Fable - Ask For the Children...

[Mina Pirian]

Vel Anir
Pirian Estate


​

The invitations had been sent out to all the Noble families of Vel Anir. Everyone in the family was welcome for this charity gala that would hopefully raise money for the poor orphans who were not gifted enough to find their home in the Dreadlord Academy.

It was the first gala that gala that Mina Pirian was hosting and she had spent way too many hours making sure every single thing was perfect. She had, of course, used the knowledge of her parents and her older brother to get prepared for this evening. The waitstaff and the caterers were all trusted by the Pirians and they had been used before. The auctioneer, the decorators, and the musicians were also no strangers to this estate.

She had pulled out all the stops and she was ready. She could do this. Mina had only been out of the Anirian Guard for a few months now and she was determined to help others. Tonight those others were the orphans. The non-magical ones, duh.

She stood in front of her mirror and gave herself one more look to make sure she looked as beautiful as this evening was to be. She did. Her black hair had was loose with large waves coalescing through it and her makeup was simple yet refined. She wore a dusty blue a-line gown that had beautiful floral details stitched on the bodice. She thought she was on point tonight.

With her inspection complete, she made her way down to the ballroom.

​

Mina stood in the gilded bathroom and smiled. The alcoves were ready for guests to sit and gossip. There were several tables with gold linens and chairs arrayed around the edges as well as some standing tables dressed the same way. The musicians had been set up and the servers had started to walk around the room with drinks as well as finger foods.

It was time to welcome her guests.

 

[Val Pirian]

While not nearly so garish as many of the other manors belonging to the noble Houses in Vel Anir, the Pirian estate was still quite the elaborate, magnificent display or art and architecture. Mina's mirthful meddling had pushed the state of it up to eleven, however, as those throwing events such as this were wont to do. This was, to the best of Val's knowledge, his little sister's first time organizing something like this, and was almost a debutante sort of event for her in and of itself.

No wonder, then, that she'd spared no expense in making it as ideal as she possibly could. The heir to the Pirian throne had dressed himself to the nines on Mina's behalf, waiting in the gathering area in a suit that he fancied as quite dapper and sipping at a wine glass. While Val was not frequently one for such stuffy, formal occasions, he would be a fool not to support his sibling at a time such as this. Not to mention, this sort of charity thing was one of the types of events his House was most well known for. Not to attend, being the first in line of succession as he was, was a faux pas he'd not soon stumble into.

Besides, it had been some time since he'd gotten to mingle with some of his fairer fellows. Perhaps he'd be able to turn an otherwise droll evening into a memorable one. Not at Mina's expense, of course.

 

[Jiya Luana]

"That young Val , now he's a good match. If that's not too bold, Miss," the maid added hastily when she caught the sharp annoyance in her mistresses gaze in the mirror. But Jiya Luana did not reprimand the young girl who was one of three helping her get ready for the nights charity gala. Instead she sighed and merely shook her head instead causing one of the other women to make a noise of irritation when it disturbed her work on Jiya's hair.

"It is not, I told you you were welcome to speak your mind. I just wish this wasn't a conversation I had to have at all," the maid sagged in relief and hurriedly went back to applying the light layer of kohl she wore beneath her eyes. Her Estate Holder and one of her fathers most trusted advisors had brought up the topic of an heir that morning and the house was now abuzz with the servants different suggestions on just who that should be.

"I think one of the Weiroons would be better - Andro...."

Jiya tuned them out and went instead to the quiet bit of her mind that was currently working out how to work the clever piece of anti-magic technology she was developing into a gemstone so she might wear it upon her at all times. Once the evening was over she'd be straight to that workshop..

* * *
​

"Well, at least it is in aid of a good cause," Jiya murmured as she stepped into the elegant ballroom. No surface had been spared from the organisers it seemed. Everything gleamed and shone like a precious jewel. The people were no different. Ballgowns swished across the freshly polished floor in different silks and colours, feathers and gems glinting in different noble ladies hairs. The men strutted like peacocks in a mishmash of traditional uniforms with polished medals and the aristocratic tailored suits that were so in fashion right now.

