|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2023 12:53 pm
The estate where Geneva had once held Nyko and hundreds like him under her thumb was now in his possession. Despite the Oban noble no longer living in the manse it carried the weight of her lineage and the lyricist loathed being there. It was necessary, to help keep up the front, but there wasn't any area of the 'home' that didn't make Nyko's stomach churn. There were memories in the very halls of standing to the side when she passed, lowering his head and making sure not to speak when dignitaries visited. They had been 'the help' and 'servants'; never slaves. No, that was beyond her, she was reformed, but Nyko had known better. They all had.
Nicosia had amassed wealth in foreign lands and for his grand return to Oba he'd purchased the once glorious estate. He'd been asked by several what he had in mind for renovations, if there would be Belrean accents or materials shipped over but in truth Nicosia had nothing so grand in mind. Nyko had already fired every member of staff who was loyal to Geneva and had every intention of burning the place to the ground when he had a chance.
For the moment he was playing his part well. He had invited his 'business associate' to the estate to discuss their dealings and was currently enjoying a lunch of fresh fruits and spiced bread on the veranda.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2024 9:23 pm
Unlike Aaricia who was still tethered to the manor, Yunan had some freedoms despite how many eyes followed his every movement. The hybrid had opted for an outing under the excuse of wedding planning, the man venturing away from the estate while wearing his traditional Oban attire with some additional flare to just flaunt his own wealth from his growing business. Not only did he wear scented oils, his hair had golden beads and coils while his ears were pierced with precious gemstones that also hung around his neck in layered necklaces. Not that Yunan was wary of thieves, he kept to the main street since he was venturing to another estate in the upper distract that had plenty of guards walking the streets in case any pickpockets or the like dared to bother the elite living here. Even if someone did dare to walk too close the hybrid also had his sword tucked neatly at his side, a dangerous gleam in his eyes as anyone dared to look his way for more than a second. There was too much pent up energy from being stuck in that manor and it was beginning to show which was another reason Yunan was thankful to get fresh air. He just wished that he could have brought Aaricia along but she had her own plans for the day and it saved them from that large escort her father insisted upon every time they ventured outside together. And it wasn’t as if he could playfully or romantically whisk her away from them once they did go outside, their lives were at stake and even Yunan knew that every move had to be calculated with so much at risk.
Eventually Yunan found himself walking up the pathway, the servants ushering him inside to where Nyko was waiting for him. “Despite its history the estate is nice.” Mused Yunan quietly, keeping his distance even as he was tempted to brush against the Matori for the physical contact he had been missing over the last couple of weeks. Despite Nyko’s faith in the staff there was still a wariness to the hybrid who didn’t want to make a mistake should there be a pair of eyes that were not entirely faithful to their employer. “Are we to share a meal while discussing business details? How pleasant.” His gaze skimmed over the array of food, Yunan waiting before being seated as if he were still not familiar with Nyko to keep appearances.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2024 12:05 pm
Nyko casually raised his glass to take a drink of fruit flavored water before turning his attention to his guest. The Matorian didn't so much as attempt to hide the disgust in his expression upon seeing Yunan's wardrobe. While he cut a fine figure in the finery it's overtly Oban tones made his stomach curl and he found himself curling a lip before setting his glass down.
Even the winds mocked him and set a warning breeze across Nyko's skin.
"It's a pit," Nyko supplied easily and rose from his seat to greet the other man. "But the structure was well kept and with some repair it may be salvageable." Said purely for any servant listening in on their conversation. Nicosia might care for it's upkeep, but Nyko planned that very night to bust out the windows in the south wing.
His own wardrobe wasn't nearly as ostentatious, which was an oddity in it's own right. Nyko was well dressed, but his tailored clothing held no such patterns or jewels. He'd thought to play his role today, and then it came time to dress and he just...minimalized things. There was an air to the estate that made Nyko so much smaller than he really was and being on his own didn't make it easier to ignore.
