The Playground: Whispers of Taelarys IC

[Lady Serpentine]

5th of Bargenholt, Noon, Claye-Potts Machinery
Claye and Kyranis

Kryanis shakes his head quickly.

"A human bodyguard isn't an option. The identity of the person to be protected, coupled with who I am, would raise awkward questions. But yes, a permanent guardian would be preferable. How would one go about applying to the Guild for a homunculus?"

[DJDeMiko]

7th of Bargenholt,
City at Large

Throughout the city young teens, all dressed in the d'Milverton house colors of white raced through the streets. Some carried invitations for those invited to the events to be hand delivered to mansions and homes. Others carried and hawked tickets to the event. Prices were good, many of the messengers found their supply of tickets gone before they had gone more than three blocks. It was going to be packed.

7th of Bargenholt
Late evening
Jameson's Private Balcony
Jameson

Jameson stands on his small private balcony over looking the dark arena. From around him, he can hear the sounds of the casino's and bars in full swing. Directly behind him he can hear the giggling of the two women he would spend the evening as they filled themselves with drink.

Enjoy your last night alive Davis, he thinks I know I am going to be enjoying it.

He turns and walks in, closing the doors behind him and heads back to the ladies.

8th of Bargenholt
Just before sunrise
Davis's cell


All night long the voices had whispered to him as he alternated between tears and rages.

Let usss . . . . in . . .

We sshallll . . . give you power . . . .

He shook his head, muttering to himself.

The night had been hard on him. Alone in the dark with only his misery and small hopes that he knew were only lies he was telling himself. All the while being whispered too by . . . . better to not even name them. To think that he had once been a decorated officer in the army . . . and now looking at himself he finally realized something. Maybe . . . maybe it would be best to die with what dignity I have left

He heard the . . . things begin to rage though, deep down he sensed that this was the truth, that this was the right move. To die with dignity, to die with what honor he had left, maybe he would even be able to restore something to his name and family.

He felt the creatures, barely noticeable, swirling around him raging and frothing like a wolf whose prey has just hidden itself deep in a borrow. He could feel their rage, their need, their want pulling them closed into the world, into his very cell.

Foolisshhh . . . to die . . . like an ant . . . when we can raise . . . you to godhood

a tasssste

yesss a taste

Tassste our power . . .

Tasssste it

And take all that you want . . . from this world


He felt a sensation on his neck, that of cold clammy hands pushing against his skin and then through it. Ice water running through his brain, his skull. Images flashing so fast too fast. Horrors beyond mention, terrors beyond name. Finally, the sensation withdrew and he felt . . . different.

It had been years since he had trained, but his body was hard and muscled again. His hours without sleep gone, his mind fresh and sharp. more than that though, he had never felt this strong, this full of energy. He felt like the pinnacle of strength.

Jusstttt a tasste

Give usss what we want

Give usssss

It was too much for the man, too much for the man who had spent his years with dark desires and dreams of wealth. Maybe he didn't have to die, maybe just maybe . . . .

The things swirled faster now, but they seemed less agitated . . . they felt his will beginning to break.

[ForzaFiori]

7th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
Claye-Potts Machinery
Morning
Xavier de Forza

Xavier struggles to maneuver a large box through the doors of the shop. He realized that this was becoming something of a strange habit for him. Finally, he gives up, and simply sticks his head in the door. "Claye, got those fans ready? I finally got that d***ed generator running, so if we hurry, we can have this installed a day before schedule."

[Jade_Tarem]

4th of Bargenholt, Early Afternoon, The Indigo
Claye and Ghedim

Claye responds without smiling. "He disappeared. It's... not something I like to talk about. I spent years chasing him before the trail went cold. I don't even know if he's still alive."

She's saved from further expansion by the arrival of the food. Her eyes widen a bit when she spots Ghedim's Ortolan - it was, apparently, a new experience for her. Still, after everything she's seen it takes more than a maimed, fattened, and drowned bird to rattle her.

Her own dish is absolutely delicious, and she allows herself to enjoy it while it lasts...

