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HEIST! Welcome To The Desmonian Institute of Arts and Science; SUMINES FOR EVERYONE
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Topic Started: May 31 2018, 07:01 AM (231 Views)
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Belial
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May 31 2018, 07:01 AM
Post #1
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- #2
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- May 21, 2015
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The village of Haven had a museum.
The Desmonian Institute of Art and Science had been fairly obscure for a very long time, however. A facility that had stood proud against the ravages of time and weathered centuries of the Illogical Field’s abuse was beginning to fade, however, beginning to become forgotten. The few loyalists the old institution had left agreed that this was a sad and tragic fate for such a fine establishment, dedicated to the service of growth and learning, to the service of remembering history and passing it down through the ages.
This trend of decline and abandonment grew, grew more. People just stopped caring. What happened back when, what was happening now, it was all just white noise. History wasn’t interesting anymore.
An economy is an economy, and the curator was soundly fired for failing to do his job. A new curator was hired from the lower ranks, a man known to love history as much as he loved breathing, a man who could be told any object in the Desmonian’s collective and respond with the item’s name, age, origin, and entire life story.
So it came to pass that the Desmonian Institute of Art and Science welcomed Curator Zenthim Deamon into its ancient and hallowed halls as its new master of the arts.
~*~
Zenthim walked the halls, clipboard in hands, sneakers quiet against the waxed cement floors. The relic wares from the doomed trade caravan recovered from the Valley of Mummies was exactly where it ought, everything in perfect order. The tapestries were straight.
He continued his silent patrol through the museum portion of the Desmonian Institute, checking and double-checking that each artifact, relic, painting, tapestry, statue, figurine, bust, portrait, and antique flower pot was in its place. Even the jewelry displays were perfection!
It simply would not do to open the Desmonian Institute Grand Gala if things were amiss, now would it?
~*~
The day dawned with a light sprinkling of glitter, just enough to make things sparkle without making them cloying. Balloons no mortal hands had placed floated untethered beside the entrance to the Desmonian Institute Fine Arts wing, where the Grand Gala was to be held.
Maybe the Illogical Field liked a good party. Maybe the Illogical Field was just waiting for the next course.
The Harper Hall even managed to find a competent drummer to replace Harper Tomlin so that the drums thundered out a full and coherent message inviting all comers from the Weyr and all of the outlying villages to come and see. There would be live entertainment, free food, and plenty of artifacts to admire along the way!
~*~ The courtyard outside of the Fine Arts building was decorated with balloon arches, serving tables, sharply-dressed wait staff constantly on the go with platters of drinks and finger-food snacks. A live band was playing on a small stage, and they were actually pretty good. A large red ribbon still blocked the wooden double-doors into the museum, but clearly the intent was to have the guests graze and drink first, the better to appreciate the arts and artifacts without the distraction of hunger or thirst to divert the mind. The landscaping had been perfectly manicured, the lawn cut, the shrubs pruned, the flowers tended until only the finest blossoms bloomed.
There were faux-street lamps here and there to provide lighting for after it got dark, with strands of solar lights strung between them. Perhaps when darkness fell, the view would be spectacular.
Museum employees mingled here and there, encouraging guests to eat and relax, enjoy the scenery, discuss their favorite types of art or their favorite historical artifacts or their interests. This was a place to learn! They should be enjoying the learning before they even wandered inside!
And all was going smoothly, in fact almost too smoothly, right up until the half enraged, half desperately overwhelmed by shock and anxiety scream tore through the afternoon proceedings so forcefully that everything ground to an instant halt.
“AAAAAAAIIIIYEEEEEAAARRRRRRRRRRRGH!”
The band stopped in a heartbeat, all the members staring wide-eyed at the museum doors. The museum sub-curators and docents flinched and followed suit. Certainly all of the guests were doing the same.
Clearly, the universal question at the tips of everyone’s tongue was, “What the hell?”
The docents were the first ones to get their heads back on straight and began ushering most of the guests to other entertainment areas, because clearly there was a problem inside the building and having guests in the way would be in the way, and docents were nothing if not good at their jobs. Directing traffic, solving problems, and keeping fidgety strangers occupied for indeterminate amounts of time? This was everyday professional for them.
Clearly, however, certain guests were not going to be herded off, because they would be running toward the scream, not allowing themselves be drawn away from it.
A small elf woman with bird-like wings stopped these intrepid guests at the door, utilizing her wings to block the way mostly because she had about four feet and nine inches of height to work with and there were relatively few people present who didn’t tower over her.
“Nahlrie Elandinai, Assistant Curator,” she introduced herself. “I do appreciate the help, I just had to stop you here first to say that most of the artifacts in here are ancient and delicate and we don’t know what has the Curator in such a tizzy. Please, please, follow me and go carefully inside. I will NOT permit the relics or the books to be damaged on my watch.”
That much said, Nahlrie grabbed a giant pair of golden scissors that was resting against the building for the ribbon-cutting and snipped the ribbon that barred access to the Fine Arts wing quite unceremoniously. She tossed the scissors aside. After that she pulled a key from her pocket and unlocked the doors, prying the heavy wooden double doors open with great difficulty, given her size.
And gave a horrified gasp as soon as the doors finished swinging open and she got a proper glimpse of the exhibits.
There were no exhibits.
Clearly visible were all of the exhibit displays, of course, in a state of complete disarray, but every one of them was empty. The walls were empty of every painting, every tapestry. The shelves had been stripped of every single book. Only torn scraps of paper littered the floor, displaying boot prints carelessly stamped upon them. Nothing of historical or monetary value was left. Not. A. Thing.
In the middle of the devastation stood a man, tall, dark-skinned, handsome enough and scholarly to the appearance, hands buried so far into his black hair that he had torn his previously immaculate ponytail to disheveled shreds and hadn’t let go. With the doors open, it was now possible to hear him ranting in a long, long string of colorful invectives, swearing the likes of which might have made even veteran cusser Aletha raise an eyebrow or two.
