Danny looks suddenly, inexplicably frightened as Axe whispers his instructions, then wanders off, vanishing into the crowd. He turns to the ladies with his usual grin, and the three hit the dance floor. It is obvious to anyone watching they have danced together before, and seem to be enjoying themselves to the spritely tunes played by the unusual mixture of instruments. During a slower tune, Danny pairs off with one of the twins at a time (the other having no lack of would-be partners to take his place!)
During one such slow dance Danny takes a welcome if brief respite from the frentic dancing the girls like. He turns slowly with Lin, whispering comments that make her have to decide between laughing at him or slapping him, all while taking time to cast another eye over the room.
Lin settles for smacking him lightly on the cheek with her fan, before trading off with Min when the tune changes. The newest tune is a variation on a ballroom dance that Danny actually recognizes, and soon he is waltzing with Min around the floor.
Jericho
Kenneth
The barman get him a drink with a quick nod, as he surveys the crowded scene -looking for a dance partner he sees:
- Buxom girl, Bunny with a flute of champagne. She seems not to be a waitress but a party-goer.
- A beautiful woman in a dark suit, cropped brown hair and rich eyes. Looking slightly forlornly at her watch.
- Girl in a white leather coat, dances without care her vibrant short blonde hair bounces. You see the faint hint of scarlet tattoos upon her wrists.
- A blue haired punk woman.
- Long-haired student with iridescent purple eyes
Danny
As you take a breather you can see all of the above, along with Laura Robson, the mousy haired Librarian with the purple van, next to her is a 6'6" blond man with a kind smile. If you know any of the other pc's feel free to insert yourself.
As well as
Notable people at the party:
* Manami's mother; - a Japanese Professor with a man who looks out of place here, probably Kenta's dad. (2 children Gelert, Danny & Aximeus rescued).
* A surly looking punk woman with blue hair. - Becca, watching two teenagers dance
* Sara & Timothy; a young couple with Ken Finley.
* A group of young Artists.
* A young woman looking hopefully at her watch (Detective Laura Roseby).
* A group of middle-aged gentlemen with a strangely similar appearance.
Aximeus
Talking to the waiting staff, you find that you worked with some of the waiting staff before. Will Chung a career waiter in the family business fill you in over a drink. The event was quite a rush job it appears the Royal Order of the Buffalo, the charity it is supposed to benefit only got approval recently. But they 'have done a fine job' all things considered, especially the 'interference' with the university and the council (permits and the like).
Security: well there is the campus security:
- old men and useless layabouts.
- A few off-duty police officer (inc Ramsbottom).
- A group of Yakuza.
- The councillor, supposedly has a bodyguard.
Grillian
Letitia looks down at her drink, "No, it'll be fine. Certain poisons have a particular smell. If you spend enough time being cautious, you can decipher and detect them. The past few years of the war I have learnt alot. And it makes you appreciate the bouquet more." she says the last part trying to be light-hearted about the conflict and the loss of her friends.
As the young girl is handed over a frown appears on her face. "That is a flesh-bag handing over a victim, interesting."
"Trip"
She is receptive and smiles back as Trip talks although at the mention of the suited men her visage goes stoney and neutral. "You probably don't want to associate with them. They are rather... pragmatic."
But she changes from the dour face back; "Passion is good, if all our students were as passionate about their studies as they were about their drinking, well we would be higher up the league tables. What's your drink? I have a nice house with a vineyard in France."
Jack Shadowlord
Jack slips inside unnoticed, the pair of suited, middle-aged security guards barely even notice the flicker in the shadows that is Jack. The young couple that he monitors enter the flow of the party, they are greeted by a short wizened old-man with a long grey moustashe. He seems to recognize them but the feeling is not mutual. From his position in the darkness around the bustling reception area, it seems the old man is not a danger.
All
Outside the evening is dark, the warm weather has broken and large drops of rain bounces off the roof. In the distance is a low roll of thunder.
The band carries on playing and the room fills with the gay laughter of a pleasant party.
