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 Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 9:18 pm
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 9:24 pm
( Not sure what to post just yet.. Chan e is probably going to start a ruckus of some sort. =F )
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Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 8:25 am
((Sorry my previous post was a little ofc the rails...I just finished my exams...will post again when i get my brain back in order...))
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 12:17 am
♞ K.A.I. nodded in response to the conversation that took place via cyberspace between him and Vulcan. They had used encoded text to recount what the plan was and where the certain spots were planted. This was meant to protect the plan from any and all who may have been eavesdropping on them at all. K.A.I. left his partner as he entered inside the grand hall where the wondrous party was being held. Now it was simply time for him to mingle with the others and blend until the time came for him to strike. This would not be an issue for K.A.I. since he had observed many other interactions of such and knew which would be fitting for the time and place. He hoped that his little bug within the mainframe would not cause any trouble for him, the last time he lagged behind in a mission. This bug within his mainframe was making him more human but that was not the purpose of his creation as a jitter doll. No he was meant to serve Novum Fulgar without a second thought and protect Lady Arcana and Obsidian. K.A.I. approached a group of people making his way to the woman he gathered information on to be Aiden. There was something in her file that made him want to converse with her first before he went on to the enemy Vossler. "Hello how are you on this fine evening?" It was a piece of cake, no would ever know that he was not truly flesh and blood. This was what a jitter doll was meant to do portray human kind to the best of its ability in appereance.
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 12:34 am
Manson had watched Chance make his adieu and for the time after experienced his interest in the beautiful bartender have its falling out. The ball was on his schedule after all and if the women in the bar were lookers, Manson couldn't even start to imagine how the ones in the ball would be all made up.
He would not leave without leaving just note of his existence and so, when the bartender came his way, her hips cat-like in their sway and long hair pulled around her neck, thusly framing her face when she came up to taunt her way into her big fat tip, Manson was already on his feet and had his money in his hand. The bartender placed the bill which started after Chance's leave flat on the counter and leaned in dawning her eyes onto the man's money. Manson came in for the lean, a move expected of a drunken man who had just enough guts for the one act.
"I suppose you've been good to me tonight." He said and pulled the cash in between their faces. A deep smile obviously lingered behind this thin wall.
"'Course hun. Always." She said, her voice droned and obviously bored of the routine. A hand snatched the money away.
His smile weakened to the slightest curly and his eyes worked their way into a locking with the bartender's. The bartender started with a smile which quickly become one that was nervous under the man's confidence.
Manson kissed her. He had taken his hand around the back of her head, his fingers in her hair and pulled her up up to him. She tasted like alcohol. They both tasted like alcohol. After the one kiss and Manson's back was strait, Manson's lips pursed and he shrugged like he couldn't help the impulse. "Course."
He left never to what of the woman's reaction.
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 3:49 am
"Emer."
"Yes, Lady Aaren," the knight answered. He walked by Aaren's side down a hall towards the back of the building where the party was being held. They walked with a gentle, steady pace, and another knight at her other side. Both men were careful to watch her step, make sure her weakness wouldn't get the best of her, but she had been looking forward to this... for so long had she. The lady wanted to walk among everyone, but knew that this one walk down the quiet, empty hall, that was only filled by her few guards and herself, was the closest she would get without overexcerting her energy.
"When arriving at the party, would you be so kind to do a favor for me?"
The knight blinked, a bit surprised by the question. He woul do anything for the Lady Aaren—he had vowed to sacrifice his life for hers. It was a strange question. "Erh... yes, my Lady?"
"Would you be so kind to see if the chefs made those delicious matuan balls? The ones from Thessaurun Oppidum. I love those."
The knight and Aaren looked at each other, and the knight smirked in amusement. She had always been one for sweets. "I'll make sure they did."
"Thank you. I haven't had them in so long."
"Will you leave no room for dinner first, my Lady?"
