked terrified briefly before taking a few steps towards the moving four before Lysander stopped him with a gesture. "A drink!" he paused, smiling his impish smile under his fox mask as he gripped Jeod's shoulder a little tighter, "For my new found friend here!" he called over to the servants before slightly shoving Jeod towards one of the dark maroon sofa's against the wall. The servant paled, opening and closing his mouth but no words emitting, but at the sudden cold glare Lyksander sent his way, the servant nodded and rushed off. Lyksander glanced at one of the two of the seemingly intoxicated ladies and gave her a slow, curling smile from what peaked from his mask.

Abruptly the women cried a rather large, "O-oh!", drawing multiples attention before the second woman seemed to accidentally stumble for Jeod from behind him, crashing for him, and if she hit, the force of her would likely knock him to the floor.

Bakuyoshi Inheritance
~~~~~~

Aria glanced over at the sound of Cali's voice, relieved from sparing her the embarrassment of not knowing to bow to him or not. Blinking in mild alarm and surprise as she watched Cali bow to Ivan, who's smirk was none the more smug and satisfactory as he was bowed to. He was a liar. She knew it. Aria knew in that moment he was going to work them for whatever they had and whatever he could get from them. The Northern Princess only then watched with mild mortification as Cali proceeded to hold her hand out to Ivan, who's expression was discernable under the painted black wolf mask. Aria found herself thankful to witness Cali quickly retract her hand and correct her error. She quickly jumped in.

"Glad you could join me, Cali," Aria stated, glad to have her partner at her side for this. Especially pitted against the Lord Chancellor. She shot the fellow princess a slightly relieved smirk before looking back to the Lord Chancellor, the complete ass of a man, she thought, whose lips tilted into a charming smile from what peaked of under the mask as he dipped his head towards Cali.

"A pleasure then, Mademoiselle Ceallachain," he said in his warm tone. Filled with politeness and charm. "Lord Chancellor Ivan," he said, turning some towards the food tables, "And you may refer to me as Lord Chancellor," he said. Aria thought it was a rather loaded thing, and she thought he reeked of self importance but there was something slightly wrong with him too. A chilling air about him. "How lucky of me, to have run into two of the special ladies of the evening," he said, gesturing towards the tables stacked with food on ornate plates of china and pretty, molded glass cups of wine. "I can call a servant over here, if you would like, food or drinks? Hm? For ladies of Sarthenfall, I assume you would like to eat quite often hm?" He asked, innocently enough, but the jagged insult was still there as his gaze briefly slid to hers, giving Aria all sorts of reminders on how much Delchisterian's hated Northerners of Sarthenfall. Spite rose for the man within her, and she gave him a too pleasant smile.

"Princess Aria is a title you can call me just fine by. Ladies is rather vague, don't you think?" she said in a polite, too kind tone. Be courteous, be kind in the face of insults...But never appear weak. And she would not let him deliver them both to nothing and make them less of themselves beneath him. She was above Ivan. They both were.


Bakuyoshi
~~~~

Maxim gave a short dip of his head in confirmation as Baxter addressed him by his name, pride reflecting in his icy blue gaze at the recognition he felt he deserved. Maxim radiated a touch of quiet appraisal, though of course this was unreadable from the golden wolf mask. His icy eyes blinked at Baxter for a moment once he finished speaking before he leaned forward a moment, a touch of a sly, cunning smile gracing his lips. "And what a game it will be," he murmured in a low tone before straightening, arms folding back behind his back once more. He gestured a servant that stood against the wall with a tray of wine in his arms, most closest to them. The servant looked like he might faint on the spot for a moment before stiffly moving over as if his limbs were locked up into place. With trembling hands did the servant grab a glass of wine from the tray as he stopped a few respectable paces away, extending the glass out towards Maxim, as if Maxim might cut him down on impulse or were a wild, predatory animal. Maxim took the glass without so much as a second glance towards the servant, who did not speak. As the servant retracted his hand, Baxter may have glimpsed his branded palm. Scarred into a particular shape, a wolf in mid-howl. The Prokirvaka crest animal.

