[Nexus] Delmah Phor

[Gullara]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

Kirk smiles when she does. Much better. And here he almost thought he wasn't going to be able to handle that conversation well. "See? Nothing to worry about."

It's time for a shift in conversation, the drow decides. "Now, speaking of things to be worried about, I've decided I have to bother dealing with the real estate market and getting a proper place to live. My room in NO works as a place to sleep, but it's no place for taking a beautiful woman back to, now is it?" He gives her a wink.

[Murkus]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

"Oh gods, Kirk, say it ain't so," Tina says, a look of pure horror on her face. "The endless stream of cabins, barracks and taverns is over? I'll sure miss the hard beds, grungey bathrooms and cheap food! The public showers full of pervy ghost-kids... those awful rooms at Trogs... I could just cry."

[Gullara]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

Kirk laughs, shaking his head at Fettina. "I was sure the showers were your idea." He can't seem to recall exactly now. "But yes, all that is over, much to your dismay I'm sure. A comfortable bed in a private place just can't compare, can it?"

[Murkus]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

"A private place that isn't mine. Yeah, that sounds great," Tina says, slowing their dance a little. She looks rather excited. "Tell you what, Kirk... lemme buy you a place. Tonight. Anywhere you want."

[Gullara]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

The drow's eyebrows shoot up. That's a strange offer. "I do have my own money, you know. Why the sudden interest in getting it for me?" If she didn't look so excited, he probably would have turned down the offer simply because he doesn't need to use her money. Now he's curious, however.

[Murkus]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

"Well, dating or not, I'm gonna be spending a lot of time there. I'd better have a say," Tina imposes, slinging her arms around Kirk as she opts for a slower dance. "Besides, don't you think it'd be fun?"

[Gullara]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

Kirk puts his arms around her waist and chuckles. "That's a fair point. You'd probably spend almost as much time as I do in there." He jokes, though there's a grain of truth to it. "It does sound a lot more fun than doing it myself, that's for sure."

[Murkus]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

"Then it's settled," Tina says, meeting Kirk's eyes and smiling peacefully. Her voice turns a mellow tone. "Now what were you thinking? Condo? House? Mansion?"

[Gullara]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

"A mansion? That seems a little excessive when I'd only be using one room, doesn't it?" Kirk smirks at her. "I'd have to hire someone to clean it too, but I suppose I'll have to do that anyway. Any suggestions?"

[Murkus]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

"My friend Evan might be able to take care of it for us. But he's one of the people who... well, y'know," Tina says. She's really not sure what she's gonna do about that. Evan never... he had never really put forth an interest in dating. It seemed like he might be anyway, but they never much got into it, and the poor demon's been busy with Elexxion as of late.

She tries to hop off that part of the conversation, voice turning sultry and smooth. "And as for only using one room... well, I can see why you don't have much relationship experience. No imagination."

[Gullara]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

Kirk doesn't seem overly concerned about Evan being brought up. He's not going to stop hanging out with Dena if he and Tina are together again after all.

"I thought you knew me better than that, Fettina. I can be very creative." He says in a tone that promises all kinds of good things.

[Murkus]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

"Maybe we won't be needing a bed the first night, then," Tina says, leaning in to kiss Kirk while they sway slowly here and there. After a moment, she takes a look around and says, "Maybe we oughta pull outta here soon. This place is kinda dead."

[Gullara]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

The drow kisses her back and smiles when she pulls away. "We'd might as well. You're the one that was crazy enough to decide to stick around any way." He says. If she doesn't protest, Kirk will loop one arm around her waist and start guiding her toward the exit.

[Murkus]

[Ballroom 'Dance Floor']

"Yeah, yeah. Let's just get some booze on the way," Tina says, shortly before they slip out the door.

((Home, or Inside perhaps? You can post first.))

[Artemis97]

[Secluded Spot]

Din returns Ilpholin's kiss hungrily, and will follow where ever she chooses to lead this.

[Ballroom]

Sornnolu smiles gently at Naitiri. "I apologize for the distress this may have caused you. That is my uncle, who has been away for some time. It seems he has forgotten his manners. Whatever he is doing, the guards should be able to protect the guests." His smile falters a bit. "However, it may be best if you stay with me until this is resolved." He decides, his long fingers tapping on the ornate staff he carried.


Sszinyon nods to Endrik, understanding and appreciative. Knowing he would have his support, the drow steps forward towards the combatants, breaking into a sprint in an attempt to slip through the line of guards.


Erelae blinks, seeing Zee has somehow cloned herself. Slowly she regains her composure. "As you wish... Zee." The drowess smiles, conceding to the informality. "I am not surprised father has not spoken of me. In drow culture it is unusual for the male to take a part in the raising of a child. Mother did allow him to maintain a relationship with my brother and I, however. More so with my brother, as he developed a talent for the Arcane. I trained to be a Priestess and was taken under the tutelage the Matron herself."

