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 Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 1:29 am
Suddenly, from out of nowhere...
Nothing flashy enough to catch the eye of anyone happened. There were no bright lights or explosions, nor did some loud, drunken a*****e push his way into the room with a RATH or a PISS by knocking over a serving tray full of champagne and shotgunning an Australian beer that was then crushed on someone else's head. Nothing like that happened at all.
There was a kid from the left though, getting bumped into by all manner of people who were bumping, jiving, and gyrating what their godparents had nothing to do with as he made his way around the outskirts of the dance-floor-slash-impromptu-fighting-ring towards an area that seemed to be much calmer. True to the style of awkward young men dealing with the tail end of puberty this blond Boy Wonder was dressed like he went shopping for prom at the Goodwill store and had his blind grandfather along for advice.
Size-and-a-half too large jacket, clip-on tie, and even a leopard print cummerbund. If Joan Rivers had been there she might have exploded all over the walls. It was amazing that they had even let the kid through the door - but considering the type of crowd that had been invited to this shindig it would be surprising if there wasn't already someone there who trumped him on the worst-dressed list.
"Jeepers," he mumbled to himself at the risk of sounding like a Saturday morning cartoon, "should I even have gotten an invitation, I'm an alternate?"
For a moment he stopped trying to worm his way through the crowd and simply stood there examining the cardstock invitation that he had received, front and back. It didn't say anything like 'you are cordially invited on the event that someone else doesn't show up' so he was probably in the clear... but just being here brought back bad memories of what had happened at the Heaven or Hell gala.
With any luck no one would be murdered before the music stopped.
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 1:34 am
He chuckled at their situation, his smile sticking because of her reaction to his kiss. It was obvious that he was enjoying himself, and now on top of that he had a better understanding of his enemy. Dancing with her, learning more and more about her, he was left momentarily speechless by her query.
"Hate... is something you don't understand." He told her, nodding to himself as he took a second to look up at the ceiling. Gods of all sorts were up there somewhere, as were the damnable stars that haunted him. "I do hate some things, and I will always hate them...but if I hated you, or you hated me, well..." He trailed off, letting the smart girl come to her own conclusion. As if to emphasize his point, he gave her a little squeeze by hugging her with the hand on her back.
What am I supposed to say, Hate keeps me going?
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 2:15 am
She contemplated his answer quietly and found herself actually disappointed when she heard the waltz start to wind down. One dance she had said. She didn't think that she would have found herself regretting the words in the way that she did. Taking his answer to her question and digesting all it's facets in her mind, she found herself voicing another one of her impulsive queries. After all, she could only see the good in people's hearts. Seeing their weaknesses and flaws was more his department - for things like that she had to open her mouth and plainly ask. "How can you be so nice to me here and yet be such a monstrosity?" She was referring to the lives he'd taken more then the fact that he was a vampire. There were some humans out there that were more monstrous then some of the hell-spawn she'd befriended over the years. "I don't understand it."The pair was close enough to the center of the ballroom that Anson's appearance wouldn't have alerted her, though she couldn't say the same about KB. It had to be a frightening thing, to know that there were two people wielding the same divine wrath of a God that blessed Gaians who went out and killed his kind.
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 4:44 am
themightyjello Suddenly, from out of nowhere...... but just being here brought back bad memories of what had happened at the Heaven or Hell gala.
From nowhere indeed...this must have been the place the bard had been waiting for only a few moments after Anson considered his previous battles did his former team mate tap him on the shoulder. Though the musician wouldn't look like himself at all...from different clothing to even...a different mask? The bard had entered the glorious event in what appeared to be a formal robe of sorts. A skull adorning the center of the red and black ensemble but these things would most likely go unnoticed. His mask change was something that no one has ever seen before...ever. It appeared to be sculpted to look like the face of a young man...well if one were never to see the light of day. More like a porcelain doll, the expression on it's still face was that of calmness. No joy, no anger, no sadness...just...calm. A wig of white curly hair peaked out from near the top of his black hood as Saphen began to speak. "Anson, I thought that was you," the bard chuckled as he pat him on the back. "I know you might not recognize me but it is your old comrade in arms, I do apologize again for our misfortune in that come to think of it. Your performance was absolutely splendid though!" He paused for a second "Are you wondering about the mask? Well this is a formal occasion and I wanted to look more...welcoming...did it work?"
