Maeder shares a sly wink with Irirangi.
'Harsh, yet quite correct.' Sillas pauses and then continues 'I do not know what happened earlier, that put you on edge. It isn't really my buisness either. Whatever it is though, there is still no excuse for Deerian's actions. It was out of line.'
Ellirayne focuses on Maeder, her body tense and tears in her eyes but she keeps herself as composed as she can, remembering the countless lessons she's taken to help her cope with difficult social situations. Through her anger she forces a smile and bows her head a little to the entertainer. "I understand your actions, but I also understand those of my brother. He is my bodyguard, and more than that, he has protected me since the day we were born and surely you can excuse a young man passionate actions upon seeing his sister want to cry" She passionately explains, clenching and unclenching her hands to keep calm. "My family have suffered badly from magical charms and compulsions today and I would truly appreciate it if you would stop trying to effect us. A 'suggestion' may seem harmless to you, but to take options away from people is to deny them their freedoms, people should be as free as the wind, to live their lives.
"Good sir, I implore you, please drop any compulsions you have active on my brother and I and you have my solemn word that we will leave you and the others be to your merriment."
"I'm honestly sorry Sillas, I had hoped that tonight would be a distraction from our problems for my brother and I but instead due to a tragic coincidence it has served as nothing more than an awful reminder. I do truly want you to have a good birthday so we will be leaving."
Will Save (1d20+3=14) Oh and the +2 for enchantments as well
Sitting, as well he doesn't have much choice, Deerian glares at the elf the desire for blood in his eyes. "A harmless compulsion.. Think nothing of it.. How about a harmless compulsion to be truely honest with everyone here? Is that a fine compulsion that hurts no-one? Where does it end once you start deciding what to make people do?"
"To give in to my anger was wrong but so is a superior attitude that makes someone think they can decide what to make other do."
'I have nothing to hide.' Sillas 'says' with the mental equivalent of a shrug. 'Do you?' We could quibble back and forth about the rights and wrongs of this until time itself was swallowed by eternity and not come up with an answer.'
"I am sorry that you reacted poorly to Maeder's performance. I doubt it was intended to do anything more than create an enjoyable experience for all tonight."
Ellirayne sighs softly, feeling herself close to breaking she looks at Mader once more "Please, just tell my brother he can get up from his seat and we will leave. I'm afraid it has been a long day, filled with a great many stresses and it seems perhaps we should not have come tonight.
"We all have things we'd prefer were kept to ourselves, and anyone who says otherwise is either a liar or an exhibitionist of the highest calibur. If you have nothing to hide why do you keep your new tattoo from view? And to 'quibble' over such things is the basis of a lot of philospophy is it not? It may seem trivial to some, but to others it's quite important. I have always had a passion for ethics and magical compulsions being frivilously used has never sat well with me. The air itself runs through my veins and I have learnt and relearnt that my gifts are not to be taken lightly and I expect others around me to exercise the same caution and responsibility with their magics."
"Honesty is a great virtue, but I've never thought it was harmless. If you have always been fortunate enough to be able to live openly, that is your joy and your privilege. It has never been so for me."
The thought as as crisp and cold as anyone will have heard from Irirangi so far. She continues in a milder mental tone.
"Look, compulsion exerted wrongly is wrong. I know that as well as you. Compelling someone into behaviour they would never undertake of their own volition - clearly wrong. But you also know that that kind of compulsion was not used here. We were encouraged to dance. No more, no less."
To Maeder she adds very quietly under cover of tending to his jaw, "Can you find a way to defuse this? Poor Sillas, so embarrassing for him."
"I've known Sillas a long time. We were friends in childhood.
We've certainly grown apart in recent years, but hey, we all change, right?"
She leans in and kisses Stalan on the forehead. "So...what are you doing? After the party?"
"Hmm... I was hoping to discuss some business with Sillas and some others... Though I could always take care of that later...", I murmur while entranced with her long curly hair.
Glancing back towards Sillas, who's now in a huddle with Iri and the Twins next to the Jester, I come to a bit more attention, adding "Mmm... I want to hear more about you... But what do you say we first put in a show at being lovely birthday party guests, and say hello to Sillas? I see him there talking with several other of our friends...?"
"But by the way, have you ever ridden on a wild Glidewing?", I mischieviously suggest, giving her one more elegant twirl as I gently separate from the very comfortable position we had found.
"Compulsion this and compulsion that. I asked you to dance, people. A gracious guest does as a gracious host expects. Which, in civilized company, generally includes not attacking the entertainment."
Maeder clears his throat and turns to Deerian.
