Open Chronicles Feast at Urahil Manor- Vel Anir

[Bradford Urahil]

It was a warmer evening, the sun having set and the full moon providing adequate lighting on the manor. It was no coincidence, astronomers had been consulted to best insure the event took place on a day with a bright moon. Bradford Urahil was not a man who took chances, he was a man who made some think he had excellent luck, but that was not the case. He simply had an eye for detail and the resources to compile the needed information. As the evening moved forward, the manor itself was bustling with activity. A large feast was being hosted, and the manor, which was more so a palace in all sincerity, had been prepared for it. The location of it being a within sight of the city but outside of it, providing wide expanse of land, including a vineyard a mile away. A large silk carpet, red in color, led guests from the circular courtyard up the large stairs and into the front doors, where servants with glasses of wine and other liquor on trays toured around, their all black robes with golden colored lining distinguishing them from the many guests. A feast table was on the side wall of the large main hall, dozens of platters of food being refilled, with dishes from across the realm being snacked upon by the dozens of guests who had yet to move further into the home.

To the left of the main hall, lied a large doorway, flanked by house guards wearing simple chainmail and holding spears. Through the doorway came the ballroom, where the half dozen large tables sprinkled throughout the room provided a location of respite for those guests who desired formal dancing, a band of bards preforming high class music. Many other doors lied around the manor, though most were locked or guarded.

To the right of the main hall lied an identical doorway to the one on the left, and through there lied the main feast hall. Dozens of circular tables set up for various guests, all positioned with clears view to the horizontal, rectangular table which lied on an elevated platform, guests of extreme honour or importance dined here with Bradford himself, his chair centrally located but empty at the moment. Servants stood all around, ready to bring food to guests and help those personally invited find their seats. Those who came to the public invite and did not have their name on lists, found themselves seated on benches behind the tables with worse view of Bradford's table, having less arm room and less service than the circular tables. More bards here played livelier music, and conversation filled the feast hall.

Through the main hall, to the doors behind it, lied the gardens. A handful of servants and guards remained here, hushed conversation occurring, being droned out by the sounds of the white fountain in the middle of it all. A hedge maze lied even further from the house, though the only people who occupied it were those wishing for private conversation. No music played in the gardens, and a few dozen guests enjoyed the fresh air.

Finally of course, was Bradford Urahil himself, standing at the top of the staircase by the man entrance, he greeted guests as they exited their carriage, hands tucked behind his back. A polite smile tugged at his lips, and he exchanged brief niceties with those who desired it. A steward on the opposite side of the staircase took the names of those who desired a private conference with Bradford later in the night, for either personal or business reasons. Bradford was not an extreme fan of these feasts, though he found that he agreed with his father's teachings. You must hold a feast to remind the populace that you are rich, and to show face to those who must see your face in their thoughts. Beyond this of course, it was an excellent opportunity to collect information, all the servants and guards having their ears and eyes open for any tidbits of information that Bradford aclaimed parts of success too.

 

[Sullivan]

His elder brother Sebastian had received the invitation. It made perfect sense, he was the lord of the house and Sullivan merely minded to the finances. Kept track of imports, exports, and any other business ventures the proud Weiroon's found themselves engaged in. But, as was typical, Sebastian chose not to attend the dinner and instead requested that Sullivan attend in his stead. That was all well and good, everyone just adored the younger of the Weiroon siblings.

Great House Weiroon's carriage was opulent. Covered in frills, a deep violet in color, and pulled by glamorously black stallions whose coats shone in the light of the full moon. Once they arrived at the base of the stair case the ever loyal dreadlord Corinth stepped out first before aiding the overweight Sullivan Thaddeus Weiroon in his exit of the lavish vehicle.

They ascended up the stairs with the nobleman from Weiroon gesturing and waving at the other dignitaries and important folk on the lawn. Putting on a good impression for the plebeians was always important no matter how vile it felt. Once they had made their way to the top of the stairs they were greeted by none other than the man of the hour. Bradford Urahil.