“Ahem,” Nahlrie coughed, the quickest of the two to regain composure. “Curator Zenthim? I believe I’ve found people who can help with this mess.”
~ Word Count 1192, Wedding Day (Guest)
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"Life is not about what you deserve. Life is about free will, life is about what you choose. Afterlife is about what you deserve, and all the Heavens forfend you deserve me." --Belial
"Redemption is a work in progress. I've...got a lot of work left to do." --Shrayla
"Fair winds and good fortune to you, friend." --Khareesh
"I think you have me mistaken for someone penitent, and I don't appreciate it." --Melonwei
"If someone rains on your parade, start dancing in the rain." --Linah
"The rules of the Lord of Poetic Justice are very simple. You do unto others as you would have me do unto you, aye?" -- Aletha Hoarfrost
"War's the candy, I'm just the wrapper, but that doesn't make me ready to die any time soon." --Arieh Harel
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Belial
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May 31 2018, 07:02 AM
Post #2
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Hello hello hello! Welcome to HEIST! And also welcome to the Desmonian Institute of Arts and Science. There are easter eggs all over that, including one from here on-site, so hit me up with the references, real, fictional, and Teragaian that you think (or have been told, I’ve not been terribly secretive and you’re allowed to tell each other) have been included into that triple-header and you’ll get a random prize for each correct guess!
Now, what’s the point of an introductory event for a Database species we already have, you ask? Well, this is where I get to have a little fun because Kay let me off-leash with her species and it’s getting an overhaul to accommodate the wonderful weirdness of Teragaia!
Oh, and about five new ranks. Yes, you heard me correctly. New ranks! Five of them. The Database itself will be overhauled at least partially into this event, as the new ranks get revealed to you.
One of the other updates going into the Database is that Sumines will now no longer all necessarily *look* the same. The size will increase to a range of two to five inches or so, and now you may not be looking for a figurine at all, necessarily. Keep your eyes open on this ride, yo, some Sumines are hiding in some pretty inventive places. Some of them are attached to things. Some of them are attached to things that do other things. What, you thought a museum crafted by Heron WASN’T going to be full of magical artifacts? Heh, sorry not sorry, I’m hiding a bunch of cool toys everywhere and it’s your job to hunt them down, because apparently they’ve been stolen.
By whom? I’ll give you one hint: she’s the Bad Idea Fairy and she’s VERY good at making people think following her suggestions is a good idea when it isn’t. (Those of you who have played across from me for a few years will recognize her eventually and this description will make sense.)
I would like to thank Tidesweep for graciously allowing me use of Zenthim as our Curator! Full credit for his creation goes to her, and I only hope I do him justice as the event progresses. Also I hope his avariel assistant proves useful in keeping him sane, because...the thieves kind of took All The Things.
Now, before we continue, shall we with the rules?
Rules
1. Normal forum RP rules, but you guys are all cool with that already.
2. All characters are welcomed and encouraged to attend, barring, of course, MINE. (The exceptions to this rule are Belial and Khareesh and maybe Arieh, as the former two are actively romancing other site characters and may be with their loved ones, and Arieh...is just going to be wandering around looking at things. Don’t mind him.)
3. I am actually not limiting your shinies here, beyond “within reason”. You’re going to need an investigative team to catch these thieves!
4. Keep aware of flavor text and possible forensic clues left in the posts. This is less a rule and more an advisory -- I will give you hints here and there that can lead you to at least some of the thieves, if you’re attentive, and while not every item you recover for Zenthim will be a Sumine, most everything will be special somehow.
5. Have fun, yo.
EXTRA STUFF
Actions you may take when you find any given object in your quest:
* RETURN to Zenthim
* EXAMINE it (this will result in me editing a spoiler box with results into your post)
* Attempt to USE it (this may not work if you don't examine it first)
* TAKE it
You're all free to work together and there aren't really post limits beyond the first round, because for the FIRST round I want you all just to post once and show up. Once the tasks have been officially assigned, you're off leash! Work with each other, co-write posts, post as much as you want in between rounds, I may add random spoilerbox or colored flavor text or mini-updates in your posts to augment your plotlines while decreasing the clutter I myself add to the thread.
This thread is for YOU to have fun, after all. ^^ I shouldn't be adding clutter to lock y'all out. Anyway. Talk to Zenthim, get some details, then start following some clues. We will get to the stuff-finding shortly!
When you start finding relics, just tell me in caps which of those four actions you plan on doing when you do it, 'kay? That way we don't have me misreading by accident.
You can reply to my replies within your post and you may get replies back. ^^
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"Life is not about what you deserve. Life is about free will, life is about what you choose. Afterlife is about what you deserve, and all the Heavens forfend you deserve me." --Belial
"Redemption is a work in progress. I've...got a lot of work left to do." --Shrayla
"Fair winds and good fortune to you, friend." --Khareesh
"I think you have me mistaken for someone penitent, and I don't appreciate it." --Melonwei
"If someone rains on your parade, start dancing in the rain." --Linah
"The rules of the Lord of Poetic Justice are very simple. You do unto others as you would have me do unto you, aye?" -- Aletha Hoarfrost
"War's the candy, I'm just the wrapper, but that doesn't make me ready to die any time soon." --Arieh Harel
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Belial
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May 31 2018, 07:03 AM
Post #3
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- Posts:
- 529
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- Joined:
- May 21, 2015
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I'm claiming this as an inventory slot.
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"Life is not about what you deserve. Life is about free will, life is about what you choose. Afterlife is about what you deserve, and all the Heavens forfend you deserve me." --Belial
"Redemption is a work in progress. I've...got a lot of work left to do." --Shrayla
"Fair winds and good fortune to you, friend." --Khareesh
"I think you have me mistaken for someone penitent, and I don't appreciate it." --Melonwei
"If someone rains on your parade, start dancing in the rain." --Linah
"The rules of the Lord of Poetic Justice are very simple. You do unto others as you would have me do unto you, aye?" -- Aletha Hoarfrost
"War's the candy, I'm just the wrapper, but that doesn't make me ready to die any time soon." --Arieh Harel
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Belial
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May 31 2018, 07:03 AM
Post #4
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- Posts:
- 529
- Group:
- Admin
- Member
- #2
- Joined:
- May 21, 2015
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I'm also claiming this.
