Houses of the Blooded
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: MadPanda on 11-04-2011, 02:49:16</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-04-2011, 02:49:16</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>The First Tale: Roses and Thorns</strong><br><br>In the winter of your ascension, your liege gives you one final task before granting you your rank formally: the young, beautiful, and dangerous Shara Yvarai is having her coming-out party, and your liege desires that the opportunity to snare a Contract of Servitude is one that must not be missed.&nbsp; Knowing that, as newly arrived nobility, you lack the resources to provide the appropriate gifts yourselves, the Countess has provided appropriate tokens for you to present on her behalf.<br><br>Your task is a simple one: convince Shara to sign a contract with your liege.&nbsp; Since just about every other ven at the party will no doubt be attempting something similar, this won't be easy.<br><br>The party, which is held in Yvarai Castle, Shara's personal holding, takes place on Midwinter's Eve, and as you might all expect, everybody who is anybody (or at least anybody worth being somebody) was invited!&nbsp; That means that along with your official business, there are plenty of other opportunities to be had.<br><br>Thus the stage is set.&nbsp; The pieces are placed on the board.&nbsp; And the orchestra swells as the curtain rises...<br><br>+++<br><br>Entering the Great Hall, one of course presents the appropriate token of esteem to one's host or hostess, and indulges in a brief pleasantry or two: this is expected.&nbsp; This is normal.&nbsp; Shara handles each guest in turn, smiling more at some than others, lingering longer over the courtesies from time to time with one of her more important guests.&nbsp; Each gift is solemnly received and noted by the tall vassal who stands at her left shoulder and intones the name of each guest and the general nature of each item to the scribe beside him.<br><br>More guests continue to file in after you arrive, of course--some are more than fashionably late!&nbsp; For now, however, the order of the hour is to mingle and enjoy refreshments, to socialize and generally chat...in other words, the last thing that Cinsel wants to do is precisely what's expected!<br><br>Looking about, each of you spots familiar faces--there is the infamous Lady Peacock, Duchess of Q’var.&nbsp; Over on the balcony, Lord Valin Burghe, Baron of Ishnavay, and Dannin Steele, Duke of Shyvala, seem deep in conversation about some weighty matter.&nbsp; Somewhere nearby, no doubt plotting mischief, Lady No, Countess of Ival, stalks yet another prospective husband...<br><br>As yet, however, you do not see your fellow vassal, Niassa Mwrr.&nbsp; You are pretty certain she was coming, and it isn't like her to be so fashionable.<br><br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunarice</strong> on <strong>11-04-2011, 03:34:04</strong>
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				They were a little late, much to the obvious displeasure of Wyel Steele who had a tight grip on his young wife’s arm as they entered the room.&nbsp; He was dressed in the usual opulent garments for a fancy ball, medium blue breeches with matching vest and a silvery shirt with billowing sleeves.&nbsp; His cloak was just as opulent, dark blue velvet laced with silver brocade, which he untied with a single tug of the tassels and carelessly handed to the attendant with a single hand.<br><br>Kethry wore a lavender gown, bejeweled and cut deeply in all the right places.&nbsp; Her tanned skin was soft with a slight iridescent sheen from the lotion that had been applied and her make up was just enough to enhance the already lovely features of her face.&nbsp; Her luxurious hair was left down and loose, a bit rebellious against the braidings and coifings so often incorporated into fashion, yet the soft curls were quite pleasing and better suited to her features.&nbsp; Silver lacings halfway up her slender calves gleamed in the soft light with each step she took. <br><br>They waited for the couple in front of them to complete their greeting and offering, Kethry’s eyes drifting first to the pregnant woman and then to the bear of a man.&nbsp; Wyel leaned down whispered something about wifely duties in her ear and she glared at him though the defiance washed away as he merely raised an eyebrow and stared her down.&nbsp; She was spared anything further as he stepped forward and presented the new baroness with a shawl unlike any others in the court, so sheer and delicate so it would go with any of her beautiful gowns.&nbsp; Kethry bent at the knees, inclining her head respectfully with courtly grace and poise.<br><br>Wyel didn't seem quite willing to let his wife leave his side but there were boring matters he wished to discuss with some others so with a warning look, he let go of her arm.&nbsp; For a brief moment, her lips pressed together and she took a deep breath before schooling her features into a pleasant smile.&nbsp; A small group of women including the Countess were off to the side and once she stepped into their circle, much whispering began and the longer it proceeded the more animated the women became though Kethry paled and looked resigned.