Today is a day as regular as can be in the city of Riddleport. The thieves are thieving, the con men are conning, and the victims are crying about the fact that the one loaf of bread that they had to eat has been stolen by the thieves. Nevermind, of course, the huge black blot in the sky that periodically blocks out the sun and weaves a random orbit around the sky. It appeared about a month ago, and except for the Cyphermages, the citizens of Riddleport quickly learned how to ignore it. Business went on as usual.
A few weeks ago, a call went out about a most exciting event. Saul Vancasterkin, a local who runs a gambling hall, has decided to host a tournament, to be called "Cheat the Devil and Take His Gold!", and the day has come for the tournament. People from all over town, hundreds of them, stream across the town to attend the tournament in hopes of winning some gold. Times are tough, after all, and what better way to secure your future than gambling your money away?
Although the Gold Goblin stands in a much-neglected neighborhood and the building itself has long stood dormant and empty, it makes a comeback as the big day comes. Crowds of participants and spectators mill about on the street or file together through the main doors to sign up for the tournament. Overseeing this gathering is a larger-than-life-size statue of a goblin, apparently cast in glittering gold, that stands atop the entry stairs with a smirking expression of satisfaction on its face, as if personally enjoying the crowds that shuffle past it into the doorway beneath the gambling hall’s gilded dome.
Just inside the main doors, two sultry beauties scantily clad and wearing faux bat wings, devil horns, and tails play the part of alluring succubi. Both are employees of the Gold Goblin, and they cheerfully register contestants for the tournament and process entry fees. Armed guards stand nearby to either side of an immense treasure chest into which each patron’s entry fee is added. The guards are on hand to not only protect the money, but to prevent any overzealous admirers from trying to dare the infamous touch of a succubus. Beyond the registration table is the hall’s game floor. Dozens of gamblers, waitresses dressed as succubi, and bouncers mill about the room, wandering amid tables offering various games while dealers shuffle cards, roll dice, and spin wheels. Moving through this throng are a dozen more of the barely clad, batwinged vixens serving drinks and batting coal-black eyelashes flirtatiously for tips. In the center of the chamber is a short podium atop which sits a massive gold chest affixed to the floor by similarly gaudy chains. On either side of it stands a barechested bouncer in the exotic garb of some foreign sultan’s court. Each stands with muscled arms crossed over his chest and with a naked scimitar of prodigious size tucked through his waistband. High above them, from the hall’s cloth-draped ceiling, hangs a brass birdcage within which crouches a small, bat-winged, pointy-tailed devilish creature that sulks as it gazes over the room and occasionally rattles the bars threateningly.
The entry fee is one gold piece, which all of you have sequestered away and saved in anticipation of this event. Each of you approaches the Gold Goblin, along with the rest of the crowd and your new friend. You may be here for different intentions, but Pharasma has a different day in mind for you than you might intend.
Shayliss dashes ahead, squirming through the pressing crowds with what few possessions she managed to bring strapped to her back, and excitedly waving for Lluvia to follow along. Doing her best not to gawk, slack-jawed at all the exciting new sights and sounds, she approaches a waitress who doesn't look too busy.
"That's such a great costume! Does everyone who works here get something like that? See, I just moved to the city, and this place just seems so great, I was hoping maybe I could talk to someone about maybe getting a job here. I mean, assuming you're still hiring... but I suppose I should really talk to the owner... is she around here somewhere? Or he, I guess. Sorry, can I just start over?" She clears her throat. "Excuse me, but would you happen to know who I'd talk to if I were to inquire about working for this fine establishment?"
Bromsen and Aine are in the crowd outside of the Gold Goblin. "Careful Aine, We do not want any trouble coming our way this time." Bromsen continues, "Especially in a place like this." Bromsen holds his last gold piece tightly in his palm. This the last gold piece he has and he knows that he will need more to just survive. He will do no good if he just starves to death. Bromsen feels a strong piercing frustration and begins a fast period of breathing hard. It sounds like hard gasps for air, but the intention and purpose is to quell the inner anger inside of him. He consciously takes a long deep breath to stop the quick and heavy breathing. Bromsen is nervous and anxious. "I have much to learn and this is necessary," Bromsen thinks to himself.
He moves forward through the crowd hoping that Aine will follow behind him. Bromsen moves through crowd hoping to make the least amount of physical contact. Only when it is necessary does he squeeze in between people. Bromsen wants to be as polite as possible in these circumstances. "Pardon me." "Excuse me." Bromsen is quite sincere with his words.