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"Life is not about what you deserve. Life is about free will, life is about what you choose. Afterlife is about what you deserve, and all the Heavens forfend you deserve me." --Belial
"Redemption is a work in progress. I've...got a lot of work left to do." --Shrayla
"Fair winds and good fortune to you, friend." --Khareesh
"I think you have me mistaken for someone penitent, and I don't appreciate it." --Melonwei
"If someone rains on your parade, start dancing in the rain." --Linah
"The rules of the Lord of Poetic Justice are very simple. You do unto others as you would have me do unto you, aye?" -- Aletha Hoarfrost
"War's the candy, I'm just the wrapper, but that doesn't make me ready to die any time soon." --Arieh Harel
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Belial
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May 31 2018, 07:03 AM
Post #5
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- Posts:
- 529
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- Joined:
- May 21, 2015
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And this.
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"Life is not about what you deserve. Life is about free will, life is about what you choose. Afterlife is about what you deserve, and all the Heavens forfend you deserve me." --Belial
"Redemption is a work in progress. I've...got a lot of work left to do." --Shrayla
"Fair winds and good fortune to you, friend." --Khareesh
"I think you have me mistaken for someone penitent, and I don't appreciate it." --Melonwei
"If someone rains on your parade, start dancing in the rain." --Linah
"The rules of the Lord of Poetic Justice are very simple. You do unto others as you would have me do unto you, aye?" -- Aletha Hoarfrost
"War's the candy, I'm just the wrapper, but that doesn't make me ready to die any time soon." --Arieh Harel
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Belial
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May 31 2018, 07:03 AM
Post #6
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- Posts:
- 529
- Group:
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- May 21, 2015
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Trust me, I'll probably need this one too.
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"Life is not about what you deserve. Life is about free will, life is about what you choose. Afterlife is about what you deserve, and all the Heavens forfend you deserve me." --Belial
"Redemption is a work in progress. I've...got a lot of work left to do." --Shrayla
"Fair winds and good fortune to you, friend." --Khareesh
"I think you have me mistaken for someone penitent, and I don't appreciate it." --Melonwei
"If someone rains on your parade, start dancing in the rain." --Linah
"The rules of the Lord of Poetic Justice are very simple. You do unto others as you would have me do unto you, aye?" -- Aletha Hoarfrost
"War's the candy, I'm just the wrapper, but that doesn't make me ready to die any time soon." --Arieh Harel
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Belial
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May 31 2018, 07:04 AM
Post #7
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- Posts:
- 529
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- Joined:
- May 21, 2015
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Did I mention I'm writing out THIRTY EIGHT Sumines?
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"Life is not about what you deserve. Life is about free will, life is about what you choose. Afterlife is about what you deserve, and all the Heavens forfend you deserve me." --Belial
"Redemption is a work in progress. I've...got a lot of work left to do." --Shrayla
"Fair winds and good fortune to you, friend." --Khareesh
"I think you have me mistaken for someone penitent, and I don't appreciate it." --Melonwei
"If someone rains on your parade, start dancing in the rain." --Linah
"The rules of the Lord of Poetic Justice are very simple. You do unto others as you would have me do unto you, aye?" -- Aletha Hoarfrost
"War's the candy, I'm just the wrapper, but that doesn't make me ready to die any time soon." --Arieh Harel
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Belial
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May 31 2018, 07:04 AM
Post #8
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- Posts:
- 529
- Group:
- Admin
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- Joined:
- May 21, 2015
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So, better to err on the safe side with inventory slots here.
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"Life is not about what you deserve. Life is about free will, life is about what you choose. Afterlife is about what you deserve, and all the Heavens forfend you deserve me." --Belial
"Redemption is a work in progress. I've...got a lot of work left to do." --Shrayla
"Fair winds and good fortune to you, friend." --Khareesh
"I think you have me mistaken for someone penitent, and I don't appreciate it." --Melonwei
"If someone rains on your parade, start dancing in the rain." --Linah
"The rules of the Lord of Poetic Justice are very simple. You do unto others as you would have me do unto you, aye?" -- Aletha Hoarfrost
"War's the candy, I'm just the wrapper, but that doesn't make me ready to die any time soon." --Arieh Harel
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Raferties
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Jun 5 2018, 07:14 AM
Post #9
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- May 21, 2015
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((Breaking out the Character Images again! Whoo hoo!))
Really, Raferties was somewhat embarrassed at himself.
A museum, in the Village of Haven – and somehow it had utterly escape his attention?
As a Lorekeeper he really should have done quite a bit better to have found it. But as he comforted his amused pride better late than never, and given it seemed to have undergone some kind of restoration – or at least a revitalization – it was a grand time to have discovered the Desmonian Institute of Art and Science.
Given the grand nature of the gala (Hah! The angel had himself a good chuckle at the pun, even if it was only in his and a few select others' heads) it was only fair that Raferties ensured that he himself was attired properly. In addition to his usual robes, he had donned his wing guards, their Solarian truesteel gleaming under the sunlight, and around his neck he openly wore the Wing Spine that his beloved Belial had severed from one of his own wings early in their acquaintance. Gleaming like a jewel in her own right, Aurae would join in attending, perching on her Bonded's shoulder in her usual place. And though it would come as no surprise to those who were familiar with the Guardian's family of Companions though might to the museum patrons and staff, Muse the Fan Sharpblade was also going to be joining in. With even the faintest hinting of art in the air, the creative creature was drawn like a moth to a flame in short order, even going to far as to bathe three times the night before and avoid her precious paints to make certain that she would look good for it (though she was more than happy to have Kaya paint her talons and claws, which now were a lovely shade of amethyst to compliment her now-clearly-visible blue-green hide and blue stripes).