Maxim dismissed the servant with a wave, who shakily moved back to stand on the other side of the wall, and Maxim extended the wine glass towards Baxter, offering it with a friendly smirk. He gave a gesture with his hand outwards, "Tell me," he mused, "why have you come, Baxter? A bold bargain you choose, relying I would not act upon you all. Admirable, really. But I am a merciful man." he said simply, offering Baxter another wolfish grin, icy eyes glinting with something sinister. "You bring no more ships, which means you do not wish for war, despite the low but fair numbers I have heard you possess." His gazed turned and idly scanned the room, eyeing the available royals he could see. "You have brought the usurping Royals. Makes me wonder where Sarthenfalls current King is amidst all this chaos. In truth, we were expecting him to show for aid against your little rebellion. But here you are." He turned and gave Baxter a thin, amused smile. "So humor me your explanation of it all," he said, gesturing towards Baxter and looking as if he were expecting a funny joke to fall from the rebellion leaders mouth instead.
Xanto

~~~~~~~~


The Ball — Delchistrier Palace
Time: Evening
Weather: Clear

 

[Blackrose7]

Annabel eventually knew that Nadira was there after a while. But she didn't want to introduce herself until they were done talking to each other. Once it was over, and Nadira started to talk to her. Annabel put the plate of fruits beside her, lift her head up, and gave the spymaster the fakest smile on her face ever. "Ezeris does do greetings, but I didn't want to interrupt your pleasant conversation. As for the poison, we Ezerisians have a tendency to put poison in some of the party food. This includes the castle's parties as well, so checking for any signs of poison is a must." said Annabel. Her voice was very calm when talking to Nadira. "Since it is deemed to be rude to do that in Delchistrier. I will humbly apologize for my behavior."
This was a beautifully crafted lie of hers, because nobody in Ezeris would be stupid enough to put poison in the food. Food in Ezeris is extremely precious to anybody that lives in the kingdom. However, any outsiders wouldn't know about that fact, since they believe that they are a very chaotic kingdom. This included Delchistrier as well. They wouldn't dare to visit Ezeris just like the other kingdoms in Sarthenfall, so it is the perfect cover-up for Annabel.

She crossed her legs like the other nobles and the royals did that their parties, and showed no opening of weakness for Nadira to take any advantage of her. "I am Princess Annabel of Ezeris, and it is a pleasure to meet you in person, Nadira. James has told me about your amazing skills in the game to become the king's personal spymaster. I think that deserves an accomplishment, because he told me that it is a rarity to become a member of the council." said Annabel. This was to make Nadira believe that she knew about the spymaster's importance in Delchistrier. 'I really wanted to laugh from this fake acting of mine, but I need to keep this persona up. Make her think that I talk a lot in general, and then take that rug away from her once Ivanna comes in. This random plan that I made along the way is brilliant.' thought Annabel. They secretly enjoyed this whole throwing lies at people's faces in their culture. Because unlike how she avoided the royal conversation in the rebellion. They allow Annabel to lie, and there won't be anybody who is upset with her like Azalea.
Ms. Sparrow

 

[NinjaGirlGamer]

𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒊𝒏​

Oh. She hated this. She hated this so much. Not being able to do anything else but smile, Being Restricted, because if Ivanna were to do what she was currently thinking about right now. The whole Delchistrierian army would have to escort her out of that blasted ball. Despite the greeting Ivanna managed to dish out, The Spymaster walked around her as if she didn’t say anything at all. This was the first little tick, a little attempt to get the ball rolling. Nadira didn’t waste time drilling into Ivanna’s outfit again, but this time it was times a hundred. She went on and on about how everyone, men and women alike, have already the pre-conceived notion that Ivanna was some type of alien. Someone that everyone would want to avoid, and in Nadira’s view, rightly so.

Oh the type of thoughts Ivanna was thinking was of right now.

She would hope that she didn’t have to shake hands with this witch. Because if she did, Nadira’s hand would be crushed by sheer might while Ivanna still forced a smile. The type of charade they had to pull in order to achieve this mission, was ridiculous. If it were up to Ivanna, if this was in her field of specialities. It would be a whole lot different.

If this wasn’t a social gathering and a real battle. Ivanna would have had Nadira’s body on the floor, mangled. If this wasn’t a royal and noble party and a real combat mission. Ivanna wouldn’t have batted an eye if she got blood on the expensive golden drabs or the expensive shiny walls.
