[Beautyfest] Party on the Pier

by **Dust** on November 26th, 2013, 11:25 pm

Dust giggled at Van as he stuffed the whole thing in his mouth. "But then it's gone so fast!" she protested, not very strenuously. Still, she bit into hers pointedly, holding the remaining half out away from her near-white dress. His attention shifted, and Dust turned to see what had claimed Van's interest -- an Akalak, standing up on the edge of the ship to address the crowd. Popping the rest of the pastry into her mouth, she listened attentively.

...wait, Queen of Beautyfest? Her? "Me?" the Kelvic blurted, blinking at the speaker in surprise. Then Van turned and hugged her, which also took her by surprise; it was a moment before she came to herself and returned the embrace. Nudged forward by her friend, Dust padded up to the stage. She grinned brightly at the other two -- "Hi!" -- and stopped to hug Jorin quickly in congratulations and glee, before the Akalak escorted them both to the tables of prizes.

Dust hadn't really been thinking in terms of prizes... or even competition for that matter. She took a moment just to admire the ladies' table, as there were a lot of things on it. Things that glittered, and things that shone, a little bird made of metal, pretty cloth, pouches of she didn't know what, and even a couple of books. Those seemed almost out of place amidst everything else, and Dust picked one up to leaf through it. She still wasn't that good at reading, but it turned out she didn't need to be -- the pages were full of lines, lines which looked like... maps. Dust liked maps.

"Jorin, look at this!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing over to him to show off her find. Never mind that his attention was cast into the crowd. Dust held it up for him to see, then herself looked out -- following Jorin's gaze to Rinya, at whom she waved. Then for Vanator, who wasn't where she'd left him... but over there were Kavala and Riaris, and Caelum, to all of whom she also waved. And Uleru, though the Kelvic couldn't identify her shifted features, because she happened to accompany a known figure. And there was Van, coming closer to the stage; sneaky Drykas. She grinned, then padded down to go over and show him the book, too.

by **Magpie** on November 27th, 2013, 12:25 am

Antogio smiled at Dust's enthusiasm and nodded to the pair of Akalaks to take the King's table away once Jorin had picked. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out what what most likely the next most-anticipated announcements of the night. Holding the glyph-paper up in one hand, he looked down at the other.

"And now, the announcement of the Ladies' Court." The words brought a scuffle of movement from below as multiple women laughed and hugged each other for support. "The first lady of the Court is...

Sybel!

Come on up here and pick your prize!" He gestured widely for her to come up.

OOC :

by **Riaris Dovukalis** on November 29th, 2013, 5:20 am

Riaris was surprised by the look she gave him, though he suspected he deserved it. He had given her no reason to think that he would want to help when he hadn't been around. Still, he was determined to move passed it and to show Kavala that he was ready to be a father and a big part of their family. He had no idea what to do as a parent, but the large male hoped instinct would kick in, or a guided hand by his partner would aid him along the way.

He was glad that she excepted his help without much worry and that she believed him when he said that he wanted to help out more. The question about Recoomas however, was met with a pause. Riaris didn't talk much with his darker brother on the subject. It wasn't as if the two made a decision together on what they planned to do. Riaris decided what he thought would make up for the past, and Recoomas mentally smiled at the thought at getting another chance with Kavala.

"My brother would be glad to see you again, and the boys. I'm sure he wouldn't be apposed to helping out. If so, then I will do it all." Smiling he stroked her cheek, he knew she tried hard for the sake of keeping them all together, but in a way it seemed normal as many Akalak had the same issues with their darker and lighter halves. "We're more...in tuned now. It won't be a problem for you to speak with him...whenever you wanted." It was an offer, both ways, and letting her know that Recoomas was ready to give them a second try.

Riaris enjoyed the dance, and holding Kavala in this way was great. He really didn't know how much he had missed it until now. Perhaps his eyes were deceiving him because of his tiredness, but Riaris was sure that Kavala's belly had grown a lot since the last time he had saw her. He wouldn't allow himself to dwell on his mistake, but he would make up for it by being there for their boys from that night and on. He also knew he would be making it up to his sisters. "You say this now Kavala, but wait until they raid your closet and take all of your clothes." Nanail and Johan were into the fashion scene a lot and Kavala knew a lot about that subject, and he could see where that could lead.

