Closed [Illythian District] Shall We Dance? (Kyra)

[Orion Michaels]

"It's not me I'm worried about. I've been through more than enough." His piercing blue eyes locked gazes with those of the gorgeous blonde. "It's you I'm quite worried for? To say I've two left feet is an understatement. I do hope your travels have toughened your feet, for I fear an undeserved punishment is coming their way. I'll try to minimize the number of times I step on you, Kyra, and I apologize how for all the times I do." For everything the former doctor could do, dance was not one of them. Gods be with Kyra for taking this evil on.

Orion glanced around, almost nervous, as Kyra took his hand and rested her other arm upon him. His concern wasn't that of the blonde touching him. No, that was quite pleasant indeed. It was him trying to look to the other dancers to see what they were doing. Kyra was trying to lead him into leading, which was awkward enough without his rigid as a tree posture. On top of that, Orion wasn't paying attention to his dance partner. The rest of those enjoying the music seemed to be repeating the same basic routine. Three steps, quick, quick slow. Quick, quick, slow. Quick, quick, slow. Spin. Easy enough to observe, but clearly an impossible task.

He took a deep breath and turned his fuil..well, mostly full attention to Kyra, mustering a smile. The bravado with which he'd requested a dance had quickly retreated, and now he was in survival mode. Panicked, he stepped forward once, twice, three times, just slightly off of the rhythm, but Kyra seemed to be able to adjust. Thankfully the music wasn't too fast, but it didn't make for a pretty scene. "I guess it's not..the worst?" His deep eyes widened as she suggested something absurd. It was hard enough to do without adding insane maneuvers, but before Orion could really protest, Kyra was already guiding him into the spin. His arm raised high and the woman did all the work of the twirling before returning back to base position in front of Orion.

"It was luck, I assure you. Sometimes you just fall into good things. Quite a dancer you are, Miss Kyra. This something you practiced as a child as well?" He fell silent as they both fell back into step, painstakingly managing their way through the queer display. A man half a foot taller trying not to destroy the toes of his lithe partner, scuffling his feat to an almost beat, all while staring wide eyed at the ground. At least Kyra was kind enough not to laugh, right?

[Kyra]

Kyra smiled at the charismatic squire and leaned a bit closer into his arms. He was always so kind to her and she hadn't forgotten his magical touch either. They danced another few steps, a turn and back around again. It was easier for her if he led and she could follow his pattern, and with him so close she could even feel when he would turn left or right. "You are too kind Orion, but I am already, I think I can move with you easily enough." She almost felt like a kid again, all dressed up in a fancy outfit and dancing about the floor of a huge room while music was played in the background. It brought back fond memories, and although she knew it wouldn't last, she didn't want it to end.

The dance continued and the kelvic paid note to the way that Orion moved about carefully. He wasn't the worst dancer she had saw, and he hadn't stepped on her toes or slammed into enough people to say otherwise. "You are a bit heavy on your feet, but you sure do hold up well." she commented with a giggle before turning under his arm into a spin. She caught herself as she spun off her heels and turned back to face him. "I did practice, when I was little. I danced with my mother and Jacques all the time."

Suddenly the music changed, not to a faster beat but to a full orchestra working together to make the last part of the song more exciting. Without notice, a hand reached out grabbing Kyra's arm and literally snatching her out of Orion's arms. Kyra spun around wide eyed, as a tall man with a thick mustache took her into his arms and started to dance with her around the floor. It happened fast and before she could even figure out what was happening, the man spun her off and into the arms of another man, who then started to dance with her as well.

In all the commotion she lost track of her original dance partner, but she could imagine that Orion was receiving as many female dance partners. The quick switch and dance continued, and Kyra was slowly catching on to what was happening. Finally she had started to dance along, spinning from one partner to the other a bit more easily than before. Her long blondish hair bounced and waved with her movements, the helm of her long gown flaring out and back in with her twists and turns. Once she made it back to Orion, the young kelvic tumbled into his arms dizzily.

"That was...That was fun."