<br><br>After a while, Kethry excused herself from the Countess' throng and nonchalantly moved through the crowd, a polite word here or a delicate nod there.&nbsp; Her eyes roamed all the faces and noted those most notables as she picked up a tall fluted glass of champagne.&nbsp; The tips of her fingers drummed on the hilt of the rapier at her waist, ornate and slender much as its bearer, as she noted the glance from her husband.<br><br>So many Elk here, she grumbled purely internally though her gaze drifted to Mithra before skirting off to Cinsel, a fellow Fox who seemed just as happy to be there as she, though she had to admit to herself it was nice to get away from the keep for at least a little while.&nbsp; And where is that little Serpent?&nbsp; Going to make a grand spectacle of an entrance no doubt.&nbsp; There was no evidence of the snideness of her thoughts though, continuing on as the polite social butterfly she knew would be irksome to Wyel.<br><br>She did stay away from the men for now though, instead drifting toward Lady Peacock.&nbsp; Now there was one person she didn't mind mingling with!&nbsp; Always one with a story that would be sure to entertain, and quite often shock poeple, she inclined her head most respectfully as she approached.&nbsp; As was only proper, she waited for the elder to finish her current conversation and acknowledge her presence before drawing closer or speaking.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Muse</strong> on <strong>12-04-2011, 21:14:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mithra arrived at the party riding—not in a carriage—but before the carriage on a great black ilderim stallion which pranced up to the front.&nbsp; <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The carriage road up behind, driven by his squire and buttler.&nbsp; The two leapt down and opened the door to reveal that the only passenger was a large blue package wrapped in a golden ribbon.&nbsp; <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mithra handed off his swords to two large iron swords to his man at arms.&nbsp; Then took the package while his buttler moved their luggage to an appropriate spot.&nbsp; The giant glided into the party with grace that would set apart even if he didn’t stand head and shoulders&nbsp; above the average Ven.&nbsp; <br>Mithra was not a paragon of male beauty, but he was easy on the eyes with a strong jaw, rich bronze skin, shoulder length golden curls, and intense silver eyes.&nbsp; Some women found these features—taken with his great height, powerful build, broad shoulders, and deft hands—to have a great deal of manly allure.&nbsp; <br>To many Ven women, though, he looked hopelessly provincial—if not downright common—in his strength, while others considered if the backwater giant might make an easy and enjoyable pawn.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>Mithra was not oblivious to this reaction people had about him.&nbsp; Some days, he wondered how he might make a better name for himself among the Ven.&nbsp; Others, he remembered that he was a Falcon, and that was all the name he needed.&nbsp; Standing straight and proud, Mithra entered the festival in a stylishly tight leather pants died inky black and matching vest.&nbsp; His silk shirt was crimson, and his cloak sable.&nbsp; His buckles were gold.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>He made his way to their hostess, sweapt a polite bow and presented the package, “A token of my esteem, fair lady, and that of my patron.”&nbsp; <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>12-04-2011, 21:38:36</strong>
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				Cinsel detested parties.&nbsp; He arrived late, as usual, grateful to whatever clever bastard made lateness fashionable instead of a snub.&nbsp; He came without attendant or valet, and without announcement; his appearance was its own announcement.&nbsp; Faces turned toward him as flowers toward the sun, and he was buffeted with 'So glad you could attend's and 'Such a joy to see you's and all the other damnable pleasantries.&nbsp; And then the worst of all, the mingling.<br><br>Mingling was deathly dull.&nbsp; In a proper social meeting, Cinsel could talk and act just so, say all the right things, put on a particular smile, and wear a twinkle in his eyes that would form a genuine bond with someone.&nbsp; He could put them off their guard and at his disposal, and so further his own power and his own ends at their expense.&nbsp; But at a party, everyone had their masks on and their empty platitudes and nothing was sincere.&nbsp; And Cinsel so hated to waste his time at a party, milling with masked mannequins, when he could be making someone love him.<br><br>Oh, there was the host of the party, of course, but she was inaccessible.&nbsp; The party and the mob of invitees isolated her from private contact better than any armed guards or iron bars could.&nbsp; Cinsel brought a gift, of course, as had everyone else.&nbsp; It wasn't the sort of gift he liked, a token of true friendship and sincerity, but just an obligation, a platitude given shape.&nbsp; So he offered shoes.&nbsp; Exceptional shoes to be sure, but shoes.&nbsp; 'Trod upon this gift', he would think as he gave it to her, 'as it and all the offal so richly deserve.'
