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 Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 8:15 am
T A B L E . O F . C O N T E N T S TOC
Practical
Dress For Me
No Going Back
Lessons and Routine
Unexpected Visit
Reminiscent
Remembering The Past
At Large
Barter and Haggle
Join Us
Sing Along
Music Please!
Come And Dance With Me
Friend Needed
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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 8:16 am
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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 9:49 am
D R E S S. F O R. M E The Wind girl stared at her reflection in the mirror, hands smoothing out the front of the new dress she had created herself. It was beautiful and a unique blend of Oban design and Wind design. Aseara hadn’t planned on incorporating any Wind into her clothing, but sketching ideas had simply gotten the better of her. She didn’t think anyone would really notice the hint of Wind though, the Oban colors were strong and that would be all people would see when they looked at her. Aseara was okay with hat, she was happy with her identity here in Oba.
The evening as just about to start, Aseara moved out of her room and down the hall. Dancers were moving about quickly. They were all busy getting ready and helping others who might be lagging behind. Sometimes Aseara would hear her name and she would step in, helping to fix hair or perhaps fix a problem with a dress. Soon though, she would have to be back at the front greeting guests as per her new title. It wasn’t the most exciting role and she usually left it up to someone else half way through to check up on guest but it had to be done.
“That dress looks amazing on you.” A dancer said as she passed by Aseara, stopping to offer the girl a smile before moving on.
“Thank you!” She called to her before rounding the final hallway and moving down the stairs.
The first guest was just stepping through the doors when Aseara made it to her station, she put a smile on and greeted the first few nobles who stepped though. Man were intrigued by the dress, asking where she ahd gotten it done and were surprised when learning that she had created it herself. They exchanged a few pleasantries before Aseara sent them on their way.
“Aseara, you always look so beautiful. Management does you well.” Raelar said as he moved to where she was.
“It is always nice to see you my lord. How have things been fairing for you?”
“Quite well indeed,” he pursed his lips. “When is Afsana returning from her voyage?”
“Do you miss her?” Aseara teased him.
“Not at all, if it were up to me I’d put you in charge.” He chuckled before lounging on one of the chairs in the entrance. “I think I rather watch you work today. That dress looks quite good on you.”
“Thank you, I made it myself. Finished it this morning.”
“Such talent wasted away, tsk,” the noble quieted when others came in, letting Aseara work in peace. Once gone though, he turned back to her. “Have you ever thought of leaving?” He asked softly, keeping his voice low.
“Where would I go?” Aseara replied, glancing around.
“I could build you your own establishment. You’re certainly doing a better job than Afsana at it. I’ve heard that her replacement is…” he waved his hand around. “Horrid. You know I could take care of you.”
“I appreciate the sentiment Raelar, I really do. My home is the Red Amaryllis however, I could never leave.”
Raelar stood, fixing his clothing and approaching Aseara, much closer than was acceptable to whisper quietly.
“If you ever change your mind, know that I am making myself available to you.” He moved away hearing nose. “I’d like for you to dance for me tonight, I will triple your costs. Once you’re done, you know where to find me.” And before Aseara could reply, the man had turned around and left. His offer had been a good one, though there were a lot of things that did not add up. This was the kind of thing Afsana warned them about. She would dance for him, but it would stop there.Word Count :: 631
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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 10:07 am
N O. G O I N G. B A C K A year of complete bliss.
A year that the horrible stress was gone, replaced by the kind of stress that puts you into a deep peaceful sleep once you’re comfortable in bed after a long hard day. The kind of year that should be every single year for the girls of the Red Amaryllis, and yet it was not. Afsana made it so. So many rules restrained the girls and Aseara had slowly erased them all away, replaced by her own more lenient ones. There would always be rules, to keep everyone safe of course, but they constrained the girls much less than the previous ones. It made the Red Amaryllis an easier and happier place and with the comments coming from the clients and the money and gifts coming in, it worked miracles for the business.
Aseara had dreams, she saw the Red Amaryllis becoming something so much more than an establishment that worked in the shadows, its name uttered on hushed tongues. She wanted more for the girls; she wanted to give them better life. She wanted the kind of thing for them that she had been denied younger and had only been given a silver of by Afsana. The owner’s name had not been uttered by anyone since she had left and her memory had been pushed away by everyone. The only person who felt the presence of Afsana was Aseara from the letters she received and sent. She knew that the day would come when Afsana would return and everything she had built here would eclipse with her presence.
