Welcome to Gaia! ::

A Party! What fun! Kekeovonnai was, as usual, intensely excited to be experiencing something so uniquely and thoroughly Magescian. All the social interactions! All the political games! All the food! And the clothes! There was so much to discover at a party, and Kekeovonnai intended to explore everything.

Well, maybe not everything. He had to really pretend to be Xenosa’s bonded on this one, which meant that he wasn’t allowed to talk - he’d spoil his story, and they were on a very dangerous mission. Technically, Xenosa wasn’t invited to the party - Xenosa was pretending to be someone else who was, and he got to be her massive pet/bodyguard. He would attract the attention, maybe get some petting and information, while she did… shadowy things that she would tell him later. He hoped she would - he wanted to know. Intrigue intrigued him and the whole thing promised to be fascinating.

He stopped at the entrance and preened, adjusting the golden collar, anklets, and jewelled tail-rings he had been fitted with. The horn rings were too high to reach, but he decided that they were fine. He looked fabulous, every scale on his body shining with good health and care and every piece of jewelry gleaming like fire on his ink-black hide. He looked up at Xenosa and waved his tail delightedly - he was ready to go!

It was an enormous Magescian dwelling, and Kekeovonnai could sense that it’s foundations pierced the rock like roots. It was sturdy, built to last forever or as long as a Magescian dynasty could last, anyway. Keke was impressed, but he was impressed by everything here, so that wasn’t new.

He played his part, prancing regally (or ridiculously) out of the cab, up the steps, and into the manor. When he was given odd glances, he simply moved so that his jewelry flashed, showing off a little. He knew he was a good looking khehora, and he had been advised to play it up… by Omard. Omard hadn’t known where they were going, and Keke wasn’t supposed to tell him, but the cook had figured out that a party was involved and had given Keke that advice - show off. Be beautiful. Be sparkly. Be noticeable.

Keke didn’t think he could outshine Xenosa, though.

He took a sniff, chuffing a little as a storm of Magescian scents, food scents, cloth scents, and perfume assaulted his nose. He pawed at his nose and shook his head - scent would not be so useful here. However, accustomed to counting small and numerous things on cliffs, he took a quick look at the crowd. They were Orderites, some with wings out, but most with wings in, dressed in all the colors of the rainbow with their head hair teased and coifed into nearly impossible positions. “100 and a half, including the ones that went back into the other rooms.” he murmured, following her brief gaze up into the rafters, “Three tens more on the ceiling… and a few of them are dovaa!” he said, noting the horns in surprise. Why were they on the ceiling? Why did they have weapons on them? Why weren’t they wearing party clothes? He made a little greeting wiggle with his tail and smiled at them, only to have one of the people make a shooing motion at him. Oh. He wasn’t supposed to see them. He looked away.

“There are tunnels beneath this room.” he commented, as they walked, “Some go deeper, some criss-cross, one goes all the way back to where we started and then surfaces, and then another goes out into the woods, further than I can sense it…” Why would there be tunnels? Did the servant Magescians live underground? Did they store food there? It was cooler, so that would be a good idea - food caches were often stored in the deeper caves, even in his tribe.

“And I’m the only khehora here in this room.” That was noticeable and very surprising. He would have thought to find at least one bonded among the guests, but he supposed not. Which would explain why he was getting so much attention…

Well, of course they would be treated as pets! That was how Magescians thought of Khehora, after all! But still, he would have expected to see some bonded here. Surely, no bonded Magescian would be so cruel as to force their bonded to stay home and alone, would they?

Xenosa was whisked away before Keke could respond, leaving the jewel-adorned khehora stranded amidst an overwhelming array of people and smells. Well. He’d been asked to have fun, and have fun he would, but what should he do first?

Clearly, he should investigate the people talking in a gaggle over there. The food, of course, would be next - Keke had fed well and recently, and he wasn’t one to think with his stomach, but he was curious about what they served at a party, where clearly there were few places to sit and eat.

His jewelry clinked pleasantly as he trotted over. “Hello!” he greeted them, cheerily. They looked at him with raised eyebrows, leering at him in disgust.

“I didn’t know they were letting animals in here.” said one of them, a snow-white orderite with piercing blue eyes.

“I’m a bonded!” he said helpfully, “To Xenosa Yran.”

“You mean, of course, Xenosa ----.” scoffed a green Orderite woman, waving her fan insolently, “New money, to be sure, marrying into an old family.” she turned away dismissively to her fellows, ignoring Keke for the time being. “Of course someone like that would be displaying her wealth so brazenly… after all, look at her dress.”

Her companion, a well-muscled orderite male who, it was clear to Keke, wanted to be her mate, laid back in his chair in an easy, powerfully feline manner. “It is eye-catching, my dear, but at least she has taste in dresses.” He eyed Kekeovonnai with easy wariness - he had the look of a dragon hunter about him - “And beasts. You have a lovely patterning.”

