Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
Fliers for an event in the near future have been put up all over the town.
The Gala is a formal event. Every guest has a chance to sit at Ms. Buckley's table as an honored guest and being well dressed might increase your chances.
OOC:I'd like to get a lot of people in on this. I won't run it with less than 4 people that can post once every week day.
::Neko read the sign and after some thought, decided she would attend. She felt this would be a good opportunity to meet some of the Sentinels as well as other people from town. She was feeling the need to join up with one or more of the groups that worked in and around Wistvale. Sure her uncle had given her a Vanguard hood, but that was purely to help in their communication, he had said nothing so far about making it official. Working for Orp was great, but who knew how often work would come along. And she had yet to meet anyone from any other group, that she knew of. This seemed like a good chance to see what the Guards were all about. And purple was her color, after all...
As she walked toward the stables, Serenity noted the flier for the gala. The Lady was both amused and interested, Wistvale now having an annual gala exceeded her expectations. Her thoughts returned to the matter at home though, and as much as she would have liked to stay...
"Something the matter, my Lady?" asked Donna, her escort. "No."
The Howle guard followed Serenity's gaze, "We don't have to leave you know. If I may, Lady Howle, the matter with Vienna is not a concern for your office."
Serenity thought on it for a bit, "I know, but I'd like to know what happened exactly. For myself, and also to help the girl if I can."
"House Dumar does not place these charges lightly, their agents are never wrong. Even if they were, none would know it. Damned crows."
Serenity looked away from the poster and gazed at the ground for a moment, contemplating on what she knew of the case.
"It all just seems rotten, I knew the girl well enough to know she loved that man. If Vienna were capable of murder, he'd be the last to suffer her blade."
"What do you suggest?"
"I don't know, but you're right about my position. She faces serious charges, I doubt they would allow me an audience with her alone."
The busy streets didn't seem to keep them mind as they two Highever women glowed in their fancy gear in the middle of town. Despite the sensitivity of their conversation, none in Wistvale could possibly know what they spoke about.
"It seems selfish of me, especially after all this concern, but I think I'd like to stay to meet this lieutenant at least. I want you and the others to return home."
"Our orders are clear..." "So are mine."
The warrior woman sighed, knowing Serenity well enough for her stubbornness. What worried her more was her charge's father more than anything. Crossing the Lord Howle was not something she would look forward to after this trip.
"Rodan will not like this," said Donna. "I don't care, I can defend myself fine without all of you if I happen to meet danger. "Of course, I know that for true."
"When you return to Highever, try to get Vienna's testimony, then send a raven to me."
"I doubt that I'd be granted an audience, but I'll try for you, my Lady."
"Good, safe journey to you all."
"Be safe, Lady Howle."
Donna bowed slightly and turned her back on Serenity, walking toward the stable to set off on the long ride home. Serenity herself looked to the flier once more.
A part of it was wanting to linger in Wistvale a bit longer, for a short time it was her home, and for that same reason she felt the need to make sure it was in good hands now that Margrett was away. The gala was going to be interesting.
Xana [M:0:0:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=560&page=1#19375]If you don't live a life worth living, it doesnt' count.
Xana left the bakery with a basket filled with her favorite fruit tarts and one of the fliers announcing the annual Wistvale Gala. The young baker had been happy to use her arrival with his order of honey from Mary's bees as an excuse to escape his flock of sisters. His sisters had been happy to have another woman to discuss the upcoming event and what they would wear.
Xana had been happy to spend a little time learning about the event and, at least from the impression the women gave, thought that it would be a fun evening. She enjoyed dancing and socializing, though she wasn't looking for a husband like some of the women from the bakery seemed to be.
From the information on the flier she surmised that it would also give her a chance to get a little bit more information about the Sentinels. She wouldn't mind having an in with the group, though she was not ready to commit herself to anything quite yet.
She tucked away the flier and pulled out a tart to nibble on during her walk home. Eating always helped her think and she had to decide what to wear.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
After thinking on it long and hard - that is to say, not very deeply and for just a few moments, which is considerably long than he considered most things - Alec decided that it might be in his best interests to attend the Gala this year. With the change in management among the Sentinels lately, it would most likely behoove him to acquaint himself with the upper echelon still in the city guard.
"Not to mention," he mutters under his breath, "it's been far too long since I've left the house and returned without having to avoid death." He rubs at the line of his jaw, nodding. Yes, a nice simple party, he thinks to himself, slipping between speech and thought subconsciously. Should be nice.
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
Tauer [M:150:160:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=540&page=1#18960][b]While the Light's away, the Shadows will play.[/b]
Tauer was meandering through the streets of Wistvale when a loose flier skittered across the ground and wrapped itself around his leg. The demon reached down and read the contents of the flier.