"Bradford! It's been awhile! You must've been counting my family's money for quite awhile to afford this little dinner party," he said while reaching out a hand to shake. Banking was such a disgusting business. Relying on the hardwork of your betters and feeding on their leftovers. Weiroon used their services as a means of diversification and as an act of necessity but it didn't change the fact that banking was a job best suited for a weak house like Urahil.

Without further delay he made his way to the distinguished rectangular table in the banquet hall. He was certain to ensure a choice seat for him and the level one dreadlord by his side.

 

[Elise Virak]

Elise stepped out of her carriage with the bearing of a Queen. Her back was straight, her chin high, and her eyes peered down on anyone they passed over.

Behind her came two Dreadlords, each of them dressed in clothing she had insisted that they wear.

As she looked about even other nobles seemed to shirk away from her gaze, either too timid to meet her eye or remembering what rumors had swirled around Elise at these sorts of events.

This was the first banquet she had attended in quite some time, and the truth was she didn't miss them.

Most of her childhood had been spent at these sorts of functions. Talking to the other children of the Great Houses, trying to get under their skin, making them fall in love with her, and then ending their lives at just the right moment. A black widow the rumors had called her, though Elise had never much cared for spiders.

All of it had been a game, all of it had been to earn a better position above her siblings.

Now that they were both gone?

These things were beneath her.

Elise quickly climbed the staircase of the main house, a servant following closely behind her in order to ensure the folds of her dress did not touch the dirty cobbles. "Lord Urahil, so lovely to see you."

She said with what appeared to be a genuine smile, bowing her head for just a brief moment before continuing on into the Feast.

 

[Bradford Urahil]

Bradford watched the Lord's brother approach, shaking his hand and laughing at the joke. "Oh no, my friend, I don't count your brothers money, my underlings do that. I only counts the Kings money." He watched as the man walked away, glancing at his steward and raising his eyebrows. "What a fat bastard, who does he think he is?" He thought to himself.

He looked back at the courtyard, seeing the Baroness exit her carriage. As opposed to most of the guests, he smiled at her politely, offering her a courteous nod. "And a pleasure to see you, dearest Elise." He allowed her to walk in, before glad-handing a few more guests. The head servant standing behind him whispered into his ear, and he nodded curtly. His time period for glad-handing at the front door had ended. It was now his time to move on. He headed inside, leaving his steward at his post and headed into the banquet hall. He walked through the sea of tables, heading to his large chair on his platform and sitting, back straight and leaned forward, hands folded on the table. The head servant who followed with him stood slightly behind him, the occasional other servant walking to the head servant and whispering. The head servant would then occasionally whisper to Bradford, but not every time. This was how the flow of information worked at a Urahil feast. Servants were assigned to sectors, and anytime something noteworthy was heard by a working servant, they'd tell the assigned servant in their sector, who would go tell the head servant who, if deemed important enough, would tell Bradford. So far two affairs, a planned murder, and an insurance fraud had been discovered, whispers only working so well when the class of people present were generally blind to servants.

 

[Vittorio Vespa]

"Must I suffer these fools with you?"

"Please, Vittorio, none of your attitude this day. We are here representing House Sirl."

The uncloaked Dreadlord followed beside his mentor. Himmary and Vittorio being the Dreadlord escorts for House Sirl's oldest daughter, Jocelyn.

The apprentice was dressed much nicer than normal, even if it was still out there. He wore a suit of deep emerald, white cuffs on his pants legs and sleeve ends. His collar was deeply V shaped and he was catching quite a few glances from some of the ladies entering the feast. He couldn't care less as the first person he recognized was Elise, meaning one way or another, tonight would be terrible.

Jocelyn Sirl approached the building with the two Dreadords in tow. "You remember what we're doing here, don't you two?"

"Yes, madame." They said in tandem. The three entered the building and walked towards the tables, Jocelyn handing her invitation to the one who'd replaced Bradford at the door.

Their time here was to be used for seeing how Urahil functioned. Learning more on their servants lives and the way things were conducted. Not a hard job, but an important one for the furthering of House Sirl's goals. Vittorio's eyes darted around the room as he tried to avoid the gaze of those he'd already met prior.