It was a necessary evil Aseara thought; she certainly didn’t have any knowledge on how to run the business. Though the year had given her much time to learn from her mistakes. Miran had given birth recently, the Wind girl hadn’t been able to throw out the girl with the growing belly. One look at that bubbling half baby and she’d been unable to throw the pair out, how could Afsana? Surely if she saw the baby she too would understand that they simply couldn’t just throw out all the dancers and their children to the streets. Aseara was sure she could change the woman’s mind and Miran had promised not to be a bother, she had saved up a little money to care for her child and would not be a burden.
Although Aseara did not report Miran’s pregnancy, she did have to send in reports about the girls performances. One girl’s performance had taken quite a hit lately; she had the lowest income and was really dragging everyone else down. Aseara had tried to talk to her at first but when that had not worked she had felt perhaps Afsana would have an idea. The Oban had not mentioned it much, saying she would deal with it once she was home because it needed a special touch. Apart from the few troubles, Aseara had done quite well for herself and she knew she would make Afsana proud.
When the letter came in that Afsana would be returning a year later in a week’s time, Aseara felt sick. She couldn’t bring herself to tell anyone else that whole day. She knew that things would go back to the way they had been before, that Afsana’s prodigy would be the one to take up the mantle once the older Oban retired. It didn’t feel right for her to do so, Aseara felt like she should have been the one given the title. The next day however, Aseara called everyone to a meeting and announced the news and the reactions were all the same. The little bubble of happiness that they had all built had exploded and reality was going to hit them in the face in a few days’ time.
“Aseara,” Miran called when everyone had left to deal with the news on their own. “What is going to happen to the baby?”
“Don’t worry about it okay?” In truth, Aseara did not know how it would go. Hiding a baby from Afsana could easily get done if there was someone constantly watching her. But would some of the other girls turn on her if Afsana offered them something they wanted? She knew that Afsana would seek out others to make sure Aseara had given her the proper information… The Wind girl didn’t want to think about it, too much to prepare for Afsana’s arrival. She would think on it and decide from there.
However, the deadline came and Aseara did not have a clue as to what would happen.
“It is good to see you Afsana,” Aseara said as the older Oban walked into the Red Amaryllis. “Janeska.” She gave a nod to the other Oban before her eyes fell on the covered figure. “How was your trip?” It was obvious the trip had gone well if there was a figure before them here.
"Aseara," Afsana cooed before she pulled the covered figure forward. There was no doubt in Aseara’s mind that this was a Yaeli. "This is my newest flower, from the island to the south. She's a dancer, and one that will bring us a lot of curious patrons. You are in charge of getting her acclimated and making sure she understands all of my rules. Any mistakes she makes are your own as well."
“Afsana, I’ve already got so much going,” The Wind girl glanced at the Yaeli, she didn’t know what to think. She didn’t like them, they were creepy and she certainly didn’t trust her. She also seemed to have little to no manners from the look she’d just given Aseara. “I can’t possibly take on more.”
“Janeska is fully prepared to take over so there is nothing that should hinder you. Now, I’ve got to make my rounds. Come see me when you’ve settled her down.” There would be no other words, Afsana had already moved past her and disappeared through one of the halls.
“Alright well, follow me please.” Aseara began to walk down the hall only to realize the girl wasn’t following her. She made a hand gesture. “We can’t stand around here very long; if Afsana comes back and see’s us she’s going to be angry.” The Wind girl gave a small sigh of frustration and waited until the girl finally, finally began walking towards her at a slow pace. This wasn’t going to be fun at all, how come she’d gotten stuck with her? She’d never been given such a task before, was Afsana punishing her? Only horrible things could come from this.
“I’m Aseara by the way, what’s your name?”
“Itotia.” Came the short reply.
