Its where we want to be, and don't (Open)

[Bob Barton]

43rd day of Fall 511 AV

"So tell us a story punk, we know you like to" one of the other drunks in the tavern said. Despite Bob's distaste for anything alcoholic he ended up drunk today anyway. With that sudden dry spell hitting Sunberth, Bob found that he could not even get enough water for the day so to quench his thirst he went on to other things. The Oktuberia Fest could not have started at a better time. Ale and booze aplenty, enough to quench anyone's thirst or get them as drunk as they wanted. Bob was going for the former and ended up with the latter as well.

In that drunken state Bob began to talk about Syliras. Besides Zeltiva that was one of the places he spent most of his life. Of course Bob had a strange view of it. It was completely different from from where they were in now which was why he loved Sunberth. If Bob was going to tell about it he was going to tell it in an exciting and interesting way. He didn't like being bored by other people's life stories and he believed that it would be the same for them as well. So he was going to spice things up.

"Stop me if I have told this one before..." but even if they did try they won't be able to. Bob would expect them to leave and make room for people who would actually want to listen, which was very little but still..."have you heard about the party in the manor?" because everyone down in the dumps and are experiencing a hard time would definitely love parties to get their mind off things. This dry spell after the unnatural fogs included.

What was so great about this particular party? For one "it was held in a beautiful place where the host really pulled out all the stops." He did. "Security, entertainment, food, you name it he got it" but those came with their own price. Syliras as everyone knew was one of those places that you had to be in, and you were welcome as long as you can do for them what they wanted so "the host for all his generosity expected his guests to bring some gifts in return, but as the party was so nice they all did so gladly" though some decided to sneak in without bringing anything. People like Bob who somehow got through living there with the use of his other non-trade skills.

"Everyone enjoyed the party and went home happy after a few drinks, laughs and a good meal" Bob said raising his glass in a toast. That was it? That was the story? Hey he was drunk, and his brain was not working so well and to him stories are meant to be happy so he did not want to get started on those that did not have a good meal but everyone in Sunberth should already be quite aware of how those stories in Syliras actually ended.

Later that night sleeping off the drinks...

This is not part of the story but it all started off in a dark night and Bob walking up a stairs which was illuminated by the stars. To his left and right were all sloping grass so that could only mean that he was going up a hill. After a while of walking the light of the stars started to get overpowered by another source where the steps were headed to.

When Bob reached the end of it he found that it was a grand manor. Very bright, very welcoming with a bright shade of...too bright to be seen in the dark color. But the doors were wooden, big and dark brown as far as he could tell having two large statues of armor and spears flanking it. This place..."who lived in it?" Obviously some sort of rich person even looking at his home from the outside. Bob was about to grab on the ring at the door to give it a knock when the doors just opened up.

"We are expecting you Mister Barton. We hope you remembered to bring something" and there it was, a wrapped up box under his arm he never knew he had and will never know what it was because the steward took it immediately. In return they handed him a Bobish masquerade mask. "This is your mask Mister Barton." It was then the steward's face darkened just for a moment to remind Bob what "the master is a strange man...and when he does something you should be very suspicious of it" before going back to smiling and telling him to "have a good time."

Bob was led to a big dining hall and found that he was not the only person here. A lot of other people in masks. Nicer masks and nicer clothes than what he was wearing making him wonder why it was that he got this distasteful looking rat mask. The whole setting made him feel out of place and instead of approaching all the other people like he would normally do in any social gathering, he headed over to the table to help himself to a little drink. He could not help but notice that besides the other guests, the hall was surrounded by plenty of guards as well. "Great...stuffed shirts and armored goons..." What other sort of people is he going to find here?

[Nidassasyae]

OOCSorry this is so blah
The slip and slide of satin across her skin was utterly foreign to Nida, and her slitted eyes widened in surprise at the texture of it. She was in some sort of hall, a dining hall she supposed. But how she came to be here, dressed in a clinging and low-cut emerald green gown with her dark hair piled up fashionably atop her head, was an utter mystery to the Kelvic.

The grandeur of the manor startled her, the wastefullness and frivolity of it all made her grit her teeth in distaste. What kind of creatures were these humans, that they'd prefer to gaze upon wooden beams and polished floors rather than the moon's light reflection off newly fallen snow? Did it even snow here? Nida didn't know, she couldn't tell where she was or how she got here. But that didn't seem to matter to her.

What were these accursed things on her feet, that elavated her above her usual height? When she tried to walk forwards, the Kelvic stumbled and almost fell face-first into the floor. Strong hands caught and righted her, and when she raised her masked face a shock of recognition ignited through her body.

"Seliarus?"

Her rescuer's face was covered in a green snake mask, as was Nida's. She threw her arms around him, sighing in relief, "I've found you!" All too late, she realized that the man's scent was wrong, and that he did not bear the same Chevas mark she bore. He was not Seliarus. He was not her Bondmate.