5th of Bargenholt, Claye-Potts Machinery, Noon
Claye and Kyranis

Claye straightens up and begins rummaging around behind the counter, eventually pulling out a slightly crumpled blank ticket. "Yeh just fill out one of these forms, take it t' the main office at Guild Headquarters, and they'll process it in short order. For a member of the nobility they'll probably push it through quickly. Is there anythin' else I can do for yeh?"

7th of Bargenholt, Claye-Potts Machinery, Morning

Some women can manage to look radiant and beautiful in the morning. Claye has a hard time managing it in the afternoon. She emerges from the back room in the same clothes she was wearing the previous day, with extra creases and a few new stains. With the extra hours she's put in trying to hunt down Arlaan, Claye doesn't exactly look her best.

Fans, however, she had to spare. "Mmrph. Arright. Urgh. Sorry about the mess, it was a bit of a wild night. The fans're ready. Let's go."

[Lady Serpentine]

5th of Bargenholt, Claye-Potts Machinery, Noon
Claye and Kyranis

"I don't believe so. Thank you for the assistance."

[DJDeMiko]

8th of Bargenholt
Mid Morning
The Diamond Club Terrace
Jameson

Jameson stood back watching as servants, slaves and workmen prepared for the grand event.

The Diamond Club Terrace is a large affair that normally would offer a group of 20 or 30 people a grand view of the Arena floor with ample space behind them for food and servants. However, its walls were designed for events just like this and with a few teams of pack animals could be moved to allow for more space.

The walls had been pulled back allowing the Terrace to take up nearly 5% of the arena's seating and allow for a large banquet and music area. It looks like a large flat section of the Arena, with 3 tiers of seating below it. Comfortable cushions have been laid out on the seats. In the middle of the highest tier sits a large grand chair that could almost be called a thrown, with slightly less nice chairs flanking it.

Jameson spies the unusual Eris among those setting up the food serving area and waves her over.

Eris, he says in a voice low enough to not be overheard, I know you are in hiding from the sorcerers houses, will it be safe to have you out and serving food during this? Members of all 4 houses will be present.

[Nefarion Xid]

4th of Bargenholt, Sundown, Fortress of the Rose
Claye, Anselme, Raina

Claye blinks at the man's wordplay. "Fortune favors foolish fair folks, for sure." She pauses. "Dammit, now yeh've got me doin' it."

"Doing... what?" Anselme asked innocently enough before being brusque'd away by Raina. While the women were talking, he occupied himself with prudent silence, subtly pursing his lips and standing just off to the side with his arms crossed and big boot tapping. He had comments, of course, but his impish antics wouldn't earn him any points with his host while she was doing business. So, instead, he put his not inconsiderable brain power to work... for once.

After a moment in contemplation, he mused aloud to no one in particular, "It wouldn't be terribly difficult to acquire facsimiles of the Blood Guards' uniforms, would it? After all, the craftsmen who produce their armor... they are located in the Vale, are they not?"

[DJDeMiko]

8th of Bargenholt
1 PM
The Diamond Club Terrace
Jameson

Xavier is working diligently setting up one of his machines and doesn't notice Jameson approaching.

Ah, Xavier Jameson says watching him fiddle with mechanical bits. Everything working I trust? It's still a tad warm out here.

[ForzaFiori]

8th of Bargenholt
1 PM
The Diamond Club Terrace
Jameson

"Why of course. I simply need to start it up. Didn't want to keep it running all night so as to save fuel and costs. If I just connect this... he plugs a hose into the generator he's working on."...and then fire up this..." he lights the generator. ...and the fans should start moving! They don't. Xavier gives the machine a sharp smack with a wrench, and moves a hose slightly. with a low "vmm" the fans slowly start to life. "I know it seems weird to light a fire to cool a room, but give a few minutes, and it'll drop down to tolerable in here."

Xavier steps away from the machine, looking out at the arena. "This is quite a get-together you're putting on tonight. I still don't see how you managed to put it together in the time you've had."