[Dais]

After dismissing Tebranlyn, the Matron turns to regard Zee. "Councilwoman." She nods her head in respectful acknowledgement. "How are you enjoying our... soiree?" Danube asks, only briefly pausing to find the correct human word. She smiles through it, however.

Aly, seeing the gladiator match was about to get even more bloody, tries to sneak away from the dais.

[Murkus]

[Ballroom]

"I would feel much safer that way, sir," Naitiri assures him, smiling that charming smile that she uses so well. In all honesty, she'd probably be fine on her own, but this is a good opportunity to endear herself toward one of the Matron's officials. "Perhaps we can take this opportunity to discuss a future for Elexxion and House Xar'Cha."

[ApeofLight]

[Ballroom]

As Sszinyon broke into his sprint Tebtranlyn sprung from the crowd, aiming to tackle the elder Xar'Cha before he could reach the fighters.

The guards seeing action being taken also sprung into action, aiming to surround the two male drow.

Teb sneered at his uncle. "You would disgrace yourself, House Xar'Cha, and the Matron? And to accomplish what? Nothing."

[happyturtle]

Ballroom

Spoiler

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Ballroom

Ethelay frowns as her youngest son runs from her, but then she sees where he's going. Wise thought, foolish action, she notes. She'll have to talk to him about subtlety. If anyone was after the child Matron, they'd have been alerted by Ryldolin's run.

She simply changes her own trajectory to mingle with the crowd until she reaches the two children. Ethelay gives the appropriate bow/curtsey that one would give to the Matron of a rival House (assume her ettiquette is perfect, though HT's drow knowledge is wretched) and asks "Ilharess, would you like to be escorted out of the ballroom?"

Ethelay is still waiting for the child matron to respond.

Spoiler

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[Ballroom]

Vyrn activates those subvocal implants that haven't been used in a while. "Delisle, what do you know of spider-hybrids in drow culture? I'm afraid I'm not an expert, but I have reason to believe that one is in constant, extreme pain."

Ballroom

"I don't know anything," Delisle admits. Her own subvocal transmitter is disguised as jewellery rather than implanted.

Delisle is staying back with Vyrn. She doesn't understand the situation well enough to intervene yet - particularly when others are already intervening.


The mysterious nondescript drow remains nondescript as he approaches the dais slowly and nondescriptly.

[Destro_Yersul]

Endrik did not run, but he followed Sszy at a slower pace. The paladin, however, did not mean to get past the guards. Nor did he mean to let Sszy be outnumbered. If Teb wanted to tackle Sszy, then Endrik would make it a fair fight. The holy symbol set into his armour flashed briefly, the cap on his hammer's haft clinking as it struck the floor. Endrik stood, watching, as a shimmering shield of energy sprung up around Teb and Sszy. If they weren't quick, or they didn't counter the spell, they would be completely isolated from the guards.

[Slii Arhem]

[The Entrance]

Not so much a commotion, but the signs of things stressing to the breaking point are obvious to Kirk. The people gathers near the matron, the tension in a number of the guests, and of course Sszy himself.

"Something's set him off." Kirk nodded toward Sszy. "And no one likes it."

[Ballroom]

Ryldolin sees his mother approaching, but something else occurs to him. Someone would have his head if something managed to happen to Elvanriina while he was supposed to be accompanying her, whether he could help it or not.

So before his mother reached him, Ryldolin broke into a run over to the young matron, being sure to give the fight a wide berth. Once there he'll just stand not far away, waiting for her to address him if she so chooses.

Ballroom

Ethelay frowns as her youngest son runs from her, but then she sees where he's going. Wise thought, foolish action, she notes. She'll have to talk to him about subtlety. If anyone was after the child Matron, they'd have been alerted by Ryldolin's run.

She simply changes her own trajectory to mingle with the crowd until she reaches the two children. Ethelay gives the appropriate bow/curtsey that one would give to the Matron of a rival House (assume her ettiquette is perfect, though HT's drow knowledge is wretched) and asks "Ilharess, would you like to be escorted out of the ballroom?"

Ballroom

"I don't believe I would." Elvanriina muses, running a finger along her chin, "If I'm not here to see this through, I would not be properly representing my house. And while I won't interfere with another matron's decisions... it does seem an awful waste, doesn't it?"

[Gullara]

[Ballroom]

"If there's anything you need, I'm at your your command." Ryoldolin says dutifully. For a lack of anything else to say at least.

[The Bushranger]

[Ballroom]

As Sszy charges the guards, Shrike laments to herself the lack of a handy bookie present. She'd love to place a bet on his survival odds.

