[Seasonal Quest] The Winter Ball: Act I of Darkling Tides

The West Wing plays host to an exquisite ball, as a mystery unfolds...

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Center of scholarly knowledge and shipwrighting, Zeltiva is a port city unlike any other in Mizahar. [Lore]

[Seasonal Quest] The Winter Ball: Act I of Darkling Tides

Postby Trente on February 20th, 2012, 10:15 pm

Trente was far from offended by the Benshira's uncouth outburst. His word's in all truth impressed Trente. He could always respect a man that could voice, without reservation, his passions and opinions, however over personal they may be. It made conversation easy, though at times admittedly trivial. He realized easily that Idue had misjudged Trente's pompous nature for that of an inexperienced fighter, who had never bloodied his blade. Trente wouldn't argue this out loud, if the man got the fight he seemed to be anticipating his blade work would do the talking for him. The Banshira may feel that his past trials were worth some notice, or respect. But, in Trente's eyes, respect was won in the present. Word's were easy, it was action that made one deserving of tribute.

Contrary to what other's seemed to have assumed would be Trente's reaction to the situation, Trent simply smiled and took the second sip of his wine for the night as Faylon broke into the altercation, then quickly tried to subvert the conversation toward Nai'shee. Fitting his words as tactfully as he could manage into the openings in speech, he tipped his head slightly to Faylon, approving well enough with his words. "I can agree whole heartedly with that. I simply don't wish those of us," he looked primarily to the weapon's on the men adjacent to him as he spoke these words, "that should have the better judgement of this gathering, to welcome conflict more eagerly than is called for. I will remain on guard, of course. But, I refuse to actively wish conflict on an otherwise peaceful congregation."

He then shrugged, and looked to Idue. Faylon had deserved an immediate response do to his superior tact in speech. But, he also felt Idue had deserved at least a small recognition for his forwardness. "Is this you trying to tutor me in how the world operates? Is this kindness or simple reflection on your own past? An over sensitivity, perhaps? In any case, your philosophy on how uncleaned weapons are somehow more certifiable than well maintained ones seems weak to me. I would assume such a debate should be saved for conflict, not leisure speak.

I will admit that your analogy of life, and how plans often find themselves subject to the unpredictable conditions. Much like the cold sea's winds. Is quite enlightening, I may even borrow the analogy some time. Share it with those that may be less aware of it than myself. A suiting use for such valuable wisdom, don't you think?" His words were unnecessarily barbed, not from anger, but from a fundamental desire to match the Banshira's conviction on the matter with his own. However in agreement he may be.

He then watched his companions before him gather their masks, and the gallant nature within him demanded conformity on the matter. He reached forward and grabbed the most flamboyant of the darker masks. Black, with dark as night bird feather's along the rim, tinted ever so slightly with a deep green sheen. He then fit the mask with satisfaction over his face, struggling slightly to do so with one hand, but after a moment managed. His theatrical makeup bordered the mask in a mysterious and pleasing fashion that suggested he might have planned his makeup for just this accessory. Though such a conclusion would be false, as most about him seemed to be.

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[Seasonal Quest] The Winter Ball: Act I of Darkling Tides

Postby Paragon on February 21st, 2012, 11:01 am

As the attendees placed on their masks, Avari and Eorar arrived back in the hall, more than happy to be back into safety following the revelations they had overheard.

Outside the Archive Building however, Elem lingered, and met Mistress Claira as she came up the stairs, her face pale and grey.

"Elem Bree," she said, her face barely changing, "what is it you want?"

He explained as best as he could how he had mistakenly overheard what was going on, and then offered up his help.

She looked him over with trained eyes. In his short time in the Infirmary, she had grown rather fond of the young man. He had proven himself more adept than most, and had grasped the medicinal basics with relish and speed.

"I... I think you'll be a spare part for the moment," she said, forcing a wan smile, "I'm sorry."

----

In the hall, the music heightened, and many took to the centre of the hall to dance, usually in couples. Masks brought anonymity, hidden faces, hidden identities. But as Faylon looked around for women he could hook up with, he noticed a figure's white shirt stained crimson with blood.

