Quest [Summer Citywide Plot] Bones Do Not Keep Secrets

[Quasar]

60th of Summer, 512 AV The clouds were high in the sky on this night, rising above even Lhavit's tallest peak. The stars shone through dimly, and though their faded presence might have ruined a few romantic dinners, Lhavit was abuzz in the warm summer air. The gardens that the citizens so generously cared for glowed ever so brightly, their eery lights dancing upon the faces of busy passerby’s. Though some had work and others had chores, tonight was also a night for games and entertainment, as decreed by the ever-so-wealthy Suji Tsakana. Suji Tsakana was a woman well loved and respected within the city as one of the more successful merchants in Lhavit. She was known to have almost singlehandedly created a trade route between her city and the beautiful desert oasis of Ahnatep, finding riches in a pool of Eypharian nobles who drooled over Lhavitian art and architecture. They most highly valued the rare skyglass pieces of jewelry that Tsakana sold, and paid huge amounts of money to own the beautifully crafted material. Unfortunately, Tsakana had a bad fall on her return journey to Lhavit, and was forced to postpone her travels until her injured leg healed. She remained in the city for a matter of weeks before the word spread that she was hosting a ball within her own home on the Shinyama peak. Tales spread like wildfire as musicians, dancers and singers were hired by the dozen and Suji contacted several upscale restaurants to cater food. Tonight's warm air signaled the night that preparations had finally been completed and invitees were on the way. The entrance was a quaint but elegantly carved wooden archway that led into the garden. Trees with long aqua-colored leaves loomed over a stone passage up to the doorway of Suji's home, wide open and inviting. The home's interior did not fail to disappoint. Every arching corner was embellished with gold rimmed designs that rose upward to encompass three stories. Stairs went off to the side, moving along walls adorned with countless beautiful paintings. While the center of the room was bare marble floor, the sides were littered with workers and early comers. The right held a stage holding a drummer, several trumpet players, a cellist, and finally a pianist who sang loud, upbeat tunes as his fingers danced across the keys. Four lavishly dressed dancers, two men and two women, were already beginning to dance practiced routines beside the stage. The right of the building was equipped with a buffet table that could feed a hundred, the food just as aesthetically pleasing as it was delicious, and plenty of drink for those who needed it. These were all details that were only noticed after one took the time to drink in the colossal chandelier that, save for the metal hinges and hooks that held it together, was made entirely of skyglass. It shone brighter than the candles it held, inspiring awe in the eyes of those who walked into Suji's home. Some even forgot to look at the floor below them and tripped clumsily over otherwise obvious obstacles. Suji herself stood near her doorway, greeting amiably all who entered. She wore knee long dress of midnight blue, silver beads highlighting her form exquisitely to match her headdress. Among her known invitees were Shilo Hai, Hachia Koat, Sousa Dawn, and Maeki Cho. Still, these were only a fraction when she knew and invited a number of citzens, all of different status and reputation within the city, as well as inviting Shinya and Seiza members to take a break off their regular duties. The socialite even invited many curious individuals whom she had never met before in hopes of being entertained for the long night to come. She saved her warmest greeting for the Anchorite Hayani, bowing low in respect to the ethereal beauty that slipped through the doorway promptly at the time Suji had specified. OOCGo ahead and make your entrance, ladies and gents

[Albireo]

It was a night of wonder and magic, a night where forgetting meant remembering oneself and losing all sense was like finding one’s long-lost soul. Such were Albireo’s thoughts as she wandered through the city, Ethaefal of Leth in all her glory. Several days prior a letter had been delivered to her small apartment, the very first one in fact, inviting to a party. Suji Tsakana, a name well-known among Lhavitian citizens. Colleagues at the library fed her bits of information even without questions: a rich socialite, stuck at home for the past season, a business mind and passion for glamour. So she went and in a dress fabricated for the occasion no less: White linen hugged her slender figure and fell down to her knees while a swirling pattern of grass green decorated hips and skirt falling down to her knees. With skin almost as pale as the fabric, glossy black hair and green horns sprouting from her temples she was every inch the child of Leth. Near the entrance others crossed her way, passed her or were passed by her. The lights, the murmur of many voices told her enough. Half of Lhavit’s population heading for the same party, it seemed. Nevertheless she kept to her own pace, stroking the aqua-leafed trees preceding the light, yet drawn to the latter like a moth. Luscious and hypnotic the night was and Albireo succumbed to its gentle pull. And then the eye of the storm manifested in pure luxury. A distant smile for the host, a curious gaze for the dancers, musicians and other guests… She spotted familiar faces among the early arrivals, the Anchorite’s shining beauty, Dawn’s elegant pride, Shinya off duty and shop owners, among them the designer of Albireo’s dress. Only after noticing other stares did she look up to the chandelier. Skyglass, heart of Lhavit. People felt drawn to it as if worshiping a God. It couldn’t have meant more, had it been made of thousands of kina or mizas or… She almost tripped over her feet, in leather boots nonetheless, before concluding the tour at the buffet. Moonlight had filled her up more than any delicious cakes could, but someone handed her a glass with fizzy liquid and she sipped. There she was, wandering through the thickening crowd, drinking it all in through cobalt eyes and wondering what it meant. Wondering as always. OOCAdding a little music: "Float" by Yuki Kajiura.