“Happy to meet you,” Aseara wasn’t but she couldn’t be mean to the new comer. Not when she needed her to cooperate with her. “No these halls we don’t usually come here, the only time we’re allowed on the lower level is when the clients are here at night. Afsana doesn’t want people down here unless you have a purpose.” Aseara began to climb the stairs to the next level and paused to open the door and show Itotia. “This is where the cleaning staff stays and all the supplies for the Red Amaryllis.” The next floor was the musicians. “This is where all the musicians stay, you’re also not allowed here.” The floor after that was the singers which Aseara told Itotia she also wasn’t allowed to be in.
The floor after that was finally where all the dancers stayed. “You’ll probably have to bunk with me for a couple of days until we get you a room.” She told the girl before moving down the floor. There was not a word spoken, everyone was quiet waiting for Afsana to come up and speak to them. “There are baths, a small place for you to get food, and a lounge. The other floors are practice areas and some other various floors for different things, I don’t have time to go through them but feel free to explore on your own time.”
“We’re going to get you in a bath and then some new clothing before I explain your schedule and the –“ The silence was broken by the soft cry of a baby. Aseara glanced at Itotia before veering down a hallway and walking into the room of Miran.
“Miran…” Other girls had gathered in the room, they all glanced at the new girl but did not say a word. Aseara frowned when Itotia flinched, moving to a corner of the room away from the group. “Miran he needs to be quiet and you need to stop crying.”
“She’s going to take him away Aseara; she’s going to throw me out into the street.”
“I won’t let that happen Miran, quiet him down until I can speak to Afsana.” A door closed and Aseara knew that Afsana had come, knew that she could hear the crying baby and was on her way over.
“Aseara,” the girl gave a quiet sob before gripping onto Aseara’s arm. She was frightened, the Wind girl knew this, but didn’t know what to do.
“Is that a baby?” Janeska’s voice was loud as she entered the room followed by Afsana.
“Who’s baby is that?” Afsana came closer, no one draed answer but everyone moved away. “Aseara how come you didn’t tell me Miran had a child?” She whirled on the Wind girl now, anger streaking her old face. “How come you didn’t throw her out?!” Her voice was high now, Miran wailing in the background.
“I—I didn’t know what to do,” She didn’t want to say out right that she had been unable to throw her out. “What did you expect me to do?”
“I expected you to act like someone worthy of the position I gave you! You disappoint me Aseara, you so dearly disappoint me.” She turned on the crowd. “Let this be a lesson to all of you, I helped you here! I have fed you and clothed you! And this is how I am repaid? Miran out, out, OUT!” She yelled turning on the girl. “You and your b*****d child out of my house right this moment!” The other girl could not move, only cried more. Janeska moved to pick her up but Aseara caught her arm to stop her.
“You can’t do this.” She tried to plead with Janeska.
“Get out of my way weakling.” Janeska shoved Aseara to the side and grabbed a hold of Miran, lifting her up and walking her out the door with the crying baby.
“And you!” Afsana turned to the girl whom Aseara had mentioned wasn’t doing well. “If you can’t carry your weight around then you are out! You are no longer welcomed here!”
“Afsana please, I can do better.”
“OUT!” The girl turned to leave but Aseara caught her arm.
“Afsana please calm down, this is insane. You can’t just throw out people like this. It isn't right.”
“Child you are lucky I don’t throw you out just as quickly as I did the others! You insolent little brat! I gave you everything and you spat it back into my face. You will no longer be dancing Aseara, I am putting you on cleaning duty and taking care of Itotia. No more dancing for you.”
“You can’t!” Dancing was her life; the girl shoved herself away from Aseara and ran down the hall. “You can’t do this!”
“Yes I can, I am the boss around here. You are not and you better learn your place or I will have you out on the street just as fast. All of you better be on your best behavior, I don’t want to hear a peep out of any of you. I’ll be retiring soon and Janeska is going to be taking over and I will leave her with a proper legacy. All of you better be downstairs on time tonight or a few of you will find yourselves sleeping out in the streets tonight with an empty stomach.” Afsana glanced one more time around the room before slamming the door shut.
“You promised,” one girl began in a quiet voice. “You promised it wouldn’t be like this and look what happened!” She moved towards Aseara now. “Things will never change around here and I can’t believe you made us think things would be different.” The girl shoved past Aseara, pushing her aside as she moved. Other girls were quietly nodding their head and leaving as well. The Wind girl sighed heavily and rubbed her face. This couldn’t be happening right now, a whole years’ worth of happiness wiped away in one single instant.