Ladylike titters surrounded her as the stranger removed himself from Nida's arms. He gave her a mockingly gallant bow, and stepped back into the crowd.

Nida's face flushed in anger, not embarassment, and she kicked off her fashionably high-heeled shoes. The left one lingered in her hand for a moment as she pondered whether to throw it at Seliarus' doppleganger. When she raised it to lob it at him, he was already gone.

"Petch it all," Nida muttered under her breath, leaving her shoes on the floor as she stomped barefooted away. A man carrying drinks caught her eye, and she made her way towards him. Nida wasn't particuarly partial to alchohol, but the situation called for a stiff drink.

Quite rudely, she grabbed a glass of bubbling golden liquid and drained it. It burned like fire down her throat, and sent her into a small coughing fit. Only when she had regained control of herself did she realize there was another guest beside her. A rather short man wearing a rat mask.

"Some party," she muttered darkly, her head nodding in agreement with the strange little man's assesment of the crowd.

[Reo]

As he stood over the toilet, Reo listened to the tinkling of his liquids crash into the vast liquids of the toilet bowl. He was itching for a good time; he had been far too stressed lately. He zipped up and went to wash his hands; the cistern was a beautiful marble that seemed to glisten from the inside. He grabbed his wolf mask and put it back on his head. Reo felt taller, more eloquent. He wore a gold suit that matched his golden eyes. He all but floated towards the bathroom door and slowly pushed it open. He stepped into a large dining hall.

There was food and people everywhere. Something was strange. His stomach was not performing the somersaults it usually performed when he saw food and his body wasn’t catapulting him to the first edible thing he saw. Instead he took his time surveying his surroundings. Planning his next action carefully. He didn’t know why his body was so cautious, perhaps it was because of all the guards that laced the walls or maybe there was something more. He stood by the closest table and was drawn in by a strange couple. A ridiculously short human wearing a rat mask and a woman who was so rickety in her shoes that she appeared as though she was about to fall straight onto her face.

Reo decided to stand at the table and watch them, this could be interesting. He picked a soft, ripe fruit and bit into it. The nectarine tasted of sun rays, there was an explosion of taste in his mouth. He washed this down with a blue drink which was as cold as snow. He would wait it out, this was only the beginning of the party and there was much mischief to be had. As he thought this, a slight smile grew on his face. He looked around once again and took another mischievous bite of his nectarine.

[Reese Nightroad]

"This is not going to be easy" Reese whispered to himself as grabbed the mask from his bag. He still couldn't believe he was about to subject himself to the scenes of drunkin madness that could already be heard from outside the manor. He had recieved a tip that the man of a local murder might be attending this particular function. In turn, he was compelled to investigate. Although Syliras was considered a larger city, it appeared that quite a bit of the local populace had decided to attend the event. He sighed with frustration as he wondered if he was going to find any information in the mess of drunkards and characters. "Here we go" he cringed. Throwing his bag in the nearby bushes he walked out from the alley towards the front of the estate. His clothes were itchy and a little to tight for his liking. However, he couldn't complain when he discovered these garments would come in handy in this particular case. Lucky him his last encounter was with a group of murdering thieves that had quite the stock of looted goods, the suit included. It was a slightly worn tuxedo that matched his mask perfectly. Even in the days before his current profession, he was never much for social events. He could feel the sensation of nervous tendencies fighting to take supremecy but he managed to choke it down. He was here for a reason, a purpose that had never left his mind since that fateful day.

He glanced around as he slipped on his mask. Analyzing his surroundings, looking for possible escape routes or hiding places in case he were have to pursue anyone. His attention was then redirected when he had realize that he was already at the entrance of the building. With a moment of hesitation he stepped inside. The foyer was dense with people, the smell of alcohol and the sound of music filled the air. His frustration returned when he stepped inside, soon realizing that any effort that would have to be done would have to wait. He knew the easiest way for him to converse with anyone, was if they were first inebriated. Besides, people always give away their secrets when intoxicated. A small grin crept over his face as he realized what he had just thought to himself, it was true after all.

He tightened his fists in one last moment of personal thought and stepped into the crowd. Dodging dancers and waitresses, he finally found himself sitting at a table covered in extravagant food of all types. Although he believed himself a trespasser in this place, he might as well fill his stomach with some free sustenance. Grabbing a large piece of fruit, he began to dine as he glanced to the four corners of the room. Constantly searching for any shadows that may seem out of place. Across the table from where he was sitting, he realized he began to inspect a man's rather "regal" suit. It was of a gold color and it matched his eyes perfectly. A little to flashy for Reese's taste. He then chuckled at the thought of his own clothes. If he had any rule that he held to himself, it was that he wore the color black. With a nod to the man, he returned to his sentry. Watching.....waiting.