If this wasn’t a high class party, but a mission to assassinate the SpyMaster. Ivanna would have used the woman’s own comb to stab her rapidly in the throat without as so much as a single care. If this wasn’t the rich folks masquerade ball and the poor man’s dirty cage match. Ivanna would have used her fists to effortlessly bash Nadira’s head on the fucking pavement. If this wasn’t a useless gossip job and one of her regular mercenary jobs. Ivanna wouldn’t care if she wore the dirtiest clothes, she would still have Nadira’s guts flying everywhere. If this wasn’t a gathering of fools and pretenders and a game of who can kill the most and the fastest. Ivanna would walk out the castle gates covered in blood while carrying the courts heads as a trophy. If this wasn’t a shitshow and an actual mission where she was assigned to kill.Every.Last.One.Of.Them. Ivanna would have cleared the whole room out with her massive sword alone. If this wasn’t a fucking waste of time and an event that made sense to where they had to use violence to get what they want. She would have took the glass she was holding, broke it, then stabbed the bitch directly in the eye sockets. She would have used the knife and the fork to basically rip out the witch’s eyes and served it to the king on a silver wine platter. But why stop there? She would have used the platter to jam it right in the king’s face then used the heavy thin silver tray’s sharp ends to cut through his throat. Who gives two shits if someone’s dress gets splattered with blood. Ivanna’s coming for them next. This court was full of greedy little shits who think they can control the minds of others. They were all guilty of sin. All of them WERE sin and none were innocent. To the women who think their dresses are more powerful than a sword. They wouldn’t be saying that shit once Ivanna had a blade in their throats. A dress can’t stop that. And what about the men who are too scared to even go near her. G.O.O.D. Cause then they would not DARE to fight back once Ivanna sliced them open with the quills they carry. And how would she deal with the rest of the guests. Their bodies would be on the floor, on the walls, on the drabs, on the chairs, on the ceiling. And how would she do it? She would take one guy’s arm and break it, using the advantage to slam the flimsy ass body to another bastard. Some bitch would be screaming, she would grab the woman’s whole jaw then rip it from her face till the little whore choked on her own blood. She would use that jaw to stab the one attempting to stop her where the sun does not shine. She would rip someone’s head off. She would tear someone’s legs off then used them as beating sticks. Stick one of them up someone’s ass then the other down someone’s throat. Stab someone in the eye with a corkscrew. Jab a sharp object in someone’s hand then dragged the blade up to the web of the hand. Break open someone’s arm then using the bones to stab it through someone’s skull. Take someone’s skinny body and beat the other guy to a bloody mashed corpse.

Oh this no eyebrow egg headed stupid ass bitch got the ball rolling alright.

It was taking all of Ivanna’s willpower to not throw the SpyMaster off the balcony right now and onto the ground below. The railing she was gripping was starting to chip as Ivanna thought of all the ways she could silence the cocky little mouth.

That was until Annabel came into the picture and what seemed to be an effort to see if there was any poison in her fruits. The strange sight managed to disrupt the thoughts Ivanna was thinking about. In her mind, she would be giving out a low sigh which almost sounded like a growl. Right, the mission. Despite the fact Ivanna’s blood was boiling right now, she still forced a smile. Mentally trying to push back her inner demon before it got loose.

Ms. Sparrow Blackrose7

 

[Bakuyoshi]

"Well unfortunately I must decline. My appetite is not the greatest at the moment. But I must say that this is my first ever time in Delchistrier all my people have ever said was nothing but Heresay. Lorelthians seem to have some level of respect for your more, unique way of doing things. Many have wanted to meet more of your people just to match wits with them. And yet here I am, ready to live the dream and see if you are anything that the rumours say. If you are willing by all means. I have an interesting topic that I would wish to see your opinions and who could come on top of this little debate. After all the best way to read a person is through means such as this. Would you agree Lord Chancellor?" The look on Cali's face appeared genuine showing an interest for what the Lord Chancellor was going to answer. Her eyes looking him up and even her body language showing a more expecting side to her. She was no princess, she still could not fully accept being called it. At least not yet.

Ms. Sparrow
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Priscilla waiting for the right opportunity was watching Jeod interacting with the man himself. She was standing to the side and away from Jeod on purpose. He could normally talk to Lyskander without much issue. She was not born to speak with Nobility nor was she ever taught to be able to properly interact with them. So at the moment she was Jeods back up if anything happened. And lo and behold she found her opportunity with a "Clumsy" maiden about to knock Jeod over. Or at least that would've happened. If not for the fact she was there. In a single moment Prisicilla rushed over putting herself between Jeod and the women ready to catch her. Or rather break the force of the collision. And not uttering a single word while this happened.

Inheritance

 

[explosiveKitten]

Oh... oh I recognize that smell now. That’s the smell of a SNAKE.

Angie was starting to pick up on his game. Ohhhohohoho, and she did NOT like it. Would wonders never cease? Not only was he a gods-be-damned predator, taking advantage of Aurelie’s timid nature, he was married! Did marriage mean NOTHING these days?!