She finally said after Orion and his twin stopped spinning and became one again. It was over now and the orchestra signaled the end with a huge drum beat. Kyra continued to hold on to Orion enjoying their closeness and still wrapped in the joyous memories from her past. She leaned forward, resting her head on his chest, her eyes closed and she started to purr softly. The moment passed and Kyra quickly realized that the music had stopped, she stood up then and released the squire to stand on her own again. "Ah we're done...well yes. So what shall we do now?"

[Orion Michaels]

Orion simply smiled in reply to Kyra. She was the one who was too kind. He couldn't dance to save his life, and the only reason he was able to do anything, is because she was nimble on her feet. More than once, his clodding feet were on a collision course with her toes, but not once did his partner let him ruin the moment. He got a little bit better and a little bit better until they were following the same routine over and over. Stiffly he moved to the beat, spinning the blonde as she decided it was time. It wasn't that hard to dance.

At least not until the music sped up.

"What his thi-?" Before he knew what happened, Kyra was snatched from him, and Orion was ready to teach this man a thing or two about stealing a date. Before he could though, another woman appeared in his arms, and Orion just stopped moving, staring at the stranger in front of him. Busty, though not as nicely dressed as Kyra. Not bad.

"How you doin'?"

"Spin me you idiot," the woman laughed.

Orion glanced over to see another woman being sent his way, and reacting as quickly as he could, he sent the other woman on her way. It seemed there were certain dances that were expected to be known. An interesting thing, and something Orion would take note of if he was to continue playing these games.

Each partner only lasted for a tick or two, as on and on each new lady was spun by the former doctor onto their next partner until finally Kyra returned to his arms, and she did look dizzy. She rested her head against his chest, and he let her, pulling her close as an almost purring escaping from her lips, just like when they'd first met at The Soothing Waters. The music stopped, but there they lingered, if for a moment longer than appropriate for dance partners.

Orion quickly put a step or two between them, looking away slightly to hide a slightly reddening of his cheeks. "Ah, yeah. That was fun. Good dance, Kyra." He paused for a moment, regarding her question. Just what should they do now? Well, Mr. Valini had wanted to see him again before the bell turned. "Well, I need to go speak with someone privately for a moment, so if you want to explore a little bit more? Try and stay out of trouble. Though it wouldn't be an encounter with Orion and Kyra if there weren't some excitement, huh?"

[Kyra]

"Alright.." Kyra said simply as she watched the squire walk away, although she had no idea why he thought that the two of them caused trouble, clearly it was all him. He was a nice guy she thought, but he attracted trouble even more than Clyde did. Once he left, heading off for his private meeting, Kyra started to wander around. Unlike Orion, she wasn't to go anywhere near her contact or speak a word. She was on her own and finding the information that she had been hired to obtain was completely on her shoulders.

The young kelvic moved about the floor, watching the other people in attendance and making small notes of what she saw. The man with the thick mustache that she had danced with was now talking with a few other men, who also had similar facial hair. She found it so curious how humans that looked alike seemed to also flock to each other. To the left of the men, there was a small group of woman standing in a huddle of sorts, their voices hushed as if what they were saying was of importance and had to remain secret. The gowns they wore were all of silk, similarly tailored and even the colors were of different shades of the same.

"That is...odd, and interesting as well. I wonder..why do they all look the same? Is it on purpose? And how did it happen? Did they come together because they all looked the same, or did it happen by some magical event where their features started to change to blend in more now that they were together?"

Kyra bit her lower lip as she thought, it was a puzzle for sure, and she had a hunch that if she asked, they wouldn't give her an answer, at least not one that was polite. The girl had been so deep in thought that she hadn't realized that she was no longer alone. A woman stood next to her now, dark hair. short and bonded at the top of her head. She was short like Kyra, though her hips and other features were much wider.

"Hello dear, my aren't you a pretty one. Tell me, on who's arm did you stroll in?" the woman asked as she leaned into Kyra with a smile. For the moment, Kyra was still lost in her thoughts and only turned around just before the woman was close enough to feel her breath on her cheek. "His name is Orion, he invited me to come." the kelvic answered without a pause.