The eldest daughter of Luana had never been one to stick to traditions however. Her own ballgown, whilst done in the wide skirted, tight bodiced style of the time was made out of bold patterned cloth in bright oranges, yellows and bronze that spoke of the lands from which her family had one came. A few glanced in her direction and murmured but she paid them little heed. If she affronted their sensitive nerves they should think themselves lucky she hadn't picked the suit.

Taking a glass from a passing waiter she thanked him and received a tentative smile in return. It was a marked change from the Urahil event she had attended last week where servants dare not look a person in the eye out of fear. The Pirians had far more in common with Luana than the other houses so Jiya wondered what it was that had kept her father from extended friendship in the past as she wandered about the hall.

 

[Kavaros Tal'deneshaar]

When the invitation from the Pirians came, it was almost a shock to the Tal'deneshaar's. After all, in the two decades their holdings had been beside the Pirian lands of Vel Numera and Stryfe's own efforts in patrolling those lands, they had seldom received an invitation in the past. Perhaps this invite was warranted from their most recent aid to Vel Numera. Regardless, though theirs was a minor House, their ideals often aligned with Pirian.

While Rangvaldr was away, it rested on Kavaros to represent the family for such a noble benefit. So he would. Despite being trained in court affairs, Kavaros would very much be out of his element, as he had grown used to the solace of ranging the borders of their lands.

Unaccustomed to galas, he would wear a dazzling combination of his dressiest looking leather armor with a vest of banded mail, the mail on the interior, so as to not be outright and seen. The overall apparel would be black, save for the silver gryphon crest of his house upon his left shoulder, and the Kaliti scarf his uncle had sent him. The scarf itself was hues of yellow and orange, tied about his person in the manner of Rangers.

His dreds were tied up and back, with his goatee sporting the traditional Kalitian beads. After all, most believed they were in fact from the Empire.

He arrived at the state and garnered some looks, his appearance he was sure, was fairly uncommon. "Here goes nothing.." he mused before he looked around. "Dammit.. that kid is always late.." He would then take the stairs two at a time as he headed up to the main doors, presented his invitation for entry, and crossed the threshold.

He was used to the North and the frontier, he hadn't seen this many nobles since the Revolution. Kav stopped short in the ballroom entrance. He would quickly discover he was vastly under-dressed. Valdr was going to kill him.

"Think of the children.." He mused before he plastered a smile onto his face and entered the ballroom. He needed a drink and quick.

 

[Kailani Anela]

Kailani had already been in the ballroom when her twin entered and she immediately excused herself from the conversation she had been engaged in. He looked quite handsome but she could tell that he was completely out of his element. Even though Kailani was a warrior and sorceress, she loved this shit. She had spent enough of her life in pants and uniforms that she took any opportunity to get all dolled up.

The younger twin glided up to Kav and smiled brilliantly at him. "Don't look so worried, Kav, I will look amazing for the whole family because who knows what Drastus is going to show up wearing." It did worry her a little since she had not seen her little brother in ten years or so...not since the Dreadlords took him. She did not even know what he looked like anymore. He was not longer a child.

As for herself, she was dressed to the nines in her favorite color of gold. The two piece outfit was mostly white with gold applique on both the skirt and the top. Her locs were up in their intricate bun with gold beads set throughout. Kailani looked beautiful.

"Is it weird that I am nervous about seeing Drast?" She asked softly as she plucked two glasses of something bubbly from a passing tray and passed one to her Kav.

 

[Elise Virak]

Elise Virak swept into the room like a Queen.

Her gown was of the most elegant silks, colored in the black and red of her House. A beautiful diamond near as large as her fist hung around her neck, and the earrings she wore could have paid for an entire fleet or merchant ships.

She carried herself as though the room already belonged to her, chin held high, back straight. Eyes swept over the room, as though she were judging the worth of every thing, and everyone inside. A small smile plucked at the edge of her lips as she noticed a few familiar figures, the expression seeming the most genuine thing in the world.

