House Lyrandar
The two watch members seem to lose themselves in each other's gaze. A tenderness seems to wash over the inspector's face, even if just for a moment.
"Talia, I don't know what I would do if I ever lost you. With your talent, it's only a matter of time until the Black Books come calling to recruit you. I just hope that you---".
Talia's immense blushing is enough to cut Innvar short, and snap him back to the problem at hand. He begins fumbling at his side for his well-made manacles.
"Uhh, yes, of course. I'll have to take you to the Watch Headquarters. Until we can be sure that the enchantment is taken care of. We should be able to dispel it, given some time. We'll need to come back, for the bodies, too. I don't want anyone to get too close to that thing, until we can be sure it's not a danger. You twins would do well to take care of things here, and smooth things over with the workers as best as you can. I respect House Lyrandar, as I said before, and the public doesn't have to know anything that won't hurt them."
The inspector nods, and leaves with a manacled Lord Byron. The others follow.
"Errr...
I'm not sure what y'all are going on about, but remember that others are listening...
But sometime later this evening after we take care of our own business,
I wouldn't mind meeting up with y'all, either."
"Well, let's make this a real party shall we? Wingy, if you want I'll arrange transportation for you to Vraxeris Manor as a guest."
"O, for a draught of vintage, that hath been
Cool'd a long age in the deep-delved earth,
Tasting of Flora and the country green,
Dance, and Aerenal song, and sun-burnt mirth:
Green eyes, young Sillas is a goodly host. My bardic instincts salute him. Good sir, I recommend you taste, your hospitality and your choice of friends.
A word in your ear - open hand and open heart can lead to empty both. I speak from bitter experience."
"He's a rogue and a thief is what he means. Cassio, you're losing your touch. Cut it out. Hey! - you did good back there. Nice work with the spells. Impressive fingerwork. But got to say, butterflies ... that's really tacky."
Hey Sillas, that sounds interesting, but could you give me a minute? I have to clear things up here, and I'm supposed to be meeting a friend of mine shortly... Would it be fine to bring a friend? We wouldn't have any problem flying over. If you tell me which landing deck, I probably wouldn't have a problem recognizing it.
Dahn:
I guess I'll leave a note for Zillia with Wing (in Druidic):
Greetings Zillia, I came to speak with you but didn't want to interrupt your meditation.
...Strange gifts drop from the sky sometimes. I'm not completely sure of it's nature, but after I saw you last, I randomly came across a 'ring' which has put me into telepathic contact with several others who found similar rings... We met in person, and none of the others seem to have much more idea about it than I.
They seem to be some kind of set of magic rings, that fell from a docking airship at Tower Lyrandar. Two of the others who found rings are actually Lyrandar scions, brother and sister actually. We're in telepathic contact, but it seems that our personal thoughts are private: we can communicate only by willing it. I haven't mentioned anything about the Circle, of course.
...The other thing is, another of the ring finders, by the name of Irirangi, seems connected with the Church of the Silver Flame... And given our fairly intimate communication, I myself seem to have been brought into confidence of... a plan of the Church. Perhaps we can discuss it further in person, but I think it's enough to say the Church wants my help in a mission guarding against the forces of Xoriat. I'm 99% sure they don't even know of my connection with the Circle. I will let you know more.
-Starlan
OK, unless Zillia says anything, I'll leave... I'm heading to Morduk's rendezvous spot.
"Come any time you want; your friend is welcome as long as he doesn't cause too much trouble.'
Vraxeris Manor
Vraxeris Manor
Irirangi walks inside beside Sillas.
"Has it been a good birthday so far?" She stops suddenly and goes bright red.
"I was just about to ask if you'd been given any interesting gifts, and now I realise I don't have anything for you myself. I don't think concussing your guests really counts unless you consider it performance art of some kind. I could create some water for you if you like though."
House Lyrandar
Bristling as the arrogant Inspector completely missed his point Deerian remained quiet until they were leading his father off. It was that or draw steel for the impulsive young man. That would be a bad idea. "Father we will take care of everything until this is sorted out. Once the compulsion is taken from you it will be easier. Oh and Inspector? We don't know for certain that it was directly Flash's fault.. However he is in the company of our mother so caution will be needed."
Vraxeris Manor
He waves away her concern about not having a gift "Don't worry about it. I don't lack possessions, trust me.
With some of the people that mother has doubtlessly invited, I would consider that a gift actually."
House Lyrandar:
"Which would you prefer to do; Contact Mercury or try to round up as many staff as we can get to return?"