To Raferties' pleasure, Belial was feeling up to joining him, much recovered from the surgery to repair his damaged wing. It had been quite a bit since they had been out in a formal setting together, the last of his recollection being when the Total Eclipse Celebration had happened. Given both of them favored the academic and history in their own rights the decision to turn it into a date was an obvious one. They had discussed taking Kaya with them, but the little Erinyes had actually declined the event, and was at current under the watchful eye of their collective Bondeds.
Yes, this was to be as much a celebration of the Archdevil's recovery as much a celebration of the Museum's re-opening, and Raferties was quite eager to enjoy it all!
Really, as both a Junior Weyrwoman of Haven and as a Goldrider, it was Anari's responsibility to attend.
Of course, she couldn't say she was terribly thrilled about the required attire. Never had she been fond of dresses and fineries, having lacked them in her girlhood and grown up a warrior rather than a debutante her bloodline would have otherwise afforded her. But this was a gala, and she would be representing the Weyr. So if that meant she had to learn to walk in slight heels quickly (anything higher than an inch made her right leg highly unstable and was very unpracticle), so be it.
Granted when she stepped out of her sleeping chamber ready for the Gala, those Bondeds of hers who had gathered voiced their approval both in her mind and out loud with stamps to the ground and other noises.
She'd gone to Weyrwoman Sandasa and the previous Weyrwomen of the Elder Counsil, whom she'd met at the Queen's moot, for assistance. Having been raised in a temple such things were well beyond her keen, and she felt she could trust them with not putting her in something too out of her comfort zone (case in point, her adamant refusal to wear anything that came above her knees, due to the scar she still bore and her preference to keep it out of public sight). Though there was a fair share of conflicting ideas and some indignant comments, by the time the Gala actually had arrived Anari had a new, well-fitting dress of amethyst fabric that was tailored to be snug to her body, and fall in a smooth cascade from her hips; sleeveless, rhinestone-laden straps held it to her shoulders and ran trim above her waist and under her chest. It was by far the most glamorous thing she'd ever worn.
In a blatant nod against a certain time spent between-worlds when she'd been put in a dress per force, Anari left her hair down, with just a few jeweled bobby pins in place to hold her raven locks away from her face. She wore no jewelry aside from those, and her shoes were silver to compliment the rhinestones, strappy things with half an inch high heels that she'd been practicing in for the bulk of the previous day in her quarters.
She may not have been entirely 'comfortable' in the sense of being used to it, but she had to admit when she glanced in a mirror... she didn't look all that bad.
Ironically when she arrived it might look like she had worn jewels after all, as at a glance observers might see what could be taken as a rather large, copper and amethyst-enamel butterfly hair clip. But every so often the wings would move and sometimes the creature would take flight to settle somewhere else on his Bonded. Such was the Cuddlebug Wind Athid Anari had given the name Harper, her whimsical, living jewel.
((Kemori))
Hearing about the Gala, Kemori mused on it for all of five seconds before he decided to attend. One could learn quite a lot about a people, and the culture of an area, by looking at these artwork and artifacts. As he was somewhat new still to Teragaia this could help him quite a bit with getting a full bead on his new home.
If such a thing was possible, of course!
Upon arrival courtesy of Kogane, his beautiful Roc, Kemori was quick to start mingling, dressed up for the affair in his fill kimono and all the factors that included, in elegant black with gold trim and adornments and a few red accents here and there. It quite nicely highlighted his white and black fur, if he did say to himself! Granted he would be going it solo this time, his lady Rocs being far too large to enter the building. But that was alright – Kemori was certain he would make friends aplenty within short notice. That's just how he was!
Entering the area he promptly mingled with those already in attendance, nibbling some as he went and joining one attendant in an impromptu dance, flirting all the while as he tended to. For tonight, just because it was a special event, he had three of his tails presented, all of them moving and flickering independently.
((Cobalt, by special request lol! She starts with arrival, finding Arieh her 'Commander,' and gets to hang out with him and Dust... OMG))
Given her past with its emphasis on combat, Cobalt's attendance might be something of an oddity. But her Commander was attending, and Kimbule was rather insistent that Cobalt join him. Ok, that was kind of a given; the Familiar was literally the spirit of Inspiration, and this was an art museum as much as it was a historical one. And Cobalt herself wasn't unfamiliar with art, as the scratches that often adorned her arms, thighs, and even torso on occasion could attest to. (While she'd finally come into some paper and paints, courtesy of Gertude, she still fell into the old habit and thought patterns that caused her to use herself as a living construct canvas for chalk rocks). The elephant was continually trying to broaden the Warforge's horizons, as it were, and Cobalt was delving a bit more into them now that it had been explained to her that Familiar equaled Creature of the Soul, IE for the Bond to exist at all meant Cobalt, therefore, had a soul.
THAT rather startling notion had not only made Cobalt literally lose a spring, but had dazed her for several hours afterwards whenever she tried to process the fact intentionally.
But she was slowly adapting, and if her Familiar believed this would help her understand the more 'alive' side of her, away from the concept of being just a soldier and nothing else, she would trust in her unit-mate to be right.
As usual, Cannith the Athid joined her, perched on her shoulder to get a safe and good look at things. In lieu of dressing up (aside from the occasional cloak and Gertude's gifted sweater when the weather was cold, she had no use for clothing) Cobalt had polished and buffed herself until she gleamed and the scratches were only a tiny bit noticeable, if the lighting and angel were right.

Any sort of gathering was a place to find a Myrgwae, no matter what world one was on. They just gravitated to such things like a druid would gravitate to the untamed wilds, and to the first one there went the spoils of enjoying it.
In Taki's case, being the only known Myrgwae in the entire Haven Territory, there wasn't really any competition.