Teeth sunk into her lower lip for just a bare moment, and then she floated forward.

As she made her way more than a few approached her. Some holding small glasses of wine, others offering simple words to entice her into conversation. "So nice to see you here Councilor Thelwin, we'll have to speak later."

She said to the former merchantmen, dragging herself through the crowd.

"Yes, I read your proposal Representative, but now is hardly the time to discuss it. Perhaps in the morning." Elise told the dour looking woman who had tried to snatch her from her path.

It happened twice more as she broke through the party. An unfortuante truth of her new position as both Councilor, and the head of House Virak. It was all she could do to bat them away until finally she managed to reach her intended conspirator. "Val!"

Genuine warmth wrapped itself around the greeting.

"Where have you been hiding yourself?" She asked her old friend. "It feels like I see Aisling more than I do you."

Which was saying something, considering their mutual friends new position.

Val Pirian

 

[Marcus Quillon]

Marcus wasn't always one for big social gatherings like this gala, but it made for an excellent break from running the foundry and furnaces with his father. steel was an important commodity and a competitive one, though Quillon steel was known as the best in Vel Anir, thanks to him and his father's work.

Marcus was wearing a simple green outfit, nothing too fancy or extravagant, just something that was expected and reasonable to wear, he wasn't one to care too much about fashion he left that to his older brother, he wasn't a hypochondriac obsessed with his appearance but he didn't ignore it either.

Marcus didn't drink, he was sober and always had been, something one of the teachers had instilled during his youth, to know how to enjoy and abstain from things that most find hard to abstain from and all too easy to enjoy, but another thing was in still in him was to help others, and that was this gala was about.

"That it is" Marcus would reply to the lady Jiya Luana that had entered the room recently, he tried to remember most nobles but that was near impossible so he made to remember the ones that were coming tonight. he had heard many things about here but he was never one to believe gossip or be to content with first impressions. "Marcus Quillon of House Urahil." He would introduce himself to the lady with a slight bow.

 

[Mina Pirian]

Mina was making her rounds to welcome her guests like a good hostess should. She made sure to thank everyone for attending, told them about the auction that would be happening later, and promising to speak again soon. She was walking towards the musicians when she saw the most amazing thing.

Elise Virak was at her gala!

She took a deep breath so she did not scream in excitement as she changed directions and headed towards where Elise had stopped to speak with Val. Mina knew Elise, of course, because she was childhood friends with Val but she did not know her. They were not friends and the fact that the Head of the Virak House would come to her gala.

OH MY GOSH!

"Lady Virak," Mina said with a huge smile and a bow of her head. "I am honored that you have chosen to attend my gala this evening. I hope you have an amazing time."

Elise saying a good thing about Mina's gala to literally anyone would be a good thing. The flipside was also true though.

 

[Logan Banick]

Three men rode in the carriage. One smiling, one pensive, one wary.

And he who was wary was Logan Banick. It had been a good many years since he had seen his brother Walter or their cousin Garron. He had kept up with the goings-on of the Banick family as best he could from his station in the north, of course, but there would always be some things which escaped him.

Unbeknownst to Logan, he was riding in a carriage with the two men who had orchestrated the Battle of the Blades, House Banick's clandestine attempt to embarrass House Pirian seven years ago. Logan did not know it. No one did, not now anyway—no one save Walter, Garron, and Garron's bastard half-orc son, Duresh. But what Logan did know, what he could see, was the odd tension between his brother and his cousin. Walter seemed reticent, Garron almost exuberant.

Every word that dripped out of Garron's mouth seemed laced with undertones, like some subtle poison.

"Our good friends, the Pirians," Garron said, lounging back onto the seat cushion in the carriage. "Should make for a lovely evening, hmm, Walter?"

Walter, who sat hunched over with his elbows on his knees, hands entwined, head down, looked up briefly and cast his eye to his cousin. "Lovely enough, Garron."

Garron barked out a laugh. "You've got to learn to have a little more fun, Walter." A low voice, grinning, conspiratorial. "Like the old days."

