Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
24
Renown
King’s Valley
1,126 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 21, 2022 9:39:01 GMT -5
Shaa continued to walk around the ball enjoying the sights and sounds. If there was one thing that was getting to him it was the fact that any fighting or shenanigans here might get him kicked out. Considering how many people he knew here, it would be particularly embarrassing, although probably not all that surprising to most. The fact that he had gone an entire hour without breaking something or punching, well anyone, had to be some sort of record. What he really needed was some sort of distraction to take his mind off his more bullish tendencies. This is why he didn’t own his own home, for Ginma’s sake.
As he walked around, he saw Zarius hanging out with.someone he didn’t know. After thinking about it a minute, he got an idea just might save him and keep the party fun for everyone.
Big Z! Big Z! It’s me Shaa! How do you like my costume. He said full knowing the absurdity of the question. Who’s your buddy?
After some light small talk, Shaa lets Zarius in on the plan.
Yes yes he said with very exaggerated and fake fancy airs. I have observed the fancy pantsidness of the party. But only the fanciest of pants kno how to REALLY party at a place so fancy. Shaa quickly looks around to see if anyone is watching them. No more than usual for people staring at a Minotaur with a pumpkin head so he felt that they were good.
How would you feel about REALLY experiencing the Fancy? One cannot do so unless one TOUCHES the fancy. They tell you not to touch but sometimes, one speaking quietly must be bold.
Shaa looks around and sees the buffet table. At the end is an obviously expensive crystal punch bowl that the manors servants have been using. As it happens, the servants were leaving to refresh the snacks so Shaa quickly went over to the punch bowl, gently flicked the side with a tiny *ping and returned.
So my friend who is oh so stealthy. Just how fancy are your pants? Shaa said with a wily grin.
|
|
Ash Rose Jackals
IS OFFLINE
27
Renown
Female
Ash Lands
Sister to one half of a can of Zardines
1,386 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 21, 2022 10:35:19 GMT -5
Zarius looks at the hulking being wearing a pumpkin head before him. It wasn't hard to recognize the minotaur if he was being completely honest but he puts on a surprised expression to humor his fellow guild member.
"It is good to see you, Shaa. Your costume is incredible, I hardly recognized you." He chuckles. "Ah, this is Caedes."
He's a bit curious as to how Shaa got an invite to such a formal event, then again, he could spot Gerhart not that far away as well as a few other new comers who looked a bit lost. Seemed this party wasn't as exclusive as he had expected, which only made the event a bit more suspicious. Why gather so many unusual adventurers under one roof? It was almost asking for something catastrophic to occur.
Shaa's fake air of properness if highly entertaining to Zarius. The minotaur sure was a character. He then tilts his head curiously as the bulky brawler starts acting obviously shifty. He watches him go over and flick the crystal punch bowl before returning.
Was he...challenging him to a game? He couldn't help but laugh. Glancing about, he spots a marble bust set into an alcove of the east wall of the ballroom, not too far from them but there was another group in front of it. He gives Shaa a mischievous grin.
"I like to believe my pants are very fancy. Wait here a moment."
The tiefling casually walks through the crowd, slipping past them silently as he approaches the group in front of the expensive looking carving of a noble looking dark elf man, possibly an ancestor of their generous hosts.[1] As he passes behind a tall party guest, a shimmering veil falls over his form and he sneaks around the group.[2] Shaa, towering over most of the crowd, sees the bust rotate back and forth as if shakings its head. A few seconds pass before Zarius appears at the minotaur's side one more.
"How was that?"
[1] Silent Step [2] Invisibility
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
24
Renown
King’s Valley
1,126 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 21, 2022 11:25:37 GMT -5
Shaa does everything he can to stifle his giggles. Why good sir. That was most fancy indeed. With that, Shaa knew that this game was going to have the makings of something good.
Out of the corner of his eye, Shaa notices a very serious looking butler who is scanning the crowd. He is not looking at them directly at them but Shaa knows a party pooper when he sees one. This was going to make things even more interesting.
Shaa goes back to looking over the crowd for his next target. A large group of people are dancing close to the music. Be right back.
As Shaa approached the dance floor, he scanned the dancers for something to one up Big Z. That last one was impressive. Then he saw her. Among the dancers was a beautiful elf who was dressed up as a fairy princess. Not exactly a stretch for an elf but whatever. The important part was that she was wearing a sparkly tiara.
