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Post by Guinevere on Sept 14, 2011 18:04:42 GMT -5
Full of surprises as always Kerion. You're a wonderful dancer.
::Though while they circled one another, Kerion couldn't help but get the distinct impression she was the one leading::
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Post by Kerion on Sept 14, 2011 18:07:55 GMT -5
"Got to keep some secrets, otherwise everyone would grow bored of me." He joked. "Besides, dancing is also a skill needed if one is undercover."
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Post by Guinevere on Sept 14, 2011 18:50:01 GMT -5
::She allowed him to twirl her, swirling her billowing red gown with her as he did::
So many sekrets, but answer me this. When we first met, you appeared to be here for nothing more than a job. A body-guard for hire. That certainly explained your presence, but what I didn't kount on last time was you trailing behind after Lillith no longer needed your service. So why did you stay behind? What is it you want out of this life, the life of a hero?
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Post by Oliver on Sept 14, 2011 19:02:03 GMT -5
Again, Oliver was backed into an awkward corner. He tried to play it off. "Oh, u, yes - I mean no. I'm from Dali!" He lied through his teeth, sporting a wide smile. Afraid mentioning Lindblum or any where else might invoke too many questions about his past. "Anot'er sir?" Offering the tray once more, he could see in his expression the disgust at the food. This was Oliver's little secret revenge for the line of questioning.
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Post by Kerion on Sept 14, 2011 19:18:53 GMT -5
"A better future." He replied. "I know all too well the horror that wars can bring. You might not know it from looking at me, but I've been a soldier ever since I was 5. Though it has been outlawed, some parts of each world still use child soldiers to do their fighting. The bulk of them were war orphans, orphans who lost their family due to the conflict, no one would miss them. We were drilled day after day, the weaker ones dying beside us. Those that survived that hell were tested on what their strongest points were, mine was sniping. They used code names to identify us, mine was Sniper Wolf. As I got older, I never once questioned who I am or used to be, that is until I was forced to kill a traitor. He was also the closest thing I had to a friend, his name was Fighter Serpent. His last words made me doubt the army. 'We're not tools of the government, or anyone else. Fighting was the only thing... the only thing I was good at. But... at least I fought for what I believed in. Wolf, farewell.'"
::His eye closed::
"It was then I decided to leave, but I would be hunted down and executed. Instead, I faked my death on a raid of a rival army." ::His eye opened:: "I wandered all around the world until I decided to become a mercenary. I had the skills, so why not put them to use. But that changed when I met Anya. I always traveled alone, but after working together to take out a terrorist group named 'Dead Cell', something told me to take her with me. Then I met Maria, that was when everything snapped into place. She deserved to live without worrying about another fight breaking out. That is why I fight, not for myself, but so that future generations won't suffer those hardships."
((OOC: And WHAM! More of Kerion's past exposed.))
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Post by Guinevere on Sept 14, 2011 19:20:47 GMT -5
::Bryant swallowed in spite of the assault it would surely send to his stomach later. Social gatherings and etiquette of the upperclass may have been over his head, but he could certainly read sarcasm::
Bryant: Now this one I like. Nice to see one of you isn't intimidated by the myth of station.
::Bryant groaned and wrinkled his nose like something foul had just wafted into his nostrils::
Bryant: I thought I smelled waste. What's that imperial relic doing here?
::He pointed towards the man in the old military garb of Vector::
Braynt: Didn't think I'd be seeing him again so soon. What has it been Kaworu, four, six months since he came to Tzen and tried to negotiate a peace treaty with Lord Leon? You weren't in Tzen before that, but he sent a few dignitaries at first as messengers. Took him three times to get the message that Lord Leon would only speak with him. He was childishly sulky about having to come to Tzen himself. So you can imagine the little tantrum he threw when he learned that he had to speak with me as an interpreter instead of our commander. Surprised he waited so long to declare open war on us if that's all it takes to get his mustache twisted.
::Bryant made no bones about narrowing his icy blue eyes at the man and twisting the corners of his mouth into a smirk, not even looking away on the offchance that their eyes met::
::Meanwhile Gwen's lips turned up into a soft smile As Kerion finished his story::
I see. So you're the one getting your hands dirty so Maria and those who kome after you won't have to. Giving up your own life for another, that I believe is the truest definition of a hero. So when you met the two of them, all the pieces were there. You life was komplete. So... would you say I kould be one of those pieces?
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Post by Kerion on Sept 14, 2011 19:40:53 GMT -5
"Could be possible." he replied. "But if its for my heart, You might have some competition..." He added. ::They slowed as the music stopped. Kerion then saw him:: "Jas? What is he doing here?"