"There's always room for matuan. Ah... are we here?" The lady said when she saw double doors some yards away in the distance. She could hear the sounds of the party being muffled from the other side. The three knights that were accompanying her (though she had more security of her own around the building, along with the other factions' security) opened one of the double doors and looked into the main room. Aaren began to fuss at her dress, which was made from a silky and light cream fabric with lace. Parts of the dress were held together with gold thread which shimmered softly in the glow of the orb lights, and the dress itself reached the floor but glided over Aaren's feet as her gentle stride created a breeze.
"Ready, Lady Aaren?" the knight named Emer said. The two other knights had left into the large room. "We've made a path along the side of the room to your table."
"Right," Aaren sighed, but she stayed gazing at the floor for one, silent moment. I can do this, she told herself. Just stay relaxed, and don't get too excited. You'll pull through.
She looked up at Emer. "Maliarc," she said in a gentle, firm tone. Aaren knew, in that moment where she was now going among the public, among both allies and strangers, that she needed him by her side. Just in case. The lady then walked out of the hall and into the loud and lively room.
It seemed both humongous and small: humongous because of all the people, yet small because it was much smaller in comparison to the large manor she shares with no one but herself, besides the servants and security that keep her some form of company in the manor. But then there were her mentors and former guardians, both of whom visited her frequently, yet still... she felt lonely, and she even felt lonelier among the crowd. People noticed her; some bowed their head and greeted her warmly, and she greeted them back with a nod and small grin. She wish that she could tell them that she had no intention of ignoring them—it was that her body simply didn't have the energy to speak to everyone she longed to.
So when Aaren saw her assigned seat, she sat down with a sigh of relief. It was comfortable, but not so comfortable to make her feel too tired. Emer left her to go speak to the chefs, and someone came by fill a glass of cold water for the lady.
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 4:11 am
Jerking awake, Maliarc felt a pull at his soul. It must be time. The only side effect he did not like of this spell was the pulling. It would continue until he answered the call. It would pull at his soul until there was nothing left, or until he was by the side of the person whom he let the spell take hold of. Ensuring that his robes were clean, and that he looked presentable, he stood in the middle of the room, concentrating. He needed to answer the spell before this infernal pulling drove him mad. He pictured Lady Aaren, the way he had last seen her. He pictured her in a room of black. Her silhouette against a black backdrop. Her grace making her seem almost angelic in the room. He pictured himself entering the room, and it began. It was like reality around him began to bend, the air shifting, and then suddenly stopping. His body was motionless as his soul was being transferred to where Lady Aaren would be. Once his invisible soul had taken it's form next to Aaren, his body was next. This part Maliarc hated the most. His body was jerked to where his soul was, and he appeared, standing right behind Lady Aaren. Shaking his head, and re-adjusting himself, Maliarc was relieved the first time was over. It was always hard the first time. Back to business.
Maliarc walked a wide semi-circle to come in front of Lady Aaren, so as not to scare her. When he was sure his entire body was in her view, he bowed his head, careful not to obscure her view of the room.
"Hello, Lady Aaren."
He had no reason to believe she needed his assistance. Not at the moment at least. The room seemed secure. The room was tastefully decorated, and large at that. However, it wasn't until Maliarc fully took in Lady Aaren that he noticed the real beauty. Her dress was phenomenal, and it she filled it wonderfully. What are you doing, fool? Do not mix work with personal feelings.
Remembering that he was standing in front of her, Maliarc slowly un-bowed his head and moved to stand beside her.
"You look wonderful tonight, Lady Aaren."
Just because he could not mix work and personal feelings did not mean he could not be polite, though this room was filled with so much stress, it was almost palpable, and it was beginning to unnerve Maliarc. He dismissed it for nothing but paranoia though, and turned his attention to Lady Aaren and her surroundings.
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 4:59 am
The arrival was, as Maliarc hoped, quiet and not startling for even a small moment. The lady Aaren looked up at the mage when he came into her vision and gave him a small, albeit warm grin.
"Hello, Mister Maliarc," she replied to his greeting. Like he promised he came when she summoned. But she blinked a couple of times, her ears perking at the sound of something in his voice. It was... odd, for some reason, coming from him, but she wasn't sure why. Aaren hadn't noticed it before, maybe because she was overcome with his ambitious nature. But now... what was it? An accent? Something she couldn't place her finger on.