 

[Sullivan]

Corinth didn't drink and that was always such a bother for Sullivan. The girthy man from Weiroon was already halfway down his second glass of wine. His only drinking companions the servants of Urahil and the ever so distinguished guests from the other houses.

"Good heavens! Is that little Elise?" Sullivan asked while spilling a small amount of his alcohol. "Your father still has you out and about putting on a brave face at these events? When you were a young girl he used to parade you around every gala in the city. Your hair all done up in curls like, why, like they are right now. I'm sure he's so very proud of his little girl playing at adulthood, yes?"

A crude smile surrounded the rim of his wine glass as he inhaled more of the red liquid. "Corinth! Say hello to little Elise and her dreadlord associates. I'm sure you know their names, yes?"

Without waiting for his defender to respond he arose from his seat and waved across the room towards Jocelyn Sirl's entourage. "My my, if it isn't Jocelyn Sirl herself. It's been ages, come on over my gal. We were just toasting to Miss Virak's good health!"

 

[Elise Virak]

According to her father Sullivan Weiroon was a fool, blowhard, and utter moron. A man who could not hold candlelight to any achievement ever made by even the lowest Virak.

The simple sight of him would have been enough to confirm that fact to Elise, and his words made her want to rip his heart from his chest. Rage boiled inside of her chest, anger and indignation that called for such violence it would silence this entire hall.

Yet she kept her mask on.

A decade of attending these balls, a decade more of life, and she knew well what was called for her in this situation. She was the Heir to House Virak, position to control the greatest military force in Vel Anir, but she could not lash out.

"Ah, Lord Weiroon. You appear as well fed and intelligent as ever." Fat and idiotic, was what she meant. "My father's pride soars with my recent suppression of Vel Stratholm more than my conduct at the Feasts."

A subtle reminder of the butchery she had just committed, one she would not hesitate to do again. "But I'm so glad your memory has not yet failed you."

She offered a smile to him, and then turned to Jocelyn.

"My dearest Jocelyn, it feels like ages since I've last seen you." Elise said with what could be mistaken for genuine warmth.

 

[Bradford Urahil]

After a few moments, Bradford stood, stepping off his platform and casually making his way over to Elise, Sullivan, and that little group. He took a wine glass off a passing servant, sipping it. If he was going to hold a massive feast in his house, at the very least he earned the right to watch Elise be snide to Sullivan, something he knew for a fact she was doing.

As he reached the group he smiled, patting Sullivan on the back. "Sully my dear friend, I hope you're not bugging these fine women are you? The paid ones come later in the night, I'll be sure to let you know when." He chuckled politely, nodding in greeting to the women. "Lady Elise, I hope your father is well. Unfortunate he could not make it this evening, though I assume planning the preemptive defense of settlements keeps him quite busy."

His head servant had remained on the platform behind Bradfords seat, and the whispers to him continued, Bradford briefly glancing at him to see if anything of extreme importance needed him. Nothing did. He turned back to the group and sipped his wine. "Will we see you dancing, Sullivan? Or are you going to remain in the feast hall or near the buffet all night?"

 

[Zana]

The slight downturn of Zana's lips was the only indication of her current discomfort, but for a woman whose face was usually a blank canvas it was probably akin to a sulking child's face. It was of course an honour to be escorting both Ashur-Kan and the Lady Criseida to Urahil's feast, but she would have preferred to do it in her armour rather than a dress. Whilst she had never been to such an event before, from what she had heard of others, what she expected to unfold over the course of the evening made her more uncomfortable than the outfit. She would much rather be drinking with Flo. The younger Dreadlord was probably having much more fun right now. However, she understood why she was there. Ashur hoped that something at the feast would trigger some sort of vision, a snapshot into what some of his closest enemies were planning.

Zana's eyes flicked briefly to the Heir to the House Luana now and then back to the window to watch their destination come into view. She was under no impression he was bringing her because he genuinely saw her as his favourite and saw it as a great compliment; it was more like being someone's favourite toy. And favourite toys changed.