"I thought it may make negotiations easier if neither of us were biting at the bit to end things early. Please, take a seat and help yourself to whatever you'd like." He gestured to the seat opposite of the one he'd just risen from.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2024 9:52 pm
“You’ll have to work on those expressions, it is a performance after all. You can strip me out of anything Oban related afterwards.” Teased Yunan, his voice a faint whisper before he accepted Nyko’s greeting with a subtle nod of the head and slipped past him to settle on the seat across from him. The hybrid glanced around at the commentary on the estate and nodded. “I see. They do say that the location may be more important than the building itself, rebuilding is worthwhile when you’re in a place like Sulburi.” Large estates were hard to find in the desert, especially in the upper areas like this away from the worst areas of the city. One of the many noble luxuries that allowed them to tower above those forced into the slums, the thought nearly making Yunan’s own lip curl before he focused on the spread before them as if the food interested him more than looking at Nyko. That much was a horrible lie, he wanted to stare the Matori down and touch him after so many days apart but even Yunan knew it would be a bad idea. Even without an escort there were still wandering eyes, after all, and rumors would quickly spread if he misbehaved now.
“You prefer a good discussion which makes me hopeful that you’re invested in all the details.” Mused Yunan with a small smirk, the hybrid reaching for a glass so that he could have wine poured by a servant. Alcohol was one of his pleasures, the man balancing a fine wine with every event and he did not lay off of drinks especially now with the situation they were in. It both gave him an appearance of relaxation, a man who was simply enjoying comforts from his recent decisions while also helping to ease the frustrations and nerves that their scenario actually was creating for him. “Which is a wonderful thing considering all of the arrangements I have prepared notes on. This is supposed to be a grand event and I do not wish to disappoint anyone, especially my future family.” He mused, the very words making him want to vomit while his fingers only slightly tightened around the glass to show his displeasure. While Yunan had grown quite fond of Aari after spending so much time with her, there was nothing but hatred for the family aspect of this whole arrangement. Yunan would be delighted once the cuffs were around that Oban’s wrists and if such scum never saw the light of day again then it would be a blessing for them all. “Feel free to take a look. Here.” He pulled out parchments from his robes, those on top showing a very detailed outline of the wedding plans while some tucked beneath had more than that. Ledgers, names, anything that Nyko could reference to get more information together from the outside with connections while Aari and Yunan were stuck digging around within the manor itself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2024 2:53 pm
Nyko scrunched his face and to anyone watching it might have been displeasure to their conversation when in actuality he was just put out that he'd been that easy to read. He wasn't made to hide things, but he was trying! Stripping Yunan of his Oban vestments wouldn't be difficult, especially with how long he'd already gone without seeing the hybrid and his distaste for the country. Honestly the act of throwing those atrocious things into a fire would be almost as enjoyable as bedding the man outright.
Regardless of what he wore, just having Yunan nearby was a positive influence on Nyko's mood. The manor didn't feel nearly so all consuming and he felt as if he'd been given the first breath of fresh air in days.
A serving girl stepped up and filled Yunan's glass with practiced grace. Before returning to her position, she looked to Nyko who waved her off. It was far too early for him to imbed; he hadn't the tolerance nor the stamina to start his drinking so early and not come out of this with tact. "Weddings are nearly as influential as funerals and you'll find no grander place to make your mark. " Despite the chipper and casual way he went about it, Nyko's words had a undercurrent of truth. A wedding, a funeral, a party and a tragedy; Two sides of a coin, really, especially with their situation.
He couldn't reach out to comfort Yunan or show any sign of empathy, but he could skirt around it.