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Kaworu
Determined Individual
FFT Veteran
Tabris
Posts: 155
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Post by Kaworu on Sept 14, 2011 20:04:49 GMT -5
(OOC: God I hate Wednesdays, Im busy all day. Currently at work xD)
Kaworu looked to the Burmecian and Sir Bryant's reaction to the food. Noticing Sir Bryant's discomfort unsettled Kaworu.
"I think I'll pass on the food for now"
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Post by Iole on Sept 14, 2011 22:01:17 GMT -5
::Iole concluded her performance amid applause and took a bow, in probably a little more masculine way than Gwen might have liked. One of the stage hands hissed to her from stage left:: Stage-hand: Take five. ::Iole wiped the sweat from her brow and came down onto the dancefloor, accutely aware of her surroundings and the number of eyes on her, with or without malintent. Without her live performance, a nameless male singer took over on vocals:: northernvoices.bandcamp.com/track/dance-upon-orion::Everywhere she turned in this festival felt like there was a knife hiding somewhere behind someone's back. She couldn't see Oliver, her height prevented her from seeing over the crowd. She nearly squealed her paranoia when a voice came behind her:: Stefan: That was beautiful. Would you do me the honor of a dance? ::That voice. She had never heard it before in her life. Well that was inaccurate. She had never heard it while she was awake. She knew who it was, and yet when she turned, those golden eyes sent a shiver through her. Her tongue twisted in her mouth, as though to strangle any excuse she might formulate. Though even if it hadn't she couldn't think of one. There was something in those eyes that were making her forget everything right now. her feet moved as though they were pulled on strings. She'd didn't remember getting close enough to him, but suddenly she was aware of his arms around her and it made her head spin when this was exactly as it had felt in her dream. He led her gently to the music, his eyes locked in hers. Something in them told her he was struggling to say something just as she was. Why did they need to say anything right now? Everything felt like it would be fine if they stayed this way:: Stefan: What's your name? ::She opened her mouth to answer:: Don't tell him.::It shot through her head clearly and brought reality back to her so fast she felt like she had fallen back to earth from a starry sky, back where she had been, forcing her to remember why she was here:: Emily Summers. Stefan: That's wrong... I'm sorry, it's a beautiful name, but... that just doesn't sound right. What's your name? I told you. ::Though she knew she was supposed to lie like crazy, for some reason she had no will to put any more force into that declaration::
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Sept 14, 2011 23:25:56 GMT -5
Stefan: You have no idea how cruel you're being right now. I've waited so long to hear it.
Iole: What are you talking about, we just met?
Stefan: I know it only started a few nights ago, but every day's seemed like a year since then.
::He felt her tense, and he knew she knew what he meant::
Stefan: You've been in my dreams every night lately. Have I been in yours?
::Her eyes fell away from his, and somehow that felt like her world had shifted out of orbit with its sun. This was ridiculous. They were complete strangers! Complete strangers that had been in each other's dreams.::
Iole: Do you tell that to every girl that catches your eye?
::The crack of the Herald's staff rang across the ballroom again, but this time from the other end of the gathering, from the great steps that led to the throne room::
Herald: Ladies and gentleman, his excellency, Ruling Steward of Doma, and the host and proprieter of tonight's festivities welcomes you. He thanks you for your attendance and expresses his wishes for a most magical evening for each of you. And now it is my privelege to introduce Count Dracul Vladimir Sigismund.
::The mad had begun his descent before the Herald had even finished, his boots echoing with each step. A hush had fallen over the room. Iole felt it. It wasn't a chill or anything like that, but there had definitely been a change. Like the air had grown heavier. He had a tall and well muscled stature, wrapped in black and red finery, long swept back hair, and those strange reddish brown eyes that caught the light of the room in a strange way like smoldering coals. This man, whether for good or ill had a strong presence that rolled off of him in waves. And when he spoke, it was low and rumbled like the earth beneath them was moving::
It is my honor to have such distinguished guests gathered under the roof of our country's rulers, where its long history was forged by the hand of great kings, and protected by knights of honor. In these interesting times, the balance of our world is a turbulent one, and the Gaia of old is crumbling. But what this new Gaia shall be whether a chaotic broken shadow of its former self, or if it shall rise from the ashes to a glory worthy of the dragons who blessed its skies at the beginning, has yet to be forged. And it shall be forged by our own hands. That is the future I hope to see. A hope that I share with you who have gathered here. My honored guests I thank you again for coming from your varying distances. Now come with me and we shall see what bright future we can make for our world!