They were right, Aseara had failed them all. Just like that Afsana had returned and taken out the joy out of everything, she had taken away from her everything that she had. Worst of all she had done the same to the others as well and Aseara felt deeply responsible. The Wind girl turned and punched the wall, letting the pain whirl threw her wrist and then up her arm. How had she let this happen? How could she let Afsana take everything from her?
“That looks like it was painful,” came a voice and Aseara turned to face Janeska. “I hope it hurts after the whole mess we came home to. If it was up to me you’d be out in the streets.” She gave a low chuckle. “Maybe that will be the first thing I do when I get this place, you were her favorite. Don’t know what she saw in you, but now it’ll be easy to send you back to Sauti.” Janeska grimaced and left.
No. Aseara glared at Janeska’s back. No. She would not return to Sauti, she was staying right here. She wasn’t going to let Janeska take that from her. The Wind girl cradled her injured hand. Enough, she had had enough. Afsana was not the right person to run the Red, Janeska was not the right person to run the Red, Aseara was. She had made connections during her time and she was going to use them, if the Obans wanted to play that game than so would she. She held more power now then she ever had and if Afsana thought Aseara was going to stand by and serve drinks for a couple of months she was wrong.
She was going to build an army. She was going to take back what had been taken from her and she would right her wrongs.
Quote: Phew okay, there’s a lot going on here. So I’m going to divide it up! Character wise: For a whole year Aseara was in charge of the RA, she learned a crapton. She learned to manage, to fix things, she made connections with people of power and most importantly, she learned that sometimes the rules aren’t as black and white as Afsana puts them. She learned that yes, sometimes the girls might want to be more with clients and accidents do happen, but these people rely on the RA like someone needs air. After seeing Afsana pretty much throw the biggest tantrum ever and throw out a mother and child, after seeing how Afsana treats the girls pretty much like things and not people, Aseara realizes that it needs to change. She sees the RA for what it is a pretty lockbox that keeps pretty things inside to be opened up by Afsana for show when she is paid enough money. This is not her vision of the RA and it certainly has popped her bubble about the RA being the best thing in her life. This growth solo pretty much pushes Aseara on her way into the role of leader (managing the RA pretty much), something she hadn’t thought she wanted to do previously since she was content with how things were. However, now that she knows what the RA really looks like without all the embellishment, she wants to change it and she wants to make it better. Plot wise: During her one year Aseara made connections with the merchants and nobles that surround the RA. She is also well loved by the people in the RA since her managing style is highly different. Now, with this growth she plans on using these connections to her advantage to cut off Afsana. She is building and army so to speak. Itotia is now in the RA and she is going to take her on as not only her best friend but also her right hand. Afsana going off pretty much set Aseara on this path and she plans on seeing her plans through and throwing Afsana out. Word Count :: 2,423
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Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2016 8:07 am
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Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2016 10:26 am
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Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 10:10 am
R E M I N I S C E N T Aseara stared out the window into the gloomy morning and rare rain. The other girls she shared her room with, including Itotia were all asleep at this time but Aseara simply could not sleep. The Keldari she had hidden in a bag under her bed rattled once before she ‘shh`d’ it and it was quiet again. At least it was getting accustomed to her so that had to be some kind of improvement. Aseara wished her life could take on such an improvement as well or at least her situation. Soon Itotia would be able to be on her own and Aseara was hoping to return to her previous activities.
She dearly missed being able to sleep in after a long night, not that she was around much during the night anyways. Because she was no longer a dancer she had earlier hours meant so that clients did not see her around. She knew clients had been asking around about her, that much was obvious but so far Afsana had done a good job at keeping them at bay. Not that Aseara had tried very hard to get in touch with the nobles she knew would stand by her side. She had garnered good patronage from them but did not know if all would stand strong.
That was another thing that Aseara constantly thought about, all the connections she had made when she had been in charge of the Red Amaryllis. That was why she had not decided to make a move on Afsana yet; she did not feel she was powerful enough to do so. Yet if she stayed in her current state she would never be happy again and nether would anyone around her. She knew the merchants liked her better, they had told her so, she just needed the energy to act on it.