She looked down at herself, at the dress when Maliarc complimented her. She had chosen it some weeks ago, though she wouldn't admit that the bare shoulders were something she was used to. It was strange to feel so exposed from just showing a few more inches of skin above the chest.
But Aaren was pleased nonetheless by the kind words; she looked up at Maliarc again as her grin turned into a soft smile. "Thank you very much. Here, if you'd like to sit," she began while pulling at one of the chairs next to her from under the table, "this seat I know isn't reserved for anyone."
Just as she had finished, the lady saw Emer walk towards her table from another part of the room. He was holding a plate with a cloth draped over it. "My Lady," he said when he made his way to her side and placed the plate on the table in front of her, "fresh from the oven." Emer pulled the cloth from the plate and revealed three matuan balls, still steamy.
Aaren pressed her hands together and grinned happily at the sweets. The knight felt the response was good enough thanks, and with a grin of his own, he stood straight and walked away to his temporary post within the room. "Matuan. I love these Thessaurum pastries," she spoke softly with a glance to Maliarc. The excitement of the party along with the anticipation of being able to treat herself was lifting her mood, and quite frankly, made her feel a bit more energized. It was like a buzz, a pleasant one at that.
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 5:27 am
Maliarc was flabbergasted that he had recieved an invitation to sit at the same table as Lady Aaren. While, in the West, they were not too learned in the way of rulers everywhere else, it was an honor simply because Maliarc admired Lady Aaren. However, as he thought of taking the chair, he was faced with a dilemma. He would not be able to easily see behind Lady Aaren, where most dangers came from. However, security was tight, so he had his confidence that she would be safe.
Instead of declining her offer, like he so desperately though he should do, he simply smiled at Lady Aaren, "Yes, my lady, I would love to sit."
Way to go, looks like your mixing already.
A guard soon walked up holding a plate with a piece of cloth on it. He set it down in front of Lady Aaren, revealing some weird sort of food that Maliarc had never seen before. In all honesty, it wasn't something that looked particularly appetizing to him, but he was not one to harp on people's tastes. Especially not hers. Fool.
Maliarc felt like he should have something to say, but talking had never been one of his strong suits. He would be content to just sit back and take in the sit of Lady Aaren, all the while remembering to check the room and it's inhabitants for any signs of suspicious movements.
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 5:47 am
Aaren was quick yet graceful in starting on her long-anticipated sweets. She had never visited any of the other factions because of her weakness, but she had the luxury of receiving interesting and wonderful items from the factions themselves. This included some of the factions' foods, and if she had energy for any daily task, she always had the energy to enjoy a good meal, or sweet for that matter.
She took a fork and knife and carefully cut one of the matuan in half while taking a glance at Maliarc. Aaren noticed the look he gave at her food, and she smirked a little—he clearly was unfamiliar with what it was, which shouldn't have been unsuspected. The foods of the West must be very different, excluding the culture. The lady had a feeling that was also very different.
Her eyes looked back down at her sweets. "These are made from a glutinous flour, making the inside of the cooked pastry sticky and pliable. The dark red substance here, in the middle, is a paste made from a sweet bean," she explained before she looked at the mage again. "It's very good, but I don't have the pleasure of enjoying authenic matuan. Nothing against Lucidus chefs, but they don't get the recipe just right.
"Anyway... I know your attention should be elsewhere," one side of Aaren's lips pulled slightly, "I can tell this is almost as new of an experience for me as it is for you. I'm trying to ignore the crowds and glances myself," her lips wrapped around her fork and pulled a small piece of pastry from it before she chewed it silently.
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 5:59 am
Maliarc grinned as he listened to Lady Aaren explain that the chefs didn't get the recipe quite right. With a sigh, Maliarc knew what she had said a moment before, that his attention should be elsewhere, was true. He would have to put a hold on anything personal until after this party. Maybe not even then. Who knew? He was here for noble reasons though, so he was not dismayed. However, he was caught off guard by her last statement. This was new to her as well? But she was a leader, she should be able to do this often. Ah! That illness I heard of... Maliarc had heard of the illness, but he wasn't yet convinced that should stop her from making these appearances.
