Closed [The New Years Eve Party] Shadows and Secrets

[Orakan]

around a bell after arrival

The trio had spent the first bell blending in - or, at least, that had been what he had been instructed they were to do. Ashara had had no issue schmoozing and involving herself in the evening's activities like a genuine party-goer, no doubt using her charm to collect bits and pieces about the host and her establishment along with those who called the Gem their home. Sebastian, on the other hand, had stayed close to the younger Daggerhand Brother, filling him in with information he felt Orakan might need to know as the pair moved about the party, assessing the lay of the pavilion and the level of security present between trips to the buffet.

Orakan couldn't help marvel over the amount of planning and preparation that had gone into the event. He had counted well over a handful of armed individuals that appeared to be genuine security rather than those dressing as being 'thugs' as a costume, and had watched as they seemed to rotate - apart from those tasked with guarding the table with what looked to be a trio of jars. He had yet to fully puzzle out what that was about but had a feeling it had to do with mizas.

Now poised off to the side of the buffet table, the two conferred in low tones while doing their best to remain inconspicuous. The proprietress, he had learned while biting gracelessly into a turkey leg, was named Kelski and was a jewelcrafter and Kelvic.

"She also previously used to be a slave," Sebastian paused to shift his leather helmet so he could take a drink from the glass of ale he was holding, pale blue eyes looking out at the party before them, "owned by the Sun's Birth."

This got Orakan's attention and he perked a painted and inked brow, single hazel eyes turning to regard the side of Sebastian's fancy leather helm. He scritched at his eyepatch as he mulled over this bit of information. Surely an ex Sun's Birth slave would not take much to get on the Daggerhand's side, especially if she were the vengeful sort. It also made him see the party's grandeur in a new light. Sunberth had little in the way of happy endings for most, but it was definitely a city where hard work and tenacity could see anyone make something of themselves. Knowing now that a former slave had managed to rise up and have the means to throw something as large and elaborate as this party made him rethink what this woman would be like, and gain an inkling of what she was worth. It wasn't so much respect he felt, more a curious interest.

He took another bite of his turkey leg and then wiped away at the grease on his lips. He was making am mess of himself and the paint that covered him and he grimaced at it all and eventually discarded the half-eaten leg in one of the many bins that dotted the tent. He returned his attention to the older Daggerhand once he was done, hands wiping down the thighs of his new pants. "She's done well for herself, then."

Sebastian made a noise of agreement and bobbed his head. "She'd make for a good mark, too."

His tone lacked Ashara's more predatory one and Orakan was learning that he spoke from a more logical perspective.

"But it'd be better to have her as an associate, yeah?" Orakan was not versed in politics but he could make the conclusion despite this. It seemed to him that it'd be better to have someone of this woman's apparent influence in the hand and accessible over time. To him, using her as a target for robbery seemed like wasted potential. Lucrative in it's own right, but not as much as having her working long-term with the gang would be.

Sebastian shrugged and looked around, his attention drifting towards the side of the pavilion that backed on towards the hostess' establishment.

"Keep an eye out for anything that might seem important. Mingle. Eavesdrop. Get what you can about her, the Gem and its occupants tonight."

With that, he gave the younger Daggerhand a nudge. Orakan sniffed and rearranged his lips, not exactly eager to 'mingle'. His gaze turned towards where Sebastian had previously looked and he debated potentially canvassing the building instead. Inwardly, he cursed himself for not having his cloak handy. He tugged at the black linen scarf he had at his neck and drew it back up over the lower half of his face - it would have to do.

ooc I'll be back to possibly flesh this out more, just wanted to get it up in time!

[Kelski]

The party was a tremendous amount of work and planning. It had been no easy task to arrange for musicians, food, security, ambiance, and a situation where the very poor and the very rich could be equal if they planned enough ahead of time. No one judged costumes that were easier or simpler, no one judged costumes that were expensive or dripping in jewels. People were only trying to play the game… what were people trying to portray? It was all Kelski could do to get a large group of people together on even footing to see if they could forget their power struggles or smoke and mirrors as Vasin called it for one evening and just simply mingle.