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-04-2011, 04:28:32</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Shara accepts your presents and exchanges the usual pleasantries, although she seems a bit distracted.&nbsp; She manages to smile regardless, and casually mentions some of her more notable guests in passing.<br><br>+++<br><br>Lady Peacock unexpectedly gestures to her flock of attendants and hangers-on, and the crowd around her quickly takes the hint and all but evaporates, leaving Kethry almost face to face with the imposing older woman!&nbsp; She smiles warmly at the younger woman and gestures to a balcony off to one side that overlooks the gardens.<br><br>"Walk with me a moment, dear girl.&nbsp; We have much to discuss, you and I, and while I hate to interrupt this delightsome <em>soiree</em>, there is no better time than the present."<br><br>+++<br><br>Mithra finds a youthful page at his elbow.<br><br>"My Lord the Duke would have words with you," he speaks softly, voice barely audible over the background chatter, and with some skill at doing so without moving his lips.&nbsp; "Will you attend?"<br><br>+++<br><br>Tonight may or may not be Cinsel's night, for before long he finds himself the subject of intense scrutiny by no lesser person than the Countess of Ival...Lady No, who makes much of her utter disinterest in his person in such a way that it is painfully obvious that she is checking him out.&nbsp; There is some shelter to be had, if he wishes to retreat, but it may mean worse perils.<br><br>+++<br><br>There is still no sign of Niassa Mwrr, and by now her arrival would fall under 'discourteously late' rather than 'fashionably late'.&nbsp; This is not at all like her!
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunarice</strong> on <strong>13-04-2011, 06:19:19</strong>
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				Kethry had hoped merely to hear some of the older woman's tales so the dismissal of others was most unexpected and more so was her request for basically a private audience.&nbsp; "I would be most delighted," she said most respectfully though inside her gut clenched.&nbsp; The woman's choice of words seemed to bode perhaps some ill tidings and that made her nervous.&nbsp; She walked smootly though, her gait easy and not rushing the older woman and granting her the respect due to one who has lived and learned much.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>17-04-2011, 07:10:00</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Cinsel knew how the game was played.&nbsp; Lady No showed disinterest to draw his interest, and make him come to her.&nbsp; What he did not know was why she was interested.&nbsp; She was no enemy of Cinsel's Countess, and she would never lower herself by taking Cinsel as a fourth husband.&nbsp; <br><br>So, that was exactly how Cinsel approached her.&nbsp; He would come to her, but in doing so he would put her off guard, to even the balance to some degree.&nbsp; So, as a suitor, he came to her, greeted her as "My Lady", and kissed her hand with his winning smile.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Muse</strong> on <strong>18-04-2011, 18:11:14</strong>
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				Mithra looked down into the paige's eyes, never being the sort to ignore servants.&nbsp; "My pleasure, sirrah, please lead the way."&nbsp; 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>18-04-2011, 19:37:55</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lady Peacock leads the way out onto a balcony that overlooks the gardens but is still within sight of the main party.<br><br>"Word has reached me of certain details," she says with a dreamy little smile.&nbsp; "Perhaps your lord and master might spare you for a brief time this coming summer for a Court?&nbsp; A little distraction for we who are not given the great and grave responsibilities of office."<br><br>This is the moment at which the scream interrupts the pleasantries...<br><br>+++<br><br>Lady No rewards Cinsel with a wintry little smile.<br><br>"A gracious young gentlemen, aren't you?&nbsp; Tell me, Baron, knowing that my reputation precedes me, are you not the least bit nervous at bringing yourself to my attention?"<br><br>One eyebrow rises just a little, but before Cinsel can answer, the bloodcurdling scream interrupts the pleasantries...