"Now, this second request of mine is simply for my protection...and yours, young Lyrandar. You will sit there until I, or Sillas, receives an apology. You don't even have to mean it. You just have to say it."
Maeder turns to Ellirayne.
"There must be consequences to your actions, or else your plan to 'live as free as the wind' will turn out to be nothing but a puff of smoke. I am no scheming, mind-controlling, monstrous tyrant from the depths of Khyber, I am a respected bard and performer of House Phiarlan. I think, if push comes to shove that the Watch would surely understand that a famed, unarmed performer, using his talents to make his audience dance, as they have hired me to do is perfectly deserving of a punch in the face. Don't worry, they'll be on your side. I think you'll find that the shackles the Watch carries are a fair bit more, taut, than my own."
"You have one? Are you one of those Couriers? You're so brave. I've never been to Talenta...I have family there though!"
Maida takes up Starlan's arm as they walk toward Sillas.
"Yes, let's say hi, before we run."
Tears now stinging the corner of her eyes and threatening to be shed Ellirayne gives a little shiver at Maeder's words "Let, him, go." She tells the bard in short, exhaled breaths, on the brink of snapping herself. "To utter an apology that is not heartfelt would be foolish. Just let my brother leave his seat and we will go home and there will be no chance of a further scene being caused."
"Silias has already had an apology and I have admitted I acted rashly. However you will not get one as you stand there and threaten my sister." Indeed the young man would welcome the watch at this point as soon he would loose the last of his self restraint.
"Look, I don't see anyone threatening Ellirayne unless it's you. You've sworn to protect her and guard her and that's great. But I really don't see how you'll help her or yourself if you get locked up by the Watch. If you were less upset, you'd see that for yourself. You're not stupid. Just stop making threats at each other the pair of you. This is plain silly."
She stops abruptly.
"Sorry if I spoke out of turn, but I see this all the time at home. Now, Sillas, perhaps you'd help me find some water for our friends and we all stop this nonsense and either go home or finish the dance or whatever it is we all want to do. And I'm only speaking for myself here, but what we all want to do does not include hitting or casting spells of any kind. Is that clear?"
"I agree. You were rash. That's fine enough for me." Maeder dismisses the spell, allowing Deerian to stand up.
"Now, my turn. I am sorry that you had a long day with many stresses. So did I; getting punched squarely across the jaw adds to the list of stresses. I just asked you to dance! You'd think I'd made a compulsion joke about your mother or something. That would be too easy."
Maeder waves his hand at them.
"Go on then. You're free. Run home to mommy and daddy."
At mention of her parents Elli finally completely breaks down into floods of tears. "If you could tell us where our mother is that would make running home to her a lot easier" She whispers sadly before taking Deerian's arm. "We.. we really need to go" She manages to tell him quietly through her crying.
Relieved of the compulsion Deerian just manages not to draw his blade and run the preening fool through. Placing one arm around his sister's shoulder the angry young man walks them both from the building.
Maeder resolve breaks as well; at Elli's breakdown, he looks as if Deerian had punched him again.
"I'm sorry...I...I don't know. I didn't know. I just..."
Maeder puts one hand on his heart, and extends one hand to Ellirayne. Before she can respond, he turns and leaves the room, heading to a balcony for some air.
"Uhh, hi, Sillas. I hope it's not a bad time. I wanted to wish you a happy birthday, and thank you again for the wonderful performance."
Maida bows, a little embarrassed.
Iri sighs.
"Poor things. So bound up in the need for freedom because they don't have any. Dragonmarked Heirs. It must be hard ... and speaking of which, does anyone know if Keegan d'Orien is still here?"
Iri
I'm sorry we had to meet under these circumstances. We'll meet again, soon, and I'll have the chance to make it up to you.
Fate awaits
-Keegan
Iri pockets the note thoughtfully and looks around for Sillas and Maedar.
Spotting the distraught elf, she crosses over to him.
"This may be the most stupid thing I could ask under the circumstances, but could you possibly play the dance music again? I loved it, it's the first time I've ever enjoyed dancing."
She goes a deep red. "And I loved dancing with you Sillas. Would it be awful to do that once more before I leave? But please, neither of you if you don't want to." She finishes in a confused flurry.
"H-Hi, where's the Twins going to? I saw everyone gathered, and thought I could introduce your friend Maida, Sillas, to the rest...? "
"Starlan - I saw you dancing. The twins had to leave, they were a little distracted with family business."
"Something really bad is up with those two Wingy. We need to stay in touch with them and help if we can."
"Dear lady, understand that I am very tired, and my previous administering of joy had quite the opposite effect. I will do it, at Sillas' request, however."
He says the next part a little quieter; "Either way, I can teach you how to do that."