"You don't make appearances like this often, my lady?"
Maliarc had an idea to propose to her, were she willing to hear it. He would have to build up trust first though. She was taking quite a gamble taking a security detail with a strange mage from the west in the first place. However, Maliarc knew that if he had conviction in his heart, and conveyed only the best intentions, then Lady Aaren would trust him, and if she trusted him, he was sure he could help her to become an even better ruler.
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 6:31 am
"Alas, I don't," the lady said and placed her fork down on the side of her plate, "I'm sure you're well aware of the, mysterious illness of the Lucidus Magus leader. Even shut in my manor I'm not able to escape the rumors. Not that you are one to gossip—you come across too honest for gossip, if that isn't too bold for me to judge.
"Matter is, Mister Maliarc, I'm possessed by a chronic weakness," Aaren said, but said so in a tone that was calm and grounded. It was a subject she had played out in conversation in her own mind so many times that she knew what she wanted to say without thinking much on it. "It will most likely take me a few days of rest to recover from this party; and I do not mean enjoying the peace and quiet of my home compared to the loudness here—I mean literal rest. Sleep. Not including the longer recovery of feeling like I'd fallen out of an airship," she gave a gentle chuckle before one of her hands reached over to her glass of cold water and took a sip.
She sat the glass back down before speaking again. "If I made the number of appearances I would be normally summoned to, my mind would be in the same condition as my body. That is a sacrifice I cannot risk, not just for myself, but for my people. These people," Aaren looked out at the crowd. She was silent a while and sighed softly. Looking at them, she felt a sense of envy, but yearning, too. She wanted what they had, but only to be with them.
"...Just seeing into their world like this tires me. However, I knew this meeting was most crucial, so I took a risk, a risk that I already feel myself paying," Aaren turned her gaze onto Maliarc and grinned softly. "I hope that helps you to understand more clearly, Mister Maliarc. I know what people say, and while there is a kernal of truth in rumors, what the rumors fail to recognize is that I'm still here, waiting and planning for Lucidus Magus as best I can. Perhaps one day... that will be enough."
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 6:49 am
Listening to her story, Maliarc gradually began to come to the same realization he was sure Lady Aaren was at. He now understood why she didn't come to social gatherings. It tore his heart to see such a kind and gentle ruler suffer like so. She was one of the few people that probably had the capacity to rule like most people would like, yet she was plagued with such an unstoppable illness. It just didn't seem fair. Standing up, Maliarc responded to Lady Aaren with a bow.
"Please, my lady, just call me Maliarc. As a mage, I have no official title. And I would say it is just the right amount of boldness for you to judge. I listen to everything, but believing it is another story completely. As for your illness..."
He could not heal her. He was sure he could not. At least, not with his level of healing prowess. Maybe with years of studying and practicing, and even then he could not heal her, only easy what suffering she may have. It just didn't seem fair. Not for someone so majestic. Walking closer to Lady Aaren, Maliarc walked to her side and put a hand on her shoulder. He was bound to draw a reaction from the guards with this, but it was chance he was willing to take. He closed his eyes, and began to concentrate on flowing magic from him to her. This was un-consented, so she could have him killed if he hurt her or if she so wished, but he was sure that would not happen.
"...I'm not going to tell you what you already know, but I can attempt to easy some of the fatigue you may be feeling."
Maliarc began to picture her in the black backdrop of the mysteriously blank room, and himself beside her again. He began to picture the flow of his magic flowing into her mind, hopefully easing some of her suffering. After he was done, he stepped back, and looked at Lady Aaren, as majestic as ever.
"I don't know if what I did helped or not, but I was hoping it would at least easy some of the suffering or fatigue you've been feeling."
It would not help much, and probably not for long, but Maliarc was happy to help where he could, even for so little. Hopefully with the power he put in her, she would be able to concentrate more, stay alert and become less fatigued. Her number of appearances could not increase, but hopefully she would be able to rest easier.
