Closed Things Not Forgotten (Fallon)

[Orion Michaels]

19th Day of Summer, 513 AV

Illythian District

20th Bell

Being in good with Leo Valini had its perks. One of them was in the fact that when there was an event he was hosting, Orion was informed. Rarely was it in a leisurely purpose, though. Valini had, for some reason or another, taken a bit of a liking to Orion, and decided that he wanted him around as a little undercover muscle at events he was hosting. The blue eyed squire wasn’t really sure why he’d picked him. While he wasn’t a slouch these days, he was far from an intimidating presence. Still, the promise of a little extra coin was hard to pass up when he wasn’t bringing in a single copper anymore.

Leo always insisted on one other thing when it came to these events. Orion couldn’t possibly attend alone. ‘Bring a date, Orion. No one would believe Orion Michaels wouldn’t show up without arm candy, right?’ Blue eyes rolled as he reminisced on it. For a man as stylish and trendy as Leo Valini, he expected that he’d realize that Orion could arrive without a date and still leave with one. Perhaps he was trying to stop that from happening . . .

Still, Orion knew exactly who he was going to invite, but he wasn’t going to be able to tell her what was going on. She was a tomboy. Dress? No. Make up? What was that? Going to a gala for the wealthy? Not a chance. So rather than tell her what was up, he just had her meet him places. Fallon Skylar would be dressed up and go to a ball tonight, and she wouldn’t know exactly what was going on until it was too late.

Orion had told her where to meet him, deciding it would be best that she not see him. After all, he was dressed up in fine clothing, clothing he’d purchased last season. Black satin suit with a silky white undershirt. Top off the outfit with a sword at his side and he could almost look like he belonged up here, rubbing elbows with the well-off of the city. He enjoyed it quite a bit, and sometimes he was left pining for it. The rigors of squire life rarely left him with time to do anything but train, patrol, or guard. He had to be Dinah to let him go and do this side jobs, but he was convincing enough it seemed. Or annoying enough.

Either way, Orion stood at the entrance of a large room, waiting for Fallon to show. He’d been here but half a season ago and it was quite the posh event. He could only hope that it would be the same this time, and that Fallon wouldn’t be miserable. He’d not force her to stay if it came down to it, but it would be better if she could just let loose and really have a good time. There was to be music, fine wine and dining, dancing, and everyone trying to be more elite than everyone else. What was to dislike about it?

[Fallon]

Dresses, they’re so damned uncomfortable!

It was with much distaste that Fallon quietly slid through the streets of Syliras up to where Orion had requested her presence. Wearing the dress that had been purchased earlier, the full adjustments made so it fit as close to perfect, Fallon had smartened herself up from her usual ‘tomboy’ state of breeches and a shirt to one of a proper lady. Or at least as close as she was going to get. Nails had been trimmed, every inch had been scrubbed, and the mane of hair had been pulled back from her face only to be clipped back loosely to reveal her somewhat slender neck. Even the Kukri was absent from her usual attire, much to her slight disappointment.

Then of course there was the hysterical laughter she received from her patron Sera Natasha Druva along perhaps with the dumbfounded looks from other squires of her looking like an actual woman for a change. She had to bite down her embarrassment and make a hasty escape before more attention was grabbed by passersby. Soft, polished, low boots patted quietly underneath the hem of her dress, the low noise different from her usual, heavier footwear. Swallowing she peered around the corner, unable to resist the urge to chew at her lip as she tried to recall the directions to her destination.

In all honesty however, Fallon was still oblivious to what exactly she was stepping into. And perhaps that was for the better. Although she had an odd dislike for the unknown, she also had to look at is as an opportunity to try and learn. On what exactly though she was unsure, time would reveal that one. Ducking forwards, Fallon saw the smartly dressed Orion in black satin and silks. Gingerly she approached him and the entrance of the large room, head bowing slightly as she closed in on him. She was not sure exactly what to do, greet him? Say hello? Act like everything was perfectly normal – which it quite frankly was not.