::Amid the applause, the Herald made a further announcement::
Herald: All those with a formal invitation from the count to attend the banquet in the throne room may now enter with their party. All those without, the tables and feast are being prepared and will be brought out shortly.
::Iole looked back to her dance partner::
Iole: I'm guessing you'll be on your way then.
::By the way he was dressed, she had guessed he would be one of the ones heading to the banquet::
Stefan: You should come as well.
Iole: I'm the entertainment. I don't have an invitations.
Stefan: That's why I'm asking you to come with me.
::He extended his hand to her, and she stared at it. It would be a good idea for her to be present if this was where most of the talking was going to take place. And she told herself that was why she was accepting this invitation, and his hand as he led her up the stairway with the others who would attend::
(OOC: Yes everyone, you all got one)
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Post by Nu on Sept 14, 2011 23:41:04 GMT -5
::Astaroth got a good look at Dracul Vladimir Sigismund and compaired him to the image Nu showed her::
No doubt, it is indeed him. She thought. But something is going to happen, what I have no idea. ::She looks to Melanie as Yami & Aizen come walking up:: "Well, here I go. Do keep an eye on these two Melanie."
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Kaworu
Determined Individual
FFT Veteran
Tabris
Posts: 155
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Post by Kaworu on Sept 14, 2011 23:46:28 GMT -5
Kaworu watched as Sigismund entered and wondered what the purpose of tonight was. As Sigismund spoke Kaworu had a bad feeling in his gut. Ignoring it he turned to Sir Bryant.
"This is the first time I've seen Sigismund and I can already tell I'm not quite fond of him. Shall we proceed upstairs to the Banquet sir?"
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Post by Vincent on Sept 15, 2011 1:24:23 GMT -5
"About time. Let's get this over with. Nahla you coming?" Vincent said as he stood, taking his glass of sherry with him.
Nahla meanwhile was busy flirting with some blue bloods, talking about weapons of all things. No matter how much make-up or as fancy a dress you put on her, she was and always will be a tomboy at heart. She had several military types at her fingertips. Vincent just rolled his eyes and carried on alone to the dinner. If something was to happen, it would be soon. He kept on guard.
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Sept 15, 2011 1:58:10 GMT -5
::The gathering was now far less overwhelming than it had been in the ballroom. The Count himself sat at the head of the long table naturally. Along the sides Iole felt very out of place among all these dignitaries and she wondered how Vincent was keeping so calm. He sat on her left, and the two were keeping their ruse of not knowing one another quite well. She fought the temptation to steal a glance at him for some reassuring. Gideon had followed him and also seemed to have a cool-headed aloofness about the whole thing. Gwen was further up the table nearest to the Count with Kerion at her side, and of course the princess was keeping as good a face as ever. Kerion was at her side, but there was no sign of Kenny or Lillith. The two strange young men from Tzen and their two escorts were there as well. It was strange seeing someone younger than her at the table. And try as she might to ignore it, she could sense Alicia's bloodthirsty eyes on her. There was an Elderly Gentleman she didn't recognize, but she certainly remembered the seal on the sleeve of his Ghestalian garb. The amount of imperial blood on her hands from the Sands war was not a number she was proud of. There were others of course; a nobleman from Figaro representing the Royal Family, other dignitaries from Jidoor, Baron, Alexandria, even as far as Bevelle. But even over the overbearing presence of the Count who hadn't so much as flickered his eyes in her direction, she was still deathly aware of the one sitting at her right, who still couldn't seem to take his eyes off her. The count raised his glass to each of his guests, giving special attention to the ones who most caught his interest::
You do me honor Lord Noel. To think that my humble table is to be graced by one who represents the Kings of the old world. Sir Bryant was it? And your promising newcomer Kaworu? I pass my regards on to your captain. He has proven himself to be a man of honor. Sorceress Guinevere,
::For this, he reached across the table and took her pale hand, gently raising it to his lips::
You look more radiant everytime I see you.
::Gwen raised her fan as if to hide a smile::
Guinevere: Flattery will get you everywhere my lord.
::He turned his gaze this time to Alicia::
And let us not forget those whom you have come to represent Miss Strauss. After all it was those who the world scoffed at as rebels who pierced the dark cloud of imperialism just two summers ago. The fall of that castle has begun a movement across Gaia that will not soon be forgotten. I credit you as the gateway of this new world we hope to create. Captain Vincent Kumi of Vector the greatness of your heritage and your legacy as Captain of the Hijrah perhaps brings me the greatest pleasure. Tell me, is it true you once faced Loci the Fallen Angel himself?