True to herself and her habits she was dressed exactly as she was every other day of the year, in her lavender dress and hat with her brown boots and purple scarf belt, all patted clean just prior to her arrival. Honor attended with her, mostly for her protection as he knew she could get into all sorts of trouble otherwise, without trying or intending to, and the ever-curious Cuddlebug Journeyman clung to her hat, white wings waving excitedly – so many things to see! Neither of them knew where to start first, snacks or talking or looking around – so for the first few moments Taki actually stood right where she was, tail twitching in excitement and hyperness. Then her curiosity got the better of her and she was off, questioning any employee or patron she came across about what the museum might have it and how many cultures and peoples might have items within and just any question she could bring to mind. She'd never been inside a museum before, she'd elaborate, so this was a wonderful first experience.
Really, these kind of gatherings weren't typically Keldos' thing. While he had an appreciation for art and history, especially things of a military or religious nature, most of the time he found these kind of gatherings a little too genteel (in all the negative ways) for his taste. But then Raferties had let it slip to a certain other Archdevil, Keldos oft-sparring partner Raviel. Raviel had pointed out to Keldos that Belial was still partially recovering from his surgery, and there was a slight though present chance that something might happen. Surviving a venom-gland puncture with both life and limb, then undergoing the required surgery to fix it, was something of a rarity among the more powerful devils and also taking into account how the Lord of Rivers and the Lorekeeper were connected to one another... well, Keldos had to admit he had a point.
There may have also been more subtle reasons for their attendance, but Keldos only had to admit to it if someone asked directly, and he doubted much that anyone would.
He'd decided to forego his armor for this event, the only signifiers that it was less than a thought away being the Solarian Truesteel armbands that he wore on his biceps. He had his hair tied back in a tail to keep it out of his face, and though he'd acted like he'd rather be sparring Keldos was soon smiling, enjoying the food and music and company both of the Archduke of the Sicth and those around.
((Consider this for my entire crew lol!))
Of course, that means that everything was bound to go wrong, somehow.
The scream tore through the air, and everyone with any decency to them moved to assist, thinking everything from some kind of attack to someone suddenly stricken with illness, to the IF causing more of its antics and every reason possible in between. They followed Assistant Curator Nahlrie inside after she cut the ribbon, and upon entering the reason for the cry became shockingly apparent.
"Where is everything?" Taki asked, looking around and squirming her way to where she could see.
"I would say that is the question of the hour," quipped Kemori, tails giving a unified flick until there was only one visible. Better safe than sorry with anything fragile that might happen to have survived this incident. Raferties gave Belial's hand a squeeze, horrified on multiple accounts that such relics and artworks had suddenly vanished – theft? The IF? - while Keldos was instantly scanning the area looking for exit and entry points and anything that might be of use, as was Cobalt. Anari, taking up the role of the Junior Weyrwoman she was, approached Curator Zenthim a few moments after Nahlrie had finished speaking.
"I believe I can safely say we are most certainly willing to help. But we'll need information from you to do so –what was taken, when they were last seen, did anyone notice anyone acting oddly or hear anything strange." She looked around, her mind slipping into Lieutenant of the Watch, her old role. "We'll need people looking for clues and interviewing all the staff and those who remain outside. Anyone might have seen or heard something that seemed unimportant, but could be vital!"
((Word Count: Well over 1000 lol! Magical Arts - Druid, Liminal Passages - Inspiration, Grab-Bag- genteel; Wewt Triple Play!!))
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Note: Until further stated, Scarheart, Belial, and Cassandra have standing permission to powerplay Raferties or Anari. Raferties and his Shinies ~~Anari and her Shinies~~ Keldos and his Shinies~~Cobalt and her Shinies~~Taki and her Shinies~~Kemori and his Shinies
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Tidesweep
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Jun 11 2018, 07:13 AM
Post #10
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- Posts:
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- June 3, 2015
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Gertude
Gertude, much like Anari, was decked out in lovely formal wear as well. Though not quite in a long, gorgeous, flowy gown like Anari. She didn't have the legs or the height for that and will openly admit that to anyone who asks. No. Her dress was a white strapless that came to an end around her mid-thigh. It looked simple enough. That was till you got closer and was able to see the light embroidery that Gertude did all on the bodice and down the skirt. It would remind some of flowers while others, old style picture frames for cameos. Which style she was going for was her secret. Also unlike Anari, her shoes would actually add an inch or two to her height. So she was almost as tall as everyone else.
She would enjoy just people watching, settling in a nice littler corner with a plate of food that she carefully munched on. She spotted Anari and a grin spread across her face. That gown was gorgeous on her! Just gorgeous! And ah! There was the angel and the devil. What an odd couple, but Gertude knew that their love was the kind that could stand up to a wild red's flames. If anything because she heard about it almost all the time through the dragons.
There was the angel's brother and Gertude let out a low whistle. Keldos was quite a dashing figure and Gertude could look all she wanted too. There was nothing wrong with that. Just like she caught sight of that redhead...What was her name? Tidesweep! That gown she was wearing was all grey, but it didn't make her look matronly. Quite the opposite. It made her look almost like a storm cloud at sea. Which she decided was rather the point. She would have to ask her who made it and what the weaver could bribe them with to share the secrets. Of course, considering that the maker of the dress was currently being pushed around by Tide because pain was a factor, it probably wouldn't take that much bribing.
The skeleton man crossed her field of view as did...Was that a leather jacket that woman was wearing? Gertude wasn't judging, just that she figured Mildred might be a little hot out in such an article of clothing, but to each their own. To each their own. Her own companions were flitting through the crowd as well, but so far, none of them had opted to stay by her side. She suppose that was just as well, as she spotted Kemori and gave another low whistle as well as to a woman who passed by in an outfit that reminder Gertude of stars. The last thing the silver rider wanted to do was share her food and in the scruffle of doing so, mess up her dress. She had worked hard on this and by all the dragons, she wasn't gonna get it ruined within the first five minutes!
At least she had remember to put her hair up and out of the way in a simple french braid/bun combo. It worked extremely well for keeping it out of her face and her food and just in general pulling off the look. Now...How much longer till they open up those doors?