It was too soon to claim she’d been successful. But so far, things were peaceful. People were eating, drinking, dancing, and even gambling. And truthfully, the Kelvic part of Kelski’s nature was in a sort of bliss to be a part of this and serving so many people to make so many happy. It was true the whole race was bred to serve, though the fact that this was a servitude of her choice made all the difference in the world. People were smiling, laughing, dancing, and it seemed that they were truthfully giving up on their grievances and wars, at least for one night.

Kelski made sure she always had a tray in her hand, either of food or drinks, that she could offer people to sooth hunger or thirst and as a way to introduce herself. Many would not realize she was the hostess because she was occupying a servant’s role. The Kelvic didn’t mind. The party wasn’t to show off wealth or flaunt influence. The Kelvic had truthfully no interest in the first, and no idea how to gain the latter even if it did mean anything to her. So she just pitched in, helping the hired staff where she could and even picking up trash as fast as it was discarded, to keep the place looking beautiful and at least a bit magical.

She was glad they were holding the event in a huge pavilion outside of The Midnight Gem. Kelski wasn’t sure how the building would have handled such a crowd and such a mix of emotions, half of which even a bell in were starting to get inebriated. The building wouldn’t have handled the situation well at all, Kelski thought, being young and new into the world, and curious of all sorts of things. Even now, outside the structure and adjacent to the even younger barn Architectrix, Kelski could feel both of the personalities and their structures straining to watch, thoroughly entertained though annoyed that the tent blocked their complete unobstructed view.

Sending reassuring vibes to both buildings, Kelski dropped off her empty tray and picked up another tray of drinks at the bar. She began passing them out as soon as she got out of the immediate range of the bar and ended up at a man that had a strange scar on his face and the eye patch over his eye. Was he blind on that side? Kelski thought perhaps he was, but didn’t offer comment or stare. Instead, she hefted the tray that had two more ales left on it, and asked quietly… “Would you like a drink?” A slight smile slipped onto her face at the question, both friendly and welcoming without being flirty.

“I like your paint. It must have taken bells.” She said simply, thinking to herself how much fun it must have been to get that much paint on. Maybe if they ever had such a party again, she’d go that route just for the thrill of having a totally different skin color, and perhaps the ability to pretend she wasn’t who she was at the end of the day.

Truth be told, Kelski’s own glued on scales made her feel exotic, and made her think she could actually do more and be more than a simple pale Kelvic. Konti lead incredibly long lives, unhindered by the shortness of their lifespan or a reputation that gave them a lower intelligence than humans. “I don’t really have scales, but hopefully you can’t actually tell.” She admitted to the stranger, trying to start a conversation. She hadn’t yet put on her ring of transference to tell the Xhyvas story, so she was just relying on her ability to make conversation, which wasn’t always first rate.

“Are you having a good time?” She said simply, hopefully that the rough looking young man wanted to talk.

[Orakan]

In a city like Sunberth - where desperation and violence superseded all other factors in an average citizen's day, dictating their every move, every action,- a party such as this one was a novelty.

The rare few who found themselves with affluence and influence preferred to keep their revelry tucked behind gates and heavily armed guards, only catering to themselves and the poor were left to make do with what little they had. Celebrations were embraced, of course, but not without the knowledge that any event could easily turn south: tavern gatherings fell into messy bar brawls, street parties into mob madness.. even the beloved Slag Heap saw its fair share of rapes and murder. Kindness and generosity were a rare thing, indeed, and there was little doubt a lot in attendance this evening were drawn here not so much for the free food and drink but to experience something so unlike what they were used to.

The free flow of music, laughter, drinks, mizas and food made most in attendance feel unburdened of the realities of what was beyond these lush pavilion walls, helped them escape - if just for a night - their struggles and fears. It was an interesting concept yet one a particular Daggerhand thug found himself unable to embrace. Despite this, he watched curiously, growing ever intrigued by the chime, observing those around him as they slipped briskly into a state of uninhibited bliss.