Depression and exhaustion had done her in, she was sure Afsana had done it on purpose as to not cause an uproar and it was working wonderfully. Aseara had no desire to rebel, not right now at least. Seeing Nuri had helped some, she knew in her heart that she did not want to be some jobless woman that he had to take care of. She had to stand on her own two feet and fight this fight… Without energy to do so however, it was a little hard to find the motivation. Aseara honestly did not know what it was going to take for her to get back to her old self.
She also wished Nuri could stay longer, comfort her a bit more. His presence felt good next to her and she had loved his gift albeit it meant spending more time with Itotia then she was required to do. Hopefully Nuri would have the Keldari trained up in no time and she would not have to be so afraid of being found out and kicked out for having such a dangerous creature in the Red Amaryllis. She was so sure Afsana would use it against her too.
Itotia’s presence and guidance would help her too and it wasn’t like the Yaelian was all too bad. Now she understood why she was so hostile towards everyone and she couldn’t have been any more opposite to Aseara. She chose to be here willingly and Itotia did not. She wasn’t too sure as to how to approach that situation yet, she wanted to help her too but what could Aseara possibly do for her? She couldn’t just give her gold and send her back to Yaeli, if anything Aseara needed the gold if she ever decided to do something with it.
Like pay off some merchants or something. She knew that the merchants wouldn’t simply accept not giving Afsana any business, they were losing money after all. Which meant her plan had to be in place before she even attempted such a thing. She needed the backing of all the other dancers, musicians, singers, and other performers before she took on the important people like customers and the merchants. She also wanted an estimation on how much this coop would cost her. She didn’t want to use all of her money at once.
Customers she was going to have to be selective with. Aseara knew that hers would back her without betraying her, especially if she offered them special favors for doing so. Perhaps she could insight their friends to also stray to her side. She knew that there were some that she would be unable to approach or Afsana would find out what was happening behind her back. It was a very thin line she walked and she had to be extra careful. That would take a lot of work. Though Aseara knew that some of the other girls who would back her would also request the same from their own customers.
That would be another issue she faced. The dancers knew Aseara, she danced and was housed with them and they all knew each other very well. The singers and musicians though, were each on their own floor and she barely had any contact with them. Perhaps a little more with the musicians than the singers since dancers needed music after all. So that would prove tricky. The singers relied heavy on Afsana since their business was much lower, she would have to observe and find the ones she wanted to recruit to her cause.
Aseara sighed, so much planning. Was she ready? Not even close, but she knew that she needed to do it or she would be driven insane by Afsana. Things could not stay as they were, Aseara needed to start making friends with people if she wanted to get anywhere. She would start with the closes person to her, Itotia. If she could not get past her anxiety being near the Yaelian to become friends then she would not be able to befriend anyone else. Aseara rubbed her face and went to slip back into bed. She had a long say ahead of her.Word Count :: 1,007
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Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2016 2:33 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2016 1:02 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 10:11 am
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Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 10:31 am
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Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 8:47 am
S I N G. A L O N G It was hard with Nuri being gone, but Aseara had come up with a plan and she was slowly putting it into action. She knew that her first order of business was those closest to her. Surely if she could convince the rest of the house to help her then they would. She couldn't get around the house without others watching her and as such she needed to start having allies with her. This would be the foundation of her plans, but who did she approach first? There were the dancers she wanted to see last, then the singers and musicians.
It was going to be the singers first. Aseara took a deep breath and went up to their floor. It was at the top of the three floors meant for the performers. It was also the floor that was the quietest since Afsana had made sure each and every single room was sound proof. Aseara herself found it eerie, too lifeless for her. Thankfully at this time most of the singers were resting their voices, they wouldn't be shouting at her if something happened. Aseara had made sure to select a few established leaders and then had scouted them out for a few days.
She knew she needed to pick her allies very carefully; she needed to distinguish who would backstab her and make sure no one turned on her. Quietly, Aseara made her way down the hall to the first person she’d found who had a particular grudge against Afsana. Tsubame was a Matorian with an exceptional voice. Afsana had found her after she’d run away from her master and had kept her in the Red Amarylliss since. Tsubame understood she had needed the help back then, but now she felt she was just as much a prisoner. She too did not want to see the others receive the brunt end of Afsana’s anger for her leaving.
