|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 3:58 pm
Faustina hesitated, and her eyes trailed to the side to stare at the place where that man had announced her father's sins upon Puerto Diablo. She bit her lip, then drew closer to Vince, continuing to speak low in spite of the fact that most of the guests already knew what she was about to say. Even still...if some hadn't, or if some hadn't thought of what others had...it never hurt to be too cautious.
"I'm...not entirely sure why, but it seems my father has made many enemies. He didn't seem to be in such low favor at the last tournament he brought me to, but I think the occurrence of certain events have aggravated his standing." A pause, and her head bowed, hiding the pain that shone in her eyes. "...just a month or so ago, someone attacked our home, The Devil's Alibi, and swallowed it--and everything inside it--whole..." At last, she pushed the hurt aside and re-found the necessary confidence to look Vince in the eye. "It seems many of these enemies are here tonight, and at least one has aimed to get to him through me. That man, however..." At this, she turned a scowl upon Omi's opponent, and she half-hissed, half-spat with an irritated flick of her tail, "...seems to hold ill will against Mr. Barsait, or at very least doesn't wish him to have a peaceful evening."
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 4:09 pm
He could tell the step, though a fairly basic one as far as ballroom dancing went, was not her most comfortable, but she also didn't move with the clumsiness of a novice dancer. The Acadien's interest seemed piqued by this and he set a new goal in mind; discover her favored dance by the end of the evening. As they danced, the pace behind their footfalls quickening at the subtlest change in Jace's lead, he could see the faint struggle his consort seemed to be having with her expressions. Another chuckle rumbled musically from his lips.
Ma cher, he intoned, dipping his head slightly forward to bring his speech closer to her ear. D'ere's no need t' be anyt'in but yourself, chu know. T'at be enough fo' any man wit'out pouponer, ah, put'n on face fo' t'e crowd. 'Sides, would I'a tried so hard t' get y' 'ttention if I didn' approve o'yeh just as chu are?"
Unlike Miana, Jace's accent was unsmoothable. It did come off sounding hypnotic, though, so perhaps not terribly rude against their elegant backdrop. Inus_Miana 'Hell, you can dance too. A lesser woman would've been won already,' Another hound dog grin spread over his face. The Cajun clearly loved finding the mirth in any given moment, savoring it like a fine wine or fresh beignet.
"Mayb' so, but I do like a challenge."
Speaking of challenges, maybe now it was time to start testing the waters in search of his lady companion's preferred dance step. Time to make it fun. The band wrapped up its current number just as Jace lifted his head to catch the leader's eye. He glanced meaningfully to his date and lifted his hand from her waist to give a small "Let's pick it up" gesture. When they entered Jace had spied a couple livening up the floor with a bit of East Coast swing, and that seemed as good a place as any to start.
The upright player laid down a walking bass line to start them off, and as the trumpet and saxophones joined in so did Jace. Now, he was certainly no contender for the next season of Dancing with the Stars, but clearly he had a practicing knowledge of the ropes as he confidently guided Miana into the quicker step whilst steering her away from the military man and the conversing dragon, of all things. "T'ink you can keep up?" He smiled, giving her another appreciative once-over.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 4:33 pm
If it were possibly, Vince's brow might have come right off of his face, but instead, the look of curiosity only maxed out at its highest potential, almost giving Vince a dumbfounded look. He couldn't help but shake his head at the thought of something swallowing an entire establishment and everything within it. Even a full-scaled dragon such as himself in their most desperate state of hunger couldn't even hope to achieve swallowing a building and all of the furnishing and people inside. Regardless of how much the thought of what that thing could have possibly been interested Vince, he pushed the thoughts aside, giving Faustina his whole attention in hopes of learning something he could put to use later on.
Vince's eyes noted clearly that Faustina's movements marked a few different things; perhaps anxiety, perhaps fear, most of all, she appeared to be sad. Normally, in a good mood, Vince would have attempted to play off of the girl's emotions to further his own needs, but his mood was serious. He had to make sure he watched what he was doing, because he couldn't draw attention to himself, because it would end badly.
Vince's reaction to her claims against the mans ill-will against Omi, Vince simply shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "In events such as these, there is normally no ill will. There is a furthering of prestige and honor; men are ignorant when it comes to these ideals. There is either kill or be killed: no in-between. Worry not, Miss Jaeger, I'm sure you will have your evening and get some fun eventually. Omi will be fine, that I am sure of as well."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 4:52 pm
As Cyrus continued to enjoy the evening in his new frock coat, he noticed Faustina again talking to another fellow in a far more peaceful manner and he sighed in relief. Last night was hell in a handbasket thanks to his diplomacy and theatrical skills on her behalf, and he knew he didn't have the time nor energy to pull another event like that one again.
But he was curious on how she was doing emotionally so he walked over with a calm stride and an admant but harmless expression and tapped Faustina on the shoulder with a gentle smile all the while. He still had a cigarette in his mouth but it wasn't lit yet so there was no fumes nor sent of fumigation around him. He cleared his throat before he spoke and talked to her in a calm tone.