Grinning, Faylon approached, wondering if the man had gotten into a fight or such like. "That looks brutal," he said with a sneer. But he did not expect the reaction back. The figure turned, growled, and pushed Faylon away. And in turn, he did not expect Faylon's reaction. "Don't shove me," he said through gritted teeth, pushing back. The two were caught in a scuffle, and as people began to notice, the music softened, and the dancing stopped.

OOC for FaylonFeel free to fill in the details on the fight in your next post, so I can award you XP for it :)

They fought for a long while, Faylon's skill matched by the masked assailant, but alas, it was to end in catatastrophe. No one saw it coming until it had happened. The masked figure pulled an object from his pocket, and it glimmered in the starry lights. And then he plunged it into Faylon's chest, a dagger no less.

As everyone swept in to try and control the situation, the masked figure vanished into the crowds. Faylon pressed a hand to his chest, winded, and confused as to what had happened. And then he crumpled to the floor, pink fading from his skin, scarlet fluid running down his flesh, spreading across his shirt and the floor.

Trente, Idue, Stri and Nai'shee joined the crowd in the centre, trying to piece together what had just happened. Someone would need to run back outside, and find Mistress Claira and Elem. Faylon needed medical treatment immediately.

And amidst the screams and chaos, the masked figure had slunk into the darkness, unsure of whether he had just taken his second victim of the night.
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[Seasonal Quest] The Winter Ball: Act I of Darkling Tides

Postby Avari on February 22nd, 2012, 4:59 pm

Avari had bristled slightly when the human man who introduced himself as Elem Bree referred to Eorar and her as a "couple," a little irked by the implication that she had taken the Charoda-turned-human as a mate. Nevertheless, she had gladly tiptoed back toward the relative safety and obscurity of the Winter Ball, no longer comforted by the darkness that hid everything -- including lurking murderers -- from clear sight. The Ball's merriment and music gave her a mild shock, after the terrible stillness and low-voiced secrets outside the Archives Building. It was like stepping into a completely different world, a world that suddenly seemed much more fragile and fraught with shadows now that Avari knew of the murder and theft that had happened at the same time just next door.

For a moment, she simply hung back against the wall and watched the revelry, still a little dazed by the contrast. She had to admit, though, she quite liked the conceit of giving out the masks. What a pity that the city didn't host more masked balls and parties or even go masked in the streets during a holiday. It would have been so useful for her profession. She would have loved the anonymity and secrecy of it, the ability to hide in plain sight.

Choosing a plain black domino mask from a server, Avari tied the strings around her head, feeling nigh invisible amid the crowd of more elaborately attired Ball-goers. Below the lower edge of the mask, her lips curved into a catlike little smirk of enjoyment. Lady Yshul should like this, she thought.

Her smile faded when she noticed a scuffle arising near the center of the crowd, drawing everyone's attention to the unexpected and ill-mannered clash. Rising up on her tiptoes, Avari craned her head to watch the fight, but all she could see was the occasional arm swinging upward to punch or shove at the other person. Wondering how the fight had even started in the first place, Avari began gently nudging and pushing her way forward through the crowd to see what was happening. Fistfights were common enough at the docks, but such altercations seemed incredibly out of place in a ballroom. She couldn't help wondering if it somehow had something to do with the other mysterious events that were taking place this night. It could just be two men taking out their anger and anxiety over the professors' crisis on each other.

Or it could be something worse.

Just as Avari was near enough to peer over someone's shoulder to watch the action, a chorus of loud gasps greeted the sudden introduction of a dagger into the fray, gleaming in the hand of a masked man with blood on his shirt. The bloodstained man plunged the dagger into his opponent's chest, causing a few onlookers to scream and one lady to faint. His opponent collapsed to the ground with a stunned look on his face, and the bloodstained, dagger-wielding man turned and ran.

In the general outcry that resulted, several people rushed forward to help the injured man, while others tried to call for help or went for the authorities. Avari, however, only had eyes for the masked man with the dagger as he disappeared among the crowd. The blood on his shirt was there long before he stabbed this poor fellow now, meaning he had already wounded or even killed someone else tonight.

Someone else, like that dead professor at the Archives Building, perhaps?