Despite his size, Shaa could be very agile when he put his mind to it. He entered the dance floor and started to dance by himself. It was a little awkward so people didn’t pay him any attention. He worked his way over to the elf, taking little spins here and there. When he got close enough, he lightly snatched the tiara off of the elf’s head. He spun with it high enough for Zarius to see and, at the end of the spin, placed it back on the elf’s head.
The elf thought she felt something, checked her tiara to find it was still there and then turned to find the Minotaur. Ruffled, she scooted away oh excuse me. Shaa smiled and gave a little bow, returning to Zarius.
Don’t have to be invisible when people actively try to ignore you. Hahaha fancy. Shaa held out his hand palm up as if to say. So watcha got now?
|
|
Ash Rose Jackals
IS OFFLINE
27
Renown
Female
Ash Lands
Sister to one half of a can of Zardines
1,386 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 21, 2022 15:08:56 GMT -5
"I have to say that was very impressive, Mister Shaa. I am not sure I can top those moves you just displayed." He chuckles and looks around for his next target.
He spots a waiter who has put down a silver tray with many glasses on it on a side table while he struggles to open a bottle of fine wine.
Ah, yes, that will do nicely.
Striding over confidently, Zarius swipes the tray without rattling the glasses while the waiter's back is turned and does a loop around an empty table that was missing glassware which he sets down at each seat before sliding the tray back onto the side table. As he walks back over there is a popping noise of the cork finally coming free and the waiter turns to see there are no glasses left on the tray. The waiter has a look of pure confusion while the tiefling gives a toothy grin to Shaa.
"Perhaps we need more players in this game of yours, Mister Shaa." He glances about the room to see if anyone else was up for such antics. There were plenty of possible competitors to choose from, the question just became who would be childish enough to join in with the two brawlers in their civil antics.
|
|
CCS Courier
IS OFFLINE
6
Renown
Male
Ash Lands
The other half of a can of Zardines
434 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Caedes Oleander on Oct 21, 2022 19:36:28 GMT -5
Having slipped into the shadows of the party after his initial introduction to the Minotaur in a pumpkin mask; Caedes simply furrows his brows as he watches the duo goof about. He lifts his drink to his lips, one arm crossed over his chest, fingers loosely resting on his bent arm. “ ...” He swipes his tongue over his teeth, ultimately forgotten about while the two go about touching, shaking, and jostling around random objects at the party. And… Well… isn’t this all child’s play?
It's nostalgic; brings him back to days in which he scuttled about the streets of Darkveil, pickpocketing and causing trouble amongst the crowds.
He chuckles to himself, stepping away from the duo for but a moment; there’s a noble man in a fancy penguin suit, feet propped up on a table, snoozing some of his drink away while his wife chatters to someone across the table. From the shadows, Caedes clips the rim of the man’s fancy hat and lifts it from his head without waking him, or alerting his wife, and slips back to the pair.
Stepping from the shadows, he drops the top hat on Zarius’ head, then steps between them with one hand behind his back, and the other holding a wine glass between two fingers.
“You were looking for more players? I used to play this when I was a kid... sort of.” He turns his pale gaze to the Minotaur, offering him a friendly smile. “Caedes, by the way; nice to meet you. Shaa, isn't it? I like the costume." He raises his wine glass to the Minotaur with a chuckle, then throws Zarius a mischievous glance from over his shoulder.
“By the way... that guy over there might want his hat back before he wakes up, or his wife notices, Big Z.”
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
24
Renown
King’s Valley
1,126 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 21, 2022 20:37:11 GMT -5
It is so lovely to meet you my dear Ceades sir. Shaa says while admiring the hat. Your fanciness is quite schmancy indeed. But if one is going to be fancy in this party… Shaa looks around for the weedly butler who seems occupied at the moment. one must do better than that.
Shaa snags the hat and heads to one of the empty tables. While he is there, he grabs several mostly clean forks and hides them in the hat. He then makes his way to the couple. The man is still dozing in the chair and his wife is still talking to one of the other guests quite loudly across the table. Now that he is closer, he can see that the wife is wearing a wig and her companion is thoroughly engrossed in her drink.