"If our sons are anything like Tasi and Shay, I think we've done great." He meant it, the boys meant everything to him, and from the moment that he met them, he had wanted to become apart of their lives, even if he didn't say so aloud. He watched Kavala for a moment, as she seemed distracted and even missed his question. He was ready to stand and find her water, but she quickly dismissed the issue. "I'm sure that I can find someone with a fresh glass. Are you sure you don't need it now?" The winners of the beauty fest were announced and Riaris realized he had no idea who either of them were. "Friends of yours? I don't believe I've met them."

by **Sybel** on November 29th, 2013, 11:21 pm

At her name, the crowd parted, to reveal quite a spectacle.

Sybel had a human man by the wrist, her eyes narrow and her nostrils flared. It was near comical; the man flexed his fingers helplessly, reaching over to grasp at her forearm. The spectators gasped, then howled with laughter as she very subtly stood on the instep of his foot and shoved his body back, giving her room to maintain some dignity. It appeared the man had been just a little too playful, given the fact she was obviously taken.

Flashing a fey smile at Vanator, she strode up to the stage, just barely fighting a grin. For all she looked the part, Sybel was far from a “beauty queen.” It was all she had not to snatch the bottle of Godspirit from the array of objects and pop the cork right there. Instead, she surveyed the table with mild interest, eyes lingering on a pair of pearl-handled daggers before moving on, finally hesitating at the long, wooden staff.

It was lined with leather and etched beautifully, no doubt the handiwork of a fine craftsman. She lifted the weapon, feeling it’s heft. She needed something less lethal than the bitter edge of a longsword, here in the city. Though she loved using her blade, it was high time she considered something easier, perhaps (gods forbid) to teach her children, one day.

Sybel took the weapon in earnest and smiled at Antogio, bowing slightly and descending from the stage to polite applause. Her eyes were only for Vanator, however. She walked over and kissed him full on the mouth, oblivious to whatever the crowd had to say about it. There were a few snickers and a few cat-calls, but she was blissful anyway.

”Sorry about that,” she breathed after they parted. ”Got held up. I didn’t realize people started drinking so early.” She made a face. That lecher had clearly not been the first to give her a hard time.

by **Uleru** on November 30th, 2013, 6:25 am

Uleru's mouth twitches in the beginnings of a satisfied smile when Calum accepts her gift. The scarf is old and worn, despite being in her possession for only two seasons. She wonders how Pingere Paintedtide would feel about his gift to her changing to such hands. "Well, he's a 'might prettier than you, child", she imagines him saying in that gruff voice of his. The moulding cant help but let out a short, rippling laugh at the thought.

Just then a large bearded Akalak (who she doesn't know, but everyone around her seems too) commands attention towards himself and the list in his hands. And every woman on the pier seems to perk up like an attentive otter. This must be the Beautyfest King and Queen announcement.

The two names read surprise her, and her new lips split into a wide smile. Jorin and Dust! What a happy pair. She considers Jorin a close friend, especially for the aid he gave her earlier in the season. The Kelvic woman she only met once, but it was an exciting afternoon spent marveling at the other’s species, that eventually led to a flawed swimming lesson. Definitely a good choice for this festive pageant. The Otani claps enthusiastically with the rest.

Calum turns her attention back towards himself after the applause dies down. Did she enjoy the party?

'Yes", she answers honestly. The whole point of this little escapade into this very human ritual was that of... well, acceptance. She doesn't want to be them, thats not it, despite the way she's shaped. She just wanted to have fun and know that she is allowed into this little part of the life she's always watching from afar. And here she is, closer than she's ever been before! The beginning of the evening was rough, but now she has settled in like she's belonged here all along. It's pleasant, even if there is a twinge of guilt over such a feeling.

"Thank you for the dance. I had fun tonight", the moulding says rather formally, but her smile somewhat ruins the effect. She stands on her toes to kiss the man’s tattooed cheek and then walks back into the crowd, turning at the waist to give him a last cheery wave before she disappears into the throng. She has no doubt she’ll see the Eth again. But right now perhaps she will hunt down some land-dweller food, or try to coerce another dance out of someone as the ladies of the court are being called.

by **Magpie** on November 30th, 2013, 7:58 pm

Antogio offered a solemn bow to the dark haired beauty as she moved from the deck of the ship, staff in hand. His laughter joined in with many others as she made a very clear and public display of affection. "Easy you two... Find a dark corner, will you? Now, in a tactical redirection, onto the second lady of the Court! Please congratulate...

Rinya!

Come on up and pick your prize!" His eyes searched the crowd quickly and waved her up when she was found.