"Orion?" the full-figured woman asked with an arched brow. "Hmm..I don't know anyone by that name and I know anyone who is anyone here. Is he a distant cousin of the house, a new knight perhaps?" the woman asked quickly, eager to learn more about the man in question. "He is a squire.." Kyra answered simply as she looked to the woman. "A squire?" she bellowed curiously. "I have to admit dear, I expected to hear of someone higher in rank. Is he here with his patron?" the next question came with an air of distaste, but Kyra didn't noticed as she was still people watching. " He was invited...by Mr. Valini."

"Mr. Valini invited him??" the woman said a bit loudly. "Quick, follow me!" the chubby woman demanded as she grabbed Kyra's arm and pulled the girl along.

[Orion Michaels]

Mr. Valini was standing around mingling in the same area they’d met before. He was a busy man, and a somewhat powerful man, but when he saw Orion approaching he managed to wrap up his conversation with haste. There was business to conduct, and business was the language which Leo Valini spoke the best. Smiling, he separated from the group of people trying to schmooze with him and strode over to Orion, meeting the squire with another strong handshake. “Mr. Michaels. Good to see you again. I trust that you’re enjoying the entertainment?”

It was a splendid gala, no doubt. Expenses were of no concern. Fine foods. Fine wines. Expensive garments, even more expensive decorations. The luxurious, lavish life of the upper class of Syliras. A life hidden from the common folk, as well as it could be, at least. It brought some disdain from those struggling to make it day by day. Laborers trying to provide for large families on small incomes in even smaller houses. To know people lived so well, to know people could throw coin at expensive festivities, it would drive some mad, it would depress others, and it would enrage most.

“Indeed, Mr. Valini. I haven’t seen something quite so elegant in many years. I’m honored for your invitation.”

“Oh stop it, Orion. You know why I’ve invited you. Stop being so humble, it’s unbecoming.” Mr. Valini laughed and gave Orion an appreciative, if hard, pat on the back. “Follow me, let us talk.” The slender businessman motioned for the squire to move, leading him through the crowd, away from the main ballroom and off into a side corridor, waving, nodding, and greeting guests as he moved through. They, of course, paid no mind to Orion. While he was somewhat dapper looking, no one knew who he was, and without reputation, power, or known riches, you were someone of no importance.

Once out of earshot of anyone, Leo stopped and began a deeper explanation of their purpose. “I apologize for keeping you in the dark, Orion, but as much as I’m thankful for you saving my life, I also can’t trust you entirely. I hope you take no offense.” Truth be told, Orion didn’t trust Mr. Valini as much as he could throw him. The man was concerned with coin and more coin, and that was it. Money was power and influence. Orion was nothing more than a pawn to him to gain more of it all. He couldn’t be upset at Leo Valini, because it wasn’t as though Orion wasn’t there for similar reasons. There was a quick realization that who you knew could be valuable, knight or not. Orion would be earning contacts, pay, and a reliable reputation, and Mr. Valini would be completing his business deal or whatever it was incident free. A win for both parties; who could complain about that?

“No worries, sir. Does your meeting begin soon?”

“It does. That is, of course, why I’ve brought you here. Kale Belmonte arrived and I request that you engage him and ensure that he doesn’t interrupt me and my guest. I’m sure he will be relentless in causing me headache. There’s a very large exchange of wealth at risk here, so I trust you will do your best to encourage he leave me be? It shouldn’t take more than a quarter of a bell.”

It sounded simple enough. Distraction to keep Mr. Belmonte from seeking out Leo. Success was the only option, though he hoped to avoid any sort of altercation. Maybe an engaging conversation would get the job done. “I’ll do my best to ensure you aren’t even aware of Mr. Belmonte is at your event.”

“I know you will. I’ll speak to you after the meeting.”

The two returned to the main gathering area, and after Leo identified Kale for the squire, he returned to chattering while he awaited the arrival of his potential business partner. Orion turned and began to make his way over to Kale Belmonte, rich man and rival of Leo Valini. This was going to be interesting. It was rather exhilarating to be throwing his gloves into the gauntlet like this. No one could be sure of what was going to happen.

[Kyra]

Kyra had no clue as to what she had said that spurred the woman into action. It was Leo Valini's party after all, so it made sense for him to have invited those in attendance. There was something else going on, something that she was yet to discover. She followed the woman on the tips of her toes as she was quickly pulled across the floor, and interestingly enough, she was led right into the group that she had been watching. The women in the group all greeted them with kind and friendly smiles and Kyra smiled back, though a bit weakly as she was still unsure as to what was going on.