“Thank you…” said Kekeovonnai, taking the compliment as an invitation, even though the others of the group were clearly unwelcoming. He made himself comfortable beside them. “You have a lovely coloring yourself.”

The male snickered. “And well trained too. See, my dear? A beast is less distasteful than our host.”

“Hum.” the woman scoffed, rolling her eyes at Kekeovonnai but not protesting his presence… yet. “Our host is the most ostentatious of all. He isn’t even new money. He’s dirty new money, and everyone knows he’s up to no good somewhere in the line, but well…”

“Aren’t we all.” said the muscular man, gaining a look from the pale white orderite.

“Not my family.” he said. The other male just smirked.

“Sure, the Wymriths are squeaky clean.” he drawled, “They clean up their dirt so well.”
“I’ll not have you talk that way about my family!” snarled the pale orderite, “There are many things that can be said about the Cadioris, as well!”

“Jerhami…” whispered a third male, icy blue in color, “Your honor is not the issue here.”

“But what is?” asked Keke, “If you don’t like the party, why are you here?”

The others either ignored him pointedly or deflected themselves in disgust. But the muscled one leaned in. “Well, bonded, let me tell you something. We’re here because we’re playing a game, see, and in that game, our despicable little host is a pawn in it.” he smirked at the others, “What? Sugarcoat it all you like, but that’s what we do, and it’s damn fun.”

“He might be… useful.” muttered the one called Jerhami, “In some way.”

“That’s what everyone here is thinking…” the Orderite smirked, “Including your mistress there.” he gestured to Xenosa, her brilliant dress standing out even amidst the garden of dresses and gowns and suits, “Speaking of, what is her game? Bringing you here, making a big show of herself? What’s she after? Favor? Attention?” his smirk deepened, “A new lover?”

“Arrik…” hissed his companion, flushing angrily. He winked at her.

“She likes parties.” said Keke dismissively, fluttering his wings in a shrug. Well, he wasn’t going to tell them that she was out to kill a man, was he?! “She thought I might like it too - this is my first party, you know! She made sure we were both dressed up for the occasion!” he preened, showing off his collar and jewels. “Do you like them?”

“Yes.” said the bulky orderite admiringly, “Very tasteful. The gems go with your markings.” the man had a hungry look in his eyes as he looked at Keke’s hide, a look that Keke wasn’t sure he liked.

“Yes, yes. Very nice.” said the female, seemingly resigned to having to deal with a khehora in her midst.

“So, what is this party for, anyway?” asked Keke, hoping to turn the conversation to more interesting - and safer - topics.

“Oh, for the usual reasons. To show us real nobles that he’s moneyed. Pure showmanship.”

“I’m a little confused as to how one gets money.” said Keke, “it’s for a service rendered, right? So what did he do?”

“Who knows? Who wants to know… but here, look how he’s spending it:” the Orderite gestured - a beautiful orderite woman, glittering with sequins, was talking to the golden-haired man identified as their host. “That is a high quality whore, if I ever saw one. You can bet he’ll be leaving the party later for a break… if you know what I mean.”

“Don’t be crass, Arrik.” grumbled his companion.

“Well, this isn’t exactly the place for refinement, that much is clear.” grumbled Jerhami, “But one would think that he would have the decency to wait until after the party… new money.” he made a face. “How sickening.”

“Khehora?” the ice-blue orderite said with a smile, “Would you be so kind as to escort me to the refreshments table?” The others watched as he rose, and he didn’t seem to mind. He beckoned Kekovonnai to follow and, curious, he did. “May I pet you?” he asked quietly. at his nod, she began to stroke his side, smiling briefly. “So smooth… so nice. I love khehora scales… But I never have the opportunity to pet one in person. With it’s hide still attached to it, anyway. So. You’re a Feral, aren’t you?” His whisper was blunt, to the point., “I’m a mage; and you have an aura of magic that bondeds simply don’t have. You’re asking a lot of questions about the party, which is interesting. Not bad, not yet, but in the interest of having your large, pettable company around again, I would advise you to be careful who you talk to, and what you ask. Don’t trust my cousin - he is a fool, but also not a fool, if you understand that. And Arrik… don’t trust him at all. As for Lennamael….” he snickered, “Her head is full of cotton.”

“Really?” said Keke, “That sounds impossible and unlikely. Oh… You are being metaphorical.”

“Indeed.” he began to gather some small refreshments. “You know, I don’t think that woman is a whore.” he inclined her head to the sequined woman, who now sat in one of the more shadowed corners of the room, “In fact, she looks very serious… why don’t you find out what she’s doing here?” the young male gave Keke a nudge.