A gala? Interesting. It had been a while since the prince had attended one of these. And it was to take place at the second lieutenant of the Wistvale sentinels' establishment. In the month or so Tauer had been in town, he had yet to see or talk to a sentinel. Once, he had been mistaken for one by his new friends Nissa and Joff, so it was very possible that the demon prince could blend in.
Ok, then it was settled! Tauer would go along to this Gala and perhaps do some reconnaissance.
Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
The residence of Angeline Buckley was known to most residents of Wistvale. It would have stuck out as a strangely large house in anywhere else in town but in Uptown, that size of home was normal.
Angeline Buckley was a very prominent member of the Sentinels, presiding over major criminal investigations. Her husband died years ago, leaving her as the sole caretaker of her daughter who was diagnosed with xeonal palsy, a paralyzing disease. How the second lieutenant manages to do all she does is a miracle.
Recently she spearheaded a campaign against the so-called Body Stealer. Reports of disappearances of people in Deadtown and the Docks began months ago. Over a dozen people were thought to have been kidnapped by one man. The culprit was caught in the act by the Docks and killed during a pursuit a few days ago.
The grounds of Angeline's manor were surrounded by a fairly high wall. A tall iron gate was left unlocked at the main entrance. Friendly Sentinels stood guard and escorted the incoming guests up the main drive to the manor.
The sun was setting as the festivities began. The great hall was close to full when all the guests had shown up. The room is decorated with expensive looking rugs and furniture and marble columns stand up through the crowd up to support the high ceiling. A pair of curving staircases lead up to different part of the manor with intricate wooden doors closing it off. A Sentinel stands in front of every door to that room.
The citizens of Wistvale were in their best clothing. Elegant dresses and sharp suits were the general trend but more fanciful and fabulous outfits weren't uncommon.
Appetizers were set out on long tables and people were helping themselves to breads, cheeses, fruits, stuffed tubers and fried yakow nuggets. Wines and spirits of many kinds are served by attendants that circulate through the crowd.
It seems like everyone who is anyone is at this party. Anyone who came could definitely find someone who they knew. Angeline is nowhere to be seen. The room is filled with a constant drone of conversation and laughter.
Sentinels stand every few paces along the wall, ready to help any reckless drunkards and break up any fights.
OOC: Describe what you are wearing and you must talk to at least one person. You can make up minor npcs and have full control over them. Please don't start any drunk brawls
Serenity had packed mostly essentials on her long journey from home, and didn't expect to attend any formal event out of leisure in all this time. She did however pack one or two dresses if such events as the gala came up, where she was to impress her noble hosts and other important figures in the cities and settlements she visited.
The Lady Howle had luckily brought a gown of dark velvet to help match her eyes, but the decision to wear this to the gala came from the fact that purple one of the colors of the Sentinels.
Her gown was strapless, with an ebony sash around the waist that features a lightly etched series of spiral patterns. A slit was cut just above the knee, visibly showing Serenity's pale left leg as she walked through the grounds and into the gala itself.
The Lady's hair was done in a bun, held together by two sticks with jeweled tips crossing each other, and with curls falling from it. Around her neck was a simple, to her anyway, silver necklace with the engraving of the Howle crest upon it. Under her feet were open topped heels with a single floral bud decoration on the strap.
As Serenity walked about the room, she greeted many of the new faces she had never seen before in Wistvale, and likewise, neither did they her. They were surprised when each time she would bring up her living in Wistvale for a time and they swore they never seen her, complimenting how the noble would be a hard woman to forget.
"Highever you say? My fair lady, what would bring you down from that marvelous jewel by the sea?" said the recent gentleman Serenity introduced herself to, a Mr. Denerim.
He was a tall handsome sir with a black mustache that nearly overlapped his upper lip and short black hair with a few grey strands that could only be noticed up close.
"Travel, mostly. I do love Highever, but Wistvale was my home for a time and I also keep it in my heart as close as Highever."
Serenity had grown a bit weary of explaining her business of being an 'ambassador' and settled on simply wanting to see the world. Regardless, she was enjoying herself more than she assumed and meeting new people was always fun for her.
"Of course, and what does Ms. Howle think of her former home now?" he said with an amused smile.
"It's wonderful, I always knew the people had the strength to change the condition Wistvale was in before."
"They did indeed, but wouldn't have known it without the leaders that got them started on the path, people like our most generous host of the evening."
"Quite so..."
Serenity had asked for Ms. Buckley a little while before, but had been told she was nowhere to be seen yet. The Lady's reason for coming was mainly to meet this woman, but she was in no hurry. Ms. Angeline Buckley was sure to make herself known to her guests eventually.