"Share, if you would," Logan said, trying to coax out the secret he sensed between the two men in a casual tone. "I enjoy being regaled with tales of mischief from days gone."

Garron, seven years Logan's senior, shifted his devil's gaze to the younger man. "Do you, now? Ah...Logan. When are you going to give up playing soldier like some fodder peasant and return to your proper station? That's the order of things, Logan. They die to protect us. Simple as that." And then a quick glance back to Walter. "Personally I'm shocked you even allowed Ralene to be taken to the Academy. How many times do I have to say it? She's a Banick, not some commonblood bitch."

Walter looked up again. This time, the gaze in his eye was razor sharp.

Logan stepped in, speaking before Walter could. Whatever was going on between those two, the subject of Ralene threatened to set it to burst, and Logan wouldn't stand to see some embarrassment befall House Banick tonight. "Garron," his tone had a sharpness to match Walter's gaze, the tone of a stern officer of the army, and Garron, perhaps despite himself, whipped his head back around to regard Logan instead of Walter.

Logan stared down his cousin. Garron put up a defense, trying his best to match the intensity of Logan, but he lacked the killer's eyes of the younger man—he'd not seen war as Logan had, and what violence that had be wrought had never been by his own hand but ordered through others.

"Maintain your bearing tonight," Logan said, his voice icy. "Or I'll correct it for you before I return to the north."

Garron tried for a moment longer to best Logan's stare, but then conceded. Laughing it off as it were all a jest. Oh, after all, despite the churlish interjection of his knightly cousin, Garron would have a grand time at Mina Pirian's silly gala. What better place to exalt in the keeping of a secret, to walk among the Pirians and know that it was him, oh yes, him and Walter (before duty consumed him, anyway) who had seen to Kristen's misfortune. Shame it worked out by chance in their favor—those imbecilic pirates had every advantage and still were defeated. Oh well...but as it was said, there were always opportunities for second chances.

"Of course...Logan," Garron said. "I'm a model of Banick pride and dignity."

"See that your actions match your words."

The rest of the carriage ride, short as it was, happened in silence.

* * * * *​

In through the front doors of the Pirian Estate strode the two brothers and the cousin of House Banick, Logan in the middle, Garron to the left and Walter to the right. Servants at the door accepted their cloaks, and then it was through the foyer to reach the ballroom.

Logan, only having arrived in Vel Anir earlier in the morning from his travel, didn't know who or how many would be in attendance tonight. Yet, from the sound of it, the din of conversation and lively activity ahead, it seemed to be quite the fair number. The Revolution had shaken up everything that was Anirian, but the nobility was firmly entrenched, this night the proof of it.

The three men wore tailored suits (Theodore kind enough to ensure Logan's was provided for him). While Walter and Garron each wore purple ascots, one of House Banick's colors, Logan differed, wearing a blue ascot instead. Blue with gold trim, same as his cloak when he was armored, same as the colors of Anirian Knights of the Army of the North.

Into the ballroom they walked, and Logan stopped as Walter and Garron continued on. He had to take it all in, the sheer environment of it all. Not only the people, all dressed in their finery, but of the splendor of the ballroom itself.

Kress. It truly had been years, hadn't it?

 

[Val Pirian]

Truly, Val had a love-hate relationship with these sorts of festivities. On one hand, this was practically his natural environment; Val was a social butterfly, the life of any good party, and most nobles would be remiss to host an even such as this and not have Percival fucking Pirian in attendance. On the other hand, there was always that nagging sensation of responsibility that he so loathed, especially when playing the part of host was involved. Just the knowledge that this was an obligation rather than something that was purely voluntary put a bad taste in Val's mouth.

This was, however, for Mina. That alone was reason enough for him to grin and bear it as he watched countless nobles, great and minor, file into the hall. It didn't hurt that his younger sister was also technically the host; he was just here for moral support, and to make sure nothing went awry beyond recovery.