The woman continued to squeeze her arm and held the young kelvic close, while speaking in a not too hushed tone to all of her friends. "This young lady here," the woman started but suddenly paused when she realized that she didn't know the girl's name. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name. Who are you dear?" Kyra glanced towards the woman, finally being able to free her arm which had just started to numb from the pressure of the woman's meaty hand. "I am Kyra.." she offered simply.

"Yes, Kyra.." the woman continued. "She arrived here with a squire..a squire that Mr. Valini invited." No one said anything aloud, but the looks upon their features said just as much as words would have. They were shocked to hear the news, and Kyra was getting more curious as to what it all meant. She had been sent there to spy on the man after all, and the woman that now shared her company seemed very interested in who he invited into his ball. The question was why..

"You don't say.." another woman commented, one taller and thinner than the woman who spoke before her. "Perhaps he's finally decided to choose a side." she added while looking between the other women. "Kyra what is the name of this squire, and who is his patron?" Now Kyra was a tad speechless, Orion hadn't told her much about his new position beyond that he was a squire. "His name is Orion, but I do not know who this patron is.." she answered truthfully, but the look on the face of the women was anything but pleased.

"Well, whomever this patron is, maybe it's a name he looks to connect with his family. Or this patron knows the Knight that he wishes to see ranked?" the thin woman suggested. "But if that was the case, then why bother with a simple squire? Surely he would talk directly to the Knight?" the chubby woman argued.

Kyra listened silently to what was said and tried to make sense of it all. She was hoping that someone who say a name, the name that she had been told to whisper into the ear of Mr. Valini and persuade him to speak of. But they didn't, and she didn't think it wise for her to bring it up, being that she was only the company of a simple squire. "Well I guess we will see soon enough, but I wonder.. So far Mr. Valini has been hesitant to take a stand on any of these matters or make his own opinion. He's not exactly a man of action.." the thin woman concluded.

There wasn't much that she could say, but the bit of information that she gathered could be useful to her, if she could use it effectively. Looking around, Kyra noticed Orion reappear and decided to use him as her exit. "Excuse me, I must be going." she said with a kind smile and walked off. The kelvic didn't return to see Orion, not yet, first she headed into the direction of the man of the night Mr. Valini.

[Orion Michaels]

Kale Belmont was a difficult man to miss, whether he was in a crowd or not. Mr. Valini’s rival fancied himself quite the king among men, and if that were measured in inches around the waist, he would rule over all. This behemoth of a human drew attention, even if he didn't want to. Though in this case, it was more than clear he wanted all eyes on him. The finest of silk clothing, and gods only knew it must have been expensive to cover his mass. Golden and silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces adorned with the most precious of stones were packed onto his frame. The man was left wanting for very little, or at least he should have been. Judging by his size, Orion gauged that he lived well enough to take care of dozens of families, and that was just his breakfast. Pure, disgusting, wealth, and it was all on display for everyone at the party to see. This was the man who Orion needed to ensure stayed away from Leo, and it was an understandable thing. It would be extremely difficult to do anything with a man of his stature hanging over you, especially a business deal.

Orion maneuvered through the various guests, apologizing once or twice as he bumped into more than one of them. His attention was completely on Kale Belmonte, extremely wealthy businessman, and as he got closer, it was clearly an unappealing thing to look at. Rolls of fat hung from his chin, and a fine sheen covered his skin, sweat from the efforts that it must have took to move even a step. This was all aided by a finely crafted cane with what appeared to be an exquisitely carved eagle at the top of it.

His ankles would probably turn to dust if there weren’t something else supporting his weight..

Orion shuddered whilst hidden from Kale’s view, trying to gather himself before approaching this man. Mr. Valini had said his meeting wouldn’t take very long at all, but truth be told, Orion didn’t have a clue how he was going to stop this man. Force wasn’t going to be the answer. Would he even listen to anything Orion had to say? Was there even anything he could say to keep the shrewd businessman’s attention focused on him, rather than dragging his way to Leo’s side? There was only one way to find out.