As they pulled up to the manor house Zana stood and opened the door herself for her two charges of the evening, inclining her head a respectable amount as they stepped out after her, and closed it behind them. Her eyes swept the area as a habit and absentmindedly brushed at the dress: another very obvious sign to the two with her she was feeling uncomfortable in this field of battle. The dress she wore was a vivid scarlet red and the material ensure every single curve was highlighted. Her hair was twisted so the long mane was off her completely bare neck and shoulders, though a few tendrils of curls broke loose as was oft the case with naturally curly hair. The only decorations she wore were elegant teardrop earrings. Zana had been glad to hear the Lady was coming for she had been able to persuade those who were getting her ready to spare her on too much make-up: it was not to Criseida's liking. After her fashion she only wore colour on her lips and a tiny amount of charcoal around the eyes to further highlight their unusual colour.

"My Lord and Lady," a servant bowed at the waist to the respectable amount for Ashur and Criseida. "Most of the party are gathering inside, if you'll follow me." Zana fell into step behind them as they were led to the main hall.

***
Ashur-Kan Luana | Criseida​

 

[Vittorio Vespa]

"Shit." A minute curse escaping from Jocelyn's mouth. "Always with these fucking people- Oh my goodness! Sullivan, is that you? Already chatting up the beauties are you?" She stood up and said with a laugh. She was happy to see at least Elise was there. While somewhat batshit she could at least stomach Sullivan's presence with her around.

"Himmary." Jocelyn turned and set a hand on the table.

"Yes, madame?"

"Get some wine." This being a predetermined term for when to start gathering intel from some of the servants.

"Post haste. Vittorio, please follow our lady Jocelyn."

A roll of the eyes and an audible sigh from Vittorio's mouth, but no argument. Best behavior or not he didn't have to pretend to enjoy all this nonsense. He stood up and followed Jocelyn over to the table where Sullivan and House Virak's most unpleasant sat. They took their seats and Vittorio ACTUALLY got some wine. Needed if to deal with all of this.

Sirl's youngest daughter turned her gaze to Elise.

"Hasn't it been? I've been locked at home for so long I felt it'd a bright idea to show my smile again. As for you, you've been busy, haven't you? I've been hearing about a few of your escapades through the grapevine. Of course our Vittorio here has helped in a few of those circumstances, no?" She spoke politely while offering Vittorio a pat on his back, causing him to choke a bit on his wine. He took his handkerchief and wiped his chin with a stern;

"Yes." as his reply. He was just happy it didn't get on his suit. It was the first piece of clothing he'd actually found joy in.

When Bradford approached Jocelyn made it a point to stand and curtsy once he'd finished talking.

"Sir Bradford of House Urahil, you are too kind for your invitation tonight and me and my own thank you for the opportunity to dine with you."

Elise Virak Bradford Urahil Sullivan

 

[Ashur-Kan Luana]

Ashur-Kan departed from his finest carriage, a sleek and elegant design, minimal decorations of the highest quality, leading to a beautiful and simple final product. In recent years, the family had made a point of being less glamorous and ostentatious than their rival houses. The common-folk seemed to adore their simplicity, their so-called 'humble' attitude, furthermore, it kept many guessing about the state of their finances. Uncertainty was a good sentiment to cultivate amongst rivals after all. Unsurprisingly, Ashur's attire seemed to compliment his carriage. A simple yet masterful outfit of plain blacks, greys, whites and minimal splashes of colour bound together by gold thread.

He had been excited to bring Zana to this event, more so to see what insight she could glean from the friends, rivals and enemies that would cross their paths. For once, the smile on his face seemed to be out of genuine delight and not a mere act put on to appease others. Usually, he dreaded these galas, but he knew today would be different. Zana aside, he wanted to see Lady Criseida in her element and he was certain that even he might find himself following her lead tonight.