Nyko took a sip of his water as he reached for the parchment and once he swallowed the Matorian unfurled the document. Thankfully there were no servants directly behind him so he could flip through some of the pages a little longer than others, but he still chose not to stay on any one spot for too long. "Hmm hmm. You have expensive tastes, don't you? But I should have known as much, considering whose daughter you're marrying." Mentally the gears were already starting to turn and Nyko was forming a list of contacts he would need to get in touch with. "I'll need twice the staff I have now to pull off the performance."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2024 7:35 pm
“That is the hope, isn’t it?” Replied Yunan, his golden gaze lingering over every part of Nyko as he studied him over the rim of the wineglass. It was easy enough to keep his gaze focused on something else whenever someone was looking in their direction, the desire in those golden orbs hard to hide otherwise as he looked over the Matori whenever possible. He had sorely missed his companion and he could only imagine how lonely this estate was, especially considering its history with the Matori. Just a few more weeks. They had endured worse on their own before, right? Surely they could suffer a bit longer before getting away from this damned place once more. And if Yunan had his way they would be leaving more than just a wedding behind in Oba, the plan’s conclusion being a bit more influential than some nuptials.
Yunan took a sip of wine, his expression shifting into amusement at the commentary to his lists. “Of course. My own business is flourishing, why not show it off? Marrying someone is nice and all, but the ceremony itself is an important display to gain more support. Why not go as big as possible?” Aari’s family aside, it was the numerous wealthy Obans and nobility that were on the guest list who he was truly invested in. If they wouldn’t offer support before because he was an outsider in Oba then he would use this occasion to either twist their arms or unravel their own power by digging through the corruption and exposing them for what they truly were. One could try to stop him from behind bars, but it would be a lot trickier than it was currently.
“Hmm. How long would it take to gather such staff? My future…in-laws are rather impatient.” His voice nearly caught on the word but he stomached it even though Yunan had to take another drink of wine as if washing the taste of that trash from his mouth. “I can try to convince them to wait a bit longer. The rewards should be worth the effort once they understand how valuable this ceremony can be for them. It’s just a matter of being persuasive.” Not that it would be valuable for Aari’s family in fact, not once the truth of everything was revealed and soldiers stormed the premises…but he wasn’t going to tell them that, was he? The very thought brought a small curl to his lips before he quickly shifted his expression so that he could focus on Nyko with the perfect poise of a gentleman, completely enthralled in impressing his guests with this ceremony and nothing else.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 6:48 am
"I completely agree-" Nyko murmured as he kept his eye on the list and when he looked over it, he added, "-which is why I agreed to partner with you. You're influence is my influence. Nicosia might be a household name in Valmon, but Sulburi needs a reintroduction." Getting rid of Dazhiq would be a boon for sure, but spreading his own name into the upper echelons of Oban society wouldn't be bad either. Gilly had always mentioned wanting to expand her empire and without her funds he wouldn't have been able to buy the manor. Wealthy or not the price had been steep, but a few contacts later and...well, he was in debt again but this time to a business associate.
The moment Yunan asked about how long it would take Nyko was snapping his fingers. A different member of staff, this one more primly dressed, appeared from inside the house. She was a Lightning woman, with her hair neatly pinned on top of her head and a notebook in hand. Her gaze drifted to Yunan, never once showing an ounce of emotion, before returning to Nyko. "Yes?"
"This is Euphemia Grieves, but she prefers Effi." A cute name for a decidely icy woman. "My personal assistant. If at any point you cannot reach me she'll be your point of contact." And with the inflection placed on that Nyko hoped Yunan understood she could be trusted. At least, with the basics of their plan. "Effi, how long would it take to double our staff for the wedding?"
"We have extras inside of the manor that can be of use should you see fit and I can look into local talent to fill in the rest. A few weeks would give us more time to vet out undesirables, but if needed I can have a list to both of you by tomorrow morning."
The woman's efficiency was...terrifying. She'd been a 'gift' from Gilly; a little thing in parting to help his transition go 'smoothly'. Sometimes Nyko wondered if she even slept.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 9:46 am
“A reintroduction for us both then. Or rather a fresh start for me.” Yunan mused with a wry smile, thinking about his own situation which would benefit from this. Taking out those that blocked his new building, the very thing that he wanted to establish before heading back to Belrea, would be a relief. It was already frustrating enough as it was to cater to so many selfish snobs, his own pride was starting to reach its limit with how much he had been dealing with as of late. The very though brought the wine back to his lips, Yunan musing over everything that would be needed. They had the list of names, of course, but actual preparations would be necessary to set the scene for such a memorable event.