OOC :

by **Vanator** on December 2nd, 2013, 3:09 pm

Vanator had paused amid the crowd that had stopped to watch the announcement of the King and Queen. There seemed to be consent through the gathering that Jorin and Dust were worthy of the titles, testified by both of their rather humble acceptance of the recognition. Van peered through the mingling attendees to find Kavala, flashing her a smile, the Drykas sharing a bit of pride with his sister that one of 'their own' had earned the crown.

Once the raven girl had selected her prize, the spiky-haired blonde met his gaze and worked her way back to his side. Dust displayed the leather bound book she won proudly, flitting through the pages to show him the maps sketched upon the pages. Vanator knew his friend was interested in cartography, having helped her chart out a map of Riverfall one sunny Spring day. Vanator put his arm around Dust's shoulder and kissed her forehead. "Its a lovely book, Dust, I would like to look through it with you sometime, there is much about Mizahar I have yet to learn!"

Their celebration was interrupted as Antogio's voiced lifted again, this time to announce the first lady of the court. Van's attention turned again to the deck of the ship as the Akalak called out the name. Sybel!

Vanator's applause joined the crowd's, along with a loud whoop whoop. Many eyes began to search the mob for the honored woman, who, oddly enough, had been nearby. His fiance was apparently involved in yet another incident of unwelcomed advance by a man when the announcement was made. With rather practiced skill, the Benshiran shed the offending male, shooting a paradoxically innocent grin to her husband-to-be before strutting up the gangplanks to the deck stage.

Once she too had chosen her prize, a finely carved staff that was befitting her desert heritage, if not her more well-traveled personality, The raven-haired woman made a beeline for Vanator. As she planted her firm kiss to his lips, the Drykas returned the ardent gesture, hands gripping Sybel at her slim waist. "Way to go Bel!" He chimed in when the kiss eventually broke. Vanator looked at her askance when Sybel made her campy comment about the level of apparent intoxication among Riverfall's men, giving her a faux scoff before showing her his toothy grin. "I hope you have not broken too many hearts, or arms, my love." The conversation was again cut short with the annoucement of the second lady, Rinya. Van recognized the name, the Kelvic associcated with Jorin, and a lovely girl in her own right.

by **Rinya** on December 2nd, 2013, 6:12 pm

Rinya had barely gotten the words out of her mouth when she heard that it was time to announce the king and queen. Normally, it wouldn’t have been very interesting to her. But it was the sound of not one name, but two very close to her that had perked her interest. Did she actually hear that correctly? Jorin and Dust had won Beautyfest? Muttering a small apology to the woman in front of her, Rinya lifted her dress and hurried her way back to the crowds—for once completely unaffected by the closed in feeling the waves of people generally caused her.

Gently, but quite firmly as well, she pushed her way to the front in time to see Dust choose her book and Jorin claim his prize as well. Jorin was obviously shocked by the announcement of being crowned King, but it didn’t entirely surprise her. He was known to be easily likable—to most anyways. Rinya didn’t even notice Rhys sidling up next to her as Jorin smiled at her. Rinya grinned back at her mate and Dust, giving them a small wave in return. She spied Dust as she made her way to another group of people and Jorin himself made his way back.

The first lady of the ‘court’ was called, a woman named Sybel she didn’t know—but she was indeed very beautiful. She chose the staff from the table—one that looked quite similar to the one Jorin used himself—before joining Dust’s small group. And then her name was called—Wait what? Rinya jolted straight out of thought and looked up at Rhys. She wasn’t sure if she heard correctly for a moment, but Rhys just grinned brightly at her and gave her a push across her shoulders. ”Go on then, it’s rude to keep them waiting.”

Groaning inwardly, she made her way to prize table. Her face was flushed a dark red from the eyes on her. She wasn’t even entirely sure what to choose. The bow was quite beautiful, but with such work put into it—she would hate for anything to ever happen to it. For a long tick she considered maybe perhaps picking up the book that remained, but she couldn’t make out just what it said—and she was much too shy to actually ask.

Instead Rinya went with practical. Reaching out she picked up a small bag and inspected the side. The clothing inside was quite light, that even a bird... someone was obviously thinking of the Kelvics during this festival. Muttering a quiet thank you towards Antogio, Rinya made a bee line for Jorin. Leaning up she placed a kiss on his lips before smirking at him. “Congratulations Jorin… you’re more popular than you think.” Rinya more felt than saw Rhy’s joining them, and she was more than a little surprised to watch the Akalak reach out and pat Jorin firmly on the shoulder.