Last Edit: Sept 16, 2012 23:25:08 GMT -5 by Serenity
::Neko arrived at the gates nervous and fidgiting with her Silverweave garments that she had purchased just for this occasion. Her har was pulled up off her neck in a series of intricate braids with just a pair of matching loose strands falling to either side of her face. The grey of her fur matched with the darker soot color of the outfit did alot to set off the bright purple of her eyes and hair.
She was begining to have second guesses about coming here. She wasn't even in the door, and she already felt out of place. She should have brought someone with her. The memory of sitting with Kiko to get her hair done, the song she hummed for her still sharp in her head. She took strength from that memory and promised herself to be strong like her Aunt. So it was with newfound resolve that she nodded in greeting to the guards on the gate and crossed the yard to the house itself.
Inside she found a world of wonder. Partygoers were everywhere, with serving trays of food and drinks being carried thru the crowds by those running the party. She snatched a few from a passing tray just to give her hands something to do and looked about for familiar faces. ::
"Didn't expect to see you here, Little Cat."
::Neko gave a jump of surprise and turned to find the source of the voice. It had come from one of the guards on the door. It took a moment to recognize him in his dress uniform, but it was a young man named Gavin whom she spent some time with at his usual post on the city gates. She was just as surprised to see him here and he was to see her. He must have impressed someone to pull this duty.
With a wave and a smile she stepped to the side to stand with him and watch the room. ::
"Looking to rub elbows with the town's elite?" He continued as they fell into their comfortable conversation while she watched the goings on.
Silent as a shadow on padded feet...
Tauer [M:150:160:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=540&page=1#18960][b]While the Light's away, the Shadows will play.[/b]
Tauer had come dressed in his one and only outfit; black shoes and pants, white shirt and faded black jacket. He was smart enough and he cleaned his clothes regularly so there was no fear of smelling bad.
The demon prince almost immediately headed towards the finger-food where he began picking a little of this and a little of that. He hadn't eaten since the night before and so he planned on putting away as much as he could tonight. Tauer picked up a handful of white grapes and popped them into his mouth one at a time, slowly. He turned down several offers of a flute of wine from attendants who must have thought that a guest wasn't a guest until they had a drink in their hand.
Nibbling on some cheese and crackers, Tauer scanned the room and thought he didn't know a single person there, until his eyes fell upon Neko. She looked beautiful. Had it not been for the grey fur and pointy ears, the demon prince may not have recognized her at all. He went to give a little wave but some other guy caught her attention and they began to talk.
"A handsome, young man like yourself shouldn't be standing alone."
Tauer didn't realize the statement was being directed at him until he turned around and an elderly lady was looking up at him with big, round eyes. The demon almost choked on his mouthful of bread and quickly chewed and swallowed so he could reply.
Oh, me...hello...I'm, er...alone isn't so bad. Tauer fumbled with his words, caught a little of guard by the lady's sudden interest.
The old lady was at least a foot shorter than he was; plump, large nose, big brown eyes and wore her vast amounts of white hair up in a bun. Her plumpness may have been an illusion since the purple dress she wore was very puffy with white frilly bits at the end of the sleeves and legs. A jeweled pendant was draped around her neck and she wore several large rings, each holding a different colored gem. She may not have been very attractive but she didn't look unkind.
Tauer's surprise made her chuckle.
"I'm sorry, deary, I didn't mean to frighten you, although it happens more often than I care to admit." She laughed again. "My name is Lady Helgaba." She leaned in closer, as if to confide a secret, and whispered. "But my friends call me 'Ba."
The demon prince managed to compose himself and smiled at his own stupidity. He took her hand, gently, and bowed.
It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady. My name is Tauer van der Hal.
The pair carried on a conversation by the food table, whilst sneaking bites of this and that. Lady Helgaba entertained Tauer with tales of her life and the demon listened with unfeigned interest. Of his own life, he said little. He preferred it that way.
Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
A woman in a flowing red dress is seen at the top of the stairs. The material shines and shimmers as she turns a bit to survey the room.
"I hope you all already know but I am 2nd Lieutenant Angeline Buckley and this is my humble abode. I can tell you are all having a great time and I do not want to interrupt for too long, so I will stop talking and get around to mingling with you all. Have a wonderful night!"
She hikes up her dress a bit and makes her way down the winding stairs. When she gets to the bottom she begins to mill about and talk to some people.
She meets with one elderly butler and gives him a hug. He smiles and bows his balding head. The people around them smile and clap a little bit.
She then makes her way to an overweight women in her forties. Her dress is a floral pattern and her hair is up in a bun. Bits of flowers are woven into her hair. Angeline whispers something into her ear and the woman's face brightens up tenfold.