His golden gaze was alert as the lightning woman approached, the hybrid taking notice of her heritage and her name. The inflection was not missed, Yunan being alert to such things especially after spending so much time around Nyko, and so he nodded after a moment. If Nyko trusted in her then so would he, at least to a certain degree. “I see. A pleasure to meet you, Effi.” He just hoped personal did not mean other matters, not that Yunan doubted Nyko. It was simply a past habit to have that initial doubt, his reluctance to rely upon others for years still creeping in despite his desire to work together. These few weeks apart though was wearing on him and it was hard not to feel a surge of jealousy that someone else was that close to Nyko while he couldn’t even touch him at the moment. Though was it fair considering how much time he spent with Aari as of late? Hypocrite. Was it fair considering Nyko knew Aari from before that Yunan had a chance to get to know her now? He wanted to ask, but kept his lips pressed tightly together instead as he listened to the explanation of staff for the event.
“Local talent would be preferred on top of the extras you already have in your employment.” Advised Yunan after a moment, his gaze thoughtful as he tried to focus on the task at hand. “Locals will have good connections and can document everything accordingly.” If they were to put him behind bars then local staff would be necessary since simply getting rid of him forever was unfortunately not on the table, at the moment at least. “Try aiming for two weeks and settle for three, if necessary.” Yunan added after a moment, the hybrid feeling a surge of impatience for this waiting game. Normally he was more reserved, prepared to wait as long as necessary for something but this was getting to even him. If he could just put a dagger in the Oban’s throat then he would end it all tonight, if possible, but this was the best that he could do as they needed to gather intel for the final day. “You’re providing entertainment, should I expect anything else or do I need to go elsewhere for the menu and the like?” He mused after another moment, Yunan glancing between the two as he tried to reign in his emotions. "Also, I've been in contact with the dress shop in the upper distract owned by Madame Zayn. She would like to collaborate on any staff attire, her contact information is in the papers."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 10:05 am
Effi dipped her head in acknowledgement, but kept silent. Her bronze quill made a few notes in her notebook, though the writing itself was so light that barely any sound came from it. While that may have been an asset to someone who detested it or preferred their servants silent, Nyko always found it unsettling. She looked to him as if waiting for the Matorian to hand over the list, but instead he slid the paperwork onto his lap. They would discuss the details later, when he could be sure it wouldn't go further than the three of them.
He could see her writing as Yunan discussed his preferences, which was another reason he wanted her here. Any detail he missed she would be able to account for.
"Picky picky~" Nyko smirked. "Entertainment and catering? I'm a talented man, but my days in the kitchen are behind me." At least, so long as public events were concerned. While he knew full well he wasn't being asked to cook personally Nyko also wanted nothing to do with the catering, and yet, it would be easy enough to acquire. "Fortunately for you I remember what dishes your future in laws prefer and gathering a crew to make them wouldn't be difficult." A feast for the ages; one that could double as the seat of a nightmare, if everything else fell through.
"Madame Zayn? I'll have Effi look into fittings." His own garments would, naturally, be crafted by the seamstress he'd sent for weeks ago. The man was already busy creating new looks for future performances, so why not an Oban wedding? It was more costly that way, but the thought of wearing anything crimson made Nyko ill.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 4:43 pm
Despite everything Yunan let out a soft chuckle at the chastising from the Matori. ”I would assume you would have connections who could either recommend a good chef or bring out your own, not have you cook for us. It would be hard to play music and cook at the same time, as entertaining as that could be. Honestly, I’m not as fond of my future inlaw’s servants’ cooking and would prefer my own at this event. But we can keep the reasoning between us while saying it’s proper etiquette to bring outside kitchen staff as part of the display. Yunan smirked as he relaxed a bit more, the hybrid not even bothered by the silent movement of the quill. If Effi wasn’t so attentive with her gaze and moving accordingly he would nearly be tempted to think she was simply mimicking the action which would have been frustrating. However, Yunan knew better after watching for another moment and seeing how responsive she was to everything they said. If anything though, if she truly took notes in tune with how quickly she reacted to every word that left his lips then Yunan was considered impressed. If Nyko didn’t have use for her after all of this then perhaps he would have to inquire about her future position in his own business, that was as long as she proved trustworthy after this. As if to prove his point, Effi was already taking notes when Nyko agreed to his request concerning food. Strangely enough Yunan even felt as if she were already writing down the dishes even without either of them saying what the courses should contain. That was a bit disturbing perhaps, but if it benefited them and saved time…well so be it. He would question the depths of her knowledge later when they weren’t under the pressure of time.