Ducking through the surge of frightened Ball-goers and occasionally fighting against the tide, she began to follow after the masked man with the dagger, her curiosity overcoming her sense of self-preservation. Her steps were light and quick as she darted through the crowd, trying to retrace the masked man's trail before it went too cold. She didn't know how long she could follow him or even if she was heading in the right direction, for the man seemed to vanish like smoke in the air after his fight. She was determined, though, to find out who he was and what he was up to, especially if he'd not only killed a man but also broken into the Archives Building and stolen one of its treasures for his own unsavory purposes.

Avari

"Everyone wants something... And when you know what a man wants you know who he is, and how to move him." - George R. R. Martin, A Storm of Swords
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[Seasonal Quest] The Winter Ball: Act I of Darkling Tides

Postby Faylon Kwanda on February 25th, 2012, 5:55 pm

[Nodding once Nai’shee had informed him that she wished to be a sailor Faylon had decided to make a more thorough mental note regarding the girl. She’d be on the docks if she wanted to be a sailor and that meant the two of them might make a further acquaintance of each other outside of the Winter Ball; Faylon whole heartedly intended to make some kind of business for himself on the docks of Zeltiva. Likely he’d make his move when winter was over but only time would tell. Adjusting as Trente spoke up too, confirming that he wasn’t looking to bring a conflict into a peaceful congregation, Faylon would likewise smile towards him before another shapely thing took his attention just over the man’s shoulder. It wasn’t that hard to tell that Faylon was looking over Trente’s shoulder and not at him anymore.]

[Offering a polite smile to the others Faylon would have quipped...”Excuse me friends but I see something that needs my attention.”...then he would move away from the group towards the woman he’d seen. Alas, Faylon noticed to late that she had vanished and so the search began in earnest as he trolled through the West Wing in search of the object of his affections tonight. When he’d seen the figure whose white shirt was stained crimson with blood it had been completely by chance though he’d approached regardless and told the individual...”That looks bad. You should get it looked at.”...before the man turned, growling, and pushed Faylon away. Stumbling backwards a few steps Faylon had almost bumped into another guest, their shoulder brushing against his, before he recovered and an indignant expression overtook his features.]

[Initially the man must not have expected anything else to happen but moving back towards him Faylon waited to get his attention before thrusting both of his arms out in a heavy shove that sent the man backwards into a waiter, who spilt his tray of drinks, before recovering and then the battle between both men was on. Now the scuffle was about to become a little more violent. Watching the man with the stained shirt Faylon would have remarked...”You need to mind your manners –friend-. Nobody pushes me.”...but the stern advice seemed to have fallen on deaf ears as the man took a swing at Faylon. Ducking underneath the blow Faylon looked for an opening but wasn’t able to find anything, this man was at least as good as him in a fight, so the two separated and took to circling one another slowly.]

[Neither man seemed to want to commit to an attack that would leave them overly open to a counterattack so together they continued moving, one foot over the other or on light feet, as they seemed to mirror each other. Moving towards each other they’d eventually begin though. The Man actually struck first, he was faster than Faylon it appeared, and throwing out a blow he’d knocked Faylon across the side of the head, forcing him to raise his guard, as he retaliated. Popping out stiff jabs Faylon would work behind them as a classical boxer might though. Leading with his right hand as it shot out once, twice, thrice and drove the man backwards while he kept his left arm in reserve. Landing a few return blows to the face but nothing serious.]

[The two of them differed in style though. Faylon was a boxer mostly, his blows came from his fists the majority of the time, but this other man seemed a bit more at home using all of his body. When a kick was flung up underneath Faylon’s right arm as he jabbed he’d suck in a deep breath laced with a hiss of pain before taking a step forward with his right foot. Drawing his left side behind him instinctively Faylon would bring his right arm ahead in an overhand blow that matched the blow to his ribs by driving down into the top of the mans head. They both separated again and shook the cobwebs out of their heads.]

[Shuffling forward despite the throbbing in his side Faylon pressed the action though and came ahead with a lunging straight that caught his opponent in the face before he could fully clear his head snapping it backwards. Faylon thought he might be on the offensive now but before he knew what was happening the man had entangled his arm and the two of them started to push back and forth against one another in a battle for dominance. The Masked Man was the more skilled when it came to grappling and as they came close to one another Faylon was having difficulty freeing his arms so that he could continue punching.]