Still, it was interesting to see so many disparate faces entering there wonderful Vel Numeran home. Hard to believe that little more than a year ago his mother and father had considered many of these people to be their mortal enemies, and now they were fraternizing with the lot of them like it was an average Tuesday. It seemed the new mistress of House Luana had chosen to attend; she was a curious one, that Jiya, one that Val hoped to get the chance to speak with at some point. Oh wait. O, gods, were those the Banicks that had just waltzed in? Val resisted the urge to wretch.

Thankfully a warm and familiar greeting shook Val from the thought of purgation. Val turned to face his old friend Elise, offering her a warm and genuine smile, as well as a prim yet familiar kiss on either cheek.
"Elise! Gods above, I've missed you. The old man has been running me ragged ever since this new republic business came about." He returned that warmth of her greeting with one of his own before offering a jest in his usual style. "Heavens above, I'm surprised your neck hasn't collapsed under the weight of that glorious rock you've hung from it. Your suitors will surely die of inadequacy at the sight!"

Just then, Mina came bounding up. Sometimes it was easy to forget how star-struck people tended to get around the Elise Virak when he'd been companions with her since childhood.
"Ah, yes. Elise, this is my little sister, Philomina. You'll have to pardon me, I'm unsure if the two of you have already met or not. She is both the organizer and prime benefactor for this lovely evening."

 

[Jiya Luana]

Jiya stuck her hand out to shake the other nobles hand before she could remember exactly where she was. She could hear her mother shrieking at her to curtsey and gave a slight wince. Well, it was done now and she was not one to make herself something she was not so she kept her hand extended for the more common handshake and merely prayed the other noble was not so stuffy that he might turn away and sniff at the gesture.

"Jiya, of House Luana," she responded with a smile. Internally she diligently made her way through the carefully made mental files on important and notable figures in Vel Anir. Urahil had been a part of the ruling alliance alongside her family, House Banick and House Sirl. Much like how she had wondered earlier why her father had not chosen to ally himself with a House in clear harmony with Luana's ethos, she wondered now looking at the young member of House Urahil what exactly had made him choose this House instead. Even out of the labs it was hard for Jiya to shake her natural curiosity for unsolved theories.

"A pleasure to meet you."

* * *

Marcus Quillon​

 

[Kavaros Tal'deneshaar]

Kavaros would turn to the sound of approaching footsteps and offer his twin a short-lived smile. "No House colors, nor sigil." He'd tut. "Valdr will be disappointed." He added with a smirk.

He glanced around the ballroom, there were a few he recognized on reputation alone, the rest were absolute mysteries. At least he could identify their Houses. "I would be more concerned about what Drast arrives riding on." He wasn't worried, their younger brother was like Kai, he loved to dress up.

The problem lied with his behavior. "Fear not, I can identify him for you. You missed him when he returned to Vel Ehn to help sort the business here." He looked at the glass he was offered. Yup.. it wasnt mead. It would be a long night. He sighed before taking a cautious sip of the drink, his hawk-like gaze falling on a few pleasant forms. At least some of the sights were nice though.

 

[Kailani Anela]

"Only one of us can be the good child at a time. Tonight is your turn, my dear brother." Kailani said and took a sip from her glass. She could tell that Kav was not a fan and made a mental note to track something down more to their liking. She did not prefer this fancy bubbly stuff but she would never turn down free drinks.

"I forgot that you saw him recently," there was a hint of sadness to her voice. She knew what the Dreadlords did their Initiates before the Revolution and she was worried about who her younger brother had become in the last ten years.

Her attention was drawn to the newest entrants into the ballroom and she smiled a genuinely warm smile at what - or rather who - she saw. Logan Banick looking ever the soldier even in a suit.

While the two of them had exchanged letters over the last two years, this was the first time that she had seen him since she had left the Guard. He had been her unit leader and they had become friends after she had to use her magic to save his life. He kept a secret that could have gotten her and her entire family in major trouble. He was a friend, a confidant, and a protector. She owed him a lot.

Kailani caught his eye and smiled at him. She would make sure that they reconnected soon. It had been about half a year since their last letter.

 

[Elise Virak]

Elise reached up and touched the gem at her throat, a small smile playing over her lips. "You think? Then it's working as intended."