Aseara went up to her door and knocked gently.
“Come in.” Came a soft melodic voice. Aseara entered, the room was small with just enough space. “I’m sorry, you’re not a singer. What do you need?”
“You know who I am Tsubame and you also know why I am here.” The Matorian looked coy for a second before ushering her inside.
“It’s hard not to know who you are Aseara, you took great care of us when Afsana was gone. I never did get to thank you for that.”
“Save your breath,” Aseara waved her hand. “I’m here on another matter.”
“By the looks of you, you aren’t in a position to be asking for favors.”
“I’m not here for a favor,” Aseara held her anger in check. “I’m here because I plan on overthrowing Afsana.”
“You must be kidding?” Tsubame began laughing loudly, slapping her knee in the process before quieting down quickly to keep her voice in check. “You wouldn’t be the first one to try such a thing. What makes you think I’ll just join you?”
“I know you have the most authority with the singers, just like I had with the dancers –“
“Something which you do not have any more Aseara.”
“I know, but I plan on regaining my position quickly. Afsana wishes for me to break and I will show her the broken pieces but the inside is not broken. However, to make this plan real I need allies within our home.”
“You want me to help you?”
“I need not only your influence with the other singers but I also need your influence with your clients. I am making preparations, but I need help. I will throw Afsana aside that I can guarantee you, but I cannot do it alone. I need the help of as many as I can. Allies.”
“I don’t know Aseara, this is Afsana we are talking about. There is also Janeska and all the others who are too afraid of Afsana to do anything. Fear is a great motivator and that Oban knows how to use it.”
“That’s why I need you to rally all of your allies with you and help me. Keep those who are favorable to Afsana in the dark while helping me. I know you can do it and you’re in the best position to do so.”
“And what do I get for sticking my neck out for you? This is completely insane, you know that. However, I need something to motivate me to do so. I can’t just unite all the singers under one roof and keep out the bad apples. What can you offer me.”
“I plan on restructuring. I will be the head of the Red Amaryllis, I will have a second in command but I also want there to be heads of each divisions so to speak. A head of the singers, a head of the dancers, a head of the musicians. You will take care of your own people and report back to me. That year that I was in charge, how was it?”
“You ruled beautifully over us,” Tsubame said with a sigh. “It was the best year of all our lives I must grudgingly admit. However, will you continue to act in such a way? This position and restructuring interests me.” Tsubame looked out the window and was quiet. Aseara stayed quiet, she needed to let Tsubame weigh her own risks to come to her own conclusion.
“Alright, I will help you on only one condition.”
“What is it?”
“You must rally everyone, the dancers, musicians, and singers. I want to know who the other heads will be and only then will I begin to aid you. Is this favorable to you?”
“Yes it is.” Aseara stood up and so did Tsubame to shake hands. The Matorian held on.
“I really wish to help you Aseara, and I will do my best. There is much to do however, please keep in touch when you have rallied everyone.”
“I will. It was nice speaking with you.”
Tsubame smiled and lead Aseara to the door to let her out. The Wind girl didn’t know if Tsubame was bluffing, but now she needed to speak with the musicians and hope for the best.
Word Count :: 1,031
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Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 9:11 am
M U S I C. P L E A S E The conversation with Tsubame wasn’t a win nor was it a loss. Aseara understood where her fears came from; she didn’t want to be the only one supporting Aseara if the others decided not to help her. The Wind girl would have done the same in her position; she wouldn’t want anything happening to her people either. Not that the dancers were her people anymore, but Aseara hoped the dancers would rally with her none the less. They had suffered greatly from Afsana and they just had to know that the Wind girl was the better option. The musicians were going to be a whole other ball park.
The musicians were probably those that brought in the most profit to the Red Amaryllis. This was because most of the nobles liked to hire their musicians from the Red Amaryllis so they could show off. The group was a little broken up at the moment because of their mentality of everyone for themselves who was outside of their group. It also made them highly malleable by Afsana since she was the one who nobles asked who was ‘in’ at the moment. If she wanted you to not receive a noble gig it was entirely possible.