[Without warning Faylon would have to turn his head to the side too as his opponent headbutted, crushing his forehead against Faylon’s cheek, and causing him to visibly wince before he heaved with his arms. Despite not being the largest man Faylon was still quite strong. Pushing hard he’d shove the Masked Man away, sending him stumbling, until his back slammed into the edge of a table laden with drinks and food; spilling food and wine alike. At that moment Faylon, not thinking, had moved ahead quickly wanting to finish the man but then something unexpected had occurred before he could make his move.]

[With his arm drawn backwards Faylon had prepared to drive a heavy blow into the face of the man but suddenly he felt the sting of pain in his chest and he stopped. Pausing only to look down where he saw a pool of crimson growing beneath his tunic, over his left breast, and then looking back at his attacker where he’d seen the glint of the dagger in his hand before muttering...”Well I hadn’t expected that.”...through teeth that were gritting together. Taking one step forward Faylon pressed a hand to his chest and reached out with the other so that he could use the table they’d fought near to help brace himself before falling forward. Collapsing onto the table and then falling down onto the floor of the hall with the table cloth still clutched in his hand Faylon would roll onto his back and look up at the ceiling while taking a shallow breath...”That little bastard.”...he’d say through gritted teeth as he remarked about the Masked Man before falling largely silent.]

[All around Faylon the music had died down. He hadn’t even noticed the guests watching him as he began to fight with the assailant. Now as he stared up at the ceiling all Faylon seemed able to make out were the faces looking down at him. If he wasn’t holding his wound and feeling light headed he’d have found the moment unsettling.]
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[Seasonal Quest] The Winter Ball: Act I of Darkling Tides

Postby Nai'shee on February 25th, 2012, 7:55 pm

Nai'shee was confused when Faylon left. She understood he might had more peoples to talk to or that he might spotted a friend, even with masks, but it was still weird, to just leave like that. It must be something important. However, she didn't want to seem rude, so she didn't turned to see where he was heading to. Conversation kept peacefully, without much pressure. Stri was pretty quiet the whole conversation. She wanted to ask if he is alright, but she felt like it was too early for her to mind his business right now. Maybe one day if they get closer.

As they spoke she heard noise behind her. Some big mess was on. She turned to see what it was. She barely could see anything, because people formated huge circle around the main source of this, but after she started running in that direction, she recognized clothes on one of mans', who were obviously fighting.

"Faylon!", she cried. She approached enough to see something, considering peoples rude for making a show of this, instead of pulling them apart. "Faylon", she repeated, quietly, looking at the battle. He was better than she thought, but masked man was certainly better than him. She wanted to help, to do something, but she was aware that she couldn't. Faylon seemed like reasonable man, who wouldn't just run into fight out of boredom. If this was a real fight, she couldn't stop him. There's no bigger insult to a warrior than helping him in battle. She approached, pushing peoples in front of her, carelessly. She approached enough to see the battle clearly, but it wasn't much for her, she barely seen what was happening. However, her eyes spotted a little blood stain on mans' shirt, and no one of them was wounded.

"God...", she whispered when the man pulled out the dagger and pushed it trough Faylons' chest without hesitation. He was running away, and even nor she wished to chase him, she was dying of curiosity about who he is, she still ignored him, and Konti obviously following him in silence. She kneed before Faylon. "ANY DOCTORS OUT THERE?!", she yelled to terrified masses. "Damn." She stood up and hurried to find some professor. Somebody needed to heal that wound quickly or else, Faylon will die.

She was running around whole West Wing and wasn't able to find anybody. What were they doing, for Gods' sake? After a few moments she run into Mistress Claira. Literally. She almost fallen on the completely clear floor (especially for ball). "Oh... Mistress... I'm sorry. Faylon got hurt badly! He fought some man, I saw the man had blood stains on his shirt even before that and he pulled a dagger and plunged it straight to Faylons' chest! Somebody needs to heal him, quickly!", she spoke much, but quickly, without much panic in voice, more with wish to hurry.
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[Seasonal Quest] The Winter Ball: Act I of Darkling Tides

Postby Warden Thrice on February 26th, 2012, 12:39 am

Eorar nodded, and he and Avari left Elem to whatever he was doing. The journey back to the party was terrifying, and Eorar twitched at every movement he saw, and more than once jumped at his own shadow. He found himself conjuring motions and sounds where none existed; the sound of a footfall, a flap of clothing, as darkened chuckle.