Shaa approaches from behind the wife and looks up as if he were admiring the chandeliers. While looking up, he starts depositing the forks one by one into the back of the woman’s wig. After about 5 Shaa starts getting nervous that someone is going to notice. With the dim lighting and strong drinks, Shaa decides to push his luck and adds the final four forks. The companion looks up at him as if seeing him for the first time. Shaa intently studies the ceiling attempting to avoid her gaze. After a moment she goes back to her drink as the wife prattles on. With a flip, the man’s hat lands on the top of his head as he continues to doze.
Shaa returns to the group and mouths the word. FANCY
|
|
Ash Rose Jackals
IS OFFLINE
27
Renown
Female
Ash Lands
Sister to one half of a can of Zardines
1,386 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 22, 2022 0:18:09 GMT -5
The tiefling gives Caedes an unimpressed look, though he still has a slight smile of entertainment. He supposes that the changeling must have been feeling left out or sidelined. Maybe he should have invited him from the get go, but he wasn't sure this kind of tomfoolery was up the assassin's alley.
"Hey, only Mister Shaa can call me that. He earned it you know." He nudges Caedes with his elbow.
Speaking of Shaa, he was off to cause more minor mayhem.
Zarius watches the minotaur work and stifles a laugh. Shaa's idea of fancy was something else. He really enjoyed the minotaur's antics and it helped take the edge off the suspicious circumstances of the whole event.
The problem was that he now had to outdo both Caedes and Shaa. He looks about the room and spots a finely dressed woman dancing with a not-so-coordinated man in a suit. It was clear the woman was trying her best to stay in time with the man, but he stepped on her toes more than once.
He gives Caedes and Shaa a smirk before turning on his heel and striding onto the dance floor. Weaving between the dancers he turns and catches the woman's hand as she is forced into a clumsy spin by her dancer partner - correction, her previous dance partner. He pulls her towards him and places a hand on the small of her back as he leads her in a spiral across the dance floor. The man looks around in confusion as to what is happening only for the woman to be spun back into his arms. Zarius is out of the crowd and back to the observing pair before either the woman or the man could really understand what just happened.
"Your turn." He flashes a toothy smile at Caedes.
|
|
CCS Courier
IS OFFLINE
6
Renown
Male
Ash Lands
The other half of a can of Zardines
434 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Caedes Oleander on Oct 22, 2022 11:39:05 GMT -5
“I do my best to fancy it up.” Caedes answers without an ounce of subtlety; although, he does throw a challengingly smug look at Zarius as he settles between the Minotaur and the tiefling. He takes a sip of his wine— not before getting nudged by Zarius— and throws him a look as the liquid in his cup sloshes, but doesn’t spill.
He cocks a brow at him, smirking in return. “Oh, excuse me.” he apologizes insincerely, pushing him back lightly with the same elbow. “I didn’t realize it was exclusive.” He looks to Shaa, bemused, as the Minotaur snatches up the hat from Zarius’ head and scuttles off incredibly conspicuously to “return” the hat with flare to the owner… and a bit more. Caedes breathes a chuckle, taking a sip of his wine as the Minotaur sticks forks in the hair of the wife’s wig; proceeds to pretend he had nothing to do with it; and then shoves more in. He flips the hat onto the man’s head before he leaves. Caedes gives him a nod of approval as he returns, lifting his half-empty wine glass in a toast to the Minotaur. He’s not sure about fancy, but given the Minotaur’s size? He’s pretty smooth about performing his unnoticed shenanigans. “ Very fancy indeed, mister Shaa.” he remarks, lowering his wine glass in a sip as Zarius smirks at them and strides off to the dancefloor. Caedes looks after him, catching the tiefling weaving in and out of the dancers, before pulling a woman into a dance; leaving her partner utterly baffled until she’s returned swiftly to her clumsy partner’s arms. Zarius returns, smug and grinning, and Caedes hopes to wipe it off his face. “ Not bad.” he remarks, impressed as the tiefling returns. “ Keep an eye out, though; I’d hate for you to miss it.” With that, and ensuring he is putting on his best show for the sake of being ‘schmancy’ as Shaa might say, Caedes simply strides backwards into the shadows of the faraway torchlight, and… he’s gone. (1) The changeling, despite his stark white skin and hair, vanishes among the flickering lantern light, leaving behind only an empty wine glass resting on the floor, which reflects the fire of the flames. For the fanciness of it, of course. Nearby, the orchestra has just finished one of their songs; there’s a small interlude, in which the performers shuffle about and speak with one another; they’re reviewing the next song and re-tuning their instruments while the conductor speaks to the first chairs of viols. It’s among the orchestra that the changeling reappears, while the general crowd is tipsy and not paying attention when the pause. While the viol’s in the back have their backs turned, he flips over the performers’ music sheets. He slips away, re-emerging again behind the back chair of the viola’s, and does the same to theirs while the viola player is bent down, trying to get their resin from their case. He vanishes again, and the unattended, fancy white harp in the back of the orchestra plays itself; half-shadowed by the lack of light, as it’s currently not in use. It’s a simple chord, as though someone were running their fingers along each string; and then, the sound dissipates. A few of the orchestra members startle, looking quizzically at the harp, and murmuring amongst themselves; but his mild intrusion seems to have gone unnoticed by the orchestra... and the noble crowd is far too busy sticking up their noses to see him, to begin with. The changeling doesn’t reappear again until he steps out between Shaa and Zarius; and the orchestra starts their next song in a sweet cacophony of uncoordinated chaos, as the back chairs lose their spot in the music.