Cain tugged at the ends of the suit jacket he was wearing. He would have been just fine with his normal clothing. But noooooo. Dorth had heard the words 'gala' and 'grand opening' together somewhere and it was off to the lake with him. Which wouldn't have been so bad in and of itself. If the next stop hadn't been to Maurice's store. Now Cain liked the Deadwalk zombie. As far as he was concerned, Maurice was pretty okay in his book. What he minded was the outfit he had decided to put the skeleton in. A suit that made him look like something out of the steampunk wild west, Cain wasn't exactly sure what to make with all the buttons and other smaller embellishments.
At least he could wear his guns and not have them look that out of place. Maybe that had been the whole point of this.
Brains chattered and cooed on his shoulder, eyes darting here and there and everywhere around her. All the pretties! All the shinies! Too bad they all belonged to people but maybe...Maybe she could convince a couple of them to let go of their earthly possessions to brighten up her home? Cain of course wouldn't be letting her do that, but that didn't mean she couldn't at least try too.
It was going to be a long day for the skeleton, he could feel it.
The good news was he wasn't alone at least. He had spotted Anari (about had to pick up his jaw bone when he did so), Keldos and there was Taki. It looked like she was enjoying herself and as he looked around at all the excited people, he could see how. The excitement was infectious and the good kind too.
But there was a slightly ominous feeling and he didn't know where it was coming from. Catching sight of Belial, he decided that it must just be the Archdevil. That or Enrique pipping up from a shadowed corner to swipe some food.
Yep. A very long day.
Tide
Much as Gertude had thought, Tide's dress really did do an impressive impression of a storm. The light gray material had highlights of a metallic like fabric that flashed and tumbled in a breeze that only seemed to be around Tide (thanks to Khareesh of course), giving off lightning like bursts of light. Tide absolutely loved the piece of clothing but wouldn't mind if it had never saw the light of day. This had more to do with the person she was currently pushing through the crowd more than anything else.
Khareesh had spent days and even some nights to make her this dress once she had brought up the event. She had been curious to know if he or his sister had ever been to the Desmonian Institute, which in turn had sparked this lovely creation into being. It would haven't been an issue if it also wasn't for the fact that Khareesh was still recuperating from suffering serious injuries earlier in the year. This lead to him being in quite a bit of pain. Of course, he had pain medication. There was just one little problem.
He had refused to take it when he was working on the dress.
Tide understood. She really did. It didn't make it hurt any less watching him make something for her while his body made him regret the move. She helped where she could and when the storm dress was finally finished, Tide had breathed a sigh of relief and promptly made Khareesh swallow a dose of the pain medication. Now they were here and Tide honestly couldn't be happier. Khareesh was in front of her and Jason was walking by her side. The young boy looked very dapper in a nice pair of jeans, a button down the same shade of grey as her dress and a bowtie just slightly lighter than the shirt.
All that was left to do was wait for the doors to open up and the ribbon to be cut.
Jeremi and Mildred
It had taken some convincing and a couple of guilt tripping techniques that Jeremi wasn't exactly proud of, but he had managed to obtain his cousin to be his 'date' to this event. He just hoped that she could find some forgiveness in her heart so he probably wouldn't die later on during the day. Museums weren't his cousin's strong suit. Not unless they had some kind of rocks or were related to rocks. Then it would take a mage or a wizard to drag her away from the exhibits. That or possible an animal needing rescuing. Speaking of recusing...
"Aren't you hot in that? Why are you even wearing that ridiculous jacket anyway? Leather really isn't the style for a nice day like this and you could have dressed up a little. Have some fun why don't you?" Jeremi gave his cousin a side long glance as he critizied her fashion sense. Not like he was the king of fashion or anything, but even he knew that it was tacky to wear that old biker jacket to a function that while wasn't formal formal, was at least some kind of dress up occasion.
That, and the jacket just needed some serious over haul to begin with.
"No. I'm not. Why aren't the doors opened up?" Mildred was not a happy camper to really be in the crown mingling. It was only Felicity's and Akemi's presence and enjoyment at the party that really stopped her from leaving. That and she didn't know what happened to Blinky. She suspected that the athid was probably off...Somewhere and would return with a great speech on where xe had gone. Not that anything Blinky said could be put into two words. Strangely enough, she liked that about her athid companion. Go figure.
"Could be just a few last minute preparations. Why don't we go get some food while we wait. You can't deny that." As Mildred grumbled her affirmative, Jeremi led his cousin away. Disaster averted. Or so he thought.
Everyone
The scream ripped though the air and everyone scattered. Tide of course ran towards the door. After giving Jason explicit instructions to make sure he got someplace safe and a kiss on both of her boys' cheeks.
Cain would first move towards Taki and then trail along behind her at the sound of the scream. While the scream had sounded more panic and anguished than awaiting death, he still wasn't taking any chances.
Gertude was also one of the ones that moved towards the door. It was in her nature to help and whatever she could do to make sure that everything was okay, she would.
Jeremi barely restrained Mildred enough to prevent her from knocking down the assistant. That would have been the exact opposite of help. He really didn't want to know what she had meant when she mumbled under her breath about not bringing her sword. Definitely didn't even want to know where she had gotten it either. That was probably a story that was better saved for...Never.
As Anari approached the curator and started speaking, Tide raised her hand. "I can help interview the staff. Though I myself did not see anything strange." Well...Not anything stranger than usual for Haven anyway.
Cain looked at all the entry and exit points he could see before shaking his head. Brains raced down and started to sniff at the paper with a foot print on it. "Least we have one of their shoe prints with us. I just feel bad for tha poor book."