The blue eyed squire stepped up to the giant man and opened his mouth to speak, only his voice left him as for the first time he noticed who Mr. Belmonte was with at the gala. She was just over five feet tall with flawless white skin and flowing black hair down to her waist. Ruby red lips, no, tantalizing ruby red lips, touched with lipstick, and emerald green eyes which shyly reflected Orion’s approach.

It was clearly a good thing to be rich. I think I’m in the wrong career…

“Can I help you?”

A gravelly voice snapped Orion back into focus, as he turned his gaze back to the rather plump man. Anything he’d planned to say had disappeared into bright green eyes, and truth be told, Orion was okay with that. “Ah, Kale Belmonte. I just wanted to get a chance to greet and speak with one of the greatest businessmen Syliras has ever experienced. It’s a shame I’ve not had the pleasure until this moment.” Orion bowed slightly in greeting, a friendly smile on his lips as he straightened his stance. “Is this Mrs. Belmonte on your arm this evening? I might go so far as to say you two are the finest couple here this evening.” Orion glanced over to the tiny, lithe beauty, his eyes twinkling with notice. Yes, he was here with Kyra, but they had done nothing intimate, the massage he gave her while he worked at the Soothing Waters was professional . . . for the most part. Orion wouldn’t dream of grabbing another woman while out with another, even if they were out as friends, but he had no problems with scanning the crowd and sewing metaphorical seeds of interest.

The man scoffed at Orion’s opening line. It was something which Kale had said to him on many occasions. Everyone wanted a piece of his wealth, everyone wanted to be in good with him so they could use him. It was annoying at best, offensive at worst, and now this man was looking at Isabelle as many others had. It was even worse that he knew who the bastard was. “Save your words. I’ve got more women than you could dream of who can pleasure my manhood. I don’t need a dirty liar like you trying to sneak a feel.” He scowled at Orion, lips furling in anger as he dared speak of Isabelle. “You’d be better off never looking at Bell again. My daughter is so far above scum such as you, Orion Michaels.”

He froze, eyes suddenly darting around as Kale said he name. How did he know it? He didn’t have that much of a reputation that the upper class of Syliras knew of his exploits?

“Hrm. Surprised, are you, fool? Didn’t think I knew that you were Leo’s new lapdog? Here to distract me? I can’t believe he’s so arrogant to think I don’t know what is going on? Wasting my time with a little petch like you. Now get out of my way, Squire Michaels. I have a business meeting to attend to. Bell, let us go.” Isabelle Belmont stared at the ground while her father spoke. She was a flawless statue against the mess that was her sire, and it was almost impossible to see how she'd come from a man such as he. Kale almost growled at Orion while he looked to the side, signaling for the former squire to be on his way.

Orion didn’t move. Even if Kale knew who he was, even if he knew his purpose.

He couldn’t give an inch.

[Orion Michaels]

notePost got a little long so I cut it into two.

“Are you deaf? Did you not hear me? Move, you twat. You really want to see what happens to people who waste my time?”

Orion took a deep breath and forced a smile upon his lips. The new squire wasn’t a dumb person by any means. He knew when he was overmatched against a man. Kale Belmont likely knew more about Orion than the former doctor even know about himself. The man had money, which meant he had power. The man had money, which meant he had connections. The man had money, which meant he was dangerous to cross. Yet cross him Orion would. He didn’t have any choice if he was to uphold his end of the bargain with Mr. Valini. He needed to stop Kale, but going at a man’s strength was foolish. His weakness, that was the spot to hit, and it seemed that the lovely lady holding tenderly onto his arm.

“Mr. Belmont, please calm down. I meant no harm. If you must be on your way, then please, do so. But I can’t believe you would bring your daughter to a business meeting. It’s no pla-“

“I know what you’re doing, Mister Michaels, and I insist you stop.” The fat man’s eyes narrowed as he glared at the gnat which was the squire.

“Oh, do you? In that case, why are you bothering to tarry? I’ll gladly keep an eye on Bell while you speak with Mr. Valini and his guest. She’ll be safe with me. Please, go, go. Don’t worry about a thing.” Orion had an almost wicked smirk on his lips at this point. He was in control again.