Danny boy; I hope this is a peaceful night; we have some lax as can be security; old men and tubbos who dont care bout much; some Yakuza whom I couldnt spot a leader..dont know much about them but heard their decent fighters, a couple off duty cops and only one guy with a body guard. I know some of the guys working this gig; this was thrown together really fast without much notice, not sure but that could be a point in our favor as i would think most museaum theives, kidnappers and such would plan far in advance and things thrown together would be untimely and with a guest list only being out a short time; no telling who would and would not attend. Except for the ominous thunder, it seems pretty peaceful.
there is one woman I want to check out; she keeps looking at her watch as if expecting something to happen; hopefully, it is just her date is late; not some team of criminals she is expecting like the lights to go out and such, either way; I want to get a better feel for her character and anticipation, shes a red flag, you wanna take this one while I stay with here and entertain Ms Min and Ms Lin, if not I will go.
Grillan spends a few moments cursing fluidly in German, particularly as the thunder picks up. He takes another sip from his flask and then slips it back inside his jacket, as he collects himself. "Do you think she's infected? It would be a brilliant ploy if so... get Jericho to keep her about thinking he is protecting her, when in reality he's got a ticking time bomb waiting to tear his throat out, held back only by the self-restraint of a child. And of course he'll let his guard down around her... humans always do. For some reason they insist on thinking children aren't threats. Dragons are far more sensible about the whole matter."
“I’m a scotch man but in more gentille company wine is preferred. Was that an invitation or just an offer of a glass of wine?” Trip replies with a twinkle in his eye. “Do you dance?” if yes Trip will lead her to the dance floor if not he’ll stay where he is.
In a non-combative more serious tone “As a soldier I was taught to approach mission objectives in the most pragmatic way. Doing so prevents the mission objectives from becoming cloudy and endangering success. I still believe that it is the best way to operate. However if there is anything I’ve learned from my time in Afghanistan is the mission objectives must be tempered by compassion and justice. Without those factors you are no better than a stray bomb, causing more problems than you solve. Perhaps you could provide the tempering by telling me the real reason for this hastily planed gathering?”
Despite his repeated glances through the crowd, Kenneth keeps finding his gaze drawn to a small number of ladies. Aye, now I need to wonder what's drawing me to these lassies -- be it Brigid's will, or just hormones? He watches each in turn with an appraising gaze, trying to get a read on them.... so much so that he's shocked when the bartender clears his throat to get Kenneth's attention.
"Aye, sorry lad, just lost in me own wee world," he offers, then orders two double Scotches, Otherwise, I willnae get another drink 'til after the party's ended. When the drinks arrive, he turns back to watch the women who caught his eye, drinking deeply from the first glass, the rich flavour of the amber nectar distracting him from the women. This isnae a cheap blended Scotch.. After a few pulls on the drink, he sets down the empty glass and winks at a barmaid returning with a tray of empties. He raises the other glass and walks into the crowd, weaving between them without a real conscious decision, Let's see where my feet take me....
As he arrives near the woman in the business suit, he smiles, A true poet can never resist a damsel in distress... He snatches a glass of champagne off a passing tray-carrying waitress, and offers it to the woman with a flourish and a whispered, "Take this. It's camouflage. You're at a party, and this will help you blend in, and should keep the party-hounds at bay. I'm Kenneth, by the way."
Danny finishes a last twirl with Min as the song ends. They bow gracefully to each other. Min murmurs something to Danny as he takes her arm to escort her back to Lin and Axe, who has returned. Axe notices Danny pause, (barely, just a hitch in his step, but it was there) before grinning and replying with something that makes Min snort in laughter. But the gleam is still in her eye. That gleam all men fear seeing in a woman's eye at one point or another.
Danny grabs the girls another round of drinks, (cola & rum this time) and they all catch their breath. When the girls excuse themselves to powder their noses, (why is it that girls always go to the powder room in packs?), Axe moves closer as the girls sway alluringly into the crowd.
Danny blinks as Axe talks, his mind straining to catch up to Axe's mental alertness. He takes another sip, and another look around the room to collect his thoughts.
"Yakuza? Um,... Axe, that might be Min & Lin's father's um,... 'business partners'. Just sayin. And he does tend to use his 'friends' as extra security when his daughters go to these big shin-digs."
'Doesn't mean you shouldn't be keeping an eye on them.' He adds mentally to himself.
"Axe. Your paranoid. Which normally I find is a quality I admire about you. But your making ME paranoid. And that's not nearly as much fun." Danny says wryly.
"Besides, I think our new friend Ken just went to the ladies rescue." He adds, pointing out Kenneth handing the woman in question a flute of champagne.