"Good to see you Faustina, I'm glad to see that you're fairing well."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 5:04 pm
<< btw Acro, all of this (the ball) is happening on the same night >>
The corners of Faustina's lips pulled upward, and somewhere in the deep spiral that was her emotional collective, there was a hint of genuine gratitude and even happiness. "I certainly hope so, Vincentius." Then, her head turned to look about the hall, partially to see if anyone had set their sights on her, and partially to check how the quarrel between James and Cyrus was going. It seemed their fight had come to an end, though she wasn't entirely sure how it ended, or where either men had gotten off to, and all of a sudden she became gravely aware of just how easy she was to spot in the middle of the raised dance floor beside a giant of a man and yet another quarrel. She was also, admittedly, curious to see who Vince had come with, and so asked just that as she surveyed the room. "So, who's your date for the evening, Vincentius?"
No sooner had she asked did another voice address her, a snap of her head to the side drawing her gaze upon the man who'd spoken and, in turn, drawing her eyes wide. "Cyrus!" she gasped in surprise. Turning from Vince--though still standing close at hand--she asked, "I'm fine...are you alright? What happened?"
Her attentions then shifted to the fight out of the corner of her eye, and, remembering both the potential danger as well as how much they stood out, suggested to both of her companions, "Um...perhaps we should give them some more room?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 5:21 pm
Cyrus put a hand through his hair as he recounted what had happened. James's counter measures did work, and his counter double fisted flame punch did land, but Cyrus's dodging maneuver did help and he only took one fist to the left side corner of the stomach. It burned through his clothes and winded him badly, but due to the fact he was moving in the opposite direction, he managed to avoid the worst of the impact and flames. His counter was futile because he was winded, and by then bouncers broke things up. From there he went and got the frock coat and a replacement undershirt to replace the burnt clothes.
Cyrus smirked at the recollection and responded to her in a calm tone.
"I'm fine, I managed to dodge from his brutal counters long enough for the bouncers to come break the scuffle up. Though he did burn through my clothes so I had to make a quick stop outside for something that would still suit the occasion. Regardless, I'm fine, the real question is are you?"
He said as he looked at her with an adamantly serious look. He wanted to know in depth what had really happened back there since it got them both in that mess.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 5:30 pm
Vince looked around curiously in response to Faustina's questioning, and before he answered her, he quickly put in, "Call me Vince if you'd like, Miss Jaeger." The smile once more reappeared on Vince's lips, genuine as could be, for the occasion had to be turned in his favor somehow. After-all, the dragon was all for adding to his advantageous position with people he was trying to get in good standings with, Faustina's father just happened to be one of them. Regardless, Vince chuckled and watched the man stumble up to them before replying to Faustina's question.
"I came with a lovely lady named Sokoya. I'm not entirely sure where she walked off to, though.." Vince shrugged and nodded to Faustina's suggestion, taking a few steps back and towards the stairs before turning back to offer a suggestion, "How about I buy us all a few drinks, perhaps to lessen the tension and forget the drama that happened this evening."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 6:06 pm
Faustina flinched at the name of Vince's date, a chill freezing her heart for but a moment as a memory flickered through her mind, gone as soon as it'd appeared. But, it was long enough for her to feel the distant tinge of familiarity. ...Sokoya...? Isn't that the name of the girl who--
That was when Cyrus came into the picture, and with her attentions turned upon him the feeling swept away, caught up in more pressing matters. She managed a pleasant smile, and in a way that gave away very little of what she was actually feeling and what had happened earlier, she replied, "Yes, I'm quite fine, thanks to your valiant efforts."
Her eyes trailed to Vince, and she nodded to his proposal, "That would be most kind, Vince. I've yet to have a chance to actually enjoy a drink this evening." Looking over her shoulder, she peered around Cyrus and wove a bit at Omi, trying to get just enough of his attention to point to herself and then the bar, so he wouldn't be at a total loss after the fight as to where they'd gotten off to. That done, she smiled at Cyrus, continuing as she moved to follow Vince, "Come, come...you certainly deserve it after what you put yourself through."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 6:11 pm
Cyrus sighed and put a hand through his hair as he followed with a now lit cigarette fuming in his mouth. He closed his eyes and took a long puff into the air as he completely used up the entire cigarette in one go and then threw it to the ground as he followed her.
"Thank you, but what I really want is to know more about why this happened. I was able to pick up bit's and pieces by listening to you two initially but I only know the gist of it. Why is your dad such a wanted man?"
He said as he looked at her with an adamantly serious look. He wanted to know in depth what had really happened back there since it got them both in that mess.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 6:36 pm
The behemoth of a man turned his head back to the younger man as he asked the question about Faustina's father, to which Vince casually replied, "Roen Jaeger is a powerful man with many ties. It's simple to get caught up in the business world, or.. the darker side of it. People come after someone for a myriad of reasons; trust me." With that, the man's long and purposeful strides carried Vince into the entrance of the bar, acknowledging Faustina's comment with a gentle nod and a smile flashed back in her direction.