From her work, Aseara had observed at least three leaders who had the most influence among the groups. Zayn an Oban who was currently Afsana’s favorite. Sabri, a pretty shifter who was highly sought out by the nobles and the first Aseara would seek out. The last one was Faelan an ice tribesman, she knew him the best because he was having a secret affair with a dancer. He was nice, but she knew he would also be easily corruptible if Zayn did not join her little party. She would have to be careful, meeting Sabri first was her best chance since she had the most influence with the nobles and those would be her next targets.
The floor of the musicians was just as sound proof was the one for the singers except here there silence did not reign. There were soft melodies playing from different rooms. The main living quarters housed a few of the musicians and they glanced at her, Aseara spotted Sabri amongst them and went to her.
“Aseara, you’re looking better than I saw you last time.” The shifter began with a soft smile. Unlike Tsubame, Sabri was pleasant.
“I have something I’d like to share with you privately.” Aseara glanced at the others around her.
“This is my troop, what you say to me you can say in front of them. Please take a seat with us.” Sabri motioned to an empty safe and Aseara settled herself.
“I’m going to be very plain in my words. I’ve just returned from visiting Tsubame, I want to take over the Red Amaryllis and cast Afsana out.”
“You’re kidding me?” Sabri leaned in, lowering her voice. “Tell me you are kidding Aseara, this endeavor of yours is dangerous.” Aseara held up her hand.
“I know, but I am also determined and I want your help. Tsubame won’t join hands with me unless I have the support of everyone. By everyone she means someone from each floor. I know that Zayn has been undermining you at every turn and I know Faelan will also join us.”
“Yea, Zayn is playing favorites and stealing my parties,” Sabri snorted. “Faelan is as trustful as a wild Janarim.”
“What about me being trustful?” Faelan pipped up from behind them and everyone turned to look at him.
“Join us Faelan please,” Aseara shifted a bit to give him room.
“What if I don’t want to? You all seem to be quite happy talking behind my back.” He crossed his arms.
“We’re talking about overthrowing Afsana. Join us?” Sabri said, trying to urge him to sit.
“Now what makes you think I’ll just join you and not go running to Afsana for favor?” He pushed himself off the wall. Aseara saw the threat.
“I don’t think Bradan would be very happy with you,” Aseara began but Sabri quickly cut her off.
“There’s no need for threats,” she glanced at Aseara. “Faelan join us please and hear out what Aseara has to say. I would like to join her in her quest and I believe you should join too. Zayn has taken away many of your clients as well.”
Faelan huffed and sat down.
“As I was saying. Tsubame will join if I can have the support of the other two floors. I am happy to hear that you will join me Sabri. Faelan I need you to join also, I need all the help I can to keep Zayn out of the way. I also need both of you to rally the other troops with you and your nobles. Only those you know you can trust of course, if this gets out…”
“I understand. I will help you and speak with Tsubame to let her know.”
“Thank you Sabri,” Aseara turned to Faelan. “I do not wish to threaten you Faelan, but I will let Bradan know if you go behind our backs. Do not think I am beyond taking you down with me if you go to Afsana, I will tell her of your relationship.”
“You don’t need to threaten me Aseara,” he spat turning to Sabri. “We get nothing out of this deal, why do you want to help her?”
“I will make Sabri head of the musicians,” Aseara cut in quickly. “You know she will be fair, I do not think she is someone you want at your backside.”
“Faelan,” Sabri began. “What do you have to lose in joining us? Nothing! Aseara did a wonderful join when Afsana was gone. We all thrived. Don’t you want that again? It would be selfish if we do not help her.”
“Fine,” Faelan stood up. “But if everything goes wrong I do not want to be involved with any of you or this mess because this is what that is. It’s a mess waiting to happen.” And with that he left. Sabri sighed.
“I’ll have someone watch him just to make sure nothing happens. You only have the dancers to see now don’t you?”
“That I do…”
“Good luck my friend, we are with you.” Sabri reached out and gently squeezed Aseara’s shoulder.
“Thank you Sabri for everything.” Aseara stood up and owed before leaving. There was only one single group left.