"Spare me the bleeding hearts purleese. Come on girlfriend, this isn't tragic kittens in lift crush drama, this is two pampered Dragonmarked heirs having to think for themselves for once in their lives. Oh yeah, and while we're on the subject what did Soggypants the Betrothed have to say for himself?"
"Dear lady, understand that I am very tired, and my previous administering of joy had quite the opposite effect. I will do it, at Sillas' request, however."
He says the next part a little quieter; "Either way, I can teach you how to do that."
"Aphra, just stop that. Their pain is real. I know that much. And the note is private."
Iri's eyes open in appreciation and she half laughs "You would do that even after I was crass enough to ask under these circumstances? Sir, you are an artist and I am honoured." Not caring who sees her she sweeps her best curtsey at the elf.
"You see why I need the help." she grimaces a bit as clearly even her best curtsey is very far from graceful.
"Sorry if I spoke out of turn, but I see this all the time at home. Now, Sillas, perhaps you'd help me find some water for our friends and we all stop this nonsense and either go home or finish the dance or whatever it is we all want to do. And I'm only speaking for myself here, but what we all want to do does not include hitting or casting spells of any kind. Is that clear?"
Sillas nods slightly "Yes. The topic is closed, as far as I am concerned."
"Uhh, hi, Sillas. I hope it's not a bad time. I wanted to wish you a happy birthday, and thank you again for the wonderful performance."
Maida bows, a little embarrassed.
Sillas smiles slightly "Couldn't think of a better time Maida." he says with a trace of sardonic humor. "Thank you though; thank you for coming."
"Poor things. So bound up in the need for freedom because they don't have any. Dragonmarked Heirs. It must be hard ... and speaking of which, does anyone know if Keegan d'Orien is still here?"
"Indeed. I hope they find their path, be it entwined with our's or not. Nothing we can do about it though, I'm afraid." Sillas shrugs "Oh, he'll turn up. Tam'll probably know where to find him."
She goes a deep red. "And I loved dancing with you Sillas. Would it be awful to do that once more before I leave? But please, neither of you if you don't want to." She finishes in a confused flurry.
Sillas smiles again "Maeder's spell-woven music or no, I would be more than happy to have another dance with you." he says with an exaggerated courtly bow.
"Dear lady, understand that I am very tired, and my previous administering of joy had quite the opposite effect. I will do it, at Sillas' request, however."
"No, if you don't wish to I won't ask. And those two were the only ones who didn't enjoy the whole affair, particularly the dancing." Sillas claps his friend on the shoulder "You're an artist Maeder. And what artist has not had someone who doesn't appreciate their talent eh? You and Thervi did an excellent job tonight."
"You see why I need the help." she grimaces a bit as clearly even her best curtsey is very far from graceful.
Sillas shakes his head "Whatever little you may lack in grace, you more than make up for it in charm and life. The true versions of which I find oft lacking in most I meet."
"I don't know how your birthdays usually go, but mine are never this action packed. I'll remember it for a lot of reasons."
Sillas nods "It has been an interesting day, hasn't it?"
Hey sure, I'm happy to talk with the Twins later, if something bad happened between you...
To Maeder:
"I just wanted to know...
If I didn't step up right then, what was your plan with the chef?", I say with a smile.
"The chef did a wonderful job. I'll have to go and congratulate him in the back. The individual you saw was just another actor. There were a great many of us here today. More than you think, perhaps. Sillas should know. There's far more 'servants' here today than are usually retained by Vraxeris Manor."
Maeder straightens his outfit, and takes up the central space once more.
"All right boys, once more with feeling! Let's make it a good one!"
Maeder begins playing again, this time with an increased vigour. It's not long before the entire crowd is worked into a frenzy. Madly hopping, twirling, flipping and spinning, the guests move like enraged hornets across the dancefloor.
"Good sir, let's not waste Maedar's music. May I entice you to further foot trampling?"
Iri smiles broadly and holds out a hopeful hand to her host.
I know I'm going to pay for this when I get home, but it's worth taking the odd risk from time to time. Like travelling to those blank places on the map or ... just being me."
Sillas smiles and takes Irirangi's proferred hand and returns to the dance floor with her.
'Risks are what makes life worth living.'
Sillas smiles and takes Irirangi's proferred hand and returns to the dance floor with her.
'Risks are what makes life worth living.'
"I don't think of myself as a risk-taker. But sometimes a door opens unexpectedly."
Irirangi loses herself in the dance, after a time not even thinking about her own clumsiness, just enjoying the moment.
"Wingy, Sillas, will you help me talk to the twins tomorrow?"
The thought bobs up absently and submerges again.