He reaches the main door with his palm a little sweaty as he hands his gold piece away for the purpose of entering into the establishment. As he walks in, he takes in the environment. He takes another deep breath and looks for any notable individuals that seem to stand out besides the employees. "Many temptations. We must be careful." Bromsen continues to search the place with his eyes and ears.
Lluvia follows Shayliss with a lot less enthusiam. She doesn't like the crowd, it makes her feel like suffocating. She doesn't like the smell and the heat but most importantly she doesn't like the devil costumes. Do those humans even know how deeply evil and perverted the creatures they attempt to resemble are? As far as she is concerned it would be more appropriate to be naked. She takes great care not to show her discomfort all too obviously though, slipping through the crowd with remarkable grace in a way that hardly anyone even takes notice of her.
It seriously annoys her that she had to squeeze out a gold piece... she had hoped to pass as Shayliss company. "It's good to see you enjoying yourself, 'liss." She can't help but looks at the little creature in the cage. Hopefully the cage is made well enough to hold it. 'Is that really what I think it is?'
"Good day, miss." She adds to the waitress. "I hope the cage up there is safe and there is a wizard to keep it in control?"
She turns back to Shayliss and gives her 'that look': "Are you sure you want to embody a devil girl? Why not just... get a feel for the crowd first." But as she speaks she realizes there is no way to stop the charming bundle of energy that Shayliss is and it might be interesting to see who around here has some responsibility. "If you want to do it, I'll join you..." She tries a not very convincing smile, but Shayliss is such a spark of charm that it is difficult to be in a bad mood around her.
Standing among the crowd before the Gold Goblin, Aine feels neither anxious nor nervous, rather excitement surges through her. She is not quite sure why, for she is not there to win big, per say, but to find work. At Bromsen’s words, she scoffs and a smirk lights her face. “Perhaps you do not want trouble, my friend, but you should not speak on my behalf.” Aine holds her gold piece for admittance loosely, flipping it between knuckles absentmindedly. She does not care much for gold, but she has plenty put away for her style of living. She is not worried, however her monk friend seems to be.
Aine notes Bromsen’s breathing and pauses behind him. She keeps watch over the rest of the crowd intently until he comes back under control. She may enjoy trouble, but keeping the rage at bay was his choice and she would honor that. Once Bromsen is back to himself, she follows him through the crowd, bumping anyone that steps into her path. ”Pardon you.” “Excuse you.” Once they are in, Aine scans the room lazily. Her eyes come to rest on the large chest in the middle of the room, flanked by another two handsome, ahem, chests. ”Mmmm. Many temptations indeed.
Sapphire can hardly contain her excitement as she shuffles through the crowd, not for the games and treasure however, but for the commotion and chaos this crowd of greed struck civilians is creating. Many people, small area, lots of money being traded around, in the middle of a crime riddled city, this is a powder keg just waiting for the right spark. An excited smile makes it to her face as she nears the entrance, getting small glimpses inside. Faye, who sits perched atop her shoulder, ruffles his feathers, trying to keep from being bumped off from the passing people. "You're excited too, aren't ya?" she says to him. "Hold onto this until we get inside." Sapphire holds up a gold piece that Faye takes in his beak.
Sapphire looks back to Relverest, grabbing his hand. "Come on! You don't want to miss out on anything, do you? she shouts over the noise, pulling him through the crowd.
At the entrance to the hall, she pushes her way to the table. Faye drops the gold piece into the hand of one of the girls. "Sorry, my hands were a little full." Sapphire says holding up her hand still clasping for Relverest's and the other keeping people out of her way. "I'll meet you inside." she says to him as she makes her way further inside, winking at one of the guards as she passes by.
Shayliss turns to Lluvia. "What, I think I'd look pretty hot in something like that. black horns match the red hair right? And I'm not too shy to have something that skimpy." Turning back to the waitress, "You make plenty of tips dressed like that, right?"
Unfortunately for all lookers, it looks like Saul Vancasterkin, the 'Goblin's proprietor, hasn't yet entered the gambling floor. However, the preliminary games continue unabated regardless of his presence.
People move out of the way of Sapphire, Bromsen, and Aine, and several open paths open for them through the establishment wherever they'd like to go. There isn't much, however, other than the crush of people and the many gambling tables.
