Private Tales Dinner and Daggers

[Vulpesen]

Music rang out from the end of the ballroom where a small stage like dais supported a full band, eagerly plucking at lyres and playing on flutes. The food was delicious and patrons gossiped, flirted, and talked amongst each other as they meandered from table to table, their fingers wrapped around glasses of shimmering sparkling wine. At the waist of every man was a small sword designed for dueling, and even the women held some weapon on their bodies, whether it be a sharpened hair pin, or a barbed ring. This was Veradune, a place where savagery met civilization.

This particular ball, one of many hosted by the locals, was run by the distinguished Herverick Crasios. A philanthropist among the Veran people, the zorren man, despite being in his prime, had never spent any time marching against the enemies of the fae joined city. He had however, given no small amount of his gold to the causes of the Veran Government, the Vitae Alliance, and their fae counterpart, the Vitae Court.

It was that bountiful generosity that had eventually caught the eye of Varos and Rerreno. The lords of Shadow and Diplomacy, while thankful for the influx of gold, had nonetheless been curious as to its source. And what had started as an innocent bid to sate their curiosity had led to a quagmire of false accounts and wild goose chases that led to a singular conclusion. Lord Crasios’ finances were anything but clean.


That conclusion had led to the two agents that now walked through the door, both dressed for the party yet holding an entirely different purpose from merriment. “Remember, Lord Varos wants this done quiely. As far as anyones aware, we’re here to dance, drink, and make merry.” His tail flicked behind him as a hand moved to smooth his uniform. It was perhaps one of the nicer perks of his position as the voice of the brothers Vitae. Always on duty, he was expected to forgo the stuffy doublets and other useless adornments that were often worn by the nobility in favor of the more professional looking dress uniform that the Brothers had issued him.

Shayleigh

 

[Shayleigh]

Shay's nerves were on edge, not from fear or hesitation, but from the anticipation of it all. She had been itching for this moment for what felt like forever, and now that it was finally here, she couldn't contain her excitement. The brothers had given her smaller tasks in the past - investigating minor issues and meeting with diplomats, which did lead to a great opportunity - but nothing compared to the magnitude of this mission. As a server walked by with a tray of drinks, Shay's hand shot out instinctively, grabbing a glass and bringing it to her lips with a smile towards the man carrying them. "Thank you," she purred before taking a slow sip, savoring the taste of the sweet liquid.

"No one will suspect a thing, promise." she added coyly, knowing that her true intentions would remain hidden under the guise of innocence. The ball was a luxurious affair, filled with elegance and opulence. It was the first one she had ever attended and despite her desire to fully enjoy it, she couldn't ignore the unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach. What they believed they knew about Lord Crasio's reputation made it difficult for her to enjoy any of it, the music, food, and dancing.

But there was no denying that she looked the part of a noble lady. Her emerald green satin gown was unlike anything she had ever worn before, but it hugged her curves perfectly and accentuated her figure. The lace detailing on the bodice added a touch of femininity while the corset lacing at the back emphasized her slender waist. The skirt, crafted from the same fabric as the dress, cascaded down in layers of silk and tulle, giving it its fullness. As someone who had grown up in the woods, these extravagant garments were foreign to her, but she couldn't deny that they made her feel beautiful and desired.

A cascade of ginger locks had been expertly gathered into a loose bun, allowing a few rebellious curls to frame her face. This seemed to be the favored hair style among the people here. Her sharp, emerald eyes scanned the lively crowd of dancers and bystanders, taking in every detail with a practiced ease. Without hesitation, she reached for his hand and tugged him towards the center of the gathering. "Come, dance with me" she urged with a mischievous grin playing on her lips. "It's easier to keep an eye on everything from here." She leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "Besides, I know you secretly love dancing." Shay couldn't help but chuckle at her playful teasing as they swayed to the rhythm of the music, an obvious joke.

Or was it?

Vulpesen

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen had snatched his own glass of wine, draining it in moments as he surveyed the ball, one ear flicking towards Shayleigh as she spoke. He smiled politely and easily to the lords and ladies that passed him, his tail flicking back and forth with a conscious effort to keep up the appearances of a man simply there for the party. Shayleigh's invitation however, instantly drew his attention, golden eyes momentarily widening as he turned to regard her.

"How could I refuse?" He lifted a hand to take hers as they slipped through the crowd and onto the dance floor. "Though it may be difficult to blend in with such a beauty on my arm." With each step, his ease returned, sure swordsman's feet smoothly matching the rhythm of the band. The dance he loved was one of blades and blood, a soldier's life having drilled into him the footwork for a battlefield. But before that time, he had grown up a noble. Vulpesen certainly knew how to dance. It had been drilled into him by many an instructor's switch.

It was no secret that the heir of house Torrevaso rarely exercised his tutelage, but even he wasn't fool enough to deny the chance to dance with the grace and beauty of the fae. He'd never been one for the pomp and ceremony of court, but dancing did have some pleasure to be enjoyed when one was with fair company.

Shayleigh