A laugh passed from her lips.

The gem had actually been a gift, offered to her by one of the Allirian Merchant Councilor's after the sealing of a bargain. She had sent Liliana there some months ago to see it done, and her little cousin had performed wonderfully. The gem was really just a bonus, and she intended to see it put to another purpose before long.

"Perhaps it will even scare off the Banick's." Elise said with a sly smile to her friend, having followed his eye line before approaching him.

Before she could say anything else little Philomena Pirian seemed to appear from nowhere. She swept into place besides Elise and Val, speaking so swiftly that it was almost startling. The Baroness blinked for a moment, and then simply smiled as Mina bowed her head. "Oh of course."

Elise said with a wide smile.

"No need for such formalities, Val. I remember little Mina quite well." The warmth in her voice was nothing less than genuine. "Always buzzing around the Pageants like a social butterfly."

Even in the old days there had been parties like these, though the undertone had been far more…venomous. She missed those events. It had been far more fun.

Mina Pirian | Val Pirian

 

[Mina Pirian]

A light flush added color to Mina's cheeks when Elise mentioned her childhood antics. "I am hardly little anymore, but I am still a social butterfly. I will let you two catch up. I know Percival has been quite the opposite of a social butterfly lately," Mina smiled at her brother. He hated when she used his first name but this time it was payback for him using hers.

Mina had watched the three Banick's enter her home with an internal groan. She knew Walter but the other two were a mystery to her since she just tended to avoid the entire family. She noticed that the one in blue had stopped while Walter and the other continued into the ballroom.

She put on her best hostess face as she approached the House who had the greatest rivalry with her own.

"Lords Banick, I would like to personally welcome you to my charity gala. It is an honor that you chose to attend," Mina had that smile plastered on so well even though she wanted to scowl at them. She made a mental note to be more specific when she told her servants to sent the invitations to all the Nobles.

VigiloConfido

 

[Logan Banick]

As Logan's gaze swept across the ballroom and all of its glittering occupants, it would within short order meet with the hazel eyes of someone he knew, and knew very well: Kailani Tal'deneshaar. It had been a day forever etched into his mind, that fateful battle at the Marjeune Bridge. Logan held the bridge by himself for as long as he could to cover the retreat of the Guard and the Knights who yet lived. The barbarians at last overcame him, and into the river he fell, bloody and battered, swept away and using the last of his strength to keep from drowning. Upon the bank of the rushing river he was deposited, and Kailani Tal'deneshaar, separated from their unit in the chaos of the retreat, was there.

And thank Kress she was. Thank Kress for the secret she held, the secret that Logan swore upon his honor to keep. Had it not been, he would have perished that day.

Letters were not enough. He endeavored to go and speak with her in person, to see how she was faring these days and to wish her well all the same.

Logan caught up with his brother Walter and cousin Garron, their paths by coincidence happening to be the same as his own for a few moments more. And then Philomina Pirian herself, the hostess of the gala this evening, came forward from amongst the sea of nobility to greet them.

All three of the Banicks, Logan and Walter and Garron (he could put on a charming mask when it suited his purposes), offered cordial bows to Mina. It was Walter who spoke first. He held no love for House Pirian, this much was true, yet this evening his distaste for their hostess's House was soundly deflected. His cordiality was stiff not because of said distaste, but rather it seemed because he was preoccupied with something that left him vexed.

Still, a smile was managed, and some of it even touched his singular eye. "Good evening, young Lady Pirian. It speaks highly to your ability to have arranged for and orchestrated an event of this scale."

Garron, with a certain gleam in his eyes, said, "We wouldn't have missed this gala for the sake of the world. It will be a momentous occasion, no?"

Then Logan: "Philomina Pirian, I do not believe that we have been properly acquainted. I am Sir Logan Banick, but please, Logan will do just fine. May I call you Mina?"

He did of course wish to enjoy Kailani's company, but all things in their due time. Lady Pirian was their hostess, and, aside from the simple pleasure of being introduced, Logan wanted to ensure that at least one Banick left a good impression.