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Sept 15, 2011 2:35:28 GMT -5
When the call came for the guests to enter the main dining hall for dinner, August obliged, breaking from his conversation with a nod and a wink, leaving the fine young ladies as he stepped into the crowd of guests, slowly making their way inside. He greeted the nobles just as any other, shaking hands and hobnobbing as if nothing else existed outside this little gathering. For all but a few, he appeared as cordial as any of the nobles. A brilliant false face. A respected doctor with papers and research behind him, and Miss Bardi’s fabricated accounting and corporate law background, coupled with intellectual superiority that made him lively to socialize with. The ruse was delightful.
Inside the dining hall, August made his way towards Sigismund table. He knew the eyes that fell upon him, those with dagger stares and malcontent desires in them and all it did was empower him more. It filled him with a type of glee that he could kick his heels together in rejoice. Made all that more satisfying as a he took a seat near the Count, reserved specially for him and his position with Tricuetical. Smugly he sat, flipping his napkin out and setting it daintily down in his lap. He looked to the Count and the court and gave them all a acknowledging nod and response.
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Post by Vincent on Sept 15, 2011 2:49:16 GMT -5
Vincent had taken a set beside an empty chair that would be for Nahla if she would stop flirting. He was gruff and wary, suspicious of everything that was happening. His constant paranoia was playing well for him at this function.
He stuck out his glass, which Oliver filled with a Sherry. The glass begun to overflow as he watched a certain man smugly enter. Vincent reacted with a 'hey!' and a protest. Oliver responded with a whisper, 'August...'. He wasn't surprised he showed, infact, he half expected it. But it still filled him with disgust, he could wring that bastards neck clean off if he was able.
"Oliver, I appreciate a heavy pour but this is downright silly." Vincent protested, moving his overly full glass out of the way. Oliver excused himself to the back for moment.
Vincent took a sip, and muttered to himself, "That boy just ain't right..." "What was that Captain?" Nahla interrupted, Vincent immediately stood and pulled her chair out for her. "Thankies!" "Nothing, just mumbling."
Then came the Counts question, before he could sit. "Oh, well yes. Several times, he... or 'it' rather, wasn't that much trouble. Just a sick little child with a complex. I must give credit to my colleagues though. If not for them, we would never have a peace like this you so graciously enjoy, Count Sigismund." He raised his glass to the Count as he sat back down.
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Post by Iole on Sept 15, 2011 2:49:22 GMT -5
You.
::As though the night couldn't get worse. The thought was loud enough in her ears the man taking his seat was sure to hear it. She plucked fitfully at the hem of her gaudy red show-gown, because her claws were screaming to sprout from her fingers and tear him to shreds. All tact was thrown to the wind this time because she could not, would not take her eyes off of him for a second. And if looks could kill, August would have felt the pain of every victim he had eviscerated in the past. Sadly, her eyes did not posess this power because he sat their as smug as ever::
Sigismund: So good of you to join us Doctor. My guests, Doctor Augustus Krasnow, co-chairman of Triceutical Inc. His establishment is partly what made our little gathering here possible. And I'm sure you're all familiar with his the medical breakthroughs his research has made in recent years. Isn't that right Doctor.
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Sept 15, 2011 2:55:37 GMT -5
Yes certainly Captain, well said. Who are we without comrades? But it was you who dealt the killing blow was it not? Or perhaps another? You've had the privelege of serving alongside a number of the Heroes of Gaia. It's said that even the Demon Witch was present.
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Sept 15, 2011 2:57:37 GMT -5
"Oh Count, you flatter me." Spoke August smugly. "My research may have changed medicine in ways that we have only yet grasp, but I am just one man. Credit truly goes out to those gathered here. For your donations and response to the medical and scientific field have made everything I've done possible, without you, we'd still be relying on leeches and magic for our healing." He raised his glass of wine. "I thank you, all of you, for all your quiet efforts in the field. You are the true heroes, specially you, Count Sigismund, for only a hero would let the finest year wine flow so freely." He smirked and took a sip. "To you, your excellency. May your reign be long and prosperous, especially for Tricuecital's sake." He light heartily played off with a little laugh.
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Post by Vincent on Sept 15, 2011 3:08:08 GMT -5
Vincent wasn't interested in talking but for image sake, he obliged the count. "There were many of us, at every battle. And you are correct, I delivered the first fatal blow. But a creature like Loci cannot be kept down for long, when he reappeared with The Order's help... well he killed himself then. Though, as I said, it was a combined effort. Not one of us could of defeated someone such as him by ourselves. There were many players, far more important than I." He swirled the sherry in his glass. "But Count, this Gala isn't about me. Please, if I may indulge, tell us more about the marvelous recovery of Doma. In my travels I've seen many things, but nothing as grand as the story of Doma."
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