"But if your going to insist on dragging me into your delusions, might I suggest there are several others here that might bear closer looking into?" He points out the various 'odd' people that he's spotted. People who just don't seem to fit the general mood of the party.
"But, if you feel the need to rescue someone, might I suggest Jericho? He's looking extremely pale at the moment, and he's with a 9-year old girl that wasn't there before. What IS he doing with her? Did she lose her parents?" Danny wonders aloud.
"Trip"
She smiles; "Well, don't think I make a habit of inviting gentlemen to my chateau. Especially not without a dance first." she flourishes her dress and takes the Army man's hand.
As she glides to the floor in a formal dance, she smiles. "I take it you were involved in the current conflict. That the one against the Russians would have been too long ago for you." she says with a wink. "I remember protesting against nukes at Secondary School." with a far-away smile.
"Compassion, yes, oh this gathering. Well there is to be a meeting afterwards, about what is happening to the city. The 'suits' called it. Anyway, if it hadn't happened then I would not have met a handsome gentleman." with a coy laugh. "Not you that bloke in the kilt over there." she jokes picking someone at random from the crowd.
Grillian (& Jericho)
She nods her head "The vampires are untrustworthy, unlike us wizards." she gives a side-ways glance at Jericho. "They would try something like that, they have before..." a melancholy expression mars her face. Seeing Becca start to leave; "Shall we go over there? See who she is and warn him, now that the vamp has left."
"It seems rather blatantly like taking a side. Still, if we're right, Jericho won't be capable of discerning the truth of it, or of doing what must be done." Grillan says with a small sigh and a nod, as he offers Letita his arm while they start approaching.
"That's the problem with noble minded types, Warden Letita. They get too caught up in trying to defend others to realize that the best defense is a strong offense, and that sometimes sacrifices are needful. In many ways, Jericho has the same failings as your own Merlin. And those failings are why neither of them will win your war for you." He offers her a sad smile as he says it. "It's why so few of the other factions will back yours, coincidentally. Even if such tactics secure a front or win you all respite for a time, they are still playing into the phages' strengths. How can one back a side which is not in the fight to win it, if one knows he will have to live with the victors when they emerge?" He tilts his head at her as he asks the question, but continues without giving her much space to answer.
"It's why you would be better served working for me, instead of your council. I could show you how to fight this battle so that you might win. Much as I hope to show Jericho, when he is finally ready to see." From the corner of his eye, Grillan watches the warden closely, to see how she responds to his sales pitch.
Jack continues moving around the crowd, listening for anything of use, or interest before tapping on 'trips' shoulder. (after his dance)
Stealth:
Kenneth
She gives you a small smile as she takes the glass; "Thanks Kenneth, very much appreciated." despite her slight frame she seems to normally be full of vitality. However at the moment her manner is subdued; "So you often get drinks for women alone at dance?"
Kenneth smiles and says, "Only the pretty ones...", and then drops his voice to a more intimate whisper, as if bringing her in on a conspiracy, "..and even then, usally only the ones that appear a wee bit lonely or sad at a happy occasion."
His eyes sparkle as she smiles slightly, taking on the shine of sapphires. Emboldened, he continues, "I apologize, I couldn't help but notice, even from over at the bar. Still, you have me at a disadvantage, miss...?", his voice rising, making the statement a question.
Kenneth
Raising a cynical eyebrow at the pretty comment, a creeping flush of her cheeks betray her emotions. The lonely comment raises a smile that is covered as she pinches the bridge of her nose in exasperation; "What am I going to do with you?" she comments setting up a straight line.
"Miss Roseby, my friends call me Laura, however." she fiddles slightly with a thin golden necklace drawing her fingers around it nervously.
The Warden looks at Grillian as he starts to lay out his offer; clearly a political animal she slowly thinks it over.
She slowly clears her throat as it dries from the implications of the Dragons words; "I have made a vow and nailed my colours to the sticking place, however your offer is tempting." Letitia replies her voice low and slightly hoarse as her hand gently rubs a charm bracelet unconsciously.
"I agree with a more aggressive front against the depredations of the monsters, I have seen too many friends and youth die under their claws." her eyes suddenly seem older than her few dozen years and she absentmindedly rubs a tear from her eyes, smudging the subtle make-up.