'I don't know that my presences would be terribly helpful, but I'll go with you if you want.'
Sure, Irirangi, I don't want anyone upset about this evening, and I don't think I was part of anything that upset anyone, so maybe I could be a go-between.
"Tomorrow then. Twins - May we meet tomorrow and talk?
Wingy, I hope your last dance is fun."
"Because mine is." Irirangi test drives a twirl under Sillas's arm, enjoying the moment.
Maeder's song plays on and on; the frenetic and simultaneous movements of all the guests almost spur the dancing on. A good burning develops in your soles. Just when it seems like you can't dance anymore, the music lets up.
Madame Vraxeris gets up on a table and starts applauding, and soon the whole room joins in. Maeder bows, and approaches Sillas.
"Sillas, friend, this has been a marvelous party. Thank you so much for inviting me", he says with a chuckle. "I really am sorry about your other two friends. If you can somehow convey that the next time you see them, it would be much appreciated. I do have to head home now, and take all these other Phiarlan folks with me. Be safe, and I'll see you tomorrow, maybe."
With the exodus of House Phiarlan members, the room seems to shrink. Others feel it too, and take it as their cue to leave.
Many people, some drunk, but all amazed, come up to shake hands with Sillas before leaving.
"Well, chap," Merreck says with a slap on Sillas' back, "it was a good show. Really good. People will remember it for a long time, and I'm sure it did nothing but garner more praise and respect for Maeder himself. He's giving, but he's not that giving. There had to be something in it for himself. You know."
Merreck yawns. "Anyway, I have a date with my pillow tonight. Don't want to miss it! Let's meet up tomorrow, if you want. Let me know, I'm off."
Merreck bows, as gracefully as he can, to Irirangi, and then exits.
Thervi is next as she walks up to Sillas with a grin on her face. She throws her arms around Sillas, defiantly in front of Iri. "Didn't we do such a good job! I mean, those roasted birds, flying all around, getting caught in people's hair...fantastic! I do have to run now, but, why don't you and I get together tomorrow? Just the two of us maybe. Let me know!"
Thervi swaggers out of the room.
Tara is more brief with her exit, hugging Sillas, and then waving goodbye. She is either red in the face from the drink, or from extreme blushing. Regardless, this is the first time Sillas has ever been hugged by her.
"Sillas, thank you again for a wonderful party! The dancing! It was fantastic. I have to retire now, but I appreciate the invitation. I know we haven't been the best of friends, lately, but I'd like to change that. Anyway, I have a date with a Glidewing. I have to go."
Maida turns and looks at Starlan; "I do, don't I?"
Irirangi scans the rapidly emptying room for Shake and Switch.
"Are you two safe to take me home? If not, don't worry, I'm sure I can find another way. You've done enough to help me this evening already."
While she's waiting for a decision on transport, Irirangi goes to thank Madame Vraxeris for the party.
"Your son does you great honour and it was a privlege to have been invited to such an illustrious event." She hopes that the grace of the words offset the saffron covered, slightly bedraggled state of her clothing.
"Sillas I hope you know how much this evening has meant to me." Although it's broadcast on the public thought line, the intention is unmistakably private.
Shake and Switch make their way over to Irirangi. "Sweet lady, we are ready to take you back home whenever you are ready."
"Ah we're fine to take you. I think I have enough juice left to make the coach look like whatever you want, but not enough to fix that dress of yours. That's outta my control. We'll be waiting outside when you're ready."
Both Shake and Switch clap Sillas on the back, "Good show Birthday boy. Really great. I've learned a lot."
Madame Vraxeris bows and accepts Iri's compliments. "My son has taken a liking to you, it would seem. But I don't even know your name. In fact, I'm not even sure I've ever seen you before."
"Don't you think you're out a little late? Kid, you need your sleep. Gotta stay sharp. What's your exit strategy?"
Madame Vraxeris bows and accepts Iri's compliments. "My son has taken a liking to you, it would seem. But I don't even know your name. In fact, I'm not even sure I've ever seen you before."
"Irirangi Biasharan. I have not had the fortune to meet you before, but am grateful to have the opportunity now."
Iri bows slightly to acknowledge Madame Vraxeris's words. "If you will forgive me, I should leave now, my mother will be concerned if I'm too late home."
She crosses briefly to Sillas. She doesn't attempt to hug him, but the smile says enough. "We're going to all those blank places on the map. You'll see."
Moving to the door with Shake and Shift in tow, she murmers to them "Thanks. Don't worry about the dress. It doesn't matter what I say, and at least this will give her a good reason to flip."
"Benefor - it's a party, not an ambush. I'm just going to leave by the front door. Did you have a good time?"