"Excellent, thank you, kind sir." He returned a nod and flashed a warm smile towards the servant. No doubt the servants would be swarming like flies tonight, eager to catch snippets and whisperings of conversations to report back to their masters. Regardless, he was the great and powerful philanthropist and heir of the Luana dynasty, he knew precisely how to style out such eventualities.

As they entered the banquet hall, a brief announcement of their entourage and station followed and Ashur-Kan surveyed the spread of people before him. It seemed as if all of Anirian society was out in force tonight, he wondered curiously as to what everyone was hoping for. Favours? Marriages? Political gains? No doubt he'd be pestered for all of the above and many more, thankfully he was not alone.

"Now, my Lady Zana, my Lady Criseida - where do we begin?"

 

[Sullivan]

The men of Weiroon were famous for their voracious appetites, good looks, and absolutely gargantuan-sized brains. Truly no finer stock in all of Vel Anir than the nobility of the Great House of Weiroon.

"I try to keep my physique in tiptop shape and I barely have to work to outwit many of my colleagues, as you well know my dear," he communicated back to Elise while gesturing at a servant for his third glass of merlot. "Vel Stratholm? Hmm, very good my dear, though I had heard a rumor that Lord Gabriel Banick was the one who brought that little town of heathens back into the fold. Perhaps my information was incorrect." Lies were useful, repeat them enough and every common idiot believes them to be true.

Then, the banker felt it was his turn to offer a truly cutting jab. "Jolly good Sir Urahil! Unfortunately, the women of Urahil are rather brutish looking and after courting the fair lady of minor house Geldayn I worry they won't be up to snuff." Sullivan took a long slurp of his newly arrived glass of wine before responding to the dancing quip, "I'll be right behind you on the dance floor Bradford, just let me know when it's time to put on a show."

Jocelyn hurried over next and it was really not much of a surprise for the financier of Weiroon. Everyone was eager to impress him, it had been this way his entire life. "My dear Jocelyn, always so good to see you. I don't need to chat up the beauties you know, they always flock towards me," he said with a proud wink as he sipped on more wine.

His wide neck folded over as his head spun to take note of the crier announcing the arrival of a contingent from House Luana. Ashur-Kan, Lady Criseida, and some dreadlord they dragged along. He tipped his hat but felt no need to summon them over. They'd have seen him already and would likely make a beeline for the most interesting man at the party.

 

[Elise Virak]

Briefly she once again considered what the reaction would be if she simply ripped Sullivan Weiroon's heart out in the middle of this feast.

She suspected that a great many of the present nobles wouldn't actually be all that upset, but the spectacle would be enough to cause quite a stir. Perhaps even give the other Houses excuse enough to band together against House Virak.

A pity. His death would be satisfying.

Yet she was patient.

"Gabriel was a great help. Despite his fathers wishes." Elise said with a soft smile, countering the small rumor with her own.

Sowing dissent among the Great Houses themselves was always fun, and everyone knew that Gabriel had a knack for going against his fathers wishes. Pointing everyone towards the idea that the young Banick was helping House Virak was certain to cause a nice amount of intrigue.

With a smile she regarded Jocelyn.

"Yes your Dreadlord." She mused. "A fine one he is, delivered a pirate begging for mercy directly to my feet."

Elise wondered if Jocelyn was still as squeamish as she remembered. "His execution was delightful."

 

[Bradford Urahil]

"Don't worry, Lord Sullivan, we get our women from outside our land. I wouldn't care to disgrace a Urahil woman like that." He chuckles again. "Well, I must return to my table. I'm sure there's issues requiring my attention. Please, enjoy the feast and let me know personally if you require anything." He drains his wine glass, handing it off to a passing servant and walking back to his table, sitting down and having his head servant whisper in his ear. He nods and glances at a table, where an older merchant not so subtly gropes the leg of a young woman sitting beside him, both seeming cheerful. Bradford's only indication of emotion is a twitch of his lips turning to a frown before resuming his normal, neutral expression.

A servant with several wine glasses on a tray walks over to the group of Sullivan and Elise, silently offering them more wine.