<br><br>+++<br><br>The page brings Mithra to the two ven deep in discussion and announces his arrival succinctly before retreating in haste.&nbsp; Duke Dannin gives Mithra a bit of smile.&nbsp; Baron Valin just nods soberly.<br><br>"Well met," Dannin says.&nbsp; "I am most curious about certain matters that may be of mutual interest.&nbsp; Would you care to offer your insight?"&nbsp; He gestures helplessly.&nbsp; "If, that is, you are not forsworn on the matters.&nbsp; Too many secrets, alas."<br><br>His answer is not Mithra, but rather a fearful shriek from one of the side hallways.<br><br>+++<br><br>The shriek turns out to be one of Shara's maids who blabbers something about blood and something else about "she's dead! She's dead" over and over until one of the senior staff guides her away.&nbsp; A simple investigation follows, more or less collectively...<br><br>The body, lying around the corner along a side hallway, looks awfully familiar.&nbsp; Niassa Mwrr, your more than fashionably late companion, is now permanently late.&nbsp; The ominous black handle of an Ikhalu dagger juts from her chest.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lunarice</strong> on <strong>25-04-2011, 00:34:34</strong>
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				The prospect of some time away from the manor was highly tempting and Kethry was going to do all she could to get away for a while if possible.&nbsp; Just as she was going to inform the Lady Peacock that she would speak with her husband, the scream rang out and she turned in that direction as her hand automatically went to the ornate hilt of her sword.&nbsp; She pulled her hand back as it seemed nothing was breaking out and moved with the others to see what had happened.&nbsp; When she gazed down at Niassa's body, shock and surprised suffused her expression.&nbsp; "Who in the world would do this?" she whispered.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CirclMastr</strong> on <strong>29-04-2011, 03:33:30</strong>
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				"Perhaps more importantly, Lady Kethry, is why in the world would someone do this?"&nbsp; Cinsel looked over the body of the dear departed Niassa.&nbsp; "Specifically, was Niassa the intended target, or did she simply stumble upon an assassin who is truly after Lady Shara?"<br><br>(I'd make a Wisdom risk but my Wisdom is crap.)
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Muse</strong> on <strong>29-04-2011, 08:51:01</strong>
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				Mithra crouched on his heals just a touch back from the body, his two great bronze blades sheathed over his shoulders.&nbsp; <br><br>He nodded, "An equally disturbing question in the same vein," he added, "even if this poor soul was the target of the knife, was she the target of the vendetta?&nbsp; Or is someone targeting another so crudely as too go through that person's loved ones first?"&nbsp; <br><br>He called his manservant over and handed the sheathed swords back too him.&nbsp; "Redo the peace bonds, but stay close," he ordered.&nbsp; <br><br><em>OOC: Are we the closest kin to Niassa?&nbsp; Or should someone else come for her remains at this time?</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Houses of the Blooded</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>03-05-2011, 17:28:41</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Your hostess is definitely displeased by this turn of events, her hand flying to the hilt of her blade at the sound of the scream and remaining there once the unfortunate remains of your fellow vassal are revealed.&nbsp; After a brief and whispered conference with her creepy functionary, she draws herself up to her full height.<br><br>"I must ask all of you to move to the public rooms of the guest wing for now," she says.&nbsp; "And when the villain who has thus violated my hospitality is found, I shall petition the Senate to permit the harshest possible penalty in exchange for this outrage."<br><br>That's a <em>dangerous</em> game--the right of Revenge is sacrosanct, and none may stop a vengeance blessed by Ikhalu!&nbsp; At the same time, this is a breach of Hospitality, which is nearly as sacrosanct, and a clear Insult to Shara, both of which demand a violent response.
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