(1) Pass Without a Trace, Overbearing Shadow
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
24
Renown
King’s Valley
1,126 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 22, 2022 13:32:37 GMT -5
An invisible dance partner? A ghostly musician? Shaa grinned from ear to ear giving tiny claps with two fingers on his palm. My dear sirs! That is indeed some fine fancy schmancery. Dare I say it? A triumphant display of artistic poise and fancitude. Shaa was running out of vocabulary words quickly but he was pretty sure they got the idea. He had now seen first hand that both of these guys could literally turn invisible. As a being whose entire nature was about being blatantly obvious, this could be a problem in a game of oneupsmanship. He would have to do something where being invisible wouldn’t be helpful.
More and more people were entering the party. Shaa had seen thier hosts at various points in the party and he got the feeling that something else was going to happen soon. He would need to make a pretty bold move to keep up with these guys before their game came to an unceremonious end.
A group of waiters came in wheeling in a multi tiered cake that was 20 feet high at least. The cake was purple and black with various lace and imagery on the sides. On the top of the cake was a topper of a well dressed couple dancing. There was a lot of food so they wheeled the cake to a side room with an awning while the waiters went to retrieve the accompanying dinnerware.
Shaa looked at Zarius and Caedes and said. You may be invisible, but can you truly be unnoticed? Shaa sauntered through the growing crowd until he made it to the giant cake. Searching through his medical kit, he finds a spool of thread. He ties a slip knot in the end as well as a small pair of tweezers for weight. Looking back at his accomplices, he pretends to stretch while actually throwing the weighted line up over the awning. Shaa let’s out a little slack and manages to loop the cake topper.
Can I help you sir? In front of Shaa was the butler that he had been watching for all night. This was it. He was busted. Should have added one more fork, dang it. Shaa tried to stay calm and casual. Who me? No, I’m fine. Having a great time.
You seemed to be looking for something or someone. Perhaps I could help you find them? Said the butler in a smooth and even tone. The kind of tone your parents have when you are so busted and they want to make you squirm under the weight of unremitting guilt.
Looking? No.. found those green pastries and some friends. All good here. Hey. Is that a wrinkled table cloth over there? Looks aweful. Someone better get on that.. Shaa was grateful for the pumpkin so this guy could not see him sweating. Shaa was a terrible liar.
Indeed. Please let me know if I can be of service…sir. The butler walked away cleanly and purposefully. Shaa could see the waiters from the other side of the room making their way over. When the butler was gone, Shaa gently pulled the thread, lifting the cake topper off the cake. He releases the line dropping the topper into his hand. He quickly maneuvers over to a young woman who has a cupcake. While she has her back turned, he deposits the large topper into the cupcake and casually walks back to the group.
Ta dah… he says while exhaling in relief.
Medical Kit
|
|
Ash Rose Jackals
IS OFFLINE
27
Renown
Female
Ash Lands
Sister to one half of a can of Zardines
1,386 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 22, 2022 19:21:38 GMT -5
Zarius gives Shaa a quiet applause. "I do not think that I will be able to top that." The pun was stupid, but intended.
The tiefling tucks his hands in to his pockets with a shrug and a chuckle. "I concede and admit defeat. You, Mister Shaa, are certainly the fanciest of the fancy men."
The tiefling then looks at Caedes. "Though, I suppose you may still have an idea and yet make me eat those words."