“Is that so? Then let me propose something that they’ll absolutely adore at the event. There’s a rare herb found in the southern oasis.” Yunan added after a moment, pondering the option and hoping Nyko remembered one of the things he had mentioned on their way to Oba while talking about medicines and such. “It adds a depth to curry, something they would favor for one of the courses, and can numb the tongue a bit if used inappropriately. I assume any of your chefs could handle it well and add it into the courses, in the proper amount.” Of course it did more than simply numb a tongue, it would numb any limbs for a bit allowing any captures to be made a lot simpler with less chances of bloodshed. As disappointing as such a thing was, but Yunan did not want this to be a messy affair in the end. A magnificent event, a grand finale and then off to whatever business he needed to finish in Oba before returning to Belrea. Sustaining some serious injuries would not be ideal for such a plan so any additional flavors for the meal would be welcome.
Yunan nodded at the idea of fittings. “If necessary we can schedule private fittings throughout the next week. My fiance will need to get details added to her dress. I hear that Madame Zayn can make the finest of materials into something sturdy, perfect if one needed to do more than simply dance in their attire.” Or if they needed to carry anything in secret, his own robes fitted with secret pockets and the like for the various things that Yunan carried with him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 6:02 pm
"A rare herb?" Ah, right. That one. Nyko played the part of an active listener, 'ooing' at just the right points and motioned to Effi to write it down when the woman clearly had things well under control. In all honesty he knew - more or less - where to go to find it so he very well might go himself. Getting out of the manor was much less a chore for Nyko than it was for Yunan and Aaricia. If he couldn't find it in the hands of one of his 'connections' then a few days trip wouldn't be out of the question. "Have faith. Any chef worth their salt can prepare a curry like that and I only employ the best."
Thinking on it, Nyko sat back in his seat and crossed one leg over the other to get comfortable. "That's good to know. My performances are, after all, much more than an auditory experience. I myself dance and have a staff of backup dancers that will need a wardrobe to hold." His dancers were loyal to Gilly, which meant they would be loyal to Nyko and all had been trained to fight for their own defense. If needed they could be enacted to help defend, but he really didn't want it to come to that.
"I have a designer of my own who will take care of my wardrobe. Call me superstitious, but I think once you find something that works you shouldn't change it."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 6:18 pm
Yunan’s lips curved upwards into a pleased smile, the hybrid happy that Nyko seemed to remember the herb he was referencing. There were a variety of things that one could use to bring around such a reaction but that one would be the most potent, if not then they would make due with whatever was added to the food. He would just make certain to not touch any curry and would tell Aaricia to do the same. “I’ll have to trust your word and chef. If not I’ll be terribly disappointed to see that my guests are not pleased with their food. As the groom I won’t have the chance to eat before the ceremonies, there’s too many rituals to uphold so we’ll see how they praise the dining afterwards.” He would arrange it so that there was a celebration before the actual ritual, Yunan also trying to see about an official who would not use proper paperwork though not like it mattered in the end. They weren’t going to live in Oba for the rest of their lives together, he had a much more fitting ceremony in mind for a beach in Matori before Belrea. One that involved Nyko, the very thought making Yunan’s gaze gleam as he took a moment to study the Matori as if appraising him for their working relationship. In all honesty he was enjoying the time together, the sight of Nyko easing his spirit despite their current performance that kept their conversation more professional.