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 7:23 am
I was easy for Aaren to believe more and more that Maliarc was a true and noble man. She saw in his eyes, as she spoke and when she ended, a creature who listened with great intent and focus. She was sure if asked, the mage could repeated what she said word for word, without a stutter. It was mesmerizing in itself, and he didn't say much. What a rarity. The lady felt like she had to the right person the very thing that seemed so difficult for everyone else to understand. But in his eyes, Aaren felt like Maliarc did understand.
Her eyes followed his movement, and she looked up at him as he towered her. It was soon after that she felt her chest ache from the unfamiliar touch of Maliarc's hand on her bare shoulder. Aaren looked at the hand and then over her other shoulder when she heard one of her knights moving about towards the wall behind the table. She saw the look in the knight's eyes and she raised her hand in a stopping gesture. Everything was all right, and honestly, the anxiety in her chest faded when she realized the mage's touch was far from hostile or aggressive. In fact, it was gentle and comforting.
This feeling was reassured as the lady lowered her hand gently onto her lap and felt a foreign yet pleasant change in her level of usual vitality. Most of the time, she was used to a constant haze of tiredness; if she were to close her eyes and rest her head on the back of the chair, she could easily fall asleep. But something flowed into her—she felt more alert, lighter. Even the room with its colors and sounds become more vivid.
When Maliarc pulled away, Aaren was a bit shocked by what just happened. Her brows furrowed in curiosity and slight confusion, but also wonder. She couldn't remember the last time she felt like this; though she didn't feel like she could frolick across the room or jump for joy, she certainly felt like the night become three times easier to tackle than just a moment ago. Maliarc had given her a wonderful gift, even if for a moment, however long it may last.
What could she say to him now? The lady struggled for the words. "...You are truly a diamond in the rough, Maliarc. However, I don't mean to say that should change. Do not change it," she said. A 'thank you' just didn't seem quite enough. Aaren glanced down at her plate of matuan and pushed it a bit towards the chair the mage was sitting at earlier. She then grinned warmly at him. "Would you like to try one? They're still warm."
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Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 7:59 am
Maliarc was surprised when Lady Aaren finished speaking. She had complimented him! He was so stunned all he could do was stand there, completely caught off guard, jaw slacked and all. Finally realizing that he must have looked like a complete fool, he slowly closed his jaw, and returned to his seat, never taking his eyes off of Lady Aaren. He realized then that he was acting like a fool; he didn't care. He was a simple mage, offering a simple duty, yet she had been so nice to him, even to the point of complementing him.
Finally regaining himself, he realized how he must have looked. While he was young, his body was old, and he probably looked like an old man who had seen his first woman. He wasn't sure if he should laugh or berate himself. He was supposed to be guarding her, yet he was eating with her! Though, she was in no immediate danger, and the magic Maliarc had given Lady Aaren would indeed help her were danger to arise, so in a sense he was doing both, protecting her and eating with her, and to that, he laughed. He laughed out loud. Quickly shutting his mouth, he apologized,
"Sorry my lady, it's just that I never thought I'd find myself sitting at a table with a ruler, much less one of your caliber."
Though she had complimented him, he needed to realize she was a ruler. The idea of him liking a ruler was unfathomable. She must have others whom she adores. And he was content just to help.
"Yes, my lady, I will try one." Maliarc cut a little peace of mutuan off and tasted it. In all honesty, he could not taste the treat, he was too caught up in Lady Aaren. "As for the magic I gave you, I can do that anytime you need it, my Lady, and I would be more than happy to do so, any time you need it. If you so allow me, I could also probably help you sleep more restfully as well."
He realized he was repeating himself, but he was too entranced to care. A new thought washed over his mind, and new vow. He would allow no harm to come to this delicate flower. You're overreacting. She gave you a compliment because you helped her, it's nothing more. His thoughts were trying to find any and every way out of how he was feeling. But he knew what it was, however, he would keep a cap on it. Regaining his composure, he replaced the plate of mutuan in front of Lady Aaren and corrected his posture in his chair, taking a quick look around. He could see nothing out of the ordinary, so he turned back to Lady Aaren and continued to smile.
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