The light grew brighter as they snuck back to the West Wing, and when they slipped through the door from whence they had come Eorar almost gasped in relief. Granted, the sudden change from night to glittering ball was startling, it was welcome.

He and Avari refrained from rejoining the revelry immediately, both content to simply bask and acclimate to the safety of numbers. He turned and gave her a nervous smile, and his gaze soon caught on a waiter, moving through the crowd and handing out strange bowls. No, they weren’t bowls…

He watched in curiosity as Avari approached the waiter and surveyed the selection before her. After a second or two’s thought, she chose a little black one and put it on her face.

They were masks, and Eorar chuckled to himself. He should have seen it. The Charodae often made masks out of shells and coral and whatnot, but they were always thicker than these slender little things.

Emboldened with knowledge, he strode to the platter and assessed his options. He settled for a columbine mask, blue with matte golden trimmings. It was obviously cheap, but it was nice-looking, and he like the idea of wearing blue on his face.

He tied it behind his head and tilted his head side to side experimentally. It didn’t slide off, so he turned back to Avari.

“To being truthful, I—”

He was interrupted by a commotion closer to the center of the room, and was side-by-side with the Konti in trying to move around the crowd to a better view. He caught glimpses of a fight here and there, and had just found a better vantage point when he saw light reflect off of metal. He heard a dull thunk, and the fight stopped. One of them wobbled, tried to lean on a table, and toppled to the ground.

“Avari—” he started.

Her gaze was focused, and he followed it to a man running away. Eorar barely had time to register that Avari was chasing before he sped after her. She was the only person he was on amiable terms with in this place, and the thought of losing his only lifeline in the sea of bodies was frightening.

As the masses thinned, he caught sight of blood on the man’s shirt. It was dried brown, suggesting that it had not come from the man in the scuffle. A chill ran up Eorar’s spine, but his feet did not falter. He would not lose sight of Avari.
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[Seasonal Quest] The Winter Ball: Act I of Darkling Tides

Postby Elem Bree on February 26th, 2012, 5:47 am

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Elem took no offense to Mistress Claira's words or demeanor. With what had to be a friend as well as a colleague dead, he was admirable of her calm. It was a trait to try to mimic himself, especially when trying to help others.

"It's no trouble at all, Mistress. I understand. If I can be of service, let me know."

And she kept going, the other professors in tow. No looks flashed in his direction, no scathing reprisals. He really was just a spare part. Looking back he had seen that the Konti and her beau were already back to the party, leaving Elem alone with his thoughts and the chill night air blowing through the halls. He looked down at his shoes, still shiny and perfectly polished from his father's toils. No one had even noticed them. Looking to his left and right, he decided that the exit had been merciful and he would take his leave for the evening.

Walking past the windowed hall, he could see and hear a commotion. Probably just some drunken sailors fighting for a lady's arm, he thought to himself. The distraction did give him pause from his melancholy and he watched. At his height, even from his position, he could see two men throwing exchanges. He hoped he wouldn't have to treat one or both in the morning. An exclamation of alarm went out, like a shockwave of gasps from the crowd. In a moment, the crowd's attention was following someone pushing through the crowd and the other combatant was nowhere to be seen. Not a good sign at all. The budding doctor in him overruled the injured socialite immediately, his feet bringing him nearer to Claira and the others.

A second explosion of sound occurred in his general vicinity as a young girl cried out for doctors. She was soon in his midst, describing a stabbing to Mistress Claira, who immediately turned her eyes to Elem.

"Elem, you are no longer a spare part. See to it."

There was little time to hesitate or think poorly of his abilities. Someone was dying and he had to assist. He nodded to Claira and followed the blond back into the hall, pushing hard through the masked onlookers until he arrived in the center of their crowd. A man was lying on his back, crimson spreading across his clothes. He put his hands up and out toward the crowd. They reminded him of wild dogs for some reason.

"Everyone, back up, NOW! I am a doctor. Please move aside and give him room to breathe."