 

[Vittorio Vespa]

Vittorio's eyes panned over to Himmary speaking with the servants. She seemed to be struggling a bit. His mentor had a nasty habit of making her intentions a bit too clear so he worried she may not be able to persuade many loyal to Urahil to explain their livelihoods. He'd let it be for now. She could handle herself.

Jocelyn was unfortunately also terrible at something. Pretending she was okay. Vittorio noticed that Sullivan's overconfidence had caused an uncontrollable twitch in her eyebrow but she was trying to smile through it. Her frustration was palpable.

The eccentric turned in his seat to Elise, and bowed his head. Praise from this witch meant nothing to him but to ignore a compliment from her meant definite trouble down the line.

"I do not deserve your words, Lady Elise. I am happy to serve."

He rose from his bow and adjusted his seat before taking more wine in. The compliment had done a number on Jocelyn as well. Who was now visibly feeling sick.

"If you'd all pardon me for a moment, I've to catch some fresh air." The Sirl daughter said frantically, before turning and heading for the door, a cigarette being pulled from her brassiere. Leaving Vittorio confused and sitting beside those he detested. The waiter sent from Bradford just arrived, and he took two glasses with an emphatic;

"Thank you."

 

[Criseida]

The Luana Widow - as Criseida currently took pleasure in being known, having the distinction of being, at the moment, the only prominent member of the house whose husband had recently died - decamped from the carriage and followed her party along. She was, as had become normal, clad in black, but out of concession to the sense of occasion, her gown was trimmed at the sleeves and bodice with gold thread, giving the dress something of a sparkle in the candlelight. The dress was form-fitting, as was the fashion, but cut relatively modestly. It said: I'm in mourning... but not forever.

Like Zana, her makeup was minimal.

Speaking of Zana, Criseida had to admire the woman's dress sense. The color and cut of her dress were lovely and she certainly had the figure for it. "You must give me the name of your dressmaker, Lady Zana," she said conversationally as they made their way into the party. Criseida reached up to adjust the simple pendant she wore, ensuring that it lay just so in her decolletage.

"I don't know about you," said the Luana Widow in response to Ashur-Kan, her dark eyes scanning the party. She felt like she was at the markets in the square, trying to determine if there would be anything worth buying. It didn't look promising. "But whatever happens here tonight, it's going to be much more pleasant for all of us if there's wine." She looked around for a waiter, continuing the conversation as she did. "What do you hope to accomplish tonight? And how can I help?"

She lifted a finger at a passing steward, who stopped to allow her to take two glasses of wine, offering them to her companions. When all who wanted wine had it, she lifted her glass in a toast to Zana and Ashur-Kan. "To Luana," she murmured quietly before taking a sip.

 

[Zana]

Zana's eyes were already moving across the room placing the names to faces she already knew and making a mental note of the people Ashur would most likely want her to get information from. It was easy enough to do whilst still holding conversation. Breaking her usual facade she rearranged her face into something softer, a crooked smile that brought out the dimple in one cheek, the relaxing of her gaze so it gaze the impression she was interested in the conversation, and that slight tilt of the head she had seen women do that drew attention to the curve of the neck and further down. All a mask.

But for Criseida's question and offer of wine the smile was perhaps, at least partially, real.

"Of course, My Lady," Zana inclined her head, though she honestly had no idea who her tailor was. These were not occasions she came to and the dress had come with the instructions she would be attending tonight's festivities. Someone else knew what would suit her better than she had. As her fingers brushed the servants her body stiffened a little but she forced it to relax. She had grown used to these small visions over the years, had been honed to deal with the pain they caused, but she still didn't like them. Zana forced her eyes down in case the white veil that usually marred her unusual eyes was there in this moment and she turned her body slightly inward towards the group she was with. Even with the vision still clearly passing through her she sipped the wine as if she were merely remarking a private comment.

"Do not take a golden goblet from anyone," her brows pulled together again as she tried to see more. The vision was sketchy which meant the person delivering this poisoned golden chalice was still deciding something. Perhaps who to give it to, or perhaps whether to go through with it altogether. It could be for anyone in the room. The vision left her as quickly as it came and there was a slight tremor to her hand as she raised the glass and took a bigger swig this time.