Actually, Keke was starting to have that idea too. He wasn’t sure what a whore was, or why it was a bad thing, but if she was talking to the man Xenosa was here to kill, then perhaps he could learn something from her that Xenosa could use!

“Thank you!” Keke said, grateful for the advice, “What’s your name? Perhaps we can talk again sometime?”

“You mean so I can enjoy the smoothness of your hide and the refreshing honesty of your company again?” laughed the orderite, “Hmm. Well. I am Theadon Ereimi Vaeor.” he said with a flourish, “I hope we meet again…”

But Keke missed his cue. Already, he was heading towards the woman with the sequins, the name stored in his capacious mind for later…

“Hello!” Keke approached the woman with the sequins, greeting her pleasantly and sitting down beside her, tapping his bejeweled tail on the hard floor. “You seemed lonely, so I thought I’d come over!” He thought it was a reasonable excuse, and it was at least partially true.

However, as she looked at him incredulously, he wondered if he had somehow slipped, if somehow she knew. “Oh come on.” she gestured snidely towards Xenosa, “You came in with her, and you came over here because she’s up to something.” she grit her teeth, stroking the folds of her fan, “That one always is.”

“Maybe.” he said. He wasn’t going to deny it. If this lady knew Xenosa, then lying wasn’t going to get him anywhere. “But I honestly came over because you looked lonely. I didn’t want to just leave you here, without someone to talk to. Or pet.” he smiled hopefully, “Petting would be nice too.”

She snorted. “That’s not it. She noticed me, and sent you over. Classic Xen.”

“No, honest. I came here on my own.” he smiled, a little guiltily, “If you want to know, the other reason is because you are very sparkly. And pretty.”

She snorted again, and seemed to relax a little. “That’s true, at least.” She admired her sleeve in the artificial lights, turning it so that it shimmered, “I like the sparkles, too. I don’t often get to wear this kind of outfit, you know.” she offered Keke a closer look, “I hope to enjoy it a little longer before I have to change…”

“What do you usually wear, if you don’t mind me asking? Clothes are so curious, aren’t they?” he asked, all wide eyed curiosity and innocence.

“More practical things than this, Khehora…” she eyed him. “So, what is your story, anyway? Xenosa suddenly comes into a party with a full grown bonded and nobody knows a thing about it?”

Keke contemplated telling her the truth. The noble orderite had figured it out, so maybe she had too. Honesty was the best policy for her, it seemed. The guilelessness brought out the guile, and since he was honestly guileless… But, then again, she didn’t seem to know. The lie would do. “She found my egg on Eowyn.” he explained, “Kept me there for a while. She tried to take me overseas with her… here, you know? But I kept getting seasick - I’m a Gaili, you see - and so she had to wait until I was older…” he sighed, “I’m just glad she brought me here, to this party.”

“What… she left a bonded all alone like that?” the woman shook her head, “Well, she’s a cold one. Colder than I thought, if she’d do that. Hot and cold and unpredictable - I’d say be careful, but you’re pretty stuck, aren’t you…” she snickered and gave him a pat on the head. “Any way to swap that bond over to me? I’ve always thought that a good strong pet was better than any partner, male or female, and I’d take better care of you. You’d certainly see more action than a crappy party like this, let me tell you…”

“What sort of action?” he asked.

“Nothing too different, I suppose, but more of it. None of this fancy noble crap.” She swirled a strong smelling liquid around in a cup, “And I’d treat you right. You’d be very useful…” she looked at him with hunger, not unlike the noble from before, “And if you were good at scenting…” She trailed off, tensing again and rising. It reminded Keke of a territorial fight, and he turned to see Xenosa approaching.

He was silent as they conversed, his gaze shifting from one to the other as they talked. They had a past, that much was clear, and, perhaps… were after the same man to kill? Curiouser and curiouser!

“All right!” Keke said, standing up. He turned to the sequined woman and flicked his tail. “I’m sorry,” he said, “I don’t think it’s possible. Thank you for the offer, though...” he smiled, pleasantly, “I have to go.”

He trotted off with Xenosa, his smooth muscles rippling with every movement. “I don’t think she’s here for fun, Xenosa.” he said, “She didn’t look like she was having fun, despite her pretty dress.” He glanced back at her, getting a very predatory finger wave before her gaze became… untraceable. He couldn’t tell where she was looking, though it was intent somewhere… everywhere or nowhere. He lashed his tail - it was certainly an interesting skill.

“She seemed very interested in my ability to smell things out, though.” he said to her, hoping it would be useful. He looked up at her, prancing slightly. “Well, what now?”

Keke huffed, sneezing a little in the scent-rich atmosphere of the changing room. The thick, animal and floral scents of perfume covered his nose, and any smells around it, in a cacophany of scent. Take care of Nalere Keke thought, listening curiously to the odd noises as he tried to ignore the stuffed feeling that the perfume gave him, Now, how does she wan’t me to do that? Oh dear… was he going to have to bite the nice(ish) sequined lady? That seemed very un-fun, and Keke didn’t really want to do that.