(Wedding Day: Dress, Liminal Passage: Forgiveness, Word count: 1800 words)
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"Death has a bone to pick with you and I'm here to help out." -Cain Skelington
"The waves have their own music...Are you listening?" - Tidesweep
"Don't take my silence for agreement. That would be a mistake."- Gertude Weavian
"I will protect what is mine with a will forged like a diamond."- Mildred Fresi
"Healing can take time. Lucky for you, you should having nothing but it for awhile."- Jeremi Kgute
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Belial
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Jun 11 2018, 08:10 AM
Post #11
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- Posts:
- 529
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- May 21, 2015
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It was impossibly indulgent to be able to just tuck his wings away into non-being again. For some gadfingled reason, he could never seem to get rid of the things when they were damaged, and that shining bit of illogic had been part and parcel of Belial's existence well before he'd fallen through that most fateful glass of pink lemonade.
Kaya...was at an odd age. She was about four but she looked about nine or ten because she'd been born looking and acting maybe five years old. Currently she was in a phase of wanting to train to become a dragonrider someday, and insisted she must look after Kivalth in Belial's absence, despite Kivalth's drastic recovery. Ultimately even Kivalth had had to concede that Kaya was the most stubborn creature in the room and would not be dissuaded.
That at least left Belial some free time with Raferties, and this time he could even walk without curling in on himself! They chatted, they danced some, they perused the entertainment, and all seemed well until the curator screamed. *

It's good to see you getting back into living, Anaeth declared, watching Shrayla get dressed for the Grand Gala. Too long you spent soul-dead. As if you were dragonless.
Shrayla paused, shirt half-donned, to consider. "For a while, I was. Back in my old home, a ranger's animal companion is as close and sacred a bond as Impressing a dragon. It's a different take on the same idea, really, you're meeting your own soul and it's the most precious gift you've ever received and it's sacred and losing that just hurts in a way even dying can't cure." Shrayla pulled her shirt all the way on. "Then the Illogical Field did maybe the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me and gave me this old ring back, except the old wolf was replaced with Kytos."
Odd to be grateful to the Illogical Field for anything, but it does happen occasionally. You look lovely, Shrayla, now get gone.
Shrayla actually laughed for the first time in weeks. "Oh, momentarily. I just need the pack to sort who's coming with me. Nym, of course, Sinvyl, Nathyrra, Mordred, if Tebimar can conduct himself like a civil adult we'll consider letting him come along. I already know Veldrin can't, so we're not even going there."
Hellhounds to a Grand Gala is an interesting choice.
"Until everything that can go wrong does and you need a pack of hellhounds," Shrayla countered, shrugging. "I'm hoping it doesn't, don't get me wrong, but let's be honest. When in the history of my life, your life, anyone's life who lives here, even, has it not gone wrong?"
I said it was an interesting choice, heart, I didn't say it was a poor one.
Ultimately Shrayla had five hellhounds in her orbit when she showed up to the Gala at the Desmonian Institute. All five of them were freshly bathed and on their best behavior, and Shrayla actually seemed okay walking into the village, for once. Or at least like she could navigate her panic attack on her own terms without bolting or throwing up on anyone.
Shrayla and villages, of late. Of all the phobias...
Every so often, Tebimar decided to be an obnoxious little shit and bit Shrayla's hand, and that was oddly helpful in collecting her scattered mental state back into alignment.
Perhaps it's odd to say, but Zenthim shrieking in fury was almost a relief?
Now Shrayla had problems outside of her own to focus on.*

It was strange, this place between reviled and welcome that Melonwei was beginning to occupy in Haven Weyr. Everyone knew what she was, what she had been...and yet she had saved lives, repaired crippling injuries, restored dragons and riders to function.
There was a sense of begrudging acceptance beginning to grow around her now.
Her Veiled Sister robe had been mostly replaced with a healer-green gown for the evening's event, marking her out as a doctor even ostensibly off duty. She didn't know too much about Pern, but it seemed sensible enough to color-code your major organizations. Harper Hall blue, Healer Hall green, very specific shades associated with specific jobs.
Incidentally, nobody let the man named Tomlin wear blue, even though he was ostensibly a Harper. Melonwei was obligated to wear Healer green because it identified her at all times. Her gown for the evening also contained the shoulder knots of a greenrider, an homage to Tualarth.
She let Adelindra sit on her shoulder and nibble at treats while she paced the edges of the gathering, content to be an idle passerby until The Scream. *

Traditionally, it was not queenriders who drew conveyance duty.
Most queenriders did not screw up as routinely as Linah did. At least she could be sure that Khareesh and Myth were going to make it, they had not been permanently crippled by her carelessness. That didn't mean the blue- and greenriders were looking at her with any less hostility than usual since that incident.
All told Linah had redoubled her efforts to work hard and make amends and in the spirit of piling on...Jahena had assigned Mialuth to ferrying dignitaries and crafthall heads and other important people to the Desmonian Institute, so Linah would not be coming dressed for a fun night, if she got close to the festivities at all. She got to be dressed like a rank-and-file rider of the Weyr, working for everyone else's convenience.
At least until that scream went reverberating through the grounds and Linah came pelting in from an upper terrace because WHAT WHAT WHAT- *

If anyone knew how to make a dramatic entrance, t'was probably Aletha Hoarfrost. She had the posture, the attire, the bombast, the golden sword ostentatiously belted to her hip, the arrogant carriage that informed security they were not going to get this woman's sword away from her while she yet breathed...
She also had the Eclipse silver flit that warranted some staring at, though Aribeth was hardly doing anything particularly noteworthy at the time.
"I love a good party!" Elzathiel enthused, tipping back an entire champagne flute. "You do realize Bossman is right over there, right?"
"Be at ease. Does he look in half a mind to notice you're even here?" Aletha had a point and knew it. "In fact this hour looks as social for him as it is for you. Liven up."
"Dear gods, when I get that advice from you, things are bad." The erinyes rolled his eyes but seemed to take Aletha's word for things. He relaxed his wings and let himself fit into the dimensions of his attractive formal wear. "I...am going to mingle. Don't stab anyone while I'm not supervising you."
With that, Elz was off into the crowd, mingling like he wasn't something from Hell summoned to do unspeakable evil at the behest of a dark knight. Well. One of them had to have people skills.