The waitress that Shay catches the attention of first recoils from her, thinking that she's just another man looking to grab her ass or harass her, but then relaxes when she sees that it's a woman, asking for a job. "Mister Vancasterkin is who you'd like to talk to, miss. Doesn't pay the best, but he's a nice enough man. And the tips in these costumes are great." The demon-clad woman then spins away, through the crowd, to deliver more drinks and flirtatious remarks.
The aasimar shakes his head goodnaturedly as the witch slips into the crowd, his blonde locks bouncing. "Sapphy, you are a scoundrel and a scalawag to boot. Don't leave me here to owl-sit!" Relverest surrenders a gold piece with little care. He bumps his way through the crowd, protecting his violin and greeting the succubi with cheerful comments on their artful costumery and makeup. Once truly inside, he is a whirlwind of smiles and handshakes and compliments. "The luck of Shelyn be upon you, friend! I'm sure you will roll well, dear lady, and may I say, that is a stunning nail lacquer. Ho, friend, three beers at once? Shelyn greets Cayden, if I am not mistaken of your faith." And so on. With great surety and gaiety, and an eye for the management or anyone seeking a fiddler, Rel deftly navigates the throng.
Shayliss glances up at the cage finally. "Oh, I think I heard about that from someone outside. Just a harmless little mascot apparently that's been there for quite a while without causing any sort of trouble."
She turns back hoping to ask the waitress a followup question, but seeing she's wandered off just addresses anyone who happens to be in earshot. "Does anyone happen to know where I could find Mr. Vancasterkin?" she asks, wandering randomly about in search of anyone who looks sufficiently wealthy and important.
Lluvia clenches her fist around the two Absalom coined silver weights she produced from her purse and had actually intended to give to the waitress.
"Maybe there is a little room that overlooks this entire place..."
She takes a look around in the hall and tries to not think about how many of those would loose the bit of hard earned gold they managed to scrape up over years and be left as beggars in the streets, far away from home.
While she takes care she won't be separated from Shayliss - Lluvia can't help it but she feels a little protective over the blood young girl - she simply picked up Shayliss method and addressed the next waitress, picking one that wasn't all so cheery. "Hello, miss." She started and slipped the two silver weights elegantly between her breasts without actually touching her in any way and leans closer. "Could you tell my friend and me where find Mister Vancasterkin..." She whispered, holding her hair back and again avoiding to actually touch here while Lluvia stands closer than most men. "Don't worry, we'll get those back. By being charming and shameless, respectively." She glanced to Shayliss at the word 'charming'. "And tell us what work here is really like, please? There are some things that strike me at odd, and it's not the overexcited men..."
She looks at the young woman with a watchful half smile.
Rel spies Shayliss in the crowd. Right, the dancer from Sandpoint! She has the correct idea. I've been busy peoplewatching and pressing the flesh.
He elbows his way up to the bar and catches the eye of the bartender--not a difficult thing with his sunbeam of a smile. "Good Sir! I'm here to audition for work. I was told to speak with Ser Vancaskerin. And--oof! If you could tell me where he is. Pardon me!" he interjects to a rather burly half-orc who has muscled up next to him.
Bromsen turns back to look at Aine. "I am going to look around a bit more closely." He walks away knowing that she can handle herself in this place... at least for now. He moves rather silently trying to blend into the crowd. He notices a red haired women moving around asking where Mr. Vancasterin is. His heart skips a beat the moment he saw her. He takes another deep breath. I will be very much tested here. Bromsen is still very much a youthful lad. Perhaps that is why his mentor told him to go adventuring. His mentor would tell him, "Still a boy at the age of 14. Just wait till you find a fine darling lady, I would pay to see how you hold your vows."
Brom frustratingly exclaims to his teacher, "Why do you not trust me?"
"I would rather have a lady of the night at your bedside tomorrow, so you truly know what you are abstaining from as a monk of serenity." Bromsen quickly responds, "No, I am willing to take the vow with me to the grave." His mentor think for a moment calmly and speaks. "That is indeed a good start, you know I am truly proud of you, but many trials and tests will be in your future. Just take each obstacle calmly. Your obstacles will become stepping stones."
Bromsen returns his mind to the present and continues to walk softly with another calm breath at the ready.
Rel arches a brow. thief? He moves to intercept. If he sees Sapphire, he will try to surreptitiously get her attention.
Sapphire walks through hall, admiring all the decor and flash put into the event. The cage hanging up above the flood of gamblers, pulling her attention away from the tables. "I think I've seen one of those before." peering around heads to get a better look. "Maybe in a tome somewhere."