House Lyrandar
Once they are alone the young man wraps his arms around his beloved sister again. After holding her for a moment he steps back now looking a little calmer. "I think it best if we contact Mercury first.. Maybe someone not completely linked to father would be best to contact those poor workers... I'm not sure i'd be able to find the right words."
House Lyrandar:
House Lyrandar
"That might be for the best... What a day! Still after we contact him I think we need to think about how to track down mother.." Making sure that he keeps close to his sister the twins head off to make contact with the rest of the House.
Vraxeris Manor
Irirangi nods "There was just a bit of wish fulfilment creeping in there. The number of times I've wanted to do that at dinner parties ..."
She looks at the downed guests. "I hope I don't know any of them."
Starlan
Zillia does not stir, and Wing takes it upon himself to personally guard the note that Starlan leaves.
Taking off out of the complex, he sees that the other Gatekeepers have left as well.
Soaring up on Dragonheart, it's not long before Starlan reaches the arranged meeting point. Morduk, however, is nowhere to be seen. A simple note, written in chalk on the side of the perch plainly says: "Sorry. Couldn't wait any longer. See you soon. -M"
His obligations to Morduk no longer an issue, Starlan accepts Sillas' invitation willingly. The directions are easy to follow, and it isn't long before he's circling near the Vraxeris Manor dock. Some commotion is taking place on the landing dock, with some kind of combat between a number of individuals, but it seems to abate before Starlan can land.
Starlan can easily make out Irirangi, Merrick, and Sillas on the bay, swiftly heading inside. A warforged tends to a number of unconscious party members.
House Lyrandar
The twins hurry down to the docks to meet with their cousin Mercury d'Lyrandar. Though he is quite busy with his own affairs, he is saddened by the news of Flash's return and betrayal. He wholeheartedly offers to take control of the matter while Byron is detained. Taking pressure off of the Twin's, they are free to entertain the possibility of meeting up with the rest of the telepathic group. They have issues of their own, and are now able to sort them out a bit more.
Vraxeris Manor is no exotic location, and their skycoach driver is able to navigate their quickly, allowing them to arrive more-or-less, on time. They approach the manor just short of another, ridiculously adorned, skycoach. Tassels of expensive and colourful silk, float all around it. The ostentatious display is clearly meant to draw attention to itself. Which it does. Quite well, actually, as three large figures jump from out of nowhere onto the coach, and begin assaulting it's inhabitants.
The Twin's are privy to the ensuing combat; their skycoach driver refuses to land during the commotion, instead circling from a safe distance, granting them a privileged vantage. When Irirangi manages to sort things out, the driver acquiesces, and allows them to get out of the coach.
They can easily make out Irirangi, Merrick, and Sillas on the bay, swiftly heading inside, while Starlan swoops in on a large, winged dinosaur. A warforged tends to a number of unconscious party members.
Tam strides over to the handful of guests who fell victim to Iri's colour spray. He manages to rouse most of them, and help them into the manor. They appear relatively unscathed.
"Those poor chaps. They'll be fine in a few minutes. Tam's a good guy. Well, a good warforged, anyway. I'm pretty confident that this is the most exciting thing that's probably happened to any of those sleeping beauties." Merreck lets out a pretty hearty chuckle, and pats Irirangi on the back. "Say, isn't one of those fellows a House Orien member? He looks marked too. I stand by my word then; most thrill that guy's got since the day he was born. Good show girl."
Stepping out of a sky coach and into the confusion taking part outside the party Ellirayne can't help but smile. "Well you certainly know how to throw a party" She declares with a little amusement "Suddenly my attire doesn't seem anywhere near adventuresome enough" She adds, indicating her favourite, glamourweave, dress with her hand distinctly torn between disappointment at having not been able to help and relief that she hadn't torn the finely crafted garnment.
Greeting Sillas with a loose, polite hug her smile becomes apologetic. "I'm afraid with business at the tower we were unable to get you a gift. I'm terribly sorry."
Immaculatly dressed Deerian steps off the coach and with a wary eye looks round the carnage. Hmm intersting. "I hope you're day is going well. Many happy returns." His voice seems a tad distant and he hovers protectivly near his sister.
"Yes, it seems that Irirangi's arrival caused a bit of a stir. No matter though, they could use to be shaken up a bit."
"Don't worry about it. I trust all is well with you? It sounded as though there might be some trouble."
Ellirayne's smile only briefly falters at Sillas' question "Oh, it's all under control. You know house Lyrandar, occasionally flying through a stormy patch but we keep the ship on course and are stronger for it. This is no time to discuss it however, it is your day today afterall"
"Things like this don't normally happen to me. I'm a very quiet person really."
"Says the girl who can spray acid from her fingertips..."