Then her face grows slightly more focussed as she realises the loss of a wizards control is death; "Yes, I agree with aggression, but not at the loss of humanity. It is too easy to become a beast, or warlock, feeding of others for power like the vampires feed off us for blood."
She smiles, a false smile after the gamut of emotions; "Your offer is kind and so are your words; I decline, for now, but I am sure we could work some alliance between our factions?" she says hopefully as she starts to move with Grillian towards Jericho.
Becca moves off turning her head she calls out; "The little brats name is Alicia, she your burden now Lord Protector."
Then with a sultry smile, "Don't worry, I ain't going to prey on your sheep. I won't want you to hunt me down, or would I?" she lets out a cackle that lasts even after she disappears into the crowd of people.
As the couple finish their dance to the sound of the orchestra on stage, they drift to the side of the dance floor. Miss Lauren with a confident curtsy in reply to the waltz, "You are quite accomplished." she says breathlessly. Then lets out a gasp as Jack emerges from the darkness.
Aximeus & Danny
From next to the four-some "Oh, I hope not." Sara says in response to the query about the little girl. "Is he a friend of yours?"
Tim stands with his arm around Sara and a far-away look upon his face. "There are quite a few strange people around here, a number sometimes come into the 'Evil Eye', like that Blue haired punk Becca. Tim points out as she moves away from Jericho.
Well, now, that's quite the set up...
Kenneth's eyes sparkle mischeviously and he says, "I dinnae ken, but I'm sure we can think of something... Perhaps, Laura, we can start with a wee turn on the dance floor... and then see how the night goes from there."
Is she playing with that necklace to flirt, or is there something else about? Well, either way, 'tis the most fun I've had in weeks...
Kenneth
She inclines her head thoughfully and with a very quick appraising glance at the Celt; "Yes, shall you lead or I?" with a wink and subtle refernce to the kilt?
Kenneth offers out his hand with a laugh, "Come, now, Laura, I am a Scot... and while women may hae ruled the Clans in the ancient times, the men hae always led the dances.."
With that, he leads her to the dance floor with a spin and flourish, keeping both of them moving about the floor with a combination of grace, athleticism and flirtation.
As the song ends, he spins her in close to him once more, the song ending with his arms wrapped around her and her face close to his. He pauses there for a moment, a smile on his lips and his eyes shining. He whispers to her, "Any ideas on what to dae with me yet?"
Trip replies with a bow, "You're quite accomplished as w...Gah, dam it Jack what the hell?" speaking sharply "This better be important, I'm ENTERTAINING this lovely woman. If not go play peek-a-boo with someone else." Trip takes a calming breath and continues more softly, "Miss Lauren may I introduce Jack an acquaintance of mine. Jack Miss Lauren the chancellor of the university"
As the couple finish their dance to the sound of the orchestra on stage, they drift to the side of the dance floor. Miss Lauren with a confident curtsy in reply to the waltz, "You are quite accomplished." she says breathlessly. Then lets out a gasp as Jack emerges from the darkness.
"Oh, Sir Gilroy is quite accomplished in many aspects, isn't that right 'Trip'? And Sorry to intrude, just thought I'd say hello to an old friend, didn't want to interrupt your dance though."
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Lauren. Lovely Uni you have here..."
It is not Paranoia, friend Daniel, if they ARE out to get you. We have stirred up some things or at least I have in the past. Heroes of the people; such as you and I, tend to have things happen to them. Dont your read or watch movies? this is always what happens. Such media is a metaphor for life.
Here is a thought; Ms Min, Ms Lin; Danny, what would you say is the single most exciting thing that ever happend to you so far?
"Alicia..." Jericho grabs a nearby hors d'voures from a tray, a little cucumber sandwich, and offers it to the little girl. "Here... I guess they probably didn't feed you. Let me see if I can find you any drink that doesn't have alcohol." Jericho begins looking around through the champagne and such to see if he sees any punch or something like it.
"Grillan, Letitia..." He trails a little on the second name. "Sorry, Warden Morrigan" He says a bit more stiffly. "It would seem I have a bit of an unexpected burden, I'm afraid our talk may have to wait." Jericho draws very slightly at Alicia's arm, trying to take her to some punch, though he really doesn't know what he should do. She looks a little old to just pick up... and I doubt she wants to be dragged around... Damnit there has to be a guide for this. Jericho makes a mental note to pick up a book on children from the library if he was going to be taking care of this kid for long. He needed to keep her around for long enough to know about what happened at least, then he could look into finding a good place for her that wasn't as dangerous as by 'The Iron Knight's side.