Angeline moves on to a man in a striped blue suit. He stands apart from everyone else in a corner. As she approaches the man raises his eyebrow and takes a long drink of the wine in his glass. Angeline meets him with an empathetic look. They talk for a bit and the man seems to try to avoid her gaze. Angeline recaptures his look by placing her hand and his arm. He looks and her and she whispers something into his ear. He brightens up even more than the floral woman.
Angeline re-enters the crowd and joins in with some conversations. She talks a laughs with many groups before entering a circle of people with a woman with her dark hair in dreads. The woman is smiling and sharing the night with other happy looking people. As people pass her she tries to stop them and ask them something. Some people shake their head and move on. Others pull out a wallet and give her either cash or a check. Some large ammounts of money are met with hugs from the women and applause from the surrounding group. Angeline stops by her and talks a long while with the woman. The woman shakes her head as Angeline talks and Angeline seems to almost plead with her. Angeline looks very sad and some people console her but Angeline whispers something in the woman's ear anyway.
She goes through the crowd and talks to many other people but only whispers in the ears of an elderly woman and a very drunk dwarf.
The last person she talks to is a man in a very fine suit with a very attractive woman at his side and a young male standing by them. The woman seems distracted or preoccupied. The son seems a bit annoyed. Angeline walks away from them with an angry look, stops, turns around, changes her expression to an inviting face and approaches them. The man is taken aback by her approach and struck dumb. He stammers out a few words before Angeline whispers something to all of them.
She approaches (Whoever posts first)and starts up conversation.
"Oh, hello there. I do not think we have met. Are you new in town? Enjoying the gala?"
Last Edit: Sept 22, 2012 11:10:43 GMT -5 by Orp Boon
Tauer [M:150:160:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=540&page=1#18960][b]While the Light's away, the Shadows will play.[/b]
Tauer cast a wary glance at Angeline Buckley as she came closer and greeted him. He had never met or seen the woman before tonight and hoped she wouldn't linger around him too long, asking awkward questions.
The demon prince assumed the role of gentleman and bowed. Certain courtesies needed to be addressed, even if he was far away from the royal court.
Hello, Miss Buckley. Tauer van der Hal. He extended his hand. It's a pleasure to be here as a guest in your lovely home. I must say that you look radiant this evening, and you've put out quite the spread. Tauer gestured to the food tables. The cheese is top notch.
Tauer wondered if he'd gone a little over the top with his performance. He glanced around for Lady Helgaba but she'd wandered off and was now talking to some older gentleman.
Helgaba had revealed in their previous conversation that ten years ago she and a "dear friend" of hers had opened her own house - which came across as fairly huge - as a place for weary travelers, orphans and all round lost souls to stay. Her latest endeavor involved getting runaway and orphaned children off the streets of Wistvale and give them a stable environment to grow, and a proper education to go with it.
Since Tauer had had a run in with a group of wayward kids on his first day in town, the demon had been able to add a few thoughts of his own to the mix. He also decided to adopt Lady Helgaba's story as a cover up in the presence of the Lieutenant.
I've come to town to help sort out the growing problem of kids living on the Wistvale streets. I'm sure you're aware of the situation.
Orp Boon [M:83:616:][D3v:http://www.rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=406&page=1#374]"Is that family heirloom for sale?"[0:Gone fishing.][1:The store is open!]
"Nice to meet you Mr. van der Hal, beautiful name by the way."
She smiled as he complimented the food.
"Ah yes, Charleston does a wonderful job catering events like these."
She seems surprised that he was here to clean up the streets but didn't question his authenticity.
"Oh of course! What a terrible thing marring the face of our city. Why just yesterday I saw a group of young children begging in the rain. The orphanages are all filling up and there is just nothing to do with the poor things. Oh, how I'd hate if my own little Katie were on the street. My most gracious thanks to you, sir."
She leaned close to whisper in his ear before walking away.
"You are invited to dine at my table tonight."
Angeline walks over to (whoever posts next).
Last Edit: Sept 23, 2012 18:50:59 GMT -5 by Orp Boon
::Neko watched the entrance of the host of the Gala with some awe. She would have questioned Gavin about her, but found him busy checking the invitations of arriving guests. Stepping away from the door, she watched closely as the woman made her way about the room, curious as to what she could be saying to these people to get such a reaction from them and feeling even more out of place as she notes the money changing hands.
As she watches, she sees Ms. Buckley approach a familiar face, she must have missed his entrance while she was "talking" with Gavin. She watched them a moment while they spoke. Tauer seemed much more comfortable here than she did. He actually looked liked he belonged.
Well, she had to introduce herself eventually it seemed, and what better way to do so than with the company of a friend. It would be good to see him again, and perhaps he could help "translate" for her.
So with that thought in mind she made her way accross the room and ended up coming up behind Ms. Buckley as she was turning around. She smiled and bowed in greeting to them both, hoping she did not surprise the woman. ::