[Bob Barton]

You'd think that in a party like this there will be waiters serving you your drinks and giving you all the nice goodies to eat. But for Bob he had to get it himself. Was it his fault that he was dressed inappropriately? Was it his fault he had to wear a funny rat mask? He still didn't know what this party was, who the host was or why he was here. He didn't even know what this meat he was eating was but it tasted like chicken. Everything always tastes like chicken when you have no idea what it is but not drinks too! Something very strange was going on here.

But who would have time to think about why things taste like chicken when there are more important questions that need answering like why was such a sophisticated woman approaching him. She seemed very dark not that Bob would blame her but his reasons were more because he did not know what was going on and because of how uncomfortable he felt with the party, its guests and especially the guards who seem to be looking at everyone intently. He wouldn't be Bob unless he didn't try to make a pass at the woman and the simplest was flattery when he told her "didn't think much of it until I met you."

Now that he had gotten her attention it was a chance to ask what was going on. Like asking about "this party. If you don't like it then why are you here?" more like what was this party all about with more important questions like "are you here alone...or did you come with someone?" If not then Bob at least had a chance to ask her whether "do you want to have a dance?" Yes, yes, yes Bob could not dance but he at least can try to hold on to a woman, feel on to the satin of her skin and stare at that...

..thing he should stop thinking about right now because if anyone ever found out, like this woman he would be in a lot of trouble. People don't seem to get that this is why a man like Bob would approach a woman like her but as long as no one knew, Bob could always try his luck in doing it. If she did agree, Bob would lead her to the middle of the floor and show the rest of these stuff shirts that the midget has it better than them.

[Nidassasyae]

The Kelvic turned her head and looked down curiously at the little man, her bare neck displaying an elegant silver Chevas mark. It should have warned off any males that Nida was definitely not single, but apparently human male minds didn't work that way. Did the human just attempt to flirt with her?

Her slitted eyes narrowed when she recalled the disastrous events that had followed the last man that had tried something along those lines. Events that had included dragging the offender away, gouging out his eyes, and eating the remains of his mutilated body. But that man had tried to go a bit farther than flirting, and had been considerably more intoxicated. This particular human seemed to be no threat, it would be alright to converse with him.

His first question puzzled her, because she simply could not answer it. Why was she here? Nida couldn't remember arriving, why she was here, or even who their host was.

"I'm not quite sure. Why are you?" the Kelvic answered coyly, her gaze drifting from the short stranger to observe the other guests. A tingle of fear ran down her spine as she saw a man bedecked in gold cloth staring at the two of them. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to attack, to run, to do anything but turn back to the human beside her and answer his other questions.

"Alone. And I haven't the slightest idea how to dance," her voice dropped it's cordiality. It became terse and laced with fear and suspicion. "There's a man in gold watching us across the room. I don't suppose you know him?"

[Reo]

Reo hadn’t noticed that there was music playing, this was understandable as he could see no ensemble or orchestra. The music seemed to come from the very walls themselves. The melodies were hypnotic; they seeped into ones nervous system and created an urgency to dance. Reo’s foot had begun tapping without his realizing it. He didn’t fight it, there was no point, this was a party and trying to not enjoy it would be ridiculous.

For all the drinks, food and music that filled the room, Reo was slightly disappointed, the only woman worth looking at was engaging with a 4 foot runt. It was such a shame; he quickly made the decision that as soon as he had an opportunity Reo would approach the woman and sweep her away from the poor midget. From the corner of his eye, he noticed an unassuming man dressed in black look him over. Reo never trusted people that tried to blend in, they were like chameleons, patiently waiting for some wandering insect to fly within range of their deadly tongue. He hadn’t realized how long he had been watching the couple, the woman had noticed him and he had the feeling he might scare her off. He had to look preoccupied. The best way to avoid the tongue of a Chameleon was to be between its eyes. Reo picked up two more of the ice cold beverages and proceeded towards the man in black.

After manoeuvring between the bodies in the crowd, Reo finally arrived before the man. He extended one of the drinks and said “a man shouldn’t leave a party still thirsty”. He made sure that he had positioned himself in such a manner that he could still watch the couple but still talk to the man. Reo hoped this individual didn’t notice the slight glances over his shoulders. With the drink still extended, Reo put on his flashiest smile and asked; “so what brings you to the party”.

[Bob Barton]

Everyone knew that Chevas marks meant nothing, nothing! As far as Bob was concerned it was some pretty tattoo's that couples got if they wanted to show everyone else that their love is pure. A whole bunch of lies and romantic wishes. So if she thought that just a little mark was going to deter Bob from making advances that was highly unlikely. What would be a better deterrent would be if her partner was around but was he? Nope as far as Bob can tell and this cat was the one who came to him first so Bob was only just giving her what she wanted.