[Swordslinger]

8th of Bargenholt
11 AM
Darran Manor, Amandre’s room.
Amandre Nightheaven

Being a skilled fighter and being a bodyguard was not the same thing. Yet his master could not see that, whenever something important came up the master would bring him along, probably because he was the most capable fighter in most situations they would encounter, yet he was not trained to protect someone. Worse was it that he now would be the only guard brought along, there should be plenty of security and guards at the arena but in the end their allegiance laid elsewhere. He dressed in a simple white clothing of an elegant design which had been provided to him for this occasion, at least it was easy to move, not all clothes he had received for his jobs had been suited for anything else then looking nice. He walked over to the table and looked at the various weapons that lay there, he touched one of the Sais for a moment, he should not bring them, they were and very unusual armament and would be noticed by people. Throwing knifes however, it was surprising how many he could conceal at various places in his boots and clothes, however they where only a support weapon. He walked over to a wardrobe and searched it. He retrieved a long slender package, he placed it on his bed an unfolded it. Within lay a Rapier and a Dagger, both with and ornate design. Yes, they would serve as his weapons, the Rapier would draw most attention, but it was the dagger and his own body that was his main weapon. Although the Rapier had its uses, it would be especially useful if he were to face and armored opponent. After arming himself he left his room and walked up the stairs from the basement and to the main building, he would have to be there and ready by the time the master and his son decided to leave.

[DJDeMiko]

8th of Bargenholt
1 PM
The Diamond Club Terrace
Jameson

Jameson carefully reads Xavier's face, trying to see if the man was being sly or really that unaware. Jameson decides on the latter and gives the machinist a friendly smile.

Most of this Jameson waves his hand as if at a loss for words production . . . that you see is something Lord's Arena can do any time with only a day or so of notice. The rest is just a matter of being aware of the political land scape. As soon as I heard of Davis's confession I put my bid in and on the assumption I might win, I began making other arrangements.

Jameson admire the strange machine and feels the cool air beginning to blow out of it.

Xavier this is just amazing! As soon as Darston arrives I will bring him by to meet you.

8th of Bargenholt
1:30 PM
The Diamond Club Terrace
Jameson

Jameson takes his place near the entrance to the Terrace and begins to greet the various guests as they arrive.

[Lady Serpentine]

8th of Bargenholt
1:30 PM
The Diamond Club Terrace
Jameson, Kyranis, Liella, and Sword-Servitor

Kyranis m'Kybrae ir Ostrim arrives, along with his Bond Mate, Liella Mornstar, and a Sword-Servitor. If needed, he will present his invitation.

[TheDarkDM]

4th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
Early Afternoon
The Indigo

As their meals were delivered, Ghedim flicked his wrist and a thin dagger was in his hand. The blade danced between his fingers in a blur until it finally settled and a thin sliver of Ortolan had been cut from one of the birds. Placing the dagger down on the table, Ghedim then placed his left hand pal down and began a sussurus of whispers. A slight ripple went down his sleeve, and as the whispering continued the white head of a viper emerged on his head. Skewering the sliver of Ortolan with his dagger, Ghedim fed it to the viper. Ghedim focused on the viper for a few seconds before allowing it slither back into his sleeve. Looking back up to Claye, Ghedim shrugged with a smile.

"Forgive me, but it behooves me to be careful, even here."

Returning to his meal, Ghedim draped a white cloth over his head before raising one of the tiny birds to his mouth. Biting down with a sharp crack, Ghedim pulled the beak from beneath the cloth and resumed chewing. Eventually, the muffled snapping of bones ceased, and another bird went under the hood. When they'd both finished, Ghedim ordered a bottle of port and exchanged small talk with Claye before driving her back to her shop. When they arrived, he leapt out to help her down.

"Thank you for an interesting lunch, Madame Kilnmyr. I hope to see you again."

[the_druid_droid]

6th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
Late Evening
Sewers
Cyrus

Thank the Emperor for waterproof boots. The silent prayer ran in and out of Cyrus’ mind as he slogged through the Undercity’s maze-like sewers at the head of a small group of spies. He was no stranger to the fetid caverns twisting beneath Taelarys, but usually he and his men had more information to base their search on than a few fresh scrapes on old stonework and a set of large footprints in the mud.