She was only getting more and more pissed off the longer Aodren looked at Aurelie, even when all he did was breathe, she had to fight to make sure her eye didn’t start twitching to reflect her rage.
Nevermind the mask he wore. A lion. Of course. A lion. How had she not noticed it before? Those animals are normally symbols of nobility and courage, strength and authority. Quite the opposite to Angelique, of course. She saw one of those creatures and thought of dishonesty, cold hatred and... adultery. How fitting.

While Aurelie was busily redirecting the king’s “thinly veiled” flirtation and innuendo, Angie turned her head away and took some deep (and hopefully subtle) breaths, attempting to calm herself down. Then Aodren spoke to her.

He called her... Arnold.

... Thumb-sucking, lion-faced chucklefuck called mE WHAT?!
That’s not even your real name. It’s not even your ALIAS, why are you getting upset?!
I AM LORD. ARNO. YOU... You-!
CALM DOWN, killer! You need to say something!
Like WHAT? I shouldn’t waste my breath on him! This... this little-
Calm DOWN. SAY SOMETHING. RESPECTABLE!
AGGHHHH!

“... Lord Arno.” The reply was even in tone, smooth like butter, with no hint of the agitation hiding under the surface. THANK. THE GODS. “I was named after a hero of legend in Aubigine, the right-hand man of the First King, in fact.”

She straightened her back and spoke up once again, “I would be remiss to not mention my own adoration of the palace, Your Highness. Truly, I can see the inspiration of Aubigian architecture. I see that clearly, we found our inspiration from your people. Elegance doesn’t even begin to describe it.”

She flashed a carefully calculated, toothless smile in Aodren’s direction. Hopefully, she could get the lecher’s attention away from Aurelie. Make one false move. PLease. Give me an excuse to sweep Aurelie away.

Ms. Sparrow

 

[Xanto]

Raymond Callahan​

Raymond randomly popped back into the scene after standing up and tying his shoe. Somehow Baxter believed their duo was the perfect match against Layla. Easy . . for now. It wasn't challenging to carefully listen to the ladies' conversation. That was, until he realized the two were just bickering back and forth in sarcasm. Word play. Naturally, the guy didn't want any involvement. Gah, but he didn't really have a choice now did he? They wouldn't get any new information with this tactic.

That's when Raymond glanced away. Only then did he realize his eyes had been staring into Layla's the whole time.

"Ambassador, a pleasure to meet you," His head formally dipped in her direction. Then, his gaze intentionally gravitated to Layla's. "The king may be the head of this kingdom, but you seem to be the neck that turns it," He smoothly smirked. Once again, Ray was in tact with his own clever ways, "How did you do it? Humble beginnings? Strategic negotiations? It'd be an honor to learn from you." Clever of Layla. Although she may have used her body, she had to have the brains to carry out all her plans. "You are quite the role model here, aren't you?" He smiled.

Baxter Callahan​

Baxter stood still. Only his eyes followed Maxim as he leaned close to mumble a useless remark. . . What an imbecile. This General took his time with their interaction as if the rebel was formally invited to the ball in the first place. Baxter's blue orbs watched Maxim summon an obviously terrified servant for wine. The leader didn't care about the nervous aura radiating from the helper though. What caught his attention was Maxim's branded palm. Right, the General was human too. In fact, a bastard.

Baxter respectfully took the wine glass in his hand. He didn't furrow his brows, or have any ounce of hatred against the other's words. They were true anyway. Plus, it wasn't like Maxim refused to let him actually explain the rebellion group's side of the story. "Sarthenfall's new king attempted to kill all royal family members. Now, only one royal from each kingdom remains alive. This man utilizes dark magic against us. Monsters, Shades, discombobulated creatures follow the king's orders. He abuses all the kingdoms, killing people by simply feeding them to his creations," Baxter naturally breathed in a calm breath, relaxing himself after realizing his now furrowed brows, "We look for your support in this war. Let us terminate the king in Sarthenfall together before he comes to your country next."

Ridiculous. It all probably sounded so ridiculous. The rebel leader intentionally left a brief moment of silence after his explanation in case Maxim wanted to laugh. Surprisingly enough, the typically grumpy Baxter smiled in the end, "Anyhow, we brought a priceless gift from our homeland to your's. It's somewhere among your prison cells now."

Ms. Sparrow

 

[Inheritance]

Jeod Swift​

What Jeod lacked in strength he made up for in a solid mind and being decently dexterous. Upon the shove, Jeod stumbled towards the sofa before regaining his feet, twirling around, and rocked backwards so much that it was astounding he didn't fall. Jeod was a Tinker, which meant a lot of things. It meant he could mend things, fix things, craft things, and break things. He could tell stories, play music, and he could put on a show. Jeod was a tinkerer, but that meant he was also a showman. If his enemy wanted a show, he'd give him a show.

He leaned back on his heels, widening his arms as if he expected to fall, then with a snap of his feet his was on the ground, shoes clacking as they hit. He grinned and widened his arms as if he had just performed a show before blossoming into an easy smile. He took a step forward laughing.