Mina Pirian

 

[Kavaros Tal'deneshaar]

"Yes, I suppose that's true.." Kavaros would say as he glanced around the ballroom some more. "Makes me wish Valdr was around, then I could be bad too." He would say with a smirk.

The doors opened and a trio entered: Banicks. He made an internal gagging sound like, though one of them looked familiar from his time helping the Northern Army.

When he caught his sisters smile, he gave her a look. "I didn't see Torvald around. They make him stay with the horses?" It probably didn't help he had that grin on his face. One that meant a Tal'deneshaar was up to no good.

Kailani Tal'deneshaar

 

[Mina Pirian]

Mina would continue to smile beautifully as the men spoke. She, of course, would respond to each in turn as a proper Lady and hostess did.

Walters words were kind and she was wary of them immediately. Walter was not kind. He had given his own daughter to the Dreadlords when she was younger. Mina was not even sure if Ralene remembered her life before the Academy. Mina remembered her though. She had been a sweet child. Walter was a terrible father.

“Thank you for your kind words. I have attended enough of these events in my life that I thought it was only proper to throw my own. It is also for such a good cause. There are so many orphans who do not have any magic and they do not get the honor of going to the Dreadlord Academy. They still need food and clothing, of course.”

Garron was next. She did not know much about the man, but she knew he was a Banick and that was enough to earn her ire. “The sake of the world? Well, I do not think my event is that amazing but thank you,” she responded with a smile that did not say I want to stab you all right now.

Logan was last. He was the Banick that actually gave a shit. She knew he was a part of the Guard and that was enough to earn her respect. She had done her year and gotten out. He stayed in and he stayed in the North which many argued was the hardest area to be in.

Her smile was genuine this time, “please!” She said with a small laugh. “I go by Mina, but my parents felt the need to torture my brother and myself with our full names. It is a pleasure to meet you, Logan. I had heard some of your exploits when I was in Guard…”

Logan Banick

 

[Marcus Quillon]

“The pleasure is all mine” Marcus would reply to Jiya, shaking the hand that was offered to him, his grip was firm yet also gentle, he knew this wasn't the proper etiquette but this was currently between them and he didn't mind the breach, he wasn't one for to much of it either.

"To be honest, I am surprised to see you here, from what I've heard you prefer a workshop to a Gala." he had she as quite inventor, smart and rescourful but that was all word of mouth, ehich could be useful but it was often full lies, half truth or just plain exaggerations, he'd rather hear the truth from horses so to speak. as you should believe someone when they tell you what they are.

Jiya Luana

 

[Jiya Luana]

Jiya's lips twitched.

"I would," she agreed. "Especially since I am quite close to figuring out how to fix a problem in my latest blueprints, but," she motioned vaguely to the general ballroom. "There are other duties I must attend to now. A charity ball for raising money is far more bearable than a lot of the invitations I have received and I think my Steward would have had a minor fit if I hadn't accepted something," she laughed softly under her breath.

The Steward had been pressing her to host her own event for the past month. Luana had a reputation to keep up amongst the population but she'd managed to come up with reasons why not for the past year. Attending gatherings like this at least kept him from taking matters into his own hands entirely.

"What about you, is this your kind of scene?" She mused.

* * *

Marcus Quillon​

 

[Kailani Anela]

It took Kailani a second to hear her brothers words. She was so caught up in seeing Logan for the first time in so long that she had other thoughts on her mind. Thoughts of the secret he kept for her and the secrets they kept from the rest of the world. She realized that she missed him more than she thought initially. He looked so handsome...even better than she remembered...

"...see Torvald around. They make him stay with the horses?"

"Huh?" Kailani looked at Kav and narrowed her eyes at his smirk. "Yes, Torvald is outside..."

When she looked back over at Logan, he was greeting Mina. Yes, she had some things that she needed to catch him up on sooner rather than later.

"When is Drastus supposed to be here? It isn't like he has that far to travel from the Academy," a small frown turned the corners of her lips.