 

[Sullivan]

"I'm sure Gabriel was rather helpful. Are you still so very smitten with the lad little Elise? You two made such a cute couple back when you were children," the moneygrubber from Weiroon kicked his head back to swallow the last of his wine. Just in time for Bradford's man to bring additional drinks for the table.

"Just bring a few bottles will ya?" he questioned both the servant and Bradford as the Urahil lord went to his private table. Once the man was out of earshot Sullivan looked back towards his attentive audience and declared, "leave it to a Urahil to think he's better than the rest of us. Going off to his own little table to count the scraps of gold we let him hold onto for us."

Starting on his fourth glass and hearing the mention of dreadlords caused an eyebrow to raise on his massive face. The goldilocks from Virak was actually offering a compliment to some Sirl dog? Ah, it was so she could disgust the wallflower of House Sirl, the woman incapable of even imagining the well-deserved death of some worthless piracy scum.

"I'm certain though, no offense boy," he said while briefly glancing at Vittorio, "that the Sirl lad was nothing compared to the talented dreadlord we surely sent." Sullivan giggled in delight before swiveling his head over to Corinth. "My boy, who did we send again? Was it you? Or Garvey? I can't recall who we loaned out to help little Elise with her little games."

"It was Ania sir," Corinth shared before drinking from his glass of water.

"Right! Ania! She is ever so loyal though I'm sure she helped you with your little project. Probably showed them Virak lads how it's done proper!" The financier from Weiroon emitted a mighty belch and then turned back to Corinth, "is Ania the blonde lass with the zip-zap lightning tricks or the pale girl with the crazy eyes?"

Corinth placed his glass back onto the table before remarking, "the crazy eyes, sir. She was my pupil when she was just an apprentice."

Amidst all of his gloating the lady from House Sirl stepped out for air, so she said. "No offense, but bad blood that house. Imagine a child of a noble family of Vel Anir who can't even stand the sight of blood. The real nobles get their hands dirty from time to time. Right Little Elise? Look, even the so-called house of the people over there have a dreadlord in their family line. Good, proper, Anirian blood." Sullivan gasped down more wine, nearly finishing his fourth glass before adding, "Sebastian guesses Sirl has some elvish in their bloodline. Wouldn't put it past the wretches, would explain a lot about their gentle demeanor and their ugly little faces."

Corinth attempted to stare at anything other than the bloated master he was sworn to serve.

 

[Bradford Urahil]

The wonderful Urahil servants were more than happy to continue keeping the Weiroon Lord's glass full. As the news of the Lords precarious words made its way up the chain of command from the servants, Bradford found himself amused by what the Lord was saying. Dangerous words indeed. Openly insulting his host, demeaning the skill of another houses Dreadlords, and accusing another house of being Elvish by blood. Very dangerous words.

Bradford debated intervening. Although perhaps it was better to let it play out, let the man further alienate his house from the other houses. Perhaps if he was lucky a feud would be started here. There was good money in feuds. Lords needed loans to hire street muscle and the likes. He noted the embarrassment that Corinth held for his master, perhaps that man would be interested in changing allegiances. Nothing like swiping a loyal servant trusted enough to come to a feast out from under a fellow house.

He thought all this as he gave his wine a slow sip. To his right some babbling merchant from one of the more successful merchant companies Urahil invested in was telling Bradford a long and utterly endless story. Bradford had yet to hear a single word of it. Though occasionally nodded and offered some neutral words of listening. "Sounds like interesting times." Was one such phrase he uttered in variation. To his left, his siblings sat, chatting quietly among themselves. Bradford scarcely cared for what they did, so long as it did not harm the family. They'd be married off in due time.

 

[Elise Virak]

Elise only rolled her eyes to Weiroon's latest comment, deciding that it wasn't even worth replying to.

Most of these galas were just a bandying of sniped words that had little to no effect on either party. There was some satisfaction in saying them, but nothing ever truly stuck. At least with those that had any force of personality.