He was meant to be joining them - or, at least, appear to be joining them - but he felt rooted in the place Sebastian had just left him. His strengths were few, weaknesses many, and socialising happened to fall into the latter category. Sure, he could give cheek and carry on with his fellow Daggerhand but here, surrounded by strangers - made even more strange by costume and masks - his aloof arrogance faltered.

"Keep an eye out for anything that might seem important. Mingle. Eavesdrop. Get what you can about her, the Gem and its occupants tonight."

Orakan mentally huffed.

Deciding to focus on the former, he had just made up his mind to slip into the shadows and do his own bit of reconnaissance of the actual building when he was approached and - worse - acknowledged.

He seemed relieved when the woman asked if he wanted a drink. Easily confusing her as part of the help - just like many others had already done, he moved a hand up to hook a finger under the linen scarf that covered the lower portion of his face and pulled it down to rest against his neck. He cocked his head and allowed that youthful cockiness return and regarded her with little regard, barely even acknowledging her with his one visible eye. Instead he eyed the two pints of ales on offer and reached for one, drawing it to him before saying coolly, "I take it the other is meant to be yours." It was not spoken as a question but more like an accusation, no stranger to such ploys.

He took a drink, not expecting her to remain, let alone continue to talk... or talk so candidly, earnestly... so innocently.

Now he was stuck having to mingle. He had not had enough drink to play at being.. civil.

He sniffed and eyed her, face a mix of curiosity and suspicion. He took in her features - the colour of her eyes, the fall of her hair, the intricate detail of the scales on her face and costume that accompanied it, eyes roaming down the length of her, not caring one iota if the action made her uncomfortable - if anything, that would make this exchange all the better for him.


"Mhmm." It was potentially a noise of agreeance.. or annoyance, made more by his nose than his mouth. He wouldn't say the process of being painted was particularly enjoyable or one he would like to do again. Touch was one thing but Ashara's hands had been a bit too friendly, a bit too adventurous.

He attempted to not seem so curt yet his natural aloofness marred his attempt at this thing called 'good will'. "And yours." That's what people said, right? Just turned everything around when trying to be pleasant? His free hand lifted to motion to his own face as he tried to elaborate, "Your face. The paint," his brows pinched together as he came up with the more appropriate term, "make up.."

He nearly jumped to asking her outright what she was meant to be but Ashara's voice bounced around in his head.

"It's a costume party... there are prizes for best dressed. Ask questions. Try and puzzle things out. But do not - " and this was when her blue eyes had narrowed on him specifically, "try and get people to tell you directly. Think of it as a game."

"You like fish or something?"

And then, with that last question, he did his best to do as was expected of him - he pushed to know more about this benevolent proprietress that had put on this whole thing. Lifting the glass as if to cheers the air, he brought it to his lips, drowned a good third, and then added, "It's always a good time when there's free drink."

A pause.

"You know anything about the person who put on this thing? The Gem?" His brows perked as he spoke, the hand holding his glass gesturing towards the swath of spread and costumed occupants around them.

"It's a jewellery shop, right? She must be loaded. Gotta wonder if she's not makin' 'erself gold on legs."

There was a bit of honesty there mixed with some attempt at acting like an average, oblivious denizen. He hoped his prompting might lead to some more information being gained about this Kelski and her shop.

ooc Hope I gave you enough!

[Kelski]

Kelski smiled slightly. Being Kelvic, she had no qualms about one predator checking out another and sizing them up. It was as intrinsic to Sunberth as blood stains on one’s clothing. But at the stranger’s words, Kelski glanced at the ale left on the tray and chuckled. “I’m just passing out drinks. I’m not drinking myself.” She added, offering him the second drink for the other hand if he wanted it. AS to his words about her face and the paint on it, she simply chuckled.

“Sea Eagles love fish. We’d eat a fat belly out of a salmon every day if we could get away with such gluttony. That’s what I am when I’m not pretending to honor someone who I owe a deep debt too.” She said somewhat cryptically, well into the game but really not expecting anyone to truly not guess who her costume was of.