The spies’ detachment had been sent out earlier that day to track down the Bronze Crusader and observe his movements, pending a full assault by House Levant. Their search had begun easily enough, after Jareth led them to the site of the attack and they’d uncovered the passageway down to the Undercity exactly where Revin had predicted. Unfortunately, the signs of the Bronze Crusader’s passing had quickly become harder to read, and they had been navigating more by intuition than solid evidence for some time now.

Just as Cyrus’ frustration at the cold, nauseous water was reaching a peak, the black-clad spy glimpsed an access tunnel at the edge of his glow wand’s nimbus of light. Thankful for a dry floor, Cyrus turned into the tunnel, his spies following swiftly and silently. The air was fresher in this new passageway, and he struggled to suppress a sigh of relief. Until there was something to report, the spies would risk Revin’s cold anger if they turned back out of the dark, and in the meantime, small comforts were more than welcome...

8th of Bargenholt
2 PM
The Lord’s Arena
Tarin, Marcos and Revin

When the shining black carriage bearing House Levant’s crest rolled to a stop, three men stepped down to the curb, assisted by footmen clad in House d’Milverton livery. Of the trio, Marcos and Revin were almost unrecognizable, as the former had forsaken his heavy black armor for a simple tunic over a mail shirt, while the latter was dressed in the finery of a minor noble of Levant. Both men followed a short distance behind Tarin as he strode through the gate, briefly flashing his invitation.

In contrast to his companions, Tarin appeared much as he always did, although in honor of the occasion he had donned the ebon-black formal cloak of the Inquisition, and a silver-tipped cane click-clicked at his side. Additionally, the Inquisitor sported a single bloom of color: a silken cravat dyed a bruise-purple hue was bunched at his throat.

As he reached the entrance to the Diamond Club, Tarin bowed politely to Jameson. “Lord d’Milverton. A pleasure, as always.” The Inquisitor’s smile was genuine as he continued, “I am sure, given your fine reputation, that we are in for a spectacular show this evening. I have been looking forward to it for some time now.”

[Kasanip]

8th of Bargenholt
Mid Morning
The Diamond Club Terrace
Eris

Eris made a small smile and bowed, to pretend to be taking order from Jameson, if others were watching.

"It should be no problem, Lord di Milverton." She pointed to her servant's clothes and made an innocent face.
"They will not pay attention to me probably. The attention of your event will make them ignore a small servant girl. Nobles do not pay so much attention to the slaves and servants you know. I am hiding from the sorcerous houses, but they are not searching for me. Don't worry." She looked around, with a satisfied expression.

"This is a large event. You have prepared for many people here today. I suppose it is always interesting to watch people die." She looked at Jameson again.
"Is there anything you want me to do, Lord di Milverton? I will of course be available."

[VonDoom]

5th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
Late Morning
Exentia Street, The White Goblet
Mikado - Eiko

The stranger smiled in a rather cat-like fashion, the sort of cat that had just swallowed the proverbial canary, as they finished shaking hands. "Indeed you did. I was quite surprised when I saw you -- never would have suspected your people living in a city like this, far from Ikoku. Quite the oversight on my part."

He chuckled as he seated himself on the opposite side of his new acquaintance, leaning forward ever so slightly while studying her face attentively. On close inspection, it was quite apparent that city life had its effect on their kind; he certainly would not voice his impression that they had become rather wretched creatures when compared to their ancestors, though.

"I asked around and learned that there are large numbers of Tengu here," he continued. Suddenly, a frown flicked over his face and he briefly shook his head. "I digress. Allow me to introduce myself properly -- Tatsudoshi-no-Mikado, at your service. But please, call me Mikado."

He had yet to answer her question; a fact he was well aware of. The former Dragon Emperor wanted to spur on her interest further, however, and stringing her along briefly about his intentions might just make that happen.