“If you think for a moment that I’m going to leave my daughter with you, you’re sadly mistaken, you snake in the grass. I’d trust her more with a Zith than you,” he replied, spittle escaping from his lips as he berated Orion for even suggesting such a thing. She was his most precious possession, and she’d begged and begged to be taken to this event. He knew it was a bad idea, but at least he could use this as a reason why she would have to remain home next time. Orion Michaels was the worst man he could have run into. “And you stop calling her Bell! In fact, don’t address her at all!”

“Nonsense, Mr. Belmont. I’d be nothing but a gentleman to your lovely daughter. It’s quite a lovely gala, and I’m sure she’d enjoy to dance and let loose, and not have to be so tied to her father.”

“Silence! I’ll hear no more of this!” Kale’s face began to redden, and that, coupled with his robust size, gave him the appearance of a tomato escaping from the black shirt he wore. “Isabelle, let us go.”

“But father..” A perfectly sweet voice sang from her lips as she looked up at her father, uneasiness in her eyes. “I do want to walk around and explore.”

Victory was in his grasp.

“Perfect! You go off, sir, and I’ll show the stunning Isabelle around. And I must say, I just don’t see the resemblance. I assume she takes after her mother? I’m sure she’s one of the most beautiful woman in Syliras if you’re any indication, Ms. Belmont. I can see why your father is so protective, though I do wonder..“ Orion trailed off slightly, taking a step towards Kale. “I guess if you have enough money, you can overlook anything, hrm?”

“Shut up! Bell, I’ll hear no more of this.”

“Father, I just wanted to-“

“I SAID NO MORE!”

A bit of a crowd had gathered to watch the exchange, and the yelling of the trader brought a quick hush to all of them. Well, except for one person in particular.

“Kale, I’m glad you could join us.”

“Leo,” spat Belmont, as he turned furiously to face his rival. He’d been played. Orion never intended to do anything with his daughter.

“Oh, how perfect, Mr. Belmont. Here is Leo Valini, just the man you wanted to see. Is your business concluded?”

“Why, yes it is, Orion. Thank you for asking. I trust you’ve had nothing but the most pleasant of conversations with my fellow businessman here?” An amused expression had quickly appeared on the host’s face. It was a short meeting with a former partner of the Belmont’s. All they had to do was sign and mark a document making their partnership official, so after some pleasantries, they’d gotten right to business. It wasn’t too difficult a job for Orion, Leo figured, so he was more than pleased to see him having the very fat, very loud man all riled up.

“If that’s the case, I’ll leave you two to chat. Isabelle, it was a pleasure to meet you. If you get a chance to escape from your father for a moment, it would simply be enchanting to speak with you. Have a good evening. I’ll speak to you later, Mr. Valini.” Orion bowed to both of the men, and tossed a sideways glace at Isabelle before merging back into the crowd.

His heart was racing, but it was successful enough an event. Leo finished his meeting, Kale was sufficiently distracted, and Isabelle Belmont…

I do hope we meet again, Bell…

There was no time to think on her, however. With his business concluded perhaps he could enjoy the rest of this ball. He needed to locate Kyra again. He felt somewhat bad about leaving her, but he was here on business, not pleasure. Not that he could tell her about it. She didn’t seem to have any problems with him leaving to speak with Leo, though, so perhaps it wouldn’t be an issue. What would be an issue was finding her in this place. It was surprisingly big, and while she stood out, there were still many rooms to search, and a lot of people to push around, by, and through. Add in the fact that she was likely moving around, and this might take some time.

“Gods I hope there’s no trouble brewing…” With how their history went, they were about due, and Orion knew, though perhaps not to the level it actually was, that he’d stirred up a hornet’s nest.

[Kyra]

Kyra made her way over to where Leo Valini was standing and chatting with others of his class. The kelvic slipped through the crowd and headed right for them and smiled innocently. On her way over, she had caught the eye of one of the men that Leo had been talking to, which drew his attention to her arrival also. "Hello again Kyra, I hope you are enjoying the party?" he asked, taking another moment to look her over. "It is very nice, I enjoyed the dancing and the people here are very talkative." she added thinking about the women that she had just spoke with.