"Of course I love games! Have you ever-" he was interrupted by a a noise that could have either been an owl being plucked, or an extremely drunk women's body deciding that this drink was one too many. Either way it couldn't be missed, and Jeod turned to see a woman stumbling right towards him.

It seemed time came to a stop as Jeod watched the drunk woman stumble towards him. The gentlemanly thing would be to just take the hit and fall. There was a couch right there, though if he missed the couch his spectacular fall would be almost unrecoverable in the word duel that was to come. He needed to look classy, not like some moron who couldn't catch a lady. The other option of course was to just let her fall, but that seemed even worse and would probably get him chased out of the party. He cursed his stupidity for even turning around-if he had just moved and she fell he couldn't have been blamed. Now he was in a lose lose scenario and neither one of the losses seemed all that pleasant. He prepared to just take the sad scene of him getting plowed into like a moron, but was surprised when Priscilla sped in and blocked him from the woman.

Vowing to pay Priscilla back for her kindness, Jeod turned to Lyskander. "A drink would be great! Then perhaps a game or two! I'm always up for a game."

Ms. Sparrow Bakuyoshi

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea Eve Windfore

Azalea was about to snip something much more sharply before Raymond smoothly interjected, to which Layla slid her dark blue, silvery eyes unto him, her red lips pushing up into a smirk. “Mmm, you’re a curious one aren’t you?” She mused, pausing and deflecting as she shifted her weight unto her hips, taking a sip of her wine. She paused for the briefest of moments.
“I am a woman of many talents,” she said, “When one masters how to use them you must only put your mind to it,” she smiled a pretty thing and looked across the ball room towards Aodren, “Aodren has been very kind to take me in so welcomingly,” she drawled.

Azalea followed her gaze. “I’m sure...” she said, a bit dryly as she watched him practically drool over Aurelie. The Calore princess couldn’t help but pity her.

Azalea stared out at the masked dancers, zoning off briefly. They moved almost in synchronization, and it was both mesmerizing and beautiful, watching the extravagant, blossoming dresses sweep across marvel, with the gentleman in their simple black. But there was a moment, a strange moment of sudden nostalgia. It hit her like a brick, a sudden wave of sickness hitting her.

Azalea’s brows knit together tightly at the sudden headache. Scene seemed to slow, the dancers movements stiffening up as if the time was slowing. Slower, slower. Until they weren’t moving at all nearly—lanterns and candles flickered. And then—

The flames went out. But some, strange, white foreign light shone down above on the frozen, masked dancers, blackness surrounding the rest of the room. There wasn’t a noise. She was some onlooker of a play that had stopped. Azalea stared, confused. And then...a hundred masked heads snapped towards her, a giant CRACK following, as if they’d snapped their necks in the process, the light cutting dark shadows across their faces. Azalea sucked in a sharp breath, her heart leaping into her throat.

“And what’s a man like you doing with this...mmm...‘rebellion’?” Layla’s voice cut in, tone as silky as satin, and with it noise bursted back to life, the sound of idle chatter, the orchestra playing its lively jig. Flames bursted alive again and the dancers resumed their graceful dancing. Azalea let out a few shaky breaths, keeping her expression as contained as she could, as she turned her paler expression to Layla. It wasn’t real. It wasn’t real. It’s not real.

Of course she had to force herself to concentrate. Azalea came to realize Layla was flirting with Raymond and it spiked a surprisingly large amount of irritation within her.

“You’re all very vague on the how you got to your position.” Azalea said, pressing her lips into a too sweet smile, interjecting swiftly. She fought the larger urge to wrangle the y’all woman in front of her.

Layla turned, her eyes squinting at Azalea through the holes of the mask, which lifted as if Layla’s face was scrunching up together in. “I used what I had at my disposal,” she said, tone slightly strained. Irritation radiated off of her.

Azalea nodded, pressing her lips thinly together. She wasn’t lying but she wasn’t giving a single detail. “Mind offering a few tips on how? Or what you have at your disposal?” She smirked, patting Raymond’s shoulder. “He’s such a big fan,” she said, shrugging casually while also enjoying herself, mildly teasing him just to enjoy herself at least a little bit.

Layla wasn’t amused, glancing to Raymond briefly before glancing around as if nervously, shifting on her heels, gaze resting on Aodren.
Xanto
~~~~~
Aodren himself had been preoccupied with Aurelie and Angie, his gaze set unto Angie now as she spoke. The lion cocked his head at her as if suddenly measuring her with calculating intensity until Angie finished speak. He straightened up a little too much and adjusted the frills around his neck as if posing, “Ah yes, Aubinge. The true copy cats if Sarthenfall. I always wondered how you people managed the heat but I have always found the women from there...exquisite.” He murmured the last word, settling his hazel gaze on Aurelie.