6th of Bargenholt, A bit before Noon
Exentia Street
Mikado - Anselme

Considering the lack of precise time measurement, Mikado managed to arrive at approximately the same time they had encountered each other two days before. However, the man stepping up to Anselme bore only a passing resemblance to what he had looked like two days ago.

The foreigner was wearing common clothes -- a white-ish shirt, black pants with the odd tear and stain, all accompanied by a pair of dirty boots and a short sword without a scabbard at his side.

"We meet again," the Ikokuian noted as he stepped close. He looked more well rested than last time, though still pale and malnourished.

[DJDeMiko]

8th of Bargenholt
2 PM
The Diamond Club Terrace
Jameson

Jameson continues to greet guests as the party goers mingle. An observant person might note that Ms. Twill stands next to him whispering names of the incoming guests. An even more observant person would notice that he only seems to need her help on a few occasions.

By 2 PM almost all of the guests have arrived, while not EVERY major noble in the city is there, every Major and Minor house are at least represented as are the sorcerers houses. In fact, its hard to name a major player in the city without seeing them about, drinking and laughing.

Around 2 a hush begins to fall over the assorted crowd as guards wearing the emperors colors enter the terrace. A few moments later Darston, third child and middle son of the emperor walks in flanked by two very dangerous looking men. He approaches Jameson as nobles attempt to nonchalantly push closer to hear.

Jameson bows deeply and while still bowing says Your grace, I am humbled by your presence in my Arena.

Darston looks around, even nobles trained and versed in etiquette feel themselves blushing briefly under his gaze, like children caught eavesdropping. When he speaks, his voice is human but with a subtle undertone that seems to tingle slightly through the minds of all listening. Augustus he says in a tone suggesting he knows the man well you put on . . . . quite the show . . .

Of course your grace, a traitor such as Davis should be put on display. I feel it is only fitting given his crimes.

Of course, of course. You and I have very similar opinions on a show like this. Some of the most fun to be had in this city in weeks . . . so convenient that he was caught . . . so suddenly

Jameson smiles How lucky for us all then, please let me show you to your seat. I hope this to be quite entertaining.

Indeed, I believe it will be . . . perhaps even more than you expect.

OOC -

Spoiler

Show

At this point your characters will have had roughly 30 minutes to arrive and will have another 30 minutes afters Darston's arrival. Please consider Jameson and Darston NPC's to interact with, or there staff. If you with to PM me or IM (im only on occasionally) donjuandemiko on AIM and we can work out conversation to have.

8th of Bargenholt
2:30 PM
Lord's Arena

Davis Lupil, stripped of his rank, stripped of his friends and stripped of his family steps out of the gate with a strange confidence. The crowd hushes momentarily before those in the stands jump to their feet and begin booing.

Davis is wearing light leather armor covered in metal plates, he carries a long sword in his right hand and a large metal shield in his left. He carries them as if they weigh nothing.

As the crowd boos him and he raises his arms and bellows at them. Turning slowly as he roars.

Across the arena a small man, wearing only a loin cloth is pushed out of the gate with a small sword. He looks dirty and scared, but knows better than to not advance for his combat.

Darst

[Jade_Tarem]

4th of Bargenholt, Early Afternoon, Outside Claye-Potts Machinery
Claye and Ghedim

"Same t' you, ambassador. Safe travels." She waves as the carriage pulls away. Regardless of what were undoubtedly several layers of hidden motivations, Ghedim had been polite and engaging, if abrupt. Well, at least this day won't get any weirder...

4th of Bargenholt, Sundown, Fortress of the Rose
Claye, Anselme, Raina

When Anselme interrupts, Claye pauses and thinks. "But... how long would that take? Most sets of completed blood guard equipment are kept locked in the various armories higher up in the city - acquirin' a fake may mean orderin' from scratch."

6th of Bargenholt, after Midnight, Undercity
Claye and Shadowy Figures

Claye thought she saw something, or maybe multiple somethings, down a side passage. It didn't look like a giant metal man, but ignoring the other inhabitants of the Undercity was a good way to get dead. As the trail she was following was cold anyway, she went evasive, trying to stay out of range of whoever it was while getting a good look at them.