It wasn't entirely true that he was a doctor, but Claira had ordered him to act in her stead, so unless anyone else could produce credentials to top him, he was going to save the pugilist. Removing his jacket, he placed it below the wound site to cover the fighter, keeping him warm. His fingers deftly removed the shirt of the wounded man, peeling it back slowly and revealing the small hole, mercifully right of lungs and below the heart.

"You are very lucky. This we can do. My name is Elem Bree. I want you to remain completely still and try to relax." He rubbed the man's arm to assure him that he was in good hands, putting his ear to his chest, thankfully not hearing any rattles of air. Looking up, he saw what had to be a servant, dressed neat and plain and wearing no mask. He motioned him over.

"I need clean rags and a basin of hot water quickly."

His tone pointed out the urgency while he kept his voice down, trying to remain calm and keep the crowd down. With nothing else in sight, he fumbled through the jacket, finding his father's handkerchief inside, neatly folded but clean, which is all Elem cared about. He pressed it against the wound, which was trickling with each breath and pulse. His fingers moved to the artery above the wound, also pressing against it to slow the blood flow until the wound could begin to clot. The handkerchief was holding, but it was becoming warm and damp with the man's blood..

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[Seasonal Quest] The Winter Ball: Act I of Darkling Tides

Postby Idue on February 27th, 2012, 9:54 pm

Trente must've not understood the steel in Idue's words as the well-dressed man merely smiled after he had finished his outburst. That simple flash of teeth blocked out all the other words Faylon and Nai'shee said. Oh how did these snobby people annoyed him, and Trente seemed to be exploiting that. Even the words he said poked at Idue. They made Trente sound more sophisticated than the Benshira, which was already done with their attire. But Idue had no care for being sophisticated; that didn't help you in the things Idue had done. Maybe it was just the man in front of him, who didn't appear to very old. Maybe young snobs annoyed him more. Idue had no clue.

But he did know one thing; Trente was ignorant to the happenings of the world outside of his little bubble. He called this dance a peaceful congregation, and Idue had to admit it seemed peaceful when he had first arrived. But now they were confined to this room, and already they had spotted one person with a bloody shirt. When blood was involved, odds are the situation was peaceful. And he Idue just had to point that out. "Trente, just because you haven't experienced danger in your own life doesn't mean everything around you. You see a dance for scholars, I see a room where already one man was seen with blood on his shirt. If that is peaceful, than what is danger to you?"

Idue knew he probably shouldn't have worded his snipe at him so. What if his father was murdered for his money, or he was kidnapped for ransom? No, Idue wasn't going to pity Trente; people that annoyed the usually friendly Benshira didn't deserve any worry from him. Underneath the steel and worn clothes, Idue truly was a nice person. But that didn't mean he got along with everyone. And Trente was not someone he got along with.

But that didn't mean he wanted to see the boy die. He had made the assumption that Trente didn't know much about the world outside. It would be bad for him to die because he didn't understand that peace was hard to come by. "Consider it my passing of my own wisdom to someone ignorant to life outside of this 'safe' city of Zeltiva. If you consider my words weak, that is your own problem. But I am almost positive any advice you could come up with wouldn't help me survive as much as my words would help you. I've lived through more shyke than you will ever experience, and it was my own advice that kept me alive. Have you even fought someone to the death? Was it a duel, or just what you had to do to live? Have you felt that blade draw blood other than your own due to your own incompetence?" Another verbal mistake on Idue's part; it wasn't smart to question someone's ability with their weapon as they might just show you. But Idue felt if this was what it came down to, he would come out victorious.

"By all means share my analogy with others, and anything I've said, to those who need to hear it. Be sure to look into the mirror as you lecture the one who needs to hear it again." And with that Idue shut off his words; he felt Trente had heard enough. Maybe later they could continue their discussion. Somewhere less. . . peaceful where he could show Trente the true dangers of the world. Idue could imagine a crazy man in a turban swinging axes at you would change any of these scholars outlook on life.

But that would have to wait as it seemed they had a different form of entertainment to witness. Faylon must've found himself a fun sport, as the two men began to scuffle in the middle of the dance floor. So Idue planted his feet, and crossed his arms as he watched. Formidable foes, Faylon slowly took control, and Idue nodded in approvement; the man could fight. He tossed the masked man into a table, spilling wine and food. Idue wondered if that was what the crimson stain was on the man's shirt, but he didn't know. He was just watching for Faylon to finish the man off. And then the masked man plunged a dagger into Faylon's chest.