"That could be something to help liven the place up a bit more. Maybe Relv would like to get in on this." Turning around, she tries to spot Relverest in the crowd, her eyes finally settling on him over by the bar. "Awww, is he already having a bad enough time to go start drinking? Now I KNOW we need more excitement."
A small smirk makes its way to Sapphires lips, and she darts quickly over to the bar towards her new partner.
"Sapph! So glad you could join me. What's your brew?" He leans in affectionately to murmur in her ear.
Rel leads the way with a tankard.
Bromsen continues to sneak around listening in on conversations that abound among the gambling tables. He looks around and notices a man with long blond hair carrying a drink or two. Some kind of well armed musician? What is with his eyes? Bromsen assumes that the man is just passing by his way, so he keeps moving without any suspicion towards the man and looks elsewhere. He is already struggling to control himself in this environment as it is.
Bromsen is a pretty healthy well built young man. He definitely has more muscle than the average human. However, he is not as strong as the great monk's in legend that he heard about and forgotten. He does not have much on him, a short bow on his back and many arrows. Besides his visible weapon, He only has trail rations in his pockets. He is wearing a monk's outfit with well made fabric. The outfit has enough freedom of space that he does not have to sacrifice his agility. He has short brown hair. He is slightly above average in how handsome he is. Above average only because he inherited his mother's deep blue eyes. His plain face seems to be quite symmetrical, but his nose seems a bit oddly shaped, it is a pointed nose.
A wave of excitement falls over Sapphire, as she struggles to keep her voice down. "Well I was wrong. You do know how to have fun." Pulling out a flask from her satchel, she hands it to the bartender. "Fill her up to the top, wont you sweetheart. Thank you." Her carefree manor suddenly shifts into a poised posture, eyes focused on Relverest as she follows closely behind him, one hand holding her flask of ale, the other free at her side, itching for the opportunity to strike.
"I assume you have some sort of game plan, Rel? Or are Faye and I going to have to 'wing it'." Sapphire giggles at her own poor pun while petting the small owl still perched on her shoulder.
Shayliss continues to wander aimlessly through the establishment in search of Vancasterin, still politely asking anyone who look to be in the know, making it a particular point to eventually make her way over towards the rather large and strapping fellows by the chest, both because they are clearly employees without much to distract them, and frankly, to enjoy the view.
Temporarily interrupting Sapphire, Relverest, and Bromsen's little game of cat and mouse, the game-hall grows quiet as an event begins to happen.
As the windows begin darkening with twilight, several gamehall employees enter, carrying torches shaped like pitchforks skewering burning heads made of straw and cloth to light several large braziers, giving the hall a more infernal hue. A hush falls over the gathered crowd as a short man climbs to the central podium, accompanied by two gorgeous “succubi,” and stands before the gold, chain-shrouded chest there with a demoness on either side. He wears a formal suit, and his thinning black hair is slicked back. His left arm ends in a stump just above the wrist, and affixed to it is a bronze cap from which protrudes an oddly shaped key. This is Saul Vancaskerkin, the owner of the Gold Goblin and host of the tournament. He bows before the crowd and clears his throat before speaking.
"“Welcome, one and all, to the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall and your chance to cheat the Devil and win back not only your soul but all of his gold as well." He says this last as he pats the large chest before which he stands. "I hope you found your reception by the Devil’s lovely temptresses suitably entertaining." This is met by a general murmur of laughter and a few catcalls. "Let’s take this moment to thank Old Scratch himself for attending this event. Not only did he loan us these lovely, dark angels, but he also emptied the deepest vaults of Hell itself to provide the gold for this tournament."
With this, Saul directs the crowd’s attention up to the imp in the birdcage. At the sudden attention, Old Scratch flies into a flurry of rage, banging the cage bars, spitting, howling, and screaming vile epithets in Infernal at all assembled. His theatrics are received with guffaws and even a smattering of applause. As the crowd dies down, Vancaskerkin continues.