"You know I don't do that unless I really have to. And never in the library because of the books."
Irirangi sounds little irritable.
Some kind of altercation seems to break up as I swoop down upon the landing deck.
"Halooo!", I call out as I leap, tumbling into a graceful landing on the platform.
Sillas, Iri, I've just arrived, behind you. What's going on, what was that... fight about?
Merrick catches Starlan's eye, and calls him over to the rest of the group with a welcoming wave.
Looking at Irirangi, Merreck shakes his head a little; "Now, why do I find that hard to believe? Still, you made a fantastic entrance. You really outdid all of the others. I'm sure it will be on the tips of their tongues all night."
Sim feels some bony fingers poking into his back. When he turns around, he's greeted by Thervi's judgemental gaze; "Yes. Quite an entrance. It was so exciting you didn't even see me arrive! No matter. Maeder and I are almost ready."
From behind Thervi, a little voice is heard protesting; "But those bards are starting first. Then we're eating! Hold your horses. We'll all get to see how great your performance is in due time. We have to wait for Jorras, anyway."
"Oh, Jorras isn't coming", Thervi says flatly. "Don't you remember? He had...something...to take care of. He wrote you a note, Sillas? He probably explains it in there. He was on the trail of something or other, you know him."
"Are we sitting with these others? I thought we had a private table?"
Thervi does very little to acknowledge the others.
"Ah, we'll just push a couple tables together. I'm sure it'll be fine. If I'm any judge of character, I'm sure our dinner experience will be better for having these people around. Either way, we should start moving things now, before everyone else gets settled. You ready?"
"I can't speak for the others but Deerian and I aren't here to be any kind of inconvenience, we can sit ourselves out of the way and leave you to your private table" Ellirayne politely assures the uptight young woman with a kind smile.
As the others head toward the hall, Thervi pulls Irirangi aside and whispers a cautionary note;
"I can't speak for the others but Deerian and I aren't here to be any kind of inconvenience, we can sit ourselves out of the way and leave you to your private table" Ellirayne politely assures the uptight young woman with a kind smile.
"Nonsense! Thervi just doesn't like to share her portion of the air with others. You know the type. It's fine with me, you can all crowd around my end."
As the others head toward the hall, Thervi pulls Irirangi aside and whispers a cautionary note;** spoiler omitted **, before walking off to join the others.
Irirangi smiles up at Thervi and whispers back.
"Nice to meet you too. It was a lot more spectacular than I planned. Or wanted." she admits.
"Heroism wasn't really on the agenda, just getting here looking like me. The moral of this tale is, don't smoke girls."
"I'm so looking forward to this party now. Have you known Sillas long?"
Sillas waves Starlan over. "Welcome Starlan, glad you could make it. Irirangi just made a bit of an entrance."
He sighs "Be nice Thervi; they're my guests and they will sit with us, if they please. I let mother arrange the night; this is more her party then mine. If you want to change something, take it up with her or Tam."
"Oh that's what you think, mister! Maeder and I took the liberty of organizing the entertainment, including food, performances, and seating arrangements. Your mother was welcome to the idea of us sharing the burde-- the responsibility. And it's our gift. You have enough stuff already, so, we just wanted to make it special. I don't want anything that will mess it up."
Thervi does her best to not glare at the newcomers; "You can sit wherever you'd like, as long as it does not disrupt the show."
"Someone's in a snit. Did you upset her girlfriend?"
I'm all smiles as the ruckus seems to have not amounted to much.
Nodding blithely as the barely-suppressed catfight seethes around me, I jolt to attention - "Oh, I forgot what the party was all about, Sillas! It is so great to see you, catching snippets all this afternoon was... well, you know. I just feel... like we're all in this... something... together, now, you know!?"
I'll see what sort of surprise I can manage to scrounge up for the guest of honor, don't worry.
Thervi does her best to not glare at the newcomers; "You can sit wherever you'd like, as long as it does not disrupt the show."
Ellirayne inclines her head in a small polite bow. "Thank you for allowing us to join you. I'm sure Deerian and I especially will not be disrupting anything this evening." She assures the haughty woman before turning her attention instead to Tara and at recognising another dragonmarked heir gives a smile and another bow of her head in greeting.
"We do so try not to cause much disruption.. Still i'm sure we can all agree that the most important thing is that Sillas enjoys his party. After all that is why everyone is here.. No one would want to make the event more about them." He speaks quietly and even manages to keep his tone from being too accusitory. Afterall it had been a trying day and the young noble's nerves were quite frayed.
Irirangi looks completely crushed.
Irirangi looks completely crushed.
Catching Iriangi's expression out of the corner of her eye Ellirayne lightly takes the other woman's arm in her own.