“You dance as well? I thought you were just a musician.” Obviously a lie, but there was a gleam of interest in Yunan’s gaze that hinted at mischief. “Is there a preview of the performance? It would be a shame to pay for someone solely based on reputation without a demonstration.” For once his hand left the glass, Yunan’s fingers reaching over to pluck a slice of fruit from the platter so that he could have a bite to eat. “Not that I would expect your backup dancers to be on demand at the moment, but the main player is here. No?”
Of course. Nyko would be opposed to wearing something in Oban style, but Yunan did trust Madame Zayn. She was a friend of his own Aunt, a companion from long ago who was willing to get her hands dirty for her more innocent friend. His Matori family was simply too pure for this world, it made Yunan grateful that he at least had someone else willing to put on a show to keep them safe. She had kept her business flourishing even after the Oban war, going as far as keeping her own intel throughout the city and helping Yunan when he first expressed interest in building here. “Fair enough. Madame Zayn has prepared numerous outfits for me over the years, I don’t doubt her ability to prepare something more but I won’t request that you change your own attire for my needs.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2024 2:21 pm
"Vocalists with only one talent are a thing of the past. Belrean's prefer a more spectacular sort of show." That part wasn't a lie. While Nyko had grown up seeing performers at gatherings they had never danced. There were dancers for dancing, singers to sing, and players to play. Belrean performers were so much more and he'd picked up on so much.
"I think if you're free this evening I could put on a private performance." He lifted his water glass and looked at the hybrid over the rim. Anything he did right now under the eye of On'os would make it far too obvious that they knew one another. In the parlor after his staff had gone to bed, though..."Or would you really subject me to singing before I've finished my breakfast?" And to punctuate it, Nyko reached for a bite of fruit. He slowly brought it to his lip, the juices drippling down his fingers and after plopping it into his mouth the Matorian slowly licked his fingers clean.
"I wouldn't presume to take your attention from your intended, though."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2024 2:45 pm
“Is that so? I missed out then when I was in Belrea for business. I should have visited the theater to witness it, but my affairs simply kept me too busy.” Teased Yunan quietly, both of them knowing full well that he had seen a range of Nyko’s performances before. It was true though that a Belrean stage was quite different from any he had experienced before, the musical productions turned into spectacular performances overseas.
Yunan took a final bite of fruit, his hand returning to the wine glass before pausing at the suggestion. That was pushing it, wasn’t it? Especially when he was supposedly in love or at least lusting after Aaricia to the point that he would marry her. Though most would also believe he was simply pursuing connections through her and using her father to clear up any opposition to his medical business expanding in Oba. “Fair enough. I hear singers must value their voices so I won’t subject you to such a request.” He replied finally after a long thoughtful moment, but then his lips curved upwards as he thought about a return towards Nyko’s suggestions. “My intended perhaps would like to attend a private event with me. It would be best to see a demonstration at some point before the event, even if it has to wait until after breakfast.” A daring request and one that he didn’t even know Aaricia would appreciate, but it would be nice if they could gather together again. Those few gatherings and that dinner they had shared here before this whole situation truly had been pleasant, something that Yunan honestly hoped they could do again once this whole ordeal was over.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2024 4:00 pm
Nyko smiled and it was borderline grinning. "I suppose that is only fair since she is the bride." Even if it were under the guise of a business meeting, having both of them there would take away some of the pressure and even if nothing particularly interesting happened with Yunan it would still be nice to speak with them both in a more casual light.
A noise from within the manor caught Nyko's hear. By the time he'd turned toward it Effi was already walking back to the door to speak with a young Lightning man. A few words were exchanged, Effi nodded and wrote a few lines in her notebook before returning to Nyko's side.
"Is everything alright?"
"Yes. Claude was just informing me that the backup vocalists have arrived and are ready to practice when you are."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