"Of course, he plans on replacing what he loses in gold with the souls of those of you who don’t win. The tournament rules are quite simple—as you play, you’ll earn more chips. And with those chips, you’ll be able to bribe your way out of the current Hell you’re trapped in, working your way down deeper until you get to Old Scratch’s treasury. Currently, all of you are Old Scratch’s prisoners in the first of the Hells, Avernus. If you want to work your way down to the ninth circle, you need to win games. Each time you win, you’ll be awarded a golden eye. If you come in second, you’ll get a silver tooth. And third place wins a copper heart. These bits of flesh and bone are what the devils use in Hell for currency, and they’re what you’ll need to pay in order to bribe your way into the next layer of hell. The first player to win a game after reaching Nessus not only keeps his winnings for that game, but also earns back his soul and the ten thousand silver coins that the Devil put up for this tournament. You can, of course, decide to cash out your winnings at any time you want, but if you do, or if you run out of money entirely… well, that means Old Scratch gets you." Vancaskerkin grins evilly and the caged imp cuts loose with another profane tirade. "And that earns you the Devil’s Mark and an escort out of the game hall until the tournament is over. What, you ask, exactly is this Devil’s Mark? Well, it’s something too utterly horrible to even contemplate. The forfeiture of your very soul, it is. But I suppose I can show you what it is—gods know I more than deserve the Devil’s Mark. In fact, better make it two, girls!" With that, the two succubi accompanying him lean over and each firmly plants a kiss on Saul’s cheek with her ruby-red lips. When they pull away, their lip rouge has left clearly visible prints in the same shocking red on his cheeks. Saul beams as he cries out, "The Devil’s Mark, everyone!" which is greeted by a flurry of shouts, catcalls, and hoots. "Now, let’s cheat the Devil and take his gold!" which prompts one more rabid flurry from the imprisoned fiend above, and with that, the tournament begins.
"Fun? Of course! Just because I don't sound one note all day like the Calistrians--enjoyment in all things in their place, rather than burning down the house with unchecked abandon. Now, that fellow may have spotted me, but there's still time for a dance, my dear. We shall stumble over yonder and you will twirl me and my drink right onto the fellow. I shall apologize for soaking his breeches, and then we will take out measure of him.".
He offers up an elbow and lifts his tankard with a jaunty grin.
"oh bother!" exclaims Relverest as Vancaskerkin takes the stage. "our future employer!"
He manages not to get ale on Sapphire as he halts their progress to watch Saul speak.
"change of plans, my dear; we must speak to the generous host about employment; we can continue splashing Sir Sneaky over yon presently."
"Awww. Do we have to?" she pouts. "And here I thought I found a gentleman among boys. Fine lets go talk to Mr Bigshot about money. But you still owe me a dance, and a skirmish." Sapphire takes Rel's arm and walks with him towards Saul, looking back towards the man they were tailing, studying his face. Her attention then falls on the large chest of gold in the middle of the hall. "I wonder how he managed to get all that gold in the first place. Not just that but the renovation as well and the massive statue outside. This city is infested with thieves, and yet he has had all this gold to plan this event in this shady end of the city. Something doesn't feel quite right." Sapphire looks to Rel as he is politely pushing past guests, determined to get to his destination, and then towards Saul, standing above the crowd, taking in his successful start of a night. "Maybe we should talk to this guy. He seems to have done something right, or very wrong."
Shayliss grins and chuckles at the showmanship as she rushes over to greet Saul. "Excuse me? Mr. Vancaskerkin? My name's Shayliss, I just got into town, and I heard you might be hiring? I've always wanted to do something on stage, like if you need maybe a dancer, and I had a few roles at the theater back where I grew up when someone needed an understudy where things seemed to have gone over well, but I'm not really picky about it if you just need an extra person to serve drinks or what have you, and did I mention what a lovely and impressive establishment you have here?"
She does her best in the crowded room to include a demonstration of her talents, rather unsure what to do with herself otherwise.
Bromsen focuses and listens closely to the owners speech.
"Wow! He has a good public speaking voice." Bromson stops nervously. "Well I thought I would have enough time to challenge myself without my usual techniques. "
Brom takes a deep breath, making sure he has space. "Warrior 1 pose! Tree pose! Child's pose!" He says them outloud not afraid that anyone will hear. He makes the three poses in quick succession. Brom's body relaxes and he is free from his self torment.
Brom quickly moves back to Aine. "Looks like the time is right!" He is clearly smiling at her. "Would you like to join me on finding a job or two?"
"If these people are truly in danger by this creature. I will find a way to save as many as I can."
With this, Saul directs the crowd’s attention up to the imp in the birdcage. At the sudden attention, Old Scratch flies into a flurry of rage, banging the cage bars, spitting, howling, and screaming vile epithets in Infernal at all assembled. His theatrics are received with guffaws and even a smattering of applause. As the crowd dies down, Vancaskerkin continues...