8th of Bargenholt, The Arena (Diamond Club Terrace), 2:10 p.m.
Claye and Xavier

Claye walks in, easily the most under-dressed person on the Terrace, and makes a beeline for Xavier while wiping sweat from her brow. "Whew! Potts an' I got the spare water an' fuel tanks to each compressor. Is everything goin' okay up here?" She hazards a glance around, finally spying Prince Darston, and whistles softly. "Jameson doesn't do anythin' halfway, does he? Seems like a huge turnout just to see someone get chopped up."

[ForzaFiori]

8th of Bargenholt
The Arena (Diamond Club Terrace)
2:10 p.m.
Claye and Xavier

Xavier lets out a soft chuckle. "You'd be surprised how easily you can get someone to don a suit and tie if you tell them someone famous would be there. Though you must admit, it's not everyday that a traitor is killed in the arena. he muses. "Especially not this arena." he add, looking around. Turning his attention back to his job, he motions to the main generator. "The generator is up and running, though it took some convincing, and I can hear fans going. We should know soon enough if our design worked. Considering the Prince is here, I sure hope it does."

[have_a_cow]

8th of Bargenholt, The Arena (Diamond Club Terrace), 1:45 p.m.

Michael steps out of the House Potentir carriage. He has a long-tailed dark blue suit with golden trim along the edges. He has a white silk cravat around his neck. Around his shoulders is a high-collared black cloak also with golden edges, the underside of the cloak is a brilliant crimson. Peter, his soul-bound slave, follows behind him, and is also dressed well in a white suit with golden cords and a red vest.

Michael approaches Jameson, nods curtly and enters the arena, taking his place among the many nobles gathered there.

"Excuse me sir," Michael addresses one of the nobles in the colors of House Rothschild, a minor house that was quickly gaining influence because of shrewd investments by its lord. I see that we have been assigned to sit next to each other, and it would be poor form if I did not introduce myself. I am Michael Nicephorus ir Potentir and this is my bound-slave Peter."

At this point Michael begins to weave a subtle web of enchantment into his speech, beguiling this man into believing they are old friends. By the time he is finished Michael knows many secrets of House Rothschild, including the secrets of the investment; they have begun selling Bliss to the underclasses.

After a while Micheal becomes bored with learning the secrets of such minor nobles, and leaves his seat to find a drink. Alcohol always makes public executions much more entertaining.

[Nefarion Xid]

4th of Bargenholt, Sundown, Fortress of the Rose
Claye, Anselme, Raina

"They needn't be precise replicas. From what I've heard, our assailant isn't exactly an eagle-eyed sniper, so anything passable would... well, by the time he was close enough to see they weren't real guardsmen..." Anselme wiggled his hands together in some way that was supposed to mean 'the trap is sprung', though it rather looked like he was pantomiming a pair of fighting hares. This though occurred to him midway through and he began wiggling the "ears" (his index and pinkie fingers) at himself with a hint of a bemused grin before suddenly becoming cross with himself and shoving his hands safely inside his jacket pockets.

Without excusing himself, he began to meander towards the kitchen, still undecided about preparing croissants now or in the morning.

"Now, if only there was someone who could provide an abandoned warehouse for the ambush. Oh, and I suppose you could use some sort of machination to animate dummy guards instead of using actual personnel... or criminals. Whatever's cheaper."

He waved overhead with the back of his hand before vanishing around the corner.

6th of Bargenholt, A bit before Noon
Exentia Street
Mikado, Anselme

Anselme squinted briefly as if trying to figure out some inscrutable detail about the foreigner's face.

"Do we also narrate our actions? If so, we are intrigued..."

He grins, dismissing his own antics. Whether it was a genuine apology for his impish behavior or not wasn't clear. Though, it was certainly hard to begrudge Anselme anything. If he was mad (a real possibility), there was too much intelligence and insight flickering behind his eye to completely discount the man. But then, there was the chance that he wasn't batty at all, yet was every bit as calculating and aware as one might fear.

