72nd Day of Spring, 513 AV
Orion used to hate these events. Everyone dressed all prim and posh, arrogance dripping with every word they spoke. All these people cared about was lining their pockets with more coin, gaining more power and more influence, and giving up as little as they could to do so. With age and with experience, however, he'd began to understand the truth of the matter. Young naivety gave way to a wisdom which said everyone just wanted to improve their lot in life. These were the top of the city, at least in a non-knight aspect. Orion didn't doubt that there were a few knights here rubbing shoulders and playing the game of politics, but generally these were the well off. The successful merchants. Those who'd received a nice inheritance. The rich.
As much as he hated to admit it at times, he could fit in here as well as he wanted to do so. He was never wanting for coin, boasting several thousand in his coffers. He didn't live as luxurious as the majority of those here, but that was by choice. He'd always lived at the Traveler's Row, ready to run from the city given the chance and the right motivation. Yet, things changed. He was in employ of the knights, learning of the blade and shield. For one evening, however, he was on his own. After meeting and, more importantly, rescuing Mr. Leo Valini, the grey haired man requested Orion work an event for him in a less than official manner. They would be coin involved in it, to be paid on satisfactory completion of the event. He needed to be incognito, though, so the full plate had to go.
"Wear something nice. Expensive. Luxurious. If it's something that costs a lot or is considered rare, no one will bat an eye at you." His explanation was straight forward. Fortunately he'd purchased a rather suave silk suit on the day of the Spring Festival. Orion had raised his concerns about being armed, but Leo had reassured it would be fine. "If you have a sword strapped at your side, it'll be assumed you're a personal guard. No armor, but an unobtrusive weapon will be fine. Keep the great sword at home, huh?"
Mr. Valini had hired Orion as a guard, at least that was the cover. Keep the riff-raff out. But more importantly, there was a specific man he was supposed to keep an eye on. Kale Belmonte. Mr. Belmonte had been described as nothing more than a thief, a swindler, and a thug. Leo was concerned that Kale was going to do something to sabotage a meeting he was to have with a business partner at their little gala, and Orion was to do his part to make sure that didn't happen. By any means necessary. "Withing the law of course, Mr. Michaels."
To hide that he was there solely for work, Valini gave Orion permission to bring along a guest. "Pretty ladies are always welcome, Mr. Michaels." It sounded more like a requirement than a suggestion, and while Orion had a few gorgeous ladies in his life, a certain blonde seemed agreeable to the idea. Kyra had the clothing appropriate for this sort of gathering, and that made it all the easier.
Orion waited just outside the entrance to the ball room, dressed in a slick and silk black suit. The threads were so expensive, but oh so worth it. Comfortable, if absurdly expensive for clothing. At his side was his blade; something he hoped would remain in its place. In his hands was the squire's letter of invitation with a plus one. All he needed was his date, the lovely Kyra. They'd agreed to meet at the locale, so wait he would. Orion was plenty early. He needed to be one of the early guests, after all. He didn't know what to expect from the evening, but it was going to be a chance to begin to develop a reputation with the upper class of Syliras. He didn't know if he wanted that or not yet, but he'd learn soon enough.
As much as he hated to admit it at times, he could fit in here as well as he wanted to do so. He was never wanting for coin, boasting several thousand in his coffers. He didn't live as luxurious as the majority of those here, but that was by choice. He'd always lived at the Traveler's Row, ready to run from the city given the chance and the right motivation. Yet, things changed. He was in employ of the knights, learning of the blade and shield. For one evening, however, he was on his own. After meeting and, more importantly, rescuing Mr. Leo Valini, the grey haired man requested Orion work an event for him in a less than official manner. They would be coin involved in it, to be paid on satisfactory completion of the event. He needed to be incognito, though, so the full plate had to go.
"Wear something nice. Expensive. Luxurious. If it's something that costs a lot or is considered rare, no one will bat an eye at you." His explanation was straight forward. Fortunately he'd purchased a rather suave silk suit on the day of the Spring Festival. Orion had raised his concerns about being armed, but Leo had reassured it would be fine. "If you have a sword strapped at your side, it'll be assumed you're a personal guard. No armor, but an unobtrusive weapon will be fine. Keep the great sword at home, huh?"
Mr. Valini had hired Orion as a guard, at least that was the cover. Keep the riff-raff out. But more importantly, there was a specific man he was supposed to keep an eye on. Kale Belmonte. Mr. Belmonte had been described as nothing more than a thief, a swindler, and a thug. Leo was concerned that Kale was going to do something to sabotage a meeting he was to have with a business partner at their little gala, and Orion was to do his part to make sure that didn't happen. By any means necessary. "Withing the law of course, Mr. Michaels."
To hide that he was there solely for work, Valini gave Orion permission to bring along a guest. "Pretty ladies are always welcome, Mr. Michaels." It sounded more like a requirement than a suggestion, and while Orion had a few gorgeous ladies in his life, a certain blonde seemed agreeable to the idea. Kyra had the clothing appropriate for this sort of gathering, and that made it all the easier.
Orion waited just outside the entrance to the ball room, dressed in a slick and silk black suit. The threads were so expensive, but oh so worth it. Comfortable, if absurdly expensive for clothing. At his side was his blade; something he hoped would remain in its place. In his hands was the squire's letter of invitation with a plus one. All he needed was his date, the lovely Kyra. They'd agreed to meet at the locale, so wait he would. Orion was plenty early. He needed to be one of the early guests, after all. He didn't know what to expect from the evening, but it was going to be a chance to begin to develop a reputation with the upper class of Syliras. He didn't know if he wanted that or not yet, but he'd learn soon enough.