Classic misdirection that Bob normally used when he did not want to answer any questions but he would answer this one just to make sure the woman knew where they stood. "I know why..." he said noticing that she was already beginning to lose interest. Bob needed to make his answer good. Effective like "and its to meet purrfect ladies like you..." Horrible, cheesy and corny. This one is definitely just going to take her drink with her and walk away for find another man with a better sense of words.

But she didn't. Bob always knew that his charm was able to make up for his horrid methods of dealing with women. He was glad to hear her answer and held out his open hand. "Well, maybe I should accompany you" since the other pair of the Chevas mark was non-existent which was one problem out of the way. The other problem that she could not dance was no problem at all because "I can't dance either but there is no-one else I'd like to learn with" bending his knees and back in an inviting bow.

She should just politely decline since Bob was trying to make an effort here instead of making lame excuses of a "man in gold? Lady I don't know anyone here except you" and was beginning to regret it. There were plenty of other ladies at the party here and Bob would have a better chance with them than the cat. One last try when he asked a little disinterested "so are we going to continue this game of rat and mouse?" because it was not really that fun anymore.

[Jonathon DuFraine]

Jonathon started. Why did he start? It's not like anything surprised him or anything.

Jonathon hummed to the music idly, listening and watching the other people at the party and adjusting the golden hawk mask on his face. Maybe he would dance. That might be fun... I can't dance. Or perhaps he should try the banquet. Grinning to himself, Jonathon moved slowly to the food, working his way past the people gracefully. His hunter's grace served him well in this regard...

As he moved past the people, he had a sudden feeling of deja vu. Hadn't he done this before? The people were bushes, trees. It was just another day in the Bronze Woods. Cheerfully, Jonathon pushed away the strange feeling and approached the table.

His grace was perhaps a bit overstated, however; he accidentally bumped into a couple of dancers. They were not unnerved in the slightest, but Jonathon had to move his hair out of his eyes... except he didn't. What? Since when did I tie my hair back? His hair, usually so wild and unkempt, was perfectly tied back in a slick ponytail.

That's when Jonathon noticed the clothing. I don't wear this. He was dressed in loose clothing, but it was black, silken, and with gold thread. Jonathon admired himself a moment; he looked excellent in this. What the hell is wrong with me? Jonathon had a moment of disquiet; what was wrong with him? It was clothing. He had never cared about such things before.

Occupied with himself, he barely noticed the other people near the table. Jonathon felt appalled at himself a moment; he had forgotten his manners! NO I HAVEN'T! I don't have any manners! I'm practically a savage for Caihya's sake! "Good evening! I hope you're treating the lady with the respect she deserves." Grinning at the three other party-goers from across the table, he helped himself to a goblet full of wine; as an experienced wine-taster, he should be able to enjoy this. I've never drank any wine before! The best I've done is tavern ale!

Still merrily disregarding himself, Jonathon addressed them all again. "After all, we're all friends here, eh? Relax, enjoy yourselves." Grinning almost maniacally, Jonathon drank from the goblet.

The wine was cold as ice and tasted like metal. This tastes like blood.

[Nidassasyae]

OOCLet's shake thing up a bit?

"A game?" The Kelvic's voice sank to a dangerous purr. She was momentarily relieved that the man in gold had stopped watching them, so her full attention was directed towards the small man beside her. She regarded him with the full force of her predatory stare, which probably wouldn't mean anything to a city-dweller like this tiny pink-skin.

"I didn't know we were playing a game. I don't like word games, see? I like games with more edge, more death and blood. I don't like your word games, little pink-skin, and I don't like the way you look at me." Her voice purred silkily, but it was obvious her mood was darkening as quickly as only a female's can.

Was he making fun of her, with his various feline quips and his request to dance? Nida didn't like strangers, especially strange men. Most especially strange men who wanted to stare at her body and make jokes.

The edges of her vision started to turn as red as wine, and her slitted eyes regarded Bob hungrily. He wouldn't make but a mouthful, but it would be a most satisfying mouthful. If there weren't so many humans around, she would have already shifted and dined on the tiny man. But she was too impatient to think of ways of luring him away to some shadowy corner. Ways that would no doubt involve her acting infatuated with the tiny man's flirtations. Nida was too impatient, and she was too annoyed.

Her hand shot out to grab Bob's arm, and she intended to twist it viciously. Not far enough to break or sprain, but enough to hurt. If she had indeed managed to capture his wrist and preform the intented deed, she would hiss, "Are you sure you want to play at games, little pink-skin?"

A different voice pulled Nida out of her dark thoughts, and she turned her head slightly to look at the newcomer. Red of hair and not much taller than she, this man seemed not to pose too much of a threat either. That is, until she noticed the easy grace with which he seemed to move. A human male, and a hunter. He might be a problem. If he moved against her, she would have to act quickly.