"We are intrigued," he repeated in a different context. "Fresh off the boat from Ikoku and building contacts? What are we up to?

It was hardly a secret; Anselme could have guessed the man's origins from his features alone. Then again, he also had casual access to a number of well informed people, never mind the fact that he'd been skulking behind Raina for two days now, acting the part of a very poor secretary.

[VonDoom]

6th of Bargenholt, A bit before Noon
Exentia Street
Mikado, Anselme

The now rather commonly dressed Mikado allowed a smile to surface, though despite his like of the strange man he had rescued, he wasn't entirely off his guard and understood quite well the implications of what Anselme was asking. And what he wasn't asking.

Mikado himself was quite the charismatic fellow himself and first hints of his silver tongue were there, indeed; but despite his seeming facility with the common tongue of Taelarys, he had still never actually conversed in it with any regularity before his recent arrival.

"We," Mikado replied, not missing a beat, "are currently playing dress-up to avoid being assaulted, robbed and whatever else the locals might have in mind for a handsome foreigner with a little coin to spend, like myself." He shrugged. "Though, truth be told, my other clothes are actually being cleaned right now and my wardrobe isn't that diverse just yet."

The Ikokuian chuckled, putting a hand on Anselme's shoulder. "You're a clever man, even if you do your best to hide it for some reason." A brief pat, and he drew back, the mirth briefly gone from his eyes as his expression turned more serious, though it was still quite friendly. "Let's assume I've no mind to pretend that you're wrong about that and do a little trade. You tell me where and how you learned about all that, and I'll tell you what I'm up to."

Of course, the recent arrival from Ikoku had no intentions of actually telling this man that he had aspirations of forging a shadow-empire of his own in this country, to once again rule with real power, but this time of his own making. However, Mikado hadn't actually excluded the possibility a proper empire just yet; after all, why limit yourself needlessly when he had just begun to move?

[Mono Vertigo]

5th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
Late Morning
Exentia Street, The White Goblet
Eiko

Gears clicked in her mind, processing the words into a result she didn't know what to make of. “My... people. I see.” Was it even good or bad news? Her beak-like mouth distorted, betraying her interrogation. “Nice to meet you, Mr Mikado. The name's Eiko Shimang.”
A few seconds were needed before she could formulate coherent sentences. “Surprising? As far as I know, my ancestors didn't intend to live here. They had the Rukandt Mountains in mind instead. Y'know. Where they sell the overpriced alcohol and stuff for rich travelers today. My apologies we didn't manage to kick the empire's ass.”, she said, bitterly. Eiko could rant for hours on that subject if uninterrupted, especially when the listener turned out to know a bit more on her kind than "they have wings and they're pretty ugly".

[VonDoom]

5th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
Late Morning
Exentia Street, The White Goblet
Eiko, Mikado

The slant-eyed gentleman grimaced briefly as he listened to Eiko's rantings. "I've never been there," he was forced to admit as she spoke of the Rukandt Mountains. Not surprising, considering he had just arrived on the continent.

He occasionally piped in, proving himself very understanding of the difficulties the Tengu had faced, but didn't actually divulge much information about their cousins in Ikoku unless asked for it. Mikado had no aspirations of forcing details about a culture on someone who may not even be interested -- if asked, though, he would gladly answer to the best of his knowledge, which was quite extensive due to his education as a noble.

After awhile, a thin smile revealed himself on his lips, as he brushed a stray strand of his long black hair back into its proper position. "Eiko. Would you like another chance for greatness? For your people? For yourself?"

[Kasanip]

8th of Bargenholt
The Arena (Diamond Club Terrace)
1:45 p.m.
Eris, approaching Michael

There were many guests here, even in the Diamond Club Terrace. It was busy for the servants to continue to show new food and drink, and serve the guests. Once the event started, it would become a little easier. Hopefully.
Even though she was very busy, Eris tried to learn the names of the nobles here. It would be useful later.