Given the chance the bard would most likely have rambled for hours but something caught his attention for a moment...as passing thought maybe? Then again here it could have just as easily been an renegade fireball some eager challenger had launched at the bartender...they might have deserved it. Returning his stone gaze to Anson though he smiled beneath it once more. "I am honored to see you again please...tell me what brings you here to the GTB. I haven't seen you in this tournament before...do you plan to compete?"
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 5:10 am
Limos, fancy dresses, fancy tuxes, fancy food, and fancy music. It was all great and amazing, but not everyone were fancy people. That was the case for Seth. While others probably had big and amazing entrances, he just walking to the ball room, got some food, and sat down at a table. He was dressed in a tux but it was nothing fancy either. In fact it was a rental that would be returned once the need for it was over. He couldn't dance to save his life and he was here mostly for the fighting.
Snaking on the food he grabbed, Seth watched as other chatted and laughed knowing he wouldn't be doing any of that. At the moment he didn't know a single person here and knew that not a single person knew him. If there were any returning fighters from last years GTB they still wouldn't know him. In the first round he lost. In the second round his fighter was a no show. In the third round he lost again. None of his fights were really epic so he expected not to be talked too. Taking a sip of his drink he just sat and watched.
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 7:23 am
Robyn had already turned her gaze away from her wolf friend, sure they would meet up at some point, so she missed his look of amusement at her outfit. Which might have been a good thing, since she would have had to go over there and remind him that dressy clothes didn't make her any less of a skilled fighter. Probably by decking his sorry face and reminding him who was the wargkiller between them. The thought would have made her grin, if she'd been having it.
She watched the large crowd of dancers, not particularly wishing to join them with the current music playing. She loved dancing, but club dancing was more her thing, even if she could do the more traditional stuff. So the fox girl kept to the edge of the room, not being a wallflower, but not quite mingling, since mingling involved talking to people. She moved like she was always headed somewhere, although with a calm air that said she was in no hurry.
As she circled the room again, a familiar figure caught the corner of her eye. She would recognize that "face" anywhere, even if he had "upgraded" it, and her mouth split into a grin, her elongated canines showing. Striding over to her friend, she gave a small, silly bow, intended to make him laugh.
Her voice was smooth and light, an alto tinged with a southern accent. "Saphen, my friend, what a pleasure to see you here." She stood straight again, and her posture took a more relaxed tone. "Aaaand that's enough politeness for one night. How have you been?" She blinked, an ear flicking as she took a longer look at his companion, taking in his...curious..ensemble. "I know you...you were in HoH, yeah?" Another ear flick as she blinked, glancing back at Saphen. "..with Saphen here, if I recall correctly?"
The fox had recognized him from the various screenings of the fights, although she hadn't gotten the chance to see him in person. Some would probably be surprised at her ability for recognizing people, but she'd always been like that. She never forgot a face. She might not always remember where she knew them from, but definitely if she had seen them before.
Her gaze looked stricken for a moment, and she quickly made another small, less mocking bow to Anson. "I'm sorry, where are my manners? Name's Robyn, Robyn Isedan."
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 8:12 am
Cael 0x If he had the mind to even think about it, Rylen would have surprised himself with his dancing skill. Truthfully, he had only danced with a woman like this once before in his life. She had been the one to really teach him all that he knew about it so that it came as naturally as breathing to him when Isabella pulled him onto the dance floor. He felt utterly and completely relaxed, his body limber. Being with Isabella soothed him, putting his mind and body at ease so that his movements became fluid.
He gave her a dubious tilt of his head and quirk of his eyebrow when she told him about Dayo. Yeah, he misses tormenting me... The half-wolf thought, though it was true he and Isabella's butler had gotten on a bit better towards the end of his stay with her. Of course between two men who had Isabella's best interests at heart in their own ways, that simply meant accepting the other man existed and trying to stay out of each other's ways. After the initial incident with Mr. Locke, Rylen became comfortable working diligently under the leading businessman whenever he was needed. The wishes of good luck were welcome. It was good to know he actually had someone in his corner for this tournament, because otherwise he was a lone unknown.
Of course, that also put a new kind of pressure on him. He could sense a bit of hesitance in her voice when she asked about his first round opponent. Broaching the subject of his abrupt participation in this fighting tournament with her had not come easy. She respected his desires and gave him his space without qualms, but the fact that he was basically putting his life on the line meant there was an ugly elephant in the room with the couple. He pressed his arm into the small of her back, pulling her in close in a secret embrace as they continued to dance.