For a moment Lluvia looks around a little hauntedly. 'I really don't want to be here... am I just making a fool of myself and those humans are just having their kind of fun?' She has to forces herself to take a deep breath, and call upon the image of rain gleeming in the twilight of a darkening sky to calm down.
As has herself under control again Lluvia grins and makes a fun of sneaking up as unexpectedly as possible behind Shayliss: "Hm... you're staring at the gold or the boys? Well, honey, let's talk to the boss while we have the chance - you do want one of those costumes, done't you? Come on, big sister, I am scared without you!"
She starts winding through the crowd, having a look back every now and then to see whether Shayliss was still with her until she passed the gamblers which seem to have indeed lost their souls to the simple temptation of flesh and money - metaphorically speaking anyway.
Shayliss grins and chuckles at the showmanship as she rushes over to greet Saul. "Excuse me? Mr. Vancaskerkin? My name's Shayliss, I just got into town, and I heard you might be hiring? I've always wanted to do something on stage, like if you need maybe a dancer, and I had a few roles at the theater back where I grew up when someone needed an understudy where things seemed to have gone over well, but I'm not really picky about it if you just need an extra person to serve drinks or what have you, and did I mention what a lovely and impressive establishment you have here?"
Diplomacy: 12
She does her best in the crowded room to include a demonstration of her talents, rather unsure what to do with herself otherwise.
Perform (Dance): 25
"... and where ", she gulps since she almost used Shayliss' real name, "Bliss here is a spark of charm that no man can resist any more than a fly can resist honey, I am her shadow, dancing along side her to shine against and tending the darker needs in darker places, and show them the desires they far beyond those they understood."
She doesn't dance but puts a lot innoendo into her voice and performs a deep, accurate formal curtsey and demonstrates her talents by making room for Shayliss, using smiles and gentle touches mostly and every now and then a soft nudge.
But, fairing not too well she decides to become a little more direct and adds: "Well, this might work better once I am rid of all the things that weigh me down. Once I find a place to leave my unnecessary clothes - and optionally find another girl to lend me a bit of silk to wrap around my hip - I think keep your customers pleased. Just give me a nod and let me know what share you expect."
"Lets show the owner what we are made of Aine. Follow me!" He move fast through the crowd getting towards Saul. He want to give it is all to show that he is worth employment. "Watch out everyone!" He does some flips, a spiral trick, 1 last flip and lands on his feet near the red haired lady and elf lady. He is on there right side. "A good friend of mine and I are looking for some employment here."
Shayliss turns in surprise at Lluvia's comment. "Oh! Well yeah, I mean there's no way he'd look for me somewhere like this now, but I guess if I really made it big as an entertainer here and used my real name, Daddy would eventually catch wind of it and come up to make a big scene... suppose maybe that's why stage names are so popular, huh? I'm not sure about 'Bliss' though. I mean that's almost like how back home a few girls used to just call me 'Shameless.' Really though they were just jealous-"
Shayliss cuts herself off as Bromsen comes careening through. "Oh, you too? I kind of feel like I've accidentally turned all this into some big public audition now... is there a place you usually handle these sorts of business things? Should we all maybe come back later?"
Shayliss turns in surprise at Lluvia's comment. "Oh! Well yeah, I mean there's no way he'd look for me somewhere like this now, but I guess if I really made it big as an entertainer here and used my real name, Daddy would eventually catch wind of it and come up to make a big scene... suppose maybe that's why stage names are so popular, huh? I'm not sure about 'Bliss' though. I mean that's almost like how back home a few girls used to just call me 'Shameless.' Really though they were just jealous-"
Lluvia smirks mildly, still not exactly comfortable with the environment, but positively amused by her friend's demeanor: "They probably were, I know I am. Bliss, because that was the first that sprang into my mind on 'liss. How about..." she touches her brooch, "Butterf... no, too complicated... hmm, Spark? Red? No... wait, how about 'Blaze'?"
'Desna, let the possibility that her father might find out about it remain the worst of her fears after tonight!' she adds in her thoughts.
Shayliss cuts herself off as Bromsen comes careening through. "Oh, you too? I kind of feel like I've accidentally turned all this into some big public audition now... is there a place you usually handle these sorts of business things? Should we all maybe come back later?"