He continued on, “Though Aubinge truly never lived up to Delchistrier’s full potential, it’s a valiant effort.” He droned on, bragging further. “You know my great-great-great grandfather began to construct this...this...” he trailed off, turning his form until his gaze met a silvery-blue one from across the ballroom. Layla stared. Aodren surveyed the scene, glancing between Azalea and Layla.

“Fucking—bitch, no no no,” Aodren started, hissing under his breath, turning on his heels as if to make way to storm over to the trio.
explosiveKitten
~~~~

Nadira gave Annabel a steely stare for a moment before her lips pressed up into the smallest smile of...approval? “Manners and flattery. It will win you some points while you’re here but for how long?” She stepped around some, hands clasped behind her back. “Your apology is a manner but it is meaningless now. Don’t do it again. I will not tolerate the fruits of my labor to be wasted from a girls fear of poison, odd considering my agents report Ezeris is criminally poor.” She said harshly, peering out over the balcony as she stepped beside Ivanna, over the golden city. “Because your kingdom was run by fools for years and it crippled and crumbled the Eastern Kingdom. And now that Ezeris is beginning to recover, when one King takes the throne from a group of traitorous children, and wealth finally begins to flow into the kingdom, you join up with your little rebellion who has accomplished nothing thus far then small numbers.” The spymaster turned to Annabel, bird mask regarding her with its frozen expression.

“Curious and curiouser.” The woman cocked her head at Ivanna. “And you.” She said, turning her form to face her. “You are no damsel and you’re restrained for now. So I will ask you what is your purpose for being in Delchistrier? Baxter did not bring all his men, I have noted. A group only which means your intentions are diplomatic and you’re here for our troops. But why you?” She turned and pointed a finger at Annabel. “And why the polite, clutzy Princess, hmm? What makes either of you more then a common soldier?” She asked bluntly, looking to each of them, the faint hum of orchestra flowing from the open double doors that lead inside.

Blackrose7 NinjaGirlGamer
~~~~~~