Danny frowns not-so-subtly as Axe reminds him of their recent adventures. He finishes his drink in a single gulp, and looks around for the nearest bar for a refill.
"Yeah. That's the problem Axe. I'm hell-on-wheels at stirrin' stuff up. Not as good at closing the Pandora's Box afterwords." He mutters.
"Let's just say I'WHAT?!? Did you say Becca?!?" He squeaks as he spins to face Tim and Sarah with wide eyes.
His head whiplashes from Tim to Becca strutting through the crowd and back again.
"Holeeee PeterPaulandMary, THAT'S Becca?!" He asks again in a nervous hiss, and continues, obviously not expecting an answer.
"Great. Okay, note to self. Vamps are social creatures. Try NOT to pi$$ too many off, and then meet them at parties!" Danny says, nervously running a hand through his hair.
"Hm. I wonder just how that 'meeting' I set up for everyone went? Overall,...?" He muses for a brief moment.
"Well. The girls take me to the nicest parties!" He says, his trademark smirk firmly back in place. "Anyone else I maybe should know about that you guys see here? You know, from the face-eating side of the street?" He asks Tim & Sarah.
Danny
Tim looks slyly to the side and mutters; "There's Sara'a mother!". Before Sara punches him in the arm; "No other vamps around, though a few strangers and the Dragon of York there with Jericho...." she says in her melodic voice before she starts thinking slowly about something.
Danny snickers with Tim, although when Sarah turns her glare upon him his face is a study in innocence.
"The 'Dragon of York'? That guy with the lady in the white gown? What's he do? Um,... 'Dragon' is a title, right?" Danny ads hopefully, but not holding his breath.
At the the flat looks from both Tim and Sarah, Danny releases the breath he wasn't holding in a sigh. "Dragon? Really? Well, I'll give this to York, it's SO much more,... scenic, than Canada."
Danny shakes his head as he tries to swallow this last tidbit of information.
"Become a musician Danny, travel the world, meet strange and interesting new people. And try to keep them from eating you!" He quips. Seeing the look on Sarah's face, he glances at Tim.
"Um, What is it Sarah? You ok?"
Danny & Aximeus
Sara looks slightly pale; "I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible will happen." she says with a wane wink, knowing that Danny will catch the reference. "My powers work manly to the future, that's why I keep this big lug around." Sara playfully squeezes Tims bicep.
Jericho & Grillian
Letitia approaches Jericho softly; "We do need to talk. About yourself and the girl, especially if she was part of a blood-nest." the wardens voice is careful not wishing to spook the girl.
'Good to see him caring for the girl, I was right to champion him before the Council.' she watches Jericho feed the girl with an enigmatic smile upon her face. "Unfortunately, I am not here alone. They said I had to bring a partner, but I shook him off tonight. He's a fervent youngster, he hasn't really experienced the war as we have..."
With a wince, she continues "He naievely believe's in the old rules, he will bring you for judgement!"
Miss Lauren smiles at Jack; "Thank you, we try our best. It's no intrusion." she turns to Trip. "Are all your friends such charmers?"
"It is quite a successful evening so far, to imagine it was done on such short notice." she smiles happily.
"I haven't experienced the war either. I'm stopping the vampires and the ghouls because they try to control mortals." Jericho looks both angry and disappointed. "The White Council may be a lesser evil but I would do the same for them to keep the people free. After all, they do make plenty of mistakes." Jericho listens to the fact of a new player with annoyance. "Great... one more person I have to try to keep from killing me without killing him. You Council types just love to make my life interesting don't you?" He gives Alicia a glass of punch, hoping she can manage it alone, and then turns to Grillan. "Children shouldn't be exposed to such things. Would you mind watching him for a moment Grillan?" He turns with a bit of a frown and then looks at the Warden. "And would you like to dance?"
Jericho & Grillian
Letitia lowers her eyes slightly as Jericho's emotions show; "I can understand your problems with the Council; it's hard being responsible without over-reacting. Unfortunately they act too human, waiting and burying their heads in the sand." a sad light in her eyes.