Don't worry so much Iri, it's a party afterall, just enjoy yourself and don't let anything bring you down.
Smiling up at the much taller girl, Iri looks a little happier. "Thanks. I'm looking forward to the performance, aren't you? It sounds as if it might be a little special."
The group takes their seats at the table, with Merreck crudely attaching another to accommodate everyone. Thervi takes her spot at the end; she needs the space apparently, as her place is arranged not with dining implements, but with a number of strange crystals, candles, powders and burning incense. When everyone is seated, she pulls out a long rod, and gently touches the crystal. An almost imperceptible hum encompasses the room, and the light dims considerably.
Sillas' parents occupy a similarly privileged table at the other end of the room. A nod shared between Madam Vraxeris and Thervi signals the beginning of the meal and performance.
A procession of servants enters the room, all similarly dressed in a special uniform; a tight-fitting blood-red vest is all that covers the top half of the servants, a flash of flesh a feast for all. A loose black sarong covers the other half of the servants attire, lending a semblance of grace and skill to every movement of the hip. The final and most striking piece of the uniform is a sombre death mask. Black and red, tight curled lips; it invokes images of the grand assemblages of the Aerenal elves. As the servants begin to pile in and line up, it becomes quickly obvious to Sillas that there are many more servants here than are regular maintained by Vraxeris manor; perhaps even as many as 5 times the number. The uniform and mask also make it impossible to discern the identities of any of the regular servants. Tam, as well, dons a version of the outfit.
A solitary table-for-one reserved in the middle of the room sits unoccupied. It is ignored as the servants begin their first round. Splitting in pairs, and each bearing a silver pitcher, they visit each table. The first pitcher pours a quantity of snow-water on the open palms of the guests, while the second pitcher pours beautiful wine into crystal goblets.
The first course is then served, in elegant style. Two large donkeys are led throughout the room, strapped with hors d’oeuvres. Their packsaddles contain olives, white olives on one side, black on the other. The animals are flanked right and left by silver dishes, on the rim of which Sillas’ name was engraved in large detail. On arches built up in the form of miniature bridges are found dormice seasoned with honey and poppy-seed. Then sausages, too, smoking hot on a silver grill, and underneath (to imitate coals) Brelish plums and pomegranate seeds.
While the guests are engaged in engorging, a last figure emerges from the darkness of the dimmed room.
Like a ridiculous exaggeration of the others, this graceful elf’s outfit almost damages the eyes. It shifts and plays with colour. He carries a flute in one hand, and his other is encumbered by a number of garish rings. If it weren’t for a similarly sombre death mask, one may be inclined to mistake him for a court jester.
Prancing around from table to table in an acrobatic pantomime, he samples the food offerings from here and there. When he lifts his mask, so subtly, in order to eat, it is found that his face is painted so as to match the mask identically. Sillas is not sure of his identity, until he begins to speak. He takes his seat at the large single table.
After picking his teeth with a large silver toothpick, he addressed the gathered guests. "My friends," he began, "I was far from desirous of coming to table just yet, but that I might not keep you waiting by my own absence, I have sadly interfered with my own amusement. But will you permit me to finish my game?" A servant then followed him, bearing a draughts board of terebinth wood and crystal dice. Then, to the crowd's amazement, he simply plays dice with himself while the others eat.
A number of musicians begin to set up around the room, possibly members from the Circle of Song, as Tam mentioned.
While most are still snacking away at the hors d'oeuvres, another dish is brought in with a basket on it, in which lay a wooden hen, her wings outspread around her as if she were sitting.
Instantly a couple of servants came up, and to the sound of lively music began to search the straw, and pulling out a lot of peafowl's eggs one after the other, handed them round to the company.
At this, Maeder turns his head;"My friends, it was by my orders the hen set on the peafowl's eggs yonder; but by God! I am very much afraid they are half-hatched. Nevertheless we can try whether they are edible."
A curly haired woman yells from across the room: "They're should be something good here!"
Taking up your spoons, which weigh at least a half-pound each, and breaking the eggs, which are made of paste, you find found a very fine fat beccafico swimming in yolk of egg flavoured with pepper.
Simultaneously there were brought in a number of wine-jars of glass carefully stoppered with plaster, and having labels attached to their necks reading:
FALERNIAN; OPIMIAN VINTAGE
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD.
While you are reading the labels, Maeder ejaculates, striking his palms together, "Alackaday! to think wine is longer lived than poor humanity! Well! bumpers then! There's life in wine. 'Tis the right vintage, I give you my word. I didn't bring out any so good yesterday, and much better men than you were dining with me."