"Don't know yet," He said, his tone taking on a somber note. Deep down, he felt a pulse of excitement at the thought of his first fight. However, it was accompanied by a pang of guilt because now he had someone who cared about him. He realized how his voice sounded, so he quickly straightened up and flashed her a confident smirk.
"Yeah, doesn't matter. I've been training all week for this-" His voice trailed off as he apparently saw something of interest just over her shoulder. He craned his neck forward to get a better look, and then his face lit up in amusement. He had spotted Robyn and her outfit was just... priceless. Knowing the fox-girl, he knew she probably despised wearing it, and that nearly brought a chuckle to his lips. On closer inspection he would have to admit she looked good--pretty. But neither Robyn nor Isabella would much appreciate his commenting on it. Which reminded him just who his date was, and his crimson eyes shot back to Isabella in a small panic. Hopefully she didn't think him the type to go ogling other girls, but he had spent more than a few seconds staring at Robyn with a distracted expression.
Isabella just smiled, the found his confidence quite soothing. She could remember a time when it actually bothered her quite a bit, but those were distant days far in the past. She had grown to like certain things about his personality, they all conveyed a certain strength. Besides, there was a need to be confident in this sort of situation. She wouldn't want him to make silly mistakes because he was unsure of what he was doing, it was his safety. And even though she'd still love him regardless of whatever new scars would form, she would greatly prefer him not deforming his body because of careless mistakes.
But there was something off about how he spoke, and it seemed that his eyes drifted away from her just like his voice trailed off of the thought before it could fully finish. Her smile faded and a brow quirked, and she noticed that something had caught his attention behind her. So fully that he was even leaning over to get a better look! Needless to say, it didn't make Isabella too happy, especially since they had been separated for the week, but she knew better than to make a scene. She also knew better than to turn around to look at what had captured his attention, it was impolite to stare.
Instead Isabella just let her eyes stay on his face, slightly narrowed as if they were directing beams to burn in the side of his face. And she waited until he felt like he was doing something wrong and he fixed his eyes back onto her. But she had saw that smirk, whatever it was he thought amusing in some way. So she was curious at the same time she was mildly annoyed, signaled by the tightened squeeze of his hand. But at least he noticed that he was doing something wrong. He learned a few manners, or at least he learned what they were and what was proper and what wasn't. Just sometimes old habits die hard.
"Is there something wrong?"
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 8:53 am
The scents of food and wine hung in the air like a strange perfume to the beast. The large but graceful half-human walked into the room and despite his apparent lack of formal clothes still managed to look at ease at the ball. His manner was fluid and relaxed, he was hoping to not stick out like a sore thumb, although he was sure he would attract some looks.
Iopurl wasn't wearing anything special, just plain cloth garbs to cover his body. Apart from a few metal objects pinned into his large dog ears, he wore no jewelery, his clothes had no designer symbol, crest or insignia. He wasn't even wearing shoes, so every time he took a step his feet would greet the floor with a click as his claws tapped on the marble.
His serene green eyes looked over the guests here. Many different people, dressed in fine clothes. The humes were ofttimes a funny species, Iopurl mused to himself. They lacked natural colorings themselves, so they dressed themselves in finery made by their own hands. Although the beast could see where one might find such apparel attractive, he himself would never even think to put on clothes like that.
With a contemptuous snort through his nose Iopurl made his way over to the food tray, just to pick at some of the morsels handy. As he approached one waiter moved away from the serving tables, flicking Iopurl a nervous glance over his shoulder as he left. Iopurl knew he should expect as much, he did look rather fearsome dressed in his drab clothes, his mane was standing rather high today, making him look all the more imposing.
At the table Iopurl gingerly reached for some of the meatier nibbles, and gingerly spent his time tossing them into his maw. His sharp teeth made short work of the food, shredding them to scraps. Maybe a few people in the room would be looking now, wondering or fearing facing those very same jaws in the ring. Iopurl was pleased with the thought, but his face betrayed none of it. Expression was hard to read on a dog's face.
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 9:09 am
Finally, impatience overtook Barsait. Not so much for his scheduled individual he was to take into this waltz unto the night, but for something in general. That and standing in place for extended periods of time wasn't quite this restless man's style, ergo off the wall Omi went..