Lyksander‘s impish gaze faded as he beheld Priscilla rush into the scene. The lady fell into Priscilla instead, giving a surprised gasp with her sudden appearance, and when the porcelain masked woman lifted her face, through the masks eye socks she looked to Priscilla with sheer terror, a obviously not so intoxicated woman. She nodded, whispering a quiet thanks as she backed up a few steps.

Lyksander held his hand to his heart and gave an appalled gasp, “Ah! My friend, apologies for my drunken ladies behavior. Truly not an impression I wanted made,” he clapped Jeod in the shoulder, “You take a seat friend, let me handle this,” he said in a low manner, the friendly warmth in his tone radiating from his warm brown eyes. He gave a nod before striding over to the porcelain masked women.

“I didn’t—“ She began quietly, but was cut off as Lyksander’s hand cracked across the masked face, a crack splitting across it as the woman hit the floor with a small fry.

“Kak ty smeyesh' oskorblyat' nashikh gostey!” He yelled at the woman, too loudly, drawing the attention of masked guests around them, continuing, “Nos invités exigent justice pour votre sottise. Moi aussi!” Lyksander ignored the woman’s crying, gesturing over the two guards that had already been making way through the crowd. “Gvardeyskaya. Otvedi yeye v kamery. YA budu imet' delo s yeye nakazaniyem i neudachey pozzhe.” He ordered, watching the two guards pick the woman up on her feet, and it was then he leaned in towards the crying woman, as her mask broke apart, leaving half the young woman’s face exposed, brown-doe eyes broken-hearted and terrified.

He murmured something that only she, and naturally the guards restraining her, would hear. “Tu m'énerves. Votre histoire est ennuyeuse. Pensez à cela et présentez de bonnes excuses avant de décider que je veux que Maxim s'occupe de vous.”

The woman gave a sob and something like a plea but Lyksander disregarded the guards with a wave and she was hauled from the ballroom in tears. Lyksander looked to Priscilla. “Ah! Mademoiselle. A timely interference to be sure, please, join us! I apologize for such a rude introduction. Let me make it up to you,” he attempted to sling an arm around Priscilla’s shoulders, gesturing towards the velvet sofa they stood by and looking to Jeod, “Please, sit! Let us revel and converse!” He said, his grin returning easily, for now.