She nods curiously to Bromsen and takes a moment to examine him. "Good evening, sir... you two know each other? I am Lluvia..." She doesn't try to veil her curiousity as she did with Mister Vancaskerkin, but she does offer her hand in a feminine gesture that would befit the diplomat she once was.
Rel's eyes light up as Shayliss begins to dance. In a few long strides, he moves up near her, bows to Vancaskerkin, pulls out his violin, and accompanies her in a sultry mix of tango and tarantella. He nods to her and smiles.
Relverest bows again after his performance, and winks at Sapphire. "Well, there's the mystery of our sneaky friend solved," he says in a stage whisper. "What are you going to do for your audition, skin a firepelt?"
Lluvia raises an eyebrow in respect as she listens to Relverest's performance, as well as the choice of music, which does suits the occasion, but is certainly far beyond that of most human fiddlers she heard. She doesn't loose sight of her surroundings but acquits his bow with a wide smile and an indication of clapping her hands.
"Excellent Performance!" Bromsen gives a clap. The music gave him great calm and empowerment.
Bromsen looks back at the creature in the cage. He looks over to the Shayliss. "No, I think the show must go on." "I have a feeling that many lives might be at stake if that creature is released. I cannot do this alone, I need some help."
He smiles, looks at Lluvia, and gives a little bow.
"Greetings! My name is Bromsen, but you may call me Brom. This is my first time speaking to you and your friend. " He is loud enough so that Saul, Reverest, and Sapphire can hear.
He softly grabs her hand that she gestures out. He starts speaking in rough elven. He has not spoken it in a while. His hand tightens a bit more firmly. "There is enough competition as it is." He waves his other hand toward the attendees. "Cooperation is much more useful at this point. A business requires some form of cooperation" He says his last words, just in case if Saul knows the elven language. He looks up at the cage again and lets go of Lluvia's hand.
He returns to his mother language, common. "Nice built cage you got there." He directs himself toward Saul. "There are many interested parties looking for work." He gestures to Llvuia, Shayliss, Relverest, and Sapphire.
"I believe that these people have multiple talents that they could share. While most of your employees perhaps just fill one role, we could probably fill multiple roles." Bromsen does not try anything eloquent with his words, that is not what he is good at. He goes for a more logical standpoint. "People who can fill multiple roles can save you money. Fewer paychecks and you get more work done." He pauses for a moment and continues. "I could be a spotter, bouncer, and an entertainer if the needs call for it." He gestures again to everyone else. "I bet they have have much more to share as well."
He is hoping that someone fills the void to keep the conversation going. Talking too long is a bad idea.
Shayliss grins wryly and changes things up as Relverest begins providing some proper musical accompaniment. "That's pretty good! Been playing long? And I don't think I caught everyone's name yet... but then I guess that's fair if I'm coming up with some new fancy stage name. What do you think, my friend here says 'Bliss' but I don't know, that sounds a little like what you'd call someone who works at the Kitten... well, I guess you wouldn't know what that was, and I don't want to give the wrong impression... or I mean maybe I do if that's the sort of dancer Mr. Vancasterkin here is looking for... if he's even looking. I mean I really hope I'm not being too presumptuous or anything." She bites her lip and stops her dance, trying to contain her giddiness over her dreams of stardom.
Replying to Relverest, "Oh no, I prefer people to be the target of my talents. They provide much more interesting reactions." she says with a smirk.
Sapphire speaks up towards Saul,"I believe our nimble friend here is right. While I can see you have spared no expense upon hosting this event, I too believe we can make it even more worth your while. I myself has some talent in brewing fine drinks and offer my skills in working for you." She gives a light curtsy. "After all, I'm sure you know the pattern of alcohol: the more one enjoys a drink, the more they have, and the more they have, the more inebriated they become, and the more inebriated they become, the more likely they are to make rash decisions. And in this setting, these decisions could cost them quite a bit, benefiting you greatly, if you understand what I am saying." she holds up a gold piece in her fingers. "And should any slip ups arise, I'm sure this strong young man can easily handle things." Sapphire leans over on Brom's shoulder. "And as I always believe, a belly full of rum makes everything much more fun."
While the crowds of the Gold Goblin churn, Aine finds herself a nice bit of wall. She leans against it, arms crossed, half watching the chest curiously, and half watching for Bromsen. She can tell he is struggling to keep his cool in this crowd, not that she particularly blames him. As the lights change, she shifts her attention to the show. It is very grand and regal and much of it is unnecessary. Aine can see Vancaskerkin spared no expense to make this event what it is, and she wonders why.