Another noble came with a distracted look. This one in dark blue and gold clothes. Eris made a polite smile and stepped in front of Michael.
"Pardon, sir. I hope everything has been acceptable. Is there anything you would like?"

[Mono Vertigo]

5th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
Late Morning
Exentia Street, The White Goblet
Eiko*

The woman made herself more comfortable on the chair, barely hindered by her wings after a lifetime of dealing with their presence. That was one less weight on her chest, although there was no doubt the frustration would come back once she's reminded of the inglorious story of her life.
A small grin on her face, she replied: “You're a very funny man, mysterious to the end, even when you show your intentions at last. What sort of second chance are we talking about here?” Despite the question, she had no intention to refuse, unless the proposition was truly awful.

[Swordslinger]

8th of Bargenholt
The Arena (Diamond Club Terrace)
1:40 PM
Amandre

Amandre accompanied Banyn d'Darran and his son into the Arena. He walked to their side and a few steps behind them and while they were greeting the host he surveying the locations, he mentally noted down guardsmen, their armament and located possible escape routes all while keeping watch on the various people, all this would usually cost him no effort at all, it was second nature to him by now. However he needed to keep in mind the two persons he was escorting, that made it much harder. If things went wrong here none of his usual tactics would work. The two Darran noblemen went about mingling with the various people collected there. Amandre made his way to the back and stood by the wall keeping watch. Like with the servants hardly anyone even glanced at him. Crows could be useful to hide within, however this was different. He felt as if he was on display and everyone was watching him, even if he knew that was not the case. He found it difficult to stand still, his instincts told him to find someplace to hide from sight. He tried to ignore the feeling and placed his hand the daggers hilt while he watched the gathered nobles

[VonDoom]

5th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
Late Morning
Exentia Street, The White Goblet
Eiko, Mikado

A serious look came over Mikado's face as he leaned forward, apparently about to take the crow-woman into his confidence. He inclined his head slightly to the side, then held out his hand -- not to shake, but rather demonstratively, turning it left and right for a bit. His rake-thin forearms were almost painful to behold as he pulled his sleeve back. There was a faint, a very faint trace of what must once have been well defined muscle, from the way he still moved. The Tengu had witnessed it herself, when the Ikoku native had leapt into the river to save another -- he was well trained and, before the long journey, must have had the physique of an athlete.

His gaze was fixed onto his hand, clinical and attached as if he was looking at something foreign, slight disgust apparent in his eyes. "So thin," the man noted with distaste as he raised that limb; in such a way, that his eyes met those of his new acquaintance just so.

"Tell me, Eiko -- what do you think of humans? Be honest, you won't offend me."

[Mono Vertigo]

5th of Bargenholt, 3817 AoT
Late Morning
Exentia Street, The White Goblet
Eiko

In contrast, Eiko's body was marked by time, whose hardships were more pronounced for the lower classes, and blows. A couple scars could be seen fading, becoming as invisible as the previous ones. While not a great warrior, her muscles and lack of fat showed an undeniable potential should she undergo proper training. Her upper body in particular, with the necessary strength accompanying the use of wings. One had the mental and physical discipline, the other, the raw material.
She couldn't help but make the comparison, as her own eyes surveyed his arm.
“Humans.” Eiko pondered. “They're lucky. That's what they are, above everything else. Th'world could've eaten them whole. But they got lucky and found nifty tricks, gods-know-how.” She didn't want to call humans smart, as she thought they had fundamental flaws that should have ruined that quality. Yet... “And they survived, and found more tricks. And here we are now. What I mean is that you're weak in many ways but survived, maybe because the gods pitied you. That wouldn't be so bad if you weren't so damn arrogant about it. At th'center of the universe, and too proud to let anyone else get lucky.”
Decidedly, that day was Rantday.

[DJDeMiko]

8th of Bargenholt
1:30 PM
The Diamond Club Terrace
Jameson

Jameson bows to Kyranis.

Please, it is an honor to have you both here. House Ostrim is always welcome within these walls. I'd actually love to speak with you about the house at some future point, such an interesting history the house has, I would love to hear more of it.