She looks up a Jericho, a shimmer to her face; "You're wise beyond you're years. Let's dance." she nods to the young girl and lets Jericho lead her to the dance floor.
"If they had acted in concert we wouldn't be in this situation. But do you want to hear my gripes with the council?" she says talking Jericho's hand lightly and slightly nervously.
Directed at Lauren, "Some are quite charming, Kenneth, the clansman you were admiring earlier could talk the keys of a Beefeater. Others are too young to have learnt grace and others are pompous with age." to both Lauran and Jack, "My man Jack can be if his mischievous nature doesn’t get in the way."
On a more serious tone, "So far the event is going well but my gut feeling is that it won’t last. I am seeing far too many familiar faces in one location for the parties calm to last. Faces that only show up when trouble is around the corner. A double check of the Savile suits precautions might be in order."
"Notice anything out of place tonight Jack?"
I hate the walking dead possessed by eryines to plague mankind, oh; Oracle, what do you see for our future?
Kenneth
The young woman barely keeping up with his dance as she breathes heavily; "I can think of something." sha says quietly before their lips meet.
Trip & Jack
Letitia smiles as the words slip lightly off of Trips tongue; "Well I suppose tonight has been eventful enough already." She has a quick look around the floor. "No, I don't see anyone too unusual..."
Grillan offers Jericho a small nod and squats down to look into the girls face while the Warden and Jericho move out to the dance floor.
"So, youngling, do you want to see some of the instruments?" He offers, softly. "Maybe we could even get someone to let you try playing one for a bit, hmm?"
"To be perfectly honest, I don't. What is your purpose here Warden Morrigan? Are you to be my judge, jury and executioner?" Jericho looks pointedly at the sword at her side as he leads her in a dance. The ferromancer dances well, though a bit mechanically and stiffly. He looks towards the Warden's face, though he avoids her eyes, fearing a soulgaze, "Because I have built something here... what I'm doing here... it means something. I won't run from that, and I won't let you take me." He looks away carefully. "I don't want to go to war with the Council... I know I can't win... but I will if it comes to that."
Danny & Aximeus
Sara smiles cheekily and flicks her hair; "The future is bright, though I will not here consult the auguries as you Delphic Prophets." she takes a sip out of a bottle of spring water. Then suddenly she goes stock still her eyes roll back into her head and Tim gentle holds her swaying body still; "I see light and darkness, a shadow from the past and revelations of the future. A foreign visitor taking back his rite (right) from the Quartet, and attempting to punish the Holy for their sins. Unlocking a cell." tears of blood slowly flow down her face as she slumps to the floor.
Jericho
Her eyes flicker, slightly guiltily at his words she moves closer to him instinctively to try and reassure herself that she is doing the right thing. "Good words and sentiment, from what I have heard of you, you will try to live up to that promise. I want to help you do that." she lets out a exasperated sigh. "The Council heard of your statement, it rang like a clarion call throughout the dusty halls in Edinburgh. They, I, know how stretched we are with the war and they think your words are just good intentions paving your road."
She stops for a second taking a pause in the dance; "But I am not here to stop you. I have seen too many promising practioners killed and few with as noble a spirit or heritage. The Chess King Killer, is also back... " she lets that sink in for a moment.
She pauses; "I want to help you, but I cannot fully trust you or you I. However, I give my , by action or inaction will I try and kill you whilst I visit York this time. Together we can clear your name?" she slightly deflates as she gets the words off her chest.
Kenneth leans in to return the kiss... gently at first, but then with a rising passion... He then untwists her from the dance position with a smile and a wink, "Well, my evening hae certainly improved. I dinnae realize I was to be the luckiest man at the party, else I would hae put in for the silent auctions. " He motions to the bar with a raised eyebrow, and then leads her back in search of another fine Scotch and glass of champagne.
He's almost surprised at the speed with which they're served this time, Aye, apparently I should bring a bonnie lass to the bar every time..
Drinks in hand, he follows her to a somewhat quieter corner of the room.
A low peal of thunder cascades across the lake and reverberates against the sides of the hall, the band play on drowning out the harsh sound with their intricate melody. The wind and rain comes down so hard; the glazed roof rattles under the force of natures will. The tapestries of Chinese characters and scenes ripple slowly as the hang from the walls.