She gave a swallow, a giving a small wave with her hand before clearing her throat to speak up, “Fancy seeing you here Orion. Never imagined that I’d see you today.” She gave a winced smile, her fingers pulling at her sleeves to cover up her gnosis. She already felt awkward enough as it was and she did not fancy any further judgements upon her any time soon.

“So, I’m here. What have you got planned? Come. Spill now,” she hugged at her arms, “Don’t leave your… your… well whatever I am waiting.”

[Orion Michaels]

”Look at you, acting so cool.” Orion grinned, stepping forward to meet his friend with a quick embrace. ”Fancy meeting you here, she says. How uncomfortable does that say you are?” With his usual teasing tone, he offered his arm for Fallon to link with him. ”Try to keep that smile up. It’s really not gonna be that bad. It’s not every day someone gets to be Orion Michaels’ date, you know. It’s not appropriate for you to be so unnerved.” He enjoyed playing things up, over the top at times. It was no honor to be a date of Orion, if you asked him. Still, it could be fun to play the part.

Walking towards the entrance, Orion reached into his pocket, pulling out his invitation to the gala. ”This is an event being thrown by Leo Valini. We’ve got the absolutely great privilege of attending as guest of his. Great music, wonderful food, and the best of wines. You should cut lose and enjoy yourself. We’ve all been training hard, you know? Sometimes it’s nice to just relax and enjoy the show.” Orion showed his invitation to the man standing guard; he and Fallon were allowed to pass without any issue.

The inside of the building was as splendid as the last time he attended. Chandeliers made of the purest of crystals. Exquisite murals, paintings, and tapestries lined the walls, each and every luxurious item there not only to create a beautiful scene, but to boast of the wealth he held. Mr. Valini rarely spared any expense when throwing balls, parties, galas, whatever you wanted to call them. He had to outdo Mr. Kale Belmont, didn't he?

"So, what do you think, Ms. Skylar?" Orion released her arm, taking a few steps to snag a couple glasses of wine from a passing server. "Here's a side of Syliras not many have the privilege of viewing. I think it a tad bit overrated, but at least the booze is free." Grinning, he offered up one of the glasses to Fallon, taking a sip from the other. "There are plenty of things to partake. The fruit is out of this world. I might even make you dance later." He would need to move about the place, looking for any trouble as it were. Kale was sure to make an appearance as always, and Mr. Vallini wanted Orion to make sure he didn't give any of his guests a hard time, as he oft attempted to.

[Fallon]

Fallon accepted the embrace, and in a teasing tone responded, “What do you mean acting?”

She accepted his arm, allowing him to lead her and escort her onwards. She knew the weight his name carried, and the slightly more negative traits that followed after it. She knew of his nature, she was no fool to that. Her back straightened, eyebrow raising slightly as she gave him a look. The scene was being explained to her, the people and the presence of those of name. Lips pursed her steps falling in line with his. She could have commented further, but chose not to. Things would be revealed in all good time.

Eyes turned to the luxuries of the nobles, the low gossiping voices of those of the Illythian District. Although she could not exactly comment on the state the of the event, she could not help but feel slightly out of her league with such powerful names working their way around her. Once released, and the glass of wine presented to her by her companion for the night was finally excepted, did she truly take in what was all around her. There was a moment of contemplation as she inhaled the light fumes of the wine, the faint tingling sweetness existing there for a mere tick before she gave a sip.

There was however that nagging feeling, despite the attempted reassurance of fun and well being that the squire insisted there was. Her mind turned, her sight searching and meeting others. There was a few questions, that mumble in the background as to the date of Orion. She exhaled, looking towards a man who was hovering nearby before returning her attention to the present situation.

“In all honesty,” she gave only a brief glance over her shoulder, spying something before looking back to Orion, “I do feel slightly watched,” there was a moment as she leaned in and whispered into his ear, “More so by the unusual gentleman over there.” Pulling away she gave a gentle incline of the head before she pulled away, “Make me dance? It will require a lot of persuasion, more so as I have two left feet. Besides, I think the other women may be jealous to see you with me.”

There was a pause, “Unless of course you are exceptionally desperate to take me for a spin around the room.”