"Ah, I saw you talking with the gossip clan. I hope they weren't rude to you?" he asked with a smile of his own. The man had to admit that Orion had good taste in women, the blonde was stunning, and if he was truly cruel he would steal her away at once. But since he wanted to keep the squire on good terms for the time being, he played it safe. "They were nice I suppose, but they were talking about ranking Knights..I couldn't follow." Kyra replied looking to pull him into her conversation. She stood in place, her hands lightly clasp together in front of her, and she tried to keep her appearance unassuming.

"Yes yes, they do gossip. Babbles about ranking unworthy Knights, putting leeches in council member seats. Ridiculous, I never bother with any of it." he added with a bit of pride in his voice. "Yes, that is what they said.." Kyra commented while looking up at him. Leo's expression changed suddenly after hearing her words, and he folded his arms, before deciding to speak.

"What are you talking about?"

Kyra's eyes widen a bit after his outburst, she hadn't expected to anger him, she was only looking to lure him into the subject matter of which she had been assign to learn of from him. "They said that you were hesitant to take a stand, and that you didn't voice your opinion on matters." Leo scoffed and chuckled, but Kyra could tell that he wasn't really amused. "I see, she put you up to this, did she? Sent you over here to try and talk me into joining her in support of Nolen Barret? Well forget it, I have made up my mind and my decision is final." he added while fixing his jacket.

This was good news, the man he spoke of was not the one that her contact wanted to see gain rank. Still, she needed to make sure that he chose the right one, if he hadn't already. "That's not what happened at all. It's as I said, they were talking about Knights and things I couldn't really follow and so I left." the kelvic paused a moment and looked around before returning her gaze to Leo. "I don't know anyone here besides Orion and I think it's best that I don't get on anyone's bad side." She had to be careful now in how she approached the question, the man was already wary and she didn't want him to figure out what she was trying to do.

"Well that makes you a very smart and pretty girl Kyra." he said in a lighter tone, and his features returned to normal. It seemed that she had convinced him that she wasn't working for the women's club, but there was still her real job to do and she had to act fast. "But I am curious...Are you looking to see a Knight ranked? Is it Orion?" she asked, her eyes becoming brighter and a smile rising upon her full lips. "Is that why you asked him here tonight? That would be so wonderful for him!"

Leo stared at the girl curiously for a bit and chuckled again. He was surprised that she knew so little about the way Knights were chosen, but he also had to give credit to Orion for having a pretty girl while keeping her out of his affairs. Well done Mr. Michaels. "Perhaps one day we'll see Mr. Michaels rise to a full Knight, but no, he's not who I have in mind." He looked away from Kyra, his gaze now fixed on a man who was walking towards him. Kyra followed his eyes and found her own resting on a tall man with broad shoulders, and a very low hair cut.

The man looked very much like the man in the picture that she had been shown and Kyra just knew it had to be the man she was told to inquire about. He walked up and shook the hand of Leo and Kyra glanced away to find the stare of her contact who gave her a knowing look. It was him, and if he was meeting with Leo, it was likely true. "This is Ser Edward Calin, a very fine Knight." Leo said as he looked to Kyra. "If you'll excuse me Kyra, we have business to discuss." He added with a sly wink.

"Yes, of course." she replied, taking the hint. With that, she turned away and headed back to find her long lost squire. That had been a lot easier than she thought, and she wondered now why her contact didn't just eavesdrop herself. Either way, she now had the information that she needed.

[Gossamer]

Character: Orion
Experience: Planning +3, Flirting +2, Observation +5, Leadership +1, Dancing +2, Socialization +5, Eavesdropping +2
Lore: Escorts are great cover. Compliment the Lady, Kyra: Her History At Balls, Entertaining ladies during balls. Providing a distraction.

Character: Kyra
Experience: Planning +2, Leadership +1, Observation + 5, Dancing +2, Eavesdropping + 4, Socialization +5
Lore: Escorts are great cover. Stating plainly ones intentions. Orion: Loves Music, Entertaining gentleman during balls,


Additional Note: You both earned leadership in this one, grats. Interesting thread. Very political. I like how you played your marks against each other. I wasn’t certain how to award that in XP though. Let me know if you have any issues and we ccan make corrections.