His attempts to goad Caedes into playing another round were pretty blatant and thinly veiled. He had his fun, but Caedes joined the competition late and had only showed off a small sample of his impressive abilities.
He would never admit that he held the highest regard for the assassin's stealthy skills. Caedes had a finesse to his work that Zarius lacked. Zarius skills fell somewhere between the spectrum of subtlety that had Shaa at one end and Caedes at the other. The tiefling respects them both, and acknowledges them both as highly skilled individuals.
He was glad the pair seemed to get along so well. If something happened and the party turned out to all be an elaborate ruse, he knew he could count on them no matter the circumstances.
A part of him hoped that was all just his paranoia talking. Was it too much to ask for one joyous night of revelry with no strings attached? Probably, but for just this moment they could at least indulge in a little childish mirth.
|
|
CCS Courier
IS OFFLINE
6
Renown
Male
Ash Lands
The other half of a can of Zardines
434 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Caedes Oleander on Oct 24, 2022 8:29:30 GMT -5
Caedes looks confidently at Shaa, chuckling as the Minotaur offers the tiniest of claps against the palm of his massive hand. “ Thank you, fancy sir.” he remarks, lowering his voice in a silly way to match Shaa’s fantastical vocabulary. The Minotaur takes a moment to glance around, before looking back at them with a comment. Which is quite funny, because he very much goes noticed immediately, the second he gets up to the actual mischief. Caedes watches with mild anticipation as the butler approaches Shaa, and attempts to guilt him into admitting trouble. He is impressed when Shaa manages to distract him enough to commit to his shenanigans, and returns looking like he’d run a marathon, after gently setting the topper of the massive cake onto a much smaller cupcake. He laughs. “Very fancy; well done, mister Shaa.” he agrees with Zarius; although, he offers the tiefling a double-take when he tries to back out of the competition by forfeit. “Hah?” he presses, hands lifting to cross his chest. “You’re backing out, already, Zarius? I just got here.” He objects, eyes narrowing with a mild disappointment; but he doesn’t press it too much, outside of a slight puff of exasperated breath.
Still, he smiles a mischeivous, lopsided grin as Zarius challenges him to make him eat those words.
The changeling places his hands on his hips, lifting his head to scan the party— particularly, the butler who had been harassing Shaa earlier… as he wanders back to his station, close to the garden wall, he notes the way the thin hair atop his head flutters a bit in the wind. Ah… maybe a bit of revenge? A mischievous smile crosses his face, and the changeling whisks back into the darkness— and once again, vanishes into the shadows. It doesn’t take long for Caedes to resurface, hardly visible from the darkness where the torchlight of the party doesn’t quite reach. He’s perched; crouched above and behind the butler’s head, atop the thick, stone wall, peering down at him as he looks snootily out at the garden. He sees the way the butler is still eyeing Shaa with skepticism, as though he’s done something wrong; which he has, but the butler doesn’t need to know that. At some point, it seems Caedes visited one of the buffet tables— because he’s armed with one of the wooden skewers that comes with some of the finger foods. With a quick glance at the crowd, too busy to pay attention to the shadows, the changeling creeps over the side, and hooks the butler’s toupe with the skewer. He flips it into the air above the butler’s head quickly, and snaps the furry piece back into the shadows with him as the butler reaches up to scratch his now-bald head. A look of alarm crosses the formerly stern man’s face, and he turns sharply to look for his hairpiece. A moment later, the toupe shoots out of the darkness; and the butler chases after it. It’s almost like it’s being blown by the wind, but… not quite. In reality, it’s being worn by a cat-sized, invisible spider, who is currently giving the butler a run for his money around the garden in pursuit. Caedes reappears moments later, armed with a skewer, and holding a pink tutu in his opposite hand. The same one he'd given Charlotte before he and Zarius had left for the party.
He shrugs innocently, “I might have enlisted a little help on that one... Couldn't help myself, even if it defaults the competition; the opportunity presented itself, and really, I can't stand those snooty types.”
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
24
Renown
King’s Valley
1,126 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 24, 2022 10:40:59 GMT -5
It takes a minute for Shaa to understand what was happening. Did he manage to possess the butler’s toupee? As he watched the hair piece shoot around, he was grateful that he was in the middle of the room, obviously above suspicion. Shaa was sad to see Zarius give up but felt a little pride in it to. This evening had been wholly entertaining and that was just what they were doing to pass the time.