He peered out of the bathroom at the movement on the bed, watching the ‘show’ with interest. Was this a magescian mating ritual? Of some sort? Even if Xenosa wasn’t interested, the act was still interesting, and it didn’t look like she wasn’t having fun, either. Maybe she had an idea towards what he was to do. Maybe she would provide an opportunity. Or maybe she would just give him interesting things to observe and the whole assasination thing was a ruse…? Probably not the latter, but…

“Oh, Keke~” Xenosa said, noticing him. She pushed Nalere none-too-gently away, “Do hold my rival for the moment…!” she cooed, her voice oily and dangerous like a serpent’s. She looked down with a predatory glare at Essund, “While I show him what a real woman can do…”

“Ladies!” Essund said, grinning widely in his florid face, “There’s no need to fight…” Keke could tell he was enjoying it. The sequined woman - who was, Keke noticed, no longer sequined - was not. She mouthed something unfriendly at Xenosa, trying to grab at her. “Theres plenty for the both of you!” he raised his eyebrows, eagerly, “Unless you plan on enjoying her company too. I won’t complain…” he said, his hands moving in very interesting ways.

“Oh, I intend to.” Xenosa’s smile was sharp, “Keke…” Kekeovonnai had some idea of what he was to do. Grateful for the direction, he trotted over and, rearing up on his hind legs, grabbed Nalere in his forelegs.

“Sorry!” he whispered cheerfully, tail waving. She still smelled nice, though the perfume clogged his nose again. She struggled against his grip. “Let me go, you fool!” she hissed at him.

“You trained your beast for the bedroom?!” Essund said, incredulously, “That is…” he clapped his ring-bejeweled hands together, “Deliciously depraved!”

“It is, isn’t it.” said Xenosa, turning back to him and straddling him, “Now the real fun can begin.” His eyes went wide, suddenly, and he began to choke. She took her hand away, revealing a thin, stilletto dagger piercing his neck. “Well.” she corrected, removing the dagger, briefly, “Fun for me.”

“G-guards…” he choked out. She stabbed his throat again, and his voice stopped, though his eyes still bugged out at her, horrified. She picked up one of the frilly pillows.

“No more of that.” she said, watching him.

Nalere struggled angrily in Keke’s grasp. “You b***h! This was my kill - mine!” Keke frowned - she was certainly wiggly. He caught a flash of metal in her hand, and he moved quickly, his jaws clamping down on a hand holding a knife. She screamed.

“None of that, please.” Keke said, still frowning, “I don’t want to be stabbed, you know.”

“Let me go!”

The man flailed on the bed, bleeding. The heavy footsteps of guards were audible outside the door. “No, I don’t think we will.” Xenosa said. She tossed the bloodied knife at Nalere and laughed. “If you’re so eager to take the kill, Nalere…” the man’s struggling weakened, “Why don’t you take the blame as well?”

“What?! You…”

“Help! Help! Assasin!” Xenosa cried, smirking at Nalere, an expression that quickly turned to something suitably noble and terrified as guards came in, “Oh!” the man’s struggles ceased. Keke could smell a whiff of poison from the blades. “She has killed him!”
“Get her!” the guards said, turning to Nalere. Keke obligingly released her.

“b***h…” she snarled, taking out another knife in her bloodied hand, “I’ll get you for this” Keke saw the glitter of a knife as it buried itself into a guardsman, and the room soon erupted in chaos.

“Lets go.” said Xenosa, putting on her dress quickly as they dodged out into the hallway…

Keke was built for endurance running, and his jewelery - though now dirtied - did not weigh him down at all. As such, he was not winded by the time they reached the outside - on such level ground, how could he be? He looked up and frowned, watching the other assassin fly away. He didn’t want to kill her - he had actually sort of liked her. But killing was Xenosa’s thing, and she knew more than him about it and about the tricky world of Magescian social organization. Killing Nalere didn’t seem necessary to him - after all, she was running, wasn’t she? They could leave easily. But Xenosa likely knew something he didn’t.

“Why must you?” he asked, hesitant. He was not as adept in the air as on the ground, and tracking her would be a hassle. “Is she not blamed? Have you not successfully distracted the guards? Will she not be… uh… out of your feathers…” was it feathers? Or fur? Or hair? “for a while?”

But Xenosa was already going, and Keke made to follow when he remembered that he wasn’t actually her bonded. He didn’t need to shadow her. He had bitten Nalere, yes, but he didn’t feel like being a part of killing her. What Xenosa felt she had to do, well, she could do. “I’ll follow you!” he said. He would follow her, yes. he would back her up if need be - that was what friends did. But this was her thing, her op.

He kept to the ground, tracking Xenosa as best he could.