During the fight, Idue was at the edge of the crowd, watching casually unlike the scholars who didn't witness many fights. But when the blood started flowing, the Benshira leapt into action. He jostled the scholars out of his way, not caring who was in his way as he moved over to Idue. Even rushing, Nai'shee had gotten there first, and he was asking for doctors. Trente, Idue guessed, was somewhere behind him. Or beside him; Idue didn't think Trente was the kind of person who would place himself behind anybody else.

Idue shook his head, and spoke over his shoulder, loud enough for Trente to hear it. And it didn't matter if others heard; they didn't have what Trente did. "It seems you might just show me if you can use that weapon. Wouldn't want to be caught unarmed if the man returns." Idue doubted the man would return; this was just another barb towards Trente. But Idue did lift his axes out of the sash on his waist, spinning them in his hands as he waited.

Nai'shee must've been hustling as she soon returned with a doctor, who called for them to clear space. So Idue stepped back a few steps, holding onto his axes as he waited and watched. The man asked the servant to fetch water and rags, but for the rest of us we were meant to stand and watch. So that was what Idue did. He watched, waiting, hoping the man would return. Idue had decided by now that the man was going to die now. This was no Trente laying on the ground, but someone who Idue actually liked. And he had lost too many friends already, so he wasn't going to lose this one so soon.
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[Seasonal Quest] The Winter Ball: Act I of Darkling Tides

Postby Trente on February 28th, 2012, 2:55 am

Trente had missed the blood upon this somebodies shirt that Idue spoke of, and his face tightened ever so slightly when this was said. He had never been the most observant of people, and it seemed it was coming to bite him int he rear again. He was less concerned with being verbally put down than having been unaware of this danger. He tried to piece together why the man chose this moment to point this out instead of sharing it with Faylon and himself. The continued rant, however, cast these thoughts from his mind quickly.

Trente maintained his composure and listened with his uppity attitude all up till Idue started asking question. "Have you felt that blade draw blood other than your own due to your own incompetence?" Idue asked in a flurry of annoyance. And Trente's eyes hardened immediately, as the fear that had settled in his stomach churned inward with memory. His hand twitched slightly, but he didn't want to start a fight. It did take a measure of self control not to threaten the man before him, however.

Trente was no fool. He had spent a lot of time with people who's skills surpassed his own, and by now he knew how to judge a fight. A single blade against double axes had the disadvantage. Especially with Trente's fighting style. And so it would be be too much to ask to make it out of the fight without injury, and infighting was the last thing anybody needed if this comment on bloodstained shirts was correct, and not just overeager misinterpreting spilled wine.

Trente ultimately decided that his past was his own, and nobody elses, and if the conversation continued like this there would be real blood shed in the room. He refused to give himself merit on his past doings, especially ones he was not proud of. So instead, with half gritted teeth he stared Idue in the eyes, and with a low voice said, "Advice for advice. I've heard yours. Now, Idue, hear mine. Hasty judgements are a dangerous thing, they cut much deeper than blades. And, I mean not the receiver but the giver, for falsehood is sanctuary to those that mean harm. So, withhold your assumptions and temper your questions, for you are likely to find steel in place of words. This is not a threat, but a simple piece, of your own self given advice. For, it is you that have not been listening to yourself. 'And never question if I can handle my [weapons]... Just assume I know how you use them so you don't-'"

His words drew to a sudden close as he heard a crash from across the room. His point had not come full circle, but he, with some effort tore his leveled gaze on the Banshira away, to look toward the people who had gathered together. This did not bode well, or improve his mood. The moment Nai'shee took off he follow in suit, not wanting her to run into danger unarmed. He would have preferred a more careful approach to the situation, but felt some wardenship over the beautiful girl, and didn't wish that red dress to darken in hue from her own blood. That would be bad. So he ducked through the people with his usual grace, trying not to push people aside, but instead study their placements and move around them.