When Caedes returned and explained some trade secrets, Shaa felt a little better. As long as it’s fancy, I don’t think a little extra help is out of the question. That butler is going to hate us by the end of this to be sure.
This latest act of chicanery presented a problem. They had gone big. Like really big. You can only do that so many times and people are going to notice. On the last one, Shaa was sure he was going to have his fuzzy butt back out on the road in no time. But he had always been a “ In for a penny, in for a pound” kind of Minotaur. In all fairness, most Minotaur are so this shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone what came next.
Shaa put his hands on their shoulders, closed his eyes and nodded like a soldier off to battle, not expecting to make it back home. He walked over to a small dining table where three young women were sitting. Shaking his head a bit, he calls loudly out to the room. With all of the noise, he gets the attention of 30 or so people.
Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Shaa Rhunn and I would like to thank our gracious hosts, wherever they are, ( a small chuckle comes from the group) for allowing me to be here today. To show my appreciation, I would like to put on a small and entertaining demonstration…with the help of these three beautiful ladies.
The woman go wide eyed but relaxes as the small crowd applauded their participation. Soon the were all smiles and waving at their impromptu celebrity.
Great thank you. Now ladies, all I will need you to do is sit there, and hold on tightly to your chair. Whatever you do, don’t let go. The women got quizzical looks on their faces as Shaa pulled out their chairs with them still sitting in them, lined up right next to each other. Shaa looked over at Zarius and Caedes and winked.
With a flash of his hands, Shaa tossed the woman straight up into the air. She shrieked a bit but gripped the chair even tighter. Shaa deftly tossed the second chair and then the third, catching the first one in time to toss her again. The crowd was aghast. After a moment or two and seeing that the women were perfectly safe in the Minotaur’s large hands, they started clapping and cheering with delight. After a minute and several rotations, Shaa gently deposits the three women back to their table. They seem a bit disheveled at first but then join in the happy clapping. Let’s hear it for our ladies… The crowd claps louder as the women eat up the attention and Shaa rejoins the group.
Shaa looks at Caedes and holds out a closed fist. Opening it back up, Shaa shows him the garter belts from the three women. If that doesn’t deserve applause, I don’t know what does.
Bulls Strength Defection Force of Nature
|
|
Ash Rose Jackals
IS OFFLINE
27
Renown
Female
Ash Lands
Sister to one half of a can of Zardines
1,386 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Oct 26, 2022 22:25:15 GMT -5
Zarius chuckles at Caedes then gestures towards Shaa's dislpay. "You expect me to top that? I am afraid Mister Shaa's mind is far more creative than my own." He laughs and looks about the room. Movement off to the side catches his attention as a delicate gloved hand beckons him from around a pillar. Zarius' eyes narrow and head tilts to the side a little before a look of recognition washes across his face. He looks at Shaa and Caedes.
"Please, continue. I will be back in just a moment." He excuses himself and weaves through the crowd and disappears behind the pillar.
Coming around the pillar, he sees a tiefling woman of dark grey skin and long wavy black hair pinned back with strings of gold and sapphires. Her horns sweep back from her brow and tuck back behind her head before turning slightly up at the tips which are capped in gold. She is wearing a long black evening gown embroidered with gold and black stain gloves. She isn't really in costume except for the tiny pair of black devil wings on her back and a masquerade mask covering the upper half of her face. Her golden eyes gleam through the shadows at him.
Zarius doesn't smile at the sight of her, instead a look of irritation on his face.
"What are you doing here?"
"Calm yourself, brother." She reaches out to him and her hand passes through his chest. "I am not actually here."
"You still should not be seen in attendance."
"Why do you think I am hiding back here out of sight?" She asks with an unimpressed expression on her face.
He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "What is it then?"
"Just checking that everything is going alright. There are some concerning parties in attendance here."
"I am aware. They will not try anything here though."
"Hm." She leans around the corner and glances about.
"You do not need to check on me. I have a lot of powerful allies here."
"I have noticed. Who is the white haired man?"
Zarius hesitates and she takes note of it, tilting her head curiously.
"I can not tell you yet."
The female tiefling blinks slowly at him.
"Just trust me on this."
"...Very well. And the minotaur?"
"That is Shaa."
She perks up. "Oh, Karize's friend?"
Zarius nods with a bit of a sigh. The woman nods approvingly.
"I need to get back."
"Alright. Be safe...and have fuuuuun." She flashes a toothy smile as her form dissipates like a cloud of smoke.