Vince was more than sure that Omi wouldn't mind taking Faustina to get a drink, especially since Vince had come with a lady friend of his own; not to mention, Vince wasn't that kind of guy. He wasn't the type to liquor someone up and try to force them immediately into bed with him. Took the fun out of the entire mating process, if you asked him. With a bow, Vince stopped before the bar and held out his arm, indicating three empty seats in a row, offering for Faustina and her friend to sit before he did.
A sly grin was given to the barkeep before Vince spoke, "Put the bill on my tab, and get this young lady and her friend whatever they wish from behind the counter." The barkeep nodded, knowing that Vince had already spent a fortune on drinks for himself and other people earlier on in the evening, and knowing that Vince was good for the money. With a sigh of relief that he was actually able to enjoy himself now, Vince took a seat at one of the end seats of the three open ones he'd chosen, and immediately, the barkeep handed him an ice cold genuine draft, which he placed to his lips eagerly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 6:56 pm
Faustina gave Vince a small smile, hoping the intense glisten of her mis-matched eyes while he spoke projected her thoughts accurately: Thank you. It appeared Cyrus had missed either her lineage or else the announcement earlier about her father, and whichever case it happened to be...Faustina intended to keep it that way, not because she doubted the man or wasn't thankful for his efforts, but because of the risks involved with continuing the spread of information.
As they entered the bar, she smiled bowed her head in return to Vince, then took the middle seat at the bar. At that point, her inexperience with bar drinks came rushing to the forefront of her awareness, and a slight blush came to color her cheeks while she thought the matter over. After living in a Cainite-infested bar for more than a month, after finally getting over the issue of the extreme youth that drastically contradicted her appearance, after building up some semblance of self-confidence...was she really about to revert back and shy away in embarrassment?
Not on MY watch!
Her gaze grew firm, and she sat tall in her stool, her voice proudly requested of the bartender, regardless of frowns or funny looks, "Apple juice."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 7:20 pm
Cyrus sat down as he looked over at the giant of a man and didn't look astonished for a moment. After working at the black sands for so long, he was used to seeing a multitude of folk, so this wans't out of the ordinary. He listened in and rubbed his chin at the same time in his usual thought process. He asked for the same thing the other man was drinking since he looked as if he was enjoying it, and got draft as well. He took a hearty sip as he gently placed the mug on the table afterwards
"Interesting, but what is the darker side of Roen Jaeger's buisness? Also, I didn't quite catch your name ser, I'd like to know my generous host."
He said as he had a reflective look about him unti he heard Faustina's order and then began to hold back some mild laughter. He tapped Faustina's shoulder and smiled gently at her.
"That was bold of you...."
He said with a gracious smile as he took a long sip of his beer. Man, he had forgotten how good a simple cold brew could be, and he savored the taste in his mouth.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 8:10 pm
Joe smoked on a cigarette outside of the domicile, a foot pressed against the wall as he looked at the traffic ahead. He exuded a sigh of boredom, smoke lingering in the form of clouds; he hadn't grew accustomed to the Gaian life yet, he was a Valucre boy; since early May. Putting out the cigarette, Joe patted his hands on his clothing and entered the building, a smile plastered on his face...it was a fake smile, but who could tell?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 9:44 pm
Vince's lips were brought away from the beer bottle just as Faustina ordered her drink, which caused Vince to laugh, and laugh heartily at that. His laughter, like the rest of his body, was monstrous, echoing out in the bar and making the barkeep raise a brow, to which Vince simply waved him off with his hand, a signal for him to mind his own business. With another sip, Vince turned his head to Faustina's friend, his mouth opening slowly as he chose his words, "Vincentius Alaphare, but just call me Vince. As to your question regarding Mr. Jaeger's business, that is his own trouble to worry about. However, what I can answer with, is with another question."
Vince's eyes closed slowly as he brought the bottle to his lips, taking another swig of the liquid, inviting its strong taste in his time of relaxation. As the bottle once more came away from his lips, Vince's question came back at Cyrus, an amused look taking over his facial features. "What normally happens in the darker side of business? Politics know nothing of the corrupt if it never reaches the ears of higher-up. It's much the same in the business world. So long as it doesn't reach the top dog, you're good, and if you are the top dog, you make the rules. Every once in a while, who says it isn't in good business to take down the competition, literally?"
Vince's eyes would linger over Cyrus to wait and see if he caught his drift before he turned his head to Faustina, a soft smile taking over his rough facial features. "Are you enjoying yourself now, Miss Jaeger? Surely you had a rough time, what with people attacking you and your date; hopefully I'm able to provide a minor distraction while Omi is away. I know I don't even begin to equal up to the level of manly that he is at." With that, Vince chuckled, taking another swig of a beer, purely enjoying himself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2010 9:53 pm
From the murky time/space warp that covered the area where Ebris, Joseph, and the other guy had been fighting, a trashed Gojira form Joseph emerged, flying into the wall about ten feet above everyone’s head.
He gasped for air, his right lung had been punctured by three ribs, and the others jutted out of his abdomen. His left arm had a serious compound fracture, while his right was dislocated, hanging limply yet embedded into the ********… I have to keep going, I can’t die here!” he gasped before coughing up an unhealthy amount of blood.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