Bakuyoshi Inheritance
~~~~~~

Ivan gave Cali a smile beneath his wolf mask, small and faint and the kindness in his eyes betrayed the mask he wore. Aria shot Cali a warning look as Ivan set his hand on Cali’s arm, giving her a gentle push cowards and nodding as he began to try and lead her off to a more secluded part of the ballroom as he spoke, “Ah, Lorelthians. Of course. I have heard of your people though I have not had the chance to meet them myself,” he mused as Aria stepped up on his other side, stubborn to make sure Cali didn’t suddenly go missing with the man.

“Do you not get out much, Lord Chancellor?” Aria inquired politely, turning her not so innocent gaze on Ivan. His usual charming, feigned smile took place on his face.

“My duties keep me quite busy, Aria. There is much that goes on in Delchistrier’s courts, I do not expect Northerners understand,” he said smoothly, his lips barely curving upwards more at the blunt insult

“I suppose you’re right. We spend more time following the laws in Sarthenfall then making them,” she replied cooly without a hint of spite in her tone. Her eyes sought out Angie in the corner of her eyes, briefly wondering how she was faring with her own assigned person and if they were just as insufferable.

Ivan’s gaze briefly slid to Aria, “Interesting.”

“I like to entertain,” she said with half a chuckle. She was finding it immeasurably hard to laugh at all with the man but she wouldn’t let him get to her, keeping in stride with him. “You and your brother are on the council. That was no easy task I assume,” Aria stated kindly.

Ivan paused briefly before giving an idle wave of his hand. “We are Prokirvaka’s. We always get what we want whenwe put our power to it. We are very influential in Delchistrier, I dare say Aodren needs us then we him,” he gave a low chuckle. “I jest of course. Aodren is a king we need.”

Aria feigned a chuckle. She wondered who he defined as ‘we’. And if he was joking at all, truly.

Ivan turned to Cali. “You have a debate, no? Humor me then. I welcome the entertainment and...games.” He said as he came to a stop by a table of white, gesturing both Aria and Cali to sit as he sat on the opposite end.

Bakuyoshi
~~~~

Maxim barked a laugh indeed after Baxter paused to allow him to do so, falling into a low chuckle as he shook his head, opening his mouth to ridicule the rebellion leader until Baxter added the last part, and his whole demeanor abruptly changed, eyes narrowing. “There is something in our cells to prove this?” He paused, sipping from his glass as his gaze slid around the room. If he was surprised by this news he didn’t say so but the sudden move had certainly taken the General off guard. The wolf snapped his face back towards Baxter.

“And yet I have a feeling if your unnamed King were to come here, he would say it was you, just like he already has, that created the monsters and have only found a way to control them. That he needs our aid. Before you come to attack us.” He leaned forward and waggled a finger in Baxter’s face, hissing out, “whatever is in our cells now may very well be your creations and you aim to make us defenseless by negotiating our troops. I will not be made a fool of. .” He leaned back, the sudden spike of anger quickly dissipating.

“Or you speak the truth. And even then, Delchistrier’s troops are more then able to withstand whatever...’magic’ you speak of. As we have always withstood against your country,” he replied bluntly, regarding Baxter with a more assertive stare. “Or perhaps this new King of yours has his senses. One kingdom to rule a country. As it should be. As Delchistrier has lasted for years.”

Maxim’s gaze surveyed the room. “Your King has sought no conflict with His Majesty. I see little reason why I should lend Delchistrier’s men to a ridiculous cause spread from insanity. Perhaps this King is doing you all a favor. If he did single handily take the Five Kingdoms, which I doubt, I do not assume it is to burn it. He may be a respectable king that rises Sarthenfall to greatness.”

Maxim turned to Baxter and huffed a laugh, cocking his head and grinning at Baxter as if he were a child. “But what would I know, I'm only Delchistrier’s General afterall.” He said, somewhat full of himself it seemed.


Xanto

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((REMEMBER TO ASK QUESTIONS EVERYONE! MY NEXT POST WILL BE WRAPPING THIS SCENE UP.))

The Ball — Delchistrier Palace
Time: Evening
Weather: Clear