And with a tell tale grin, into the [Grand Ball] he walked. Through double-doors into a truly different world; music of all varieties being played, individuals of all influences gabbing and flirting and boasting, dancing taking place anywhere and everywhere available. A joyous occasion, although Barsait was specifically watching for anything amiss as much as spying where the food was laid out.
Occasionally eying a woman or two, occasionally spotting what were obviously going to be competitors - yes, those wandering eyes full of a warm amber brown were subtle yet detailed even as Barsait casually walked towards one of the various long tables coated in food and drink galore. In the matter of dance, he was able to only out of concern for his profession as sometimes it was an easy cover for meeting contacts - in truth, Omi was rather a novice to it. But, more so was he new to being surrounded by a large group of people he wasn't intent on bashing their skulls in; it felt like and truly had been years since the [Artist] could experience a joyous occasion such as this.
Politely stepping around those he moved through, given how packed the floor was - Barsait had his eyes on sliced roast beef upon a plate. There was justice in the land after all.
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 9:42 am
The Haelstrom Fist Finally, impatience overtook Barsait. Not so much for his scheduled individual he was to take into this waltz unto the night, but for something in general. That and standing in place for extended periods of time wasn't quite this restless man's style, ergo off the wall Omi went..
And with a tell tale grin, into the [Grand Ball] he walked. Through double-doors into a truly different world; music of all varieties being played, individuals of all influences gabbing and flirting and boasting, dancing taking place anywhere and everywhere available. A joyous occasion, although Barsait was specifically watching for anything amiss as much as spying where the food was laid out.
Occasionally eying a woman or two, occasionally spotting what were obviously going to be competitors - yes, those wandering eyes full of a warm amber brown were subtle yet detailed even as Barsait casually walked towards one of the various long tables coated in food and drink galore. In the matter of dance, he was able to only out of concern for his profession as sometimes it was an easy cover for meeting contacts - in truth, Omi was rather a novice to it. But, more so was he new to being surrounded by a large group of people he wasn't intent on bashing their skulls in; it felt like and truly had been years since the [Artist] could experience a joyous occasion such as this.
Politely stepping around those he moved through, given how packed the floor was - Barsait had his eyes on sliced roast beef upon a plate. There was justice in the land after all. Iopurl's muzzle crinkled as he inhaled the surrounding air. There was some scent on the air, something he had missed. It smelled so delicious, it was enough to start his mouth salivating at the very thought of it. Something that was meaty, yet seasoned. It had been a very long time since Iopurl had indulged in seasoned meat. His head turned to the left, looking at the source, only to find another man hovering over the plate of sliced meat. The beast quickly ate what remained in his hand, and made a rather brisk approach to the platter where Barsait stood. Most people in the crowd seemed to shrink from his presence as he moved through the crowd, making his job significantly easier. Within moments he was next to Barsait, hovering behind him. Gingerly he reached out a clawed finger and tapped him on the back. "Excuse me, you wouldn't mind if I could just get some of that food too?" Iopurl's flews retracted as he spoke, causing his rows of razor sharp teeth to be revealed in a winning smile. His right ear flicked lazily around as he listened for noises behind and to his sound, always subconsciously trying to stay alert. ((Just in case there's confusion as to what he looks like, big humanoid with a dog's head, covered in fur, tail, ears, muzzle, etc))
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 10:14 am
Roasted beef was just too delicious to pass up, let alone sliced so thin and prepared with no doubt some type of gourmet seasoning. That and Omi hadn't eaten in what felt like a fortnight - well, it was time to dig in and devour this delicious meal without mercy. The competition had ample money, no doubt replacements could be arranged.
"Hm?"
A curious hum as the well-dressed man turned around slowly, peering over his left shoulder. Though it seemed he was eating in a polite fashion and chewing slowly, in the brief time it had taken the canine-esque man to make his way through the crowd, half the roast beef was already devoured and it was no small quantity. After all, there were times where Barsait found himself starving in places foreign to warmth and life; when resources are available, seize them.
Shrugging those very same shoulders, he added:
"Sure, about to scope for some chicken actually. Be my guest, please."
Another slice nabbed, and a quick though ranged side-step gave room for access to the beef platter, or what was left of it at any rate. Despite the humanoid's beast elements, it would seem the [Artist] either paid it no mind or was simply so lacking intimidation that any kind of surprise could not manifest.