So instead she simply stood, smiling briefly at the Noble. "I'll be sure to play more of my little Games, Sullivan."

Elise said as she began to move away.

"I wouldn't want you to miss out on the opportunity to steal more acclaim." Without waiting for the fat man to answer the Baroness began to wander across the Feast hall.

Her objective were those of House Luana.

They were the one House that Virak had stood in absolute opposition to for as long as anyone could remember. The two Houses had practically been at one anothers throats for centuries. It was a fact so deeply ingrained that most had forgotten even the originally reason why it was so.

Elise didn't intend on changing that, but there were games to be played.

 

[Ashur-Kan Luana]

Ashur-Kan smiled in a devilishly charming fashion towards his two extraordinary companions. His brain was already half a world away, considering the potential outcomes and prospects that could be established by a few simple exchanges at this disgustingly over-the-top ball. "To Luana" He replied with vigour and enthusiasm, before sipping a small mouthful of wine from the crystal. Ashur considered the question, he'd spoken to his father at length about this whole event. Currently, his house was in a favourable position and very little was expected to be gained from this outing. Their only goal was mere to test-run Zana's talent and see if there was anything worth knowing about the assorted nobility gathered before them.

He considered Criseida's question momentarily. Ashur trusted his Dreadlords implicitly, they were treated almost like family within his house, but that was it. They weren't family. He would need to maintain his reputation for humility, warmth and kindness. "Might I suggest, perhaps, Lady Criseida... We introduce you to some of the more esteemed Anirian nobles? It might ease your pain, somewhat, if we can take your mind off things and enjoy ourselves." His tone was sincere, yet bittersweet. Her late husband was his brother. He too would be feigning grief tonight. That said, the meaning of his words would be clear to Criseida. Play dumb, let them underestimate you.

Ashur's attention was brought immediately back towards Zana, concern briefly flashed across his face before it settled to its usual charming demeanour. "Hmm, it might not be worth alerting people. If we caused a panic now the culprits might escape... In any case, my skills should counter any poison. For now... Let us keep our eyes peeled... Does that sound agreeable to you Zana?" He flashed her a smile, he was a noble first, but a Dreadlord second. A low ranking one at that, but his healing skills were renowned. He was certain a lowly poison wouldn't elude him. That said if the toxin was consumed by one of the less desirable members of this crowd - Elise Virak springing to mind - he'd claim it was untreatable.

 

[Vittorio Vespa]

"Jocelyn has her vices," Vittorio snapped back to Sullivan with nary a thought. He looked up and down the man with a quiet anger. His eyes and tone were soft and polite but inside he couldn't think of a single reason not to gut the man for his horrid talk of his house's lady.

"As we all do, Sir Sullivan. However she works much harder than any overweight lout who deems it necessary to insult those around him, whilst having nothing to show for himself." The apprentice stood up and bowed to the Weiroon Dreadlords and to Sullivan, as Elise had already left.

"It would serve you well to remember that." He then snagged his wine and took his leave, exhaling sharply as he did so. He made his way back to Himmary as she finished speaking with one of the Urahil servants.

"Vittorio, where is our lady Jocelyn?"

"She's having a smoke."

"Well why aren't you still speaking with House Weiroon?"

"Well, it seems I've lost my temper."

Himmary smacked him across the temple lightly.

"Are you simple? I told you countless times to not act up while we were here. Are you trying to start a war between the Houses?"

---

Jocelyn stood outside with a cigarette hanging from her lip and a glass of wine in her hand. She'd always been a bit squeamish when it came to gore and violence, and talks of it even still had her in dire straits. That horrible Sullivan continuing to prattle on with his whimsical arrogance, and Elise's fake friendship. Never did these people change and she couldn't stand it. Her father would have been a much better guest to this. She felt a bit bad leaving Vittorio by his lonesome with the group but couldn't help but hope he mouthed off.

Her eyes kept darting from handsome strangers package to handsome strangers package as they came and left the feast. At least it'd be possible she could be taken for a ride tonight if she so chose.