He rolls his eyes before heading back to Caedes and Shaa.
|
|
CCS Courier
IS OFFLINE
6
Renown
Male
Ash Lands
The other half of a can of Zardines
434 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Caedes Oleander on Oct 27, 2022 19:23:50 GMT -5
Caedes watches next to Zarius, arms crossed, while Shaa performs his… trick isn’t the best way to describe whatever’s happening. It’s more of a performance carried out in the full view of any and every guest who could hear the minotaur calling out his introduction (so, all of them). He raises his brows as Shaa introduces the women; they seem a bit sheepish at first, but quickly warm up to the attention, until—
Shaa proceeds to wink at them, and then juggles the women.
An impressed whistle slips between Caedes’ lips as he watches the minotaur, “Sheesh,” he remarks idly to Zarius. “I’ve never doubted a minotaur’s strength, but seeing it first hand is something else.” The crowd goes wild for the minotaur’s performance; and Shaa comes wandering back to the group— he’s actually, genuinely stunned when Shaa opens his hand to reveal the garter belts of the three women.
He offers Shaa a slow, impressed clap. “That… was very fancy, Mister Shaa… practically invisible in broad sight.” he chuckles, looking towards Zarius with a mildly bemused expression as he laughs. “Unfortunately… more creative than myself; I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do to top that one, either.” He rests his hands on his hips, glancing towards Zarius when he suddenly excuses himself.
The changeling offers a glance over his shoulder, watching the tiefling walk away into the crowd; curiously, his eyes narrow. A whisper like wind passes over the pale man; and the spider resting on his shoulder reacts to it as a language only it speaks reaches its ears. Follow. Without a sound, Charlotte vanishes on Caedes’ back— the light reflecting off of her body for a moment— before she’s gone.
Caedes chuckles, “I suppose he saw somebody he recognized?” he remarks— but it gives him a moment with the Minotaur to be nosy about who Zarius knows, and why. He turns to look at Shaa, resting a curled hand beneath his chin thoughtfully. “So, Mister Shaa… I must say, I was very impressed— you truly deserve your fancy crown as the fanciest and sneakiest among us... But, I’ve not had the pleasure to meet you until today. How is it that you and Zarius know one another?” he asks quizzically.
Meanwhile, Charlotte has perched herself onto the very same pillar after scampering after Zarius through the crowd; she makes herself small, legs tight to her body, as she does when she’s sneaky— and without her tutu, there’s little evidence but the occasional refraction of light in terms of the spider’s presence.
Her many eyes flick between Zarius, to the strange young woman that he’s speaking to in secret.
She blinks her eight eyes, one after the other, then rises to her eight legs as Zarius starts to head back to Caedes and Shaa. She scuffles quietly after him; heading down the pillar, over a buffet table, down the leg, and then across the grass of the garden.
|
|
Fighter's Guild
IS OFFLINE
24
Renown
King’s Valley
1,126 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 27, 2022 20:10:16 GMT -5
Shaa was relieved that he had finally won. Outside of burning down the mansion in a fancy way, things were getting tricky. Shaa considered the question.
That is very gracious of you. And even though we have not met until now, I’m glad that we did. We will have to hang out again some time. I will try to maintain my fanciness tonight. But take it from me, you both are no slouches. I thank you for keeping my wandering mind entertained. That’s not an easy task by any measure.
How did Zarius and I meet each other? It wasn’t really all that long ago but felt like a lifetime to Shaa. Well, it’s kind of a funny story. I actually met him and his brother at a goblin tossing competition. It was all just kind of happenstance in the beginning. Shaa related the incident ( minus the secret food stand shhh!) the tent, the bandits, the ogre, Karize’s kidnapping and subsequent rescue. Ever since then, we have been close. So much so, Zarius joined my guild. And Karize is practically my little bro. Shaa gives a bit of a whist full smile.
Looking back over, Shaa does not recognize the beautiful woman that Zarius is speaking to. It wasn’t any of his business really but he made a note to ask him about it later. For some reason, that woman was making Zarius really upset, which was unexpected. He didn’t remember him mentioning anyone that could do that. She did look vaguely familiar however.
Suddenly, the music stops and the audience starts to turn to the imposing figures of their hosts. It’s been all fun and games up till now, but it looks like they were about to figure out what was really going on.
END - Continued in the Black Harvest Event.
|
|