Still, it was now time to find chicken sans bones, coated in a fine blend of bourbon with barbecue sauce glazed across it. No sense in patiently waiting without fine food. If, in retrospect, he left this night with nothing more than a full stomach and sated taste-buds, then he could not find disappointment. Yet, there were matters to be attended to before long; most certainly pressing ones.
But chicken would come first.
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 11:03 am
'I don't understand it.' He smiled disarmingly, almost sadly. Stepping back, he lifted her hand with his own and gave her a soft, cool kiss upon the knuckles. It was more a sign of affection then it was a necessary act of conclusion, his eyes remaining on her own, any awareness of Anson carefully hidden. "Some things aren't meant to be understood Seyumi. Take it on faith." Winking, the vampire released his grip of her hand and bowed, gesturing off the dancefloor with his free hand. The other was close to his chest, almost as if cradling the warmth she'd left upon it. "Now, if you'll excuse me... I feel terrible about robbing your date of your presence. Enjoy your evening Sey, and try not to get into too much trouble." Provided she made away, the vampire would abandon the dancefloor, his bloodlust subdued by beauty and compassion. For a time.
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 11:27 am
Once again the vampire rendered her speechless and all Sey found herself capable of doing to return his propriety was to curtsy as he kissed her hand, her mind filled with the irony of his words. A vampire telling a cleric to take something on faith? "Thank you for the lovely dance. I hope we can waltz again soon, KB." She smiled as they departed the dance floor. "I'd like to see this side of you show a bit more. Kindness truly becomes you." And with a final curtsy she took her leave, her gloved hand pulling away from his as she resumed her path to the ladies room with a slightly flushed face.
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Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 11:40 am
xl a c e lx
"I had no idea a fighting tournament would be such an A-list event," the mariner mused, leaning back against the cool leather and sliding one leg easily over the other, tapping the toe of her designer heels. Her mouth arched into another smirk. "Are we making a fashionably late appearance, then?"
"Tournament committees are the closest things to a functioning government I've ever come across during my tenure on Gaia," the Devil would say mildly as he likewise leaned back in his seat, his legs recrossing themselves while his admired the bubbling beverage in his left hand. His sanguine eyes, though half-hidden by the tint of his designer shades, rendered everything in their grasp in excruciating vibrancy. Both a blessing and a curse, it was quite easy to become smitten with nearly everything he laid eyes on, simply because he could make out most nearly every perfection and flaw with a single glance. Regretfully pulling his eyes away from his beverage, he once again looked upon Ever and smiled wistfully, regarding her flaws and perfections, and finding more of the later.
If he wasn't raised with a better measure of self-control and prudence, he could have spent the remainder of the trip staring at the mariner and the way the fabric of her dress -- it too captivating his ardor -- brushed her golden glazed skin. As was, propriety dictated conversation, and he was forced to oblige lest he make things awkward. Shutting his eyes and tilting his head back against the head rest, Roen would idly caress the body of his glass, frowning slightly in contemplation before speaking once again. "War is Gaia's pastime, just above drinking and wild lechery." Lifting his glass to his lips and taking a modest sip, the Devil would laugh and shake his head, sucking his teeth in negligence before setting his glass aside and into a cup holder.
"Holding a fighting tournament is just a clever excuse to have all three at your convenience. Give it rules and a sense of order, and you've got what you call an A-list event. Not a single soul would care to miss, for one reason or another." Pursing his lips and opening his eyes, the Devil would peer through the tinted sunroof of the limo, watching the tall buildings roll by. Where were his stars? Too much light pollution in the air. He sighed and looked back down at Ever, garnet eyes looking unashamed at her cleavage.
"Sex, blood, and free liquor all on wholesale. Don't let the finery fool you, my beautiful one, because we're all just wolves dressing up in sheep's clothing." From one Earthling to another, Roen wouldn't want to bring Ever anywhere without first preparing her for what to expect. Gaians could dress up anyway they wish, but there was nothing that could mask their brutality and disgusting nature in the eyes of the Devil. "And yes, we're going to be fashionably late. I want the wolves to suffer the illusion of hope that the worst of the worst of them won't be attending." Nibbling his bottom lip and lifting his eyes, Roen peered across to Ever over the rim of his shades, his brows mildly furrowed. "It's still going to be very fun, though. I promise you." Pausing, he'd purse his lips, looking at his date's neckline.
"Have I yet to tell you how ravishing I find you this evening, Ever?"
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