[Mr. Moon]

Administrative Headquarters

Many hours after the party, when all the guests have long since left and the streets are as empty as they'll ever be, a carriage pulls up to the gates. It is barren of decorations or marking, but well constructed. If it weren't for the clattering and chittering of the two coal-black spiders pulling it, the carriage would have made no noise at all. Once it comes to a complete stop, the driver looks down and raps his knuckles on the wood. A windowless door on the side opens, and two cloaked and hooded figures step out. One is an adult, and it grips tightly the hand of the child who follows it. The first strides quickly past the gate with the child hurrying to keep up. They only stop briefly when confronted by a guard for the taller figure to withdraw a badge of office from its robe.

Soon enough, the pair has made it through the buildings and have arrived at Sornnolu's office. The taller of the two lifts a hand and knocks sharply at the door.

[Artemis97]

[Ballroom]

"Stand aside, child." Sszinyon snarls. "This matter does not involve you."

[Administrative Headquarters]

"Enter." Sornnolu bids. The pair will find the door is unlocked and easily opened. Within, Sornnolu has stood, seemingly to greet his guests. A careful observer would notice he had placed himself out of line of the doorway and held his staff, apparently used as a support as he rose, ready to be used.

"To what do I owe the honor of this visit?" Sornnolu says diplomatically. Under the cloaks he could not tell who, or how important, his guests might be. But they had bypassed the lines of security within the building to come directly to him, that meant they had some importance, or were very good at infiltration. Either way, it earned them respect.

[ApeofLight]

[Ballroom Floor]

Teb returned the snarl in full force. "You involved me as soon as you decided to pull your blades here in the palace this night. You have one more chance to back down Uncle, otherwise things will become... complicated."

The assassin's arms twitched, most likely in preparation to pull out hidden blades hidden on his person.

The guards stood around the force bubble looking between each other confused. It wasn't until someone saw Teb's signed message that they began to move.

A few left to go and get one of the hidden caster's set up for such a dilemma and two moved towards Endrik in as non-threatening but authoritative way they could.

[happyturtle]

Ballroom

Spoiler

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Ballroom

"I don't believe I would." Elvanriina muses, running a finger along her chin, "If I'm not here to see this through, I would not be properly representing my house. And while I won't interfere with another matron's decisions... it does seem an awful waste, doesn't it?"

[Ballroom]

"If there's anything you need, I'm at your your command." Ryo

ldolin says dutifully. For a lack of anything else to say at least.

"Perhaps," Ethelay answers Elvanriina in her best diplomatic tone. She intends to be polite to the little Ilharess, but she certainly isn't going to criticise her sister and Matron in front of an outsider.

Delisle and the nondescript drow continue to stay well out of the conflict.

[Slii Arhem]

Ballroom


"Perhaps," Ethelay answers Elvanriina in her best diplomatic tone. She intends to be polite to the little Ilharess, but she certainly isn't going to criticise her sister and Matron in front of an outsider.

Delisle and the nondescript drow continue to stay well out of the conflict.

Ballroom

"Well, perhaps not for a house so abundantly gifted as your own, but I have learned to more frugally manage such resources, rather than waste them on combat for sport."

[Mr. Moon]

[Administrative Headquarters]

The taller of the pair pulls the shorter into Sornnolu's office and closes the door. It is only then that she lifts her hands to her hood and pulls down her hood. Revealed is a middle-aged drow woman with ash grey skin and close-cropped white hair. She's a prim looking woman, probably without much kindness in her. "Forgive the intrusion, Lord Sornnolu," she says, dropping into a stiff and graceless curtsy. As she rises, she draws a sigil from one pocket and a sealed envelope in another. The sigil is small, fitting just in the palm of her hand, and bears the personal emblem of the Xar'Cha matron. "My name is Zynecyrl, and my ward here," she gives the child a nod, and it hurries into a much more clumsy curtsy, "is Lady Yasril'cice Xar'Cha, daughter of our esteemed Matron." She pauses for a moment to let this factoid sink in, and takes the opportunity to place the envelope on Sornnolu's desk. "Matron Danube has decided that Lady Yasril'cice would be safer if she was raised... further away from prying eyes which might not have her best interests in mind. As such, she has been entrusted to your care. The details are enclosed in the envelope. You are to raise her as though she were one of your own."

[Artemis97]

[Administrative Headquarters]

Sornolu freezes for a moment as the words worked their way into his brain. The Matron had a daughter. An Heiress. This changed... everything. And she was being put into his care.

His mind catches up with the situation and the Archmage dips into a bow. "It shall be done." Now how was he going to explain this to Felyn'wae?

[Mr. Moon]

[Administrative Headquarters]

"Very good," Zynecryl says. "If there is nothing else, my Lord, Illharess Danube wishes my prompt return." The maid hesitates a moment for Sornnlu to say something, and if he doesn't will curtsy and make her exit.

Leaving him alone with his new charge.