His focus on his movements trumped his awareness of the situation as he heard the advice form Idue, and the screams from Nai'shee first. Once he finally broke into the center of the circle Nai'shee had already fled, and Idue had pulled his blades out. Trente's awareness then finally shifted to that of the room, a man, Faylon, lay upon his back with a dagger protruding from his chest. Trente's expression shifted to a sickened anguish, but his body reacted fluidly. The blade from his sheath slid out with grace, and he moved toward the man laying on his back, then turned.

The people gathered to closely, and this wasn't helping the situation. So he did what any good sword wielding person, in a situation like this would. He tilted his head in a nearly playful challenge, and loudly told people to back the petch up before he screwed them. His attempt before was to keep people calm, he decided intimidation was a better approach now. And though he himself was not intimidating his sword certainly would do the trick. He wished Naih'shee speed in her hunt for a doctor, and turned back to Faylon.

He set the blade carefully without arms reach of himself, beside Faylon, and kelled down, keepign an eye out for a dector so he could move aside should the situation arise. He really had no fear of another attack, not with the Banshira standing there over them. It comforted him, for he trusted Idue to protect his life. Men liek him understood the idea of comraderee well en. That Trente could trust.

So, he focused his attention on Faylon."Faylon, you want to listen to me now." His words were clear, and directed straight into Faylon's eyes. Trente knew nothing of the human body, so he avoided touching Faylon at all, and kept out fo the blood spreading across his shirt. Most of all he left the dagger in place, not looking at it. "A scoundrel has dishonored himself against you, and things look grimm. A doctor is coming, but I am here to hear any last words you may have. Choose them wisely, and speak." He had little care if Faylon took advantage of this opportunity or not, but felt he deserved a chance at a lost request, even if it was to slay the mother petcher who did this to him.

After listening carefully to Faylon's words, should he speak any, Trente would raise to the sound of the Doctor coming, and move out of his way. He looked young, and that worried Trente, but not as much as the lack of a mark upon him. Trente just ignored that, for it wasn't his concern. And, he moved over tot he servant charged with gathering supplies. This time he would push people if nessessary as he made sure the masked partigoers moved out of the way as the servant came through. Most of all he watched the sea of people as they moved through, weapon still out, alert not for those tha tmight be hostile. Trente didn't fancy his positions, involved in this whole ordeal which was meant to be a peacful ball. But, he understood that some people were just beant on taking advantage of the happy and drunk to fullfill their own perposes sometimes.
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[Seasonal Quest] The Winter Ball: Act I of Darkling Tides

Postby Paragon on February 28th, 2012, 9:59 am

OOCThere will be one final round of posts, and then I'll wrap things up, but do not fear - this is only the first act in a 3 part storyline!

Nai'shee's quick thinking had quite possibly saved Faylon's life. Elem rushed into action, demanding the tools that would help him stem the bleeding, and possibly cauterise the wound. While Sti and Idue looked on, Trente pressed the man for his final will and testament.

All thoughts of drink and merriment, music and dance, had fallen to the wayside. Many people began to remove their masks, a morose atmosphere taking hold in the hall. One of their own, stabbed before their very eyes - and in the University of Zeltiva of all places. The thought was almost unthinkable.

One crisis uttered forth from Mistress Claira's lips had paved the way for the other. People would begin to wonder if the two events had been connected, if the professor's had known what was going on all along.

But what they didn't know, was that the murder, the stabbing, they were all nothing compared to the greater threat that presented itself. An artefact of innumerate potential, in the hands of a thief with unknown intent.

Avari and Eorar pursued the masked assailant from the hall. This was the second time they had left the Ball, their curious demeanours driving them to discover who had stabbed Faylon - and whether it was connected to the murder of the Auristics professor.

They managed to keep up with the figure, losing sight of him - for he was a man, it was clear from his body shape - a few times, but always managing to regain sight of his bloodstained shirt. It helped that Avari was agile, and quick witted, always second guessing their opponent, and anticipating where he would try to shake them off next.

They were outside, in the cold, lonely night. And somehow, they had pushed the masked man to a dead end. He could only escape by passing the Konti and the Charoda - he could no longer press forwards.

So he turned on them, face still concealed behind a dark, feathery mask, more elaborate than most. In his left hand, he held the knife that he had stabbed Faylon with, the blade still fresh with blood.

What he intended to do next was anyone's guess. But in his belt pouch was the artefact fragment, and thus, the icon of Zeltiva's doom.
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