[Oriela]

Beauty came alive at the house of Suji Tsakana. Oriela had been invited due to her position in the city, as a healer at the Shinyama Pavilion. And truthfully, she had been flattered. She was still learning the city, embedding herself in Lhavitian culture, and so a chance to mingle with the glitz and glamour of the city of light was one she grabbed with tenacity. When the Anchorite passed, she half-curtseyed out of respect. Most simply stared in awe. Oriela followed soon after, her parasol held above her head, entering and giving their host a warm smile. She wondered if Duvalyon, her colleague, would be attending. Lowering her gauzy parasol, she made her way to the gathering of people. Gripping the delicate stem of a wine glass, she sipped, beaming at the taste. It was so much more... specific, than the wines she had tasted before. Every flavour was full and direct, the combination delectable. Beautiful music filled the air. Through large windows, she saw Leth, gazing from the sky. And the chandalier... Gods. Skyglass had always made her stop and stare, ever since she had arrived in Lhavit. Even now, it had the same effect. Peering round with a little curiosity, she tried to see if she recognised anyone, or if there were people she should go and talk to.

[Quasar]

oocFor those of you who haven't posted your replies yet, you may still join, but I will be moving this along a little for poor Albi and Oriela Albireo stood out among a crowd of people with drinks in their hands and taps in their feet. From where she stood, she could easily see the beautiful Hayani conversing amiably with the hostess, the two giving off the air of old friends who had much to catch up on. "I do hope your leg is healing well," The Ethaefel said with a look of concern upon her white face. "Faster than even I would have thought," said the cheery Suji. "At least it gives me an excuse to rest in one place, after so long. Come, you must visit my home." As the two wandered off, Albireo was interrupted by a fidgeting Kelvic, Sayim, who bit his nails as he watched his master, Hayani, disappear up a flight of stairs. "Do you know where they are going?" He asked, his legs shifting from side to side. "Hayani, she told me to stay here and... enjoy myself," he said the last words with a mixture of disdain and unsureness. How could the creature mingle freely with dancers and drinkers, two activities he had never really been introduced to? He spoke his worries to Albireo, whose strong connection with Leth reminded him of one he truly felt comfortable with. The loss of proximity with his master had made the usually upright and stern man anxious and unnerved. --- Oriela was approached by a trio of men, Seiza, by the looks of their robes. They stopped in front of the Konti woman and greeted her with bows, as was Lhavitian custom. "You are Oriela, no? It is an honor to have a follower of Rak'keli among us. Your healing skills are a blessing to our community." The supposed leader of the group was taller, and the more handsome of the three. "I am Taroh. These are my colleagues, Jurin-" her motioned to his left, an older fellow with a warm smile, "and Loren." On his right, this one had a more grim face, his eyes shifting as though he wanted to be elsewhere. "On behalf of the Seiza, we would like to thank you for your dutiful contributions. I, however, was hoping for a dance," he smiled and extended a hand forward for the Konti to take. The other two dispersed as he led her to the dance floor and led her smoothly into the song that played.

[Albireo]

The otherworldly beauty of a well-known face and form hit Albireo – like morning light after hours full of nothings and what ifs. After a short glance, cobalt eyes set to wandering between the other guests, moving with them, although the rest of her remained. Silken voices brushed her ears, dripped into her mind and blossomed. A good melody to listen to, seamlessly blending into the background. However, it faded away all too soon and a daughter of Leth found herself side by side with the creature left behind. Oh, what was it with those… always finding their kindred? Next to the fidgeting man she resembled a still life, painted in oil. Curiosity raised its head, although the façade was still blank, smooth: Moonlight reflecting back chandelier and candle light. “No, I do not”, she said in a low voice. “What would you like to do?” Absentmindedly, she observed the Kelvic, a being so unlike herself. Rooted to the world of senses, that one was, and as easy to read as a book. Held the possibility of an exquisite story, maybe. Ah, addiction of the storyteller. And if she lost it all again, that bit would never change.