”Well done Jorin. I’ve got a rival it seems.” Rinya rolled her eyes at the statement.

by **Caelum** on December 2nd, 2013, 6:25 pm

"The pleasure was all mine, Uleru," Caelum murmured to the Otani. "Be well." A smile picked up a little before she took her leave, a softly glowing enigma floating through the crowd.

The ghost of her needs lapped through him, a slow fading ripple he had long since interpretted and attempted to meet. Acceptance, largely, was the direction of the Otani's desire; and all of it was ever backdropped by the song of the sea. He shivered a little even as the announcer was calling out the ladies of the court and Sybel's name had his smile deepening an instant before that faded. One hand rose to slide down his face, and he exhaled slowly out through his nose, attempting to visualize the neat break of his mind into the pieces that would allow him to continue to remain at the party, amid all of these people and their conflicting miasma of desires.

It was a failing effort. His insides were getting knotted tighter and tighter. He had spent altogether too long at the festival, tugged and beckoned by unknowing eyes, and until now it seemed as if every soul present was grasping at Nikali's chains and rattling all of him with their needs. Unattached, without partner or master or bond, he will was dissolving to the whims of all.

His fingers slid, fidgeting, against the fold of the scarf Uleru had so kindly gifted him and he opened his eyes they were sharper than before, the gold in their darkness harder, brighter. Seeking. He stepped one way, then backwards, attempting to avoid actual physical contact with anyone as that would only make the situation worse. He needed to find Kavala or Vanator or someone else he felt he could trust. He needed to focus on one person and use them as a buffer. Unfortunately, Caelum trusted few and far between, but he'd be satisfied with anyone from the Sanctuary most likely. He knew they were here, of course, but it was a matter of who might the closest and easiest to get to.

by **Rosela** on December 7th, 2013, 7:59 pm

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"Thank you..." Rosela smiled warmly up at Favchean, surprised that he so willingly paid her tab for the night. She was a bit disappointed that he didn't drink, but she wanted to think maybe he was staying sober for her sake. In any case, that was a conversation for another time. Taking a long draft of her drink, she left it at the bar next to Favchean's and followed him onto the dance floor, feeling the beginnings of anxiety knot into her stomach. Her inadequacy at dancing rang loud in her ears, and she looked around at what the others were doing in a last minute lesson. Placing her hands on his tall shoulders and down his arms, she followed his lead and began to sway in time with the music. It seemed easy enough at first, shifting their weight from side to side, but when he started moving, Rosela bit her lip while concentrating on what he was doing. Her steps were short and shuffling, and a nervous laugh escaped as their feet met. "I think everyone makes this look easier than it is... Maybe we should-"

A shock went up Rosela's spine as her name was called, and she stumbled against Favchean as they paused their dance. All knowledge that she wasn't Queen flew out of her head and was replaced by the sheer joy of her own name ringing out of the crowd. Letting out a squeal of joy, she jumped up and gave her dancing partner a kiss full on the mouth. "That's me! I'm in the Court!"

Turning, she made her way quickly through the crowd with a wide smile on her face. She'd been named; she was in the Court. True to her resolution with herself, she hadn't used an ounce of hypnotism to get beads, and she'd still done well. Rinya was just leaving the ship by the time Rosela got up, and while a single hand was raised in congratulations, she doubted the lucky brunette would see her.

Up on the ship, the prize table was almost shocking to see up close, with so much wealth in one place. All her reasonings for which prize to take went out the window as she surveyed the items at her fingertips, and she felt the strong, primal draw of the glittering jewelry. The pearls were beautiful, as was the ring, but four hands slid around the box for the gold and diamond choker and pulled it to her chest. It sparkled magnificently in the lantern light, and she barely felt herself exit the ship and hear the next Court member announced. She made her way quickly back to the dance floor to find Favchean again, anxious to share her victory with someone.

One hand shot up as she spotted him again, waving as she came closer. "Look, look! Isn't it beautiful!" She opened the box to show him, people around them also leaning over discreetly to see. "Can you-" Her immediate instinct was to ask him to latch it on her, but in the heartbeat before the words made it to her mouth, she realized he'd see the back of her neck - her Akajia mark. Instead, she forced different words to come tumbling out. "Can you...hold the box for a minute?" Pulling out the necklace herself, two hands wound it around her neck and she forced the other four to busy themselves with the necklace and her hair. It had been a poor cover - she could clearly had held the box herself. After a moment of awkwardly fumbling with the latch, it caught and she smoothed back her hair. "What do you think?"

Necklace :

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Open [Beautyfest] Party on the Pier