Kavaros Tal'deneshaar

 

[Kavaros Tal'deneshaar]

He watched his sister do that slow factory reset before she caught up to his words. "Uh-huh. Right. Mouth closed, Kai, this is a benefit.. for children." He teased. "I suppose its good to you that he's with the horses then."

Another server would walk past and he would grab two more glasses of that horrible liquid and offer one to his sister. "From what Valdr shared with me, our younger brother is.. consistently late. But I'll let you get.. acquainted with who you want to, I'll just, roam. See the sights." He smirked before offering her the second glass of wine and stepping away to inspect some of the craftsmanship of the House.

Kailani Tal'deneshaar

 

[Logan Banick]

Walter and Garron, sensing that Logan had Mina entertained and each for their own reasons wanting to move on elsewhere in the gala, excused themselves politely one after the other and took their leave. Two little background happenings.

Logan smiled, but did not interrupt to respond to the light disparaging of her own name. Yet the look on his face was likely enough, one that seemed to say: but it is a lovely name, Philomina. And it was, even if it was one that didn't lend itself overly well to cozy informality when said in full.

And on the mention of the Guard—

(Kailani)

—Logan would raise a humble and slightly dismissive hand and say, "We all have our callings, how we may best aid our kin, our friends, and our people. I happened to find mine in the north with a blade in hand. Yet, and I feel as though Vel Anir of all lands is most reticent to acknowledge this, a nation is not maintained on military might alone."

In his gaze could be seen the hardness of a man who had killed many for the sake of his country, and the softness of a man who could look past it, who could say that his was not the most important work that needed to be done and who felt undeniable pride for those who did do said work.

"We need people like you, Mina. You. Those with the means and the will to cast light on the shaded cornerstones of our great Republic."

Mina Pirian

 

[Kailani Anela]

Kailani glared at her twin as he handed her the new glass of mine then walked off. She would punch him later. Very very hard.

She mentally argued with herself on if she should go speak with Logan and after a minute of standing quietly by herself, she headed his way. She came into the conversation as he was speaking to Mina.

"We need people like you, Mina. You. Those with the means and the will to cast light on the shaded cornerstones of our great Republic."

"As you said, we all have our callings," Mina responded with a genuine smile. Her blue grey eyes fell on Kailani as she approached and she pulled the older woman into a hug. "It has been forever, Kai!" She said enthusiastically as she stepped back from the hug.

"It has and you have thrown a wonderful event here," Kailani responded and then took a sip from her glass.

"You both are too kind but I must be off to continue greeting people!" She smiled at both her guests and then walked away.

With Mina gone, Kailani turned to face Logan.

"Hi..." She said like an idiot.

Logan Banick

 

[Logan Banick]

Kailani.

His surprise truly ought not be warranted. She was a Tal'deneshaar, and even though the name counted for far more in the north than it did in central Anirian lands this did not detract overly much from the family's renown. Mina Pirian had proven herself to be quite adept at organizational skill, her reach having called in nobles and notables from both near and far—if he was here, it only made since that Kailani and others of her family would be as well.

Yet, as Kailani approached and spoke with Mina and eventually came to meet his eyes up close, Logan could not help but to wonder how it might have happened, this in the same way he often wondered about seemingly inexplicable events. Was it mere chance, a set of cosmic die that all so happened to land in just the way needed? Or in the other direction the age old notion of fate, the intersection of two paths from which neither Logan nor Kailani could deviate? Mayhap a middle ground, a divine guiding hand of sorts which placed Logan and Kailani together in this instance in the manner of fate and, the two of them now so entangled, left each of them to make their own luck.

"Kailani," he said, his smile great and his arms open and welcoming. She sounded a touch unsure, dazzled perhaps that they'd met again so suddenly at this gala. But Logan just stepped forward and embraced her. To others it might like a cordial, even perfunctory, hug, one born more of formality than anything else.

But there was more to it than that, wasn't there? The warmth in his own chest said as much, and a certain passionate memory provided as well its own strong testimony.

He pulled back. Held her shoulders. "It has been far too long. Please, tell me, how do you fare?"

Kailani Tal'deneshaar