Tilting her head, she laughed lightly and tucked the empty tray under her arm – if he had indeed accepted the second ale. Kelski wasn’t much of a drinker, and when she did drink she by far preferred wine. Her tastes, while born into a slave’s life, were as upscale as they came when it came to drink and everything else considered craftswork. Then she smiled a smile at him that was mischievous and charming all wrapped together.

“You could say that. I know about her, at least a little. She calls herself Kelski. Born into slavery and crawled her way to wealth cutting gemstones and forging jewelry. I suspect all she wanted tonight was for the city to put aside their quarrels and enjoy a night of anonymous fun without worrying about which enemy will slit their throat next or what depth of misery they would fall to in the near future. I imagine she just wanted people to relax, have fun, and get a taste of what could be if they would stop fighting over scraps long enough to buoy each other up and be better people.” The Kelvic said, her eyes dancing over the hard man’s face. She had a joy to herself, an inner glow, as if the energy of the party had filled her to capacity and gave her more boldness than she usually experienced.

“Last night I killed someone in the name of love. Tonight, I get to glue on scales and dance with handsome men. Sunberth is a complicated confusing place. I’m sure it is reflected in The Midnight Gem and its owner as well. I bet it is even reflected in you.” The scaled woman said, swaying slightly as the bards started up another song. She turned then, handing the tray she had tucked under her arm to a passing server.

“Put down your drinks and dance with me.” She said abruptly, a charming smile on her face. “Dance with me and I will tell you more.” The white-haired woman said, holding out her hand and daring him to rise to the occasion. Her eyes glittered with even more mischief as she said suddenly…

“Unless you don’t know how to dance….” The words more a challenge than anything else, part taunt and part tease. Kelski wasn’t flirting. She truthfully didn’t know how. But the atmosphere of the party had affected her thoroughly and the song the bards were playing made her feet tap. The man before her was handsome enough, even with his scars which she truthfully thought made him look more dangerous than he should normally should look. But for all that, it was New Years and she was willing to take a chance.

[Orakan]

He watched her curiously, a noticeable furrow forming between his dark brows as she began talking about the diet of sea eagles as if it were her own. He took the proffered drink, draining most of his original one while he continued to listen, trying his best to make sense of it all. Was she a sea eagle? There had been talk of races that change forms - they could easily be found at the slave market - but Orakan had had little to do with them, himself. He had a habit of avoiding anything deemed 'different'.. and shape changing reeked of magic, making it all the more offensive to the native Sunberthian.

His single hazel eye stayed on her, unwavering, mind doing its best to make sense of the riddle she spoke in. A debt? To some... fish monger? This was something he'd prefer to dig into. If only he wasn't so bullish; Ashara - or even Sebastian - was better suited to this sort of business.

He finished his first glass and set it aside on a nearby table and straightened as she offered that charming smile. He gave nothing back apart from his undivided attention as she began to offer up playful morsels of information on the hostess. Most of the information was what he had gotten from his briefing but her reasoning for the party was much as he expected. It didn't change the oddness of it, the novelty of it. Generosity was a foreign thing in the city of anarchy. It was rare to find a giving hand that wouldn't turn into a fist at a moment's notice. Nothing came for free here and he couldn't help his suspicions.

Her energy reached out to him; warm and infectious, it would have easily lifted anyone's spirits, drawn them in to share in the joy and revelry. But Orakan was ever the cynic and took an unintended step back, as if to put distance between those... feelings.. and himself. He drank from his second glass, eye still hard and staring at her from over the rim of his glass.

He licked the froth from his upper lip, the paint there thinning more to reveal the tan, freckled skin beneath, "So a distraction?" He had figured as much. "From this one's experience, free flowin' booze mixed with high spirits 'n loose morals rarely ends in anything but rape 'n bloodshed." He shrugged indifferently, his pauldrons raising as the leather straps across his chest creaked with the movement. "Makes it seem like she wants to make Sunberthians go against their nature." He took another long pull, eye skimming over her face, "You can try and tame a wolf... but it's still a wolf. All Sunberthians know is to kill or be killed. Take that away and they're jus like anyone else. It's their identity."