Once the show has finished, Aine turns her attention to Bromsen. She is still caught in thought as he springs off, and it takes her a moment to realize he told her to follow him. ”Don’t tell me what to do,” she mutters to herself as she makes her way through the crowd. It is easy work for her to shove through and it seems that word spreads from person to person so that they all simply make way for her. "Perfect,” she says to herself, grinning.
Aine reaches the group around Vancaskerkin just in time to hear the end of Relverest’s playing. She is not one to care about frivolous luxuries such as music, but she finds herself enjoying the playing just the same. ”I enjoy this,” she states earnestly if not somewhat tactlessly to the player. She then turns her attention to Vancaskerkin. “Hello. I am said good friend, Aine. I am looking for work as well. If you are only looking to hire those that can fill multiple positions, I could be one of the Gold Goblin’s, I believe, “temptresses”? However, I know I would be a rather talented bouncer.” She notes the others around the owner of the Gold Goblin. Quite a crowd.
Bromsen’s constant looking up turns her attention up towards the cage above. Recalling the performance Vancaskerkin gave, she quirks an eyebrow upward. That could cause quite a lot of trouble, not the good kind either.
Relverest looks at the tall, muscly Shoanti woman who has just shoved various menfolk away effortlessly to get to Saul, hears her say the word "temptress", and wisely studies his bow. then again, some do enjoy being beaten by wild women, and there's nothing wrong with that, plus, such artistry among Shoanti tattooists, he muses idly, then perks up at the word "bouncer".
"Among the six of us here, we have quite the crew," he says affably, arms spread to encompass the group in a gesture, bow in one hand, violin in the other. "In addition to musicking, I make a rather fine conversationalist and greeter, if you have need of such pleasantries."
He finishes with a pose artfully poised to welcome invisible theoretical entrants to the Gold Goblin.
"Wow!" exclaims Saul, waving his bodyguards aside so that he can take a closer look at the ensemble that's formed before him (no pun intended, of course, Relverest). "Not once have I found such an eclectic bunch all approach, wanting a job. I am, of course, always looking for capable folk to fill my ranks, but...I'm quite occupied at the moment. Perhaps if you...prove yourselves capable, when the tournanent is over, then we can speak?" He gestures with his key at the churning mass of humanity and smiles, charmingly. "I'm sure there's something out there that you can do for me."
Shayliss beams, giving first Vancaskerkin and then Lluvia a rather large and unexpected hug, shouting "Thank you so very much!" before bothering to turn to see here he's pointing.
"Certainly, sir... I hope you won't blame us from trying to play our own game - I don't quite to 'safe my soul' on my friend's account after all. A wonderful and profitable night to you." She returns with a sly grin.
She adds an almost snarling one to the two lush girls with blazing red lips and sends a blow kiss from her own grey, glossy lips to one of them. All those girls could hardly be coming from Riddleport, there aren't that many lush, young girls in the town, even though she wouldn't be surprised if the pirates had a habit of stealing them. "Good hunting, girls!"
To the little crew that had formed around her she added: "Let's have a look around then, I think we might find many ways to enjoy the night..." She glances to Bromsen still wondering what he was playing at earlier. But, if he is looking for the same as she is...
"Well, I know what that means; competition." Sapphire says with a smug tone. "This ought to be interesting." She turns to the direction Saul is pointing.
working for free, eh? This man is shrewd. Well, I have some gold left.
"We humbly thank you, Ser Vancaskerkin. Friends, perhaps we can all convene in a corner..."
He turns to Sapphire, his glittering eyes kind but serious. "The roles of the six of us need not overlap, and if we help each other, we may all be hired. We need to find you a bar, with enough room for a few musicians to draw thirsty folks by."
Vancaskerkin's words confuse her, but Aine thinks she picked up his meaning. He wants proof? I can show my strength by throwing him. This is not a thought out of rage, mind, but a thought out of... simplicity. She forgets the thought, however, at the mention of competition. She can compete. However, the one that was playing seems to want to work as a team. Either could be fun.
Aine gives a nod and a gruff, "Vancasterskin" before turning and walking into the crowd. She will wait to see what unfolds from the group. Meanwhile, she will have a bit of fun. She heads towards a corner to return to watching the crowd. Before reaching her corner, however, she intervenes between a particularly thirsty looking man and a "succubi"'s rear. Aine slaps his hand, "No," before moving on nonchalantly.