Word Count :: 1,074
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Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2016 10:27 am
C O M E. A N D. D A N C E. W I T H. M E There was nothing quite like the hustle and bustle of the dancer floor. Here the door to all the rooms were open for everyone to come and go as they please, the living room had a few other dancers chatting together and some were in the practice room doing their thing. Watching them from the entrance made Aseara smile, they were her closes peers and she only wanted to best for them. Would they see that? She didn’t know, she’d hurt them a lot when Afsana had returned but she was hoping to in their trust once again if only they’d let her lead.
Moving towards the hallway, Aseara stopped in each room and told everyone to meet in the living room before doing the same in the practice room. She needed everyone here so they could all talk it out. Back in the living room, everyone had settled down and watched as Aseara stood before them.
“I know we haven’t spoken in a long time, Afsana demoted me and I’ve been taking care of Itotia’s learning,” Aseara glanced at their faces to gauge their reactions. Some seemed utterly bored, others looked angry. “I’m disturbing your routines because I’m here to announce that I’m going to be taking over the Red Amaryllis.” Aseara wanted to be straight forward as possible; no one here would betray her. Their hate was equal to her own now a day for the Oban.
“Wait what?” Somene finally said. “Janeska is replacing Afsana and we all know that.”
“Yes officially, I plan on taking over unofficially.” A few people scoffed, Aseara continued. “I’ve also asked the musicians and the singers to back me up. Sabri has accepted to help, Faelan as well. Zayn will be kept in the dark. Tsubame said she would join us if I could rally the musicians and the dancers together.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Having the others join you isn’t enough, we need far more backing. We’re penniless and Afsana has all the connections.”
“Yes and aren’t you tired of being penniless?” Aseara could feel them blocking her out and she needed to open the door again. “If we all band together and keep our clients in line who has the power? Afsana? No, she simply keeps things running and takes a large cut of all our profits. I will ensure we have the clients and the merchants on our side, I will push Afsana out, I just need help.”
“Well look where your help got us! People got thrown out of here, a mother and her child and who knows how many others. Aseara we cannot fight this, we are not strong enough.”
“We are if we stick together! How can she defeat all of us if we are united?”
“And after you take over? What then? What happens?”
“I’ve decided to elect 3 leaders within each floor, I will head the Red Amaryllis and have someone to help and will see with the 3 leaders when something happens. Wages will increase, I cannot promise you how much but I know Afsana takes far too large a cut. I’ve seen the money, I would know.”
The dances erupted into a loud cacophony of sound as they all spoke to each other or shouting things from across the room. They were far too divided; Aseara could see that now and didn’t know what she could do to bring them back together.
“I plan on doing it right after the war dance,” Aseara shouted over the noise to quiet them down. “I will have spoken to the nobles by then and the merchants and will cut her off at the head. If the merchants don’t want to do business with her and the nobles support us we cannot lose this fight.” Again the dancers erupted into their chatter and all Aseara could do now was watch and let them work it out. A few came up to her and told her they would support her before heading off to go back to what they’d been doing.
“We have no guarantee this plan of yours will work,” someone finally said.
“I know but isn’t it better than simply standing around and doing nothing? Letting her step over us, steal our hard earned money, steal our future from us?” Did she tell them about Nuri? She had no choice, she needed their help. “I am in love with an Oban noble and plan to marry him and have children. I will not let anyone dictate how I should live my life, I’ve had enough. If you wish for her to control your life, a life that is loveless and full of hard labor, then so be it. But I shall not. If you do not wish to fight for your future than I will without you having to ask, those of you who support me, anything you do to help is welcomed. I only ask that those of you who do not wish to help simply do nothing to prevent the others. It is their choice not yours.”
“I do not support you, but I will not hinder the others.” A dancer stood and walked away, a few others did so as well. Some simply did not respond and Aseara shook her head. The group was split but at least they would not stop her, no one here would so perhaps that was progress.
“If anyone changes their mind they know where to find me.” Aseara gave them a smile and left. This wouldn’t stop her; she was still going to seek out the merchants and a few selected nobles. She knew exactly who she would seek out from the nobles; her best client whom she knew would help her for sure and would persuade others. The wheels had begun turning and from here on end they would only increase in speed. Aseara could only hope she would be able to keep up, otherwise she would end up the one being run over.Word Count :: 1,001
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Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2016 10:27 am
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