The lights dance their majestic way around the floor, picking out faces and areas before moving on like a hyperactive fairy.
A thick fog rolls in from the lake front, it rapidly and unnaturally roils through the lobby and into the lower reception area. The hoary carpet of fog a foot deep and providing a faint luminescence of it's own, like a living creature it pulls it's way up the stairs. The party goers exclaim in startlement a few try to step away from the moist cloud but witout climbing onto the furniture it will envelop ther feet.
Rapidly the upper storey is coated with the cloud muffling the sounds of the dancing feet. A couple in the middle of the dance floor embrace in the romantic mist, whilst a mumble goes up amongst the room and the music slightly falters. The Chinese lanterns flutter and some go out as a dark shadow falls over the building.
The glazed ceiling explodes sending a million shards of glass raining down like a kaleidoscope of pain. Outlined above there seems to be the winged form of a serpent, it coils above the building before disappearing into the lightning stained clouds.
Politically: At the end of his reign, the first legendary Emperor, Huangdi, was said to have been immortalized into a dragon that resembled his emblem, and ascended to Heaven. The other legendary Emperor, Huangdi's brother, Yandi was born by his mother's telepathy with a mythic dragon. Since the Chinese consider Huangdi and Yandi as their ancestors, they sometimes refer to themselves as "the descendants of the dragon".
Supernaturally: There is said to have been some dispute with the Imperial Court and a Jade Court that led to aspects of the West trying to overthrow them and the Boxer rebellion ensued.
A group of men stride purposefully onto the stage, a man in dragon armour flanked by a pair of heavily tattooed ghouls. Kanji written all over their faces and naked bodies, a crimson transluscent blindfold covering their eyes.
Downstairs small group of Oriental thugs spread out from the lobby entrance, quickly disarming the old porters (security guards) by the door.
As the glass shatters, Kenneth pulls his jacket up over himself and his...new friend.... in an attempt to protect them both from the falling glass. In the close darkness, he winks at her and says in a playful tone, "This isnae how I thought ye might get me out of my clothes."
He turns his head away from her, his expression quickly growing more serious, Truly? Cannae the evil things wait for a single eve of fun? Cannae I nae hae a happy song in me heart, e'en for a few hours? He looks back to Laura and steals a quick kiss, telling her, "Sorry to end this so early, but 'twould seem it's time for me to go tae work.", his tone a strange mix of weariness and excitement at the prospect.
He takes a few steps away from her, his hand quickly reaching to his side for the claighbeag he normally carries and cursing he grasps at empty air. Well, that willnae make things any easier.
Kenneth steps into the confused crowd, trying to make his way toward the stage without being obvious. I need tae ken what these are about, an I cannae do much from back here.
"For all I know they may just be Good Intentions paving my road to hell, but I try." Jericho smiles a bit, some of the tension sliding from his frame at her admission. "Thank you, Warden Morrigan. I've been worried I might have to face you, and I must say the prospect was not an exciting one." This party had felt like a metaphorical sword above his head all night, and now that he knew no one was going to try to kill hi-
Jericho hadn't quite finished that thought when the fog rolled in. He looked up just in time to watch the glass shatter, and threw up an arm with a call of "Kalkan!" his guantlet shredded the arm of his tuxedo and shirt as it expanded into a shield which he pulled Letitia under. He listened for a moment to the tinkle of glass against his shield, then lifted his head, looking up at the mighty serpent.
"A dragon." He whispers as his shield shrinks back to an armguard, "Chinese. But it's leaving." He watches the man in armor and the ghouls, and as Letitia's arm reaches for her blade he stops her, his hand holding hers onto the grip. "Wait." He says, his eyes an inch from hers, "There are innocents here. They'll be caught in the crossfire if we try to face this many. Let's see why they're here first."
"That's one for the mortal." Trip says under his breath. Falling back on his training Trip snaps out some orders, "Jack disappear and get someplace you can be useful. Lauren would you happen to have any weapons hidden about? If you do where are they."
Lore:
Alertness:
"I know this music..."
Jack slips into the shadows
Stealth:
"Trip"
Lauren taps her leg against yours, the flesh being revealed through a slit in her dress; "Blade, sometimes those faculty meetings are a b!&$*." she says lghtly, concern in her eyes.