There was no harshness in his voice despite the severity of his words and a hint of a smile found the corners of his lips in reply to what she said next. There it was. She was a killer too. There was a predatory gleam in his eye now, face having softened considerably, and his stiff posture relaxed a fraction. She sounded like a true Sunberthian then and he felt his interest grown.

It vanished the instant she asked him to dance with her.

That stiff, awkward and standoffish posture he had started off with returned, seizing his form. He didn't dance. He didn't do touch. Intimacy was a dicey thing - even if it was just frivolous fun. Her words were tempting but his feet held firm and his hand tightened around the glass he held. He had been enjoying what he had gotten out of her so far - even if it wasn't much beyond what he already knew - and had a feeling more would flow freely if he remained, if he played in to what she wanted. But Orakan was not that type of person.

Her challenge only made him want to bristle and the look he gave her, head tilted just so at an angle, was one of warning. He mentally weighed up his options, knowing full well this could be a missed opportunity for further information, but he couldn't. He wouldn't.

His eye dropped to her outstretched hand, looking at it as if it were a dagger, and took a deep breath and pull from his glass.

"Thank you for the drinks," he forced the discomfort from his voice yet the words still rang cool, "but you will have better luck with the other blue man at this party. He's wearing a helmet with bull horns. You should dance with him."

And that was it. Sebastian would do a better job, anyways.

He drained the last of his glass and set it aside, ready to turn away and get on with his original plan of canvassing the area.

ooc blah, I hope there's enough here for you!

[Kelski]

Kelski noted his indifference and his almost disdain at what was taking place here. It was as if the joy were an afront to his nature. She saw that in his stoic face and realized suddenly talking to him was about as productive as talking to a wall. Forcing square pegs into round holes wasn’t what Kelski was about, so she knew before they’d stood more than five chimes together talking that the man wasn’t into the whole forget about your worries and your strife theme. He dwelled deeply in his world like a tunnel weaver spider lurked in the heart of its nest, rarely venturing out and instead waiting for its prey to come to it… those curious and delighting in the mystery of an unexplored tunnel in a forgotten corner of a building or between some stones in the woods. She could almost picture him with the fangs of such a spider, dripping and eager for a meal.

The words rape and bloodshed rolled off his tongue too easily for him to be anything else, Kelski quickly decided. Though she answered him anyhow. “I don’t think she would be so bold as to try to change the nature of Sunberth. This city is a giant monstrous corpse rotting in the sun and its inhabitants are the flesh eating beetles that are happily eating the rotting meat from its bones. You can’t change the nature of those types of creatures. I’m fairly sure she knows it.” Kelski replied, glancing around. She was already looking for something else to do – a mess that needed cleaning, someone that actually wanted to dance, perhaps someone to talk to that wanted a discourse rather than have one forced upon him like this gentlemen was.

“Yes, its their identity and they are so proud of it. They defend it to the end, don’t they? Their kind of freedom though, isn’t free.” She said with a slight smile, her eyes twinkling even though her words were razor sharp. “Who knew? That such a place existed full of such proud people. Proud to live in filth among decay. Proud to be surrounded by greed. Proud to know death is just one mistake or one misplaced word away. Eat or be eaten. Such things to take pride in.” She shook her head, a slight disgust crossing her face. Who cared anyhow?

When he didn’t take her hand and thanked her instead for the drinks, she knew a dismissal when she heard one. She inclined her head, retracted her hand once more and swiveled on her heel. “Enjoy the party.” She said with a smile, actually meaning it, despite his obvious discomfort and borderline rudeness. “I’ll go find that man you speak of… the one with the horns. Thank you for the suggestion.” She said politely and left the man to his own devices. In a way he sounded so … broken. At least, that’s the way Kelski read it. She wasn’t sure she knew whom he spoke of so it would be nice to meet someone new.

Perhaps this time the other man would actually introduce himself.