Aletha kept to the edges of things, Aribeth watchful on her shoulder, until it was time to run to see why the curator was roaring. *

You look naked without Vesper, Kelila observed, and Arieh laughed.
"Honestly, I feel naked without Vesper. But she is getting a well-deserved break from me, so I suppose it is up to you to keep me company," the Israeli countered, patting his Hellhound friend behind the scarred ruff of her neck. "But just think of it! All this history and my siblings and I probably weren't part of it."
"Isolationist, how very Israeli," came the droll jab from behind Arieh, and he spun in place to be greeted with the six-foot-one frame of Dima El-Amin, whose hijab looked more than a little out of place when added to her build.
Conquest was and always had been female. She'd been given an anomalous body this last go-'round.
"Mocking Israel, how very Iranian," Arieh shot back, and despite the words he and Dima pulled each other into a hug.
Casual racial tension was just how the Horsemen greeted each other as soul shards, knowing full well that any bias they pretended at was largely irrelevant. None of them was actually human.
Susan Pale Horse, the equally knock-off attempt at Native American, waved off an offered flute of champagne and directed the over-helpful server to a table that wasn't occupied by a Muslim, a Jew, and a woman whose mouth turned things into foul-tasting poison.
"Maybe with the two of you gone, there will finally be peace in the Middle East, yeah?" she teased, helpfully disparaging them equally. "After all, what are the problems there but Conquest and War?"
"Oh, ha ha," Dima fake-laughed back, because the truth was when Susan was the one with the zingers, there really were no witty come-backs right on hand.
The three of them claimed a table where food was being served, and Arieh and Dima held a brief discussion of the feasibility of kosher versus halal and generally came to the agreement that they would take anything that was not pig-shaped.
Their sandwich-salads were being delivered to them when a slender, ebony-skinned figure dropped into a chair at their table.
Gwandoya Lebna had arrived. The Four had reunited. It was surprisingly anticlimactic.
Unless you were hoping for an eating contest between the vessels of Conquest and War while the vessels of Malady-Death and Famine looked on in total exasperation, in which case things were exciting as hell.
At least until they had to try to respond to that angry-sounding scream while Dima and Arieh were still chewing. Kelila got a merry laugh at her Arieh even as they stumbled toward the disturbance instead of away. *

"You want to talk about who's not prepared for a gala? Let's talk about this gal, right here," Jenna muttered, looking around. She bounced a little nervously on the balls of her feet, suddenly aware that her attire was...the same clothing she had been wearing since she had crashed her shuttle in the wilderness. White tank top, brown cargo pants. Hiking boots. She had a pack provisioned for an extended stay in the wilderness but she was in no way prepared for a party.
She had her compound bow and a bunch of tranquilizer arrows. Maybe she could just shoot herself in the foot if things got too bad.
And then that scream, almost more roar than scream, and if Jenna tried to say the first words out of her mouth weren't, "Oh, thank God-" then she'd have been lying because that was exactly what she blurted the instant she had something worthier than standing around and feeling confused to do. *

Khareesh could be a stubborn son of a cuss when he wanted to be, and getting Tide's dress perfect had been his priority. Doing so had meant going without his post-surgical pain medication for a little while, yes, but the dress was flawless.
Worth it. So worth it.
Khareesh finally let the healers dose him, however, and so it was that Tidesweep was pushing around a wheelchair containing a Khareesh about fifteen degrees off of his normal self by a factor of narcotics.
Pain, managed. Almost too well, actually, putting Khareesh into a pleasantly numbing stupor. He was grinning like an idiot when he leaned just a little too far out of his chair to speak to Jason.
"Pssssst. Y-your mom...is amazing..." Khareesh slurred, his tone conspiratorial as if he believed somehow Tidesweep was unable to hear him if he stage-whispered. "Can't t-tell 'er, but I wan'ned t'ask her to marry me. Thhhiinngs keep getting in th' way. Like caves."
Our Khareesh was not at his finest, but maybe the lack of filter would prove entertaining! Or perhaps just enlightening.
~*~
Raviel was in fine form, letting Keldos do all of the talking around them while he scribbled into a leatherbound journal at freeway speeds. So much poetry of place and witness to be inspired and they hadn't even gone inside yet!
And then, of course, it sounded like they wouldn't get the chance, not really.
*
The group followed Nahlie through the ribbon and into the building and caught sight of the sparse mess left behind.
Belial returned the squeeze of his mate's hand, and then raised his free hand to get Zenthim's attention. "Please tell me you keep a manifest and a complete inventory."
To which Zenthim quickly bellowed back, "What kind of idiot do you think I am?!"
Shrayla grinned suddenly. "What was I just telling Anaeth about everything going wrong and needing a pack of hellhounds? I'm sure we can track the thieves."
Melonwei, Linah, and Aletha/Elzathiel quietly waited for more information from Zenthim, since Anari asked the relevant questions they had in mind anyway.
Arieh and his associates stood together away from the group, collectively tense.
Jenna knelt near to Cain, looking at the same footprint evidence.
Heheheheh, THIS IS NOT AN UPDATE, I just came to the realization that I have a huge number of artifacts and I need not actually ban myself from my own event. So I'm showing up, that's all. Actual update will come after a few more people hop in. ^^
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"Life is not about what you deserve. Life is about free will, life is about what you choose. Afterlife is about what you deserve, and all the Heavens forfend you deserve me." --Belial
"Redemption is a work in progress. I've...got a lot of work left to do." --Shrayla
"Fair winds and good fortune to you, friend." --Khareesh
"I think you have me mistaken for someone penitent, and I don't appreciate it." --Melonwei
"If someone rains on your parade, start dancing in the rain." --Linah
"The rules of the Lord of Poetic Justice are very simple. You do unto others as you would have me do unto you, aye?" -- Aletha Hoarfrost
"War's the candy, I'm just the wrapper, but that doesn't make me ready to die any time soon." --Arieh Harel
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Fenris
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Jul 4 2018, 07:10 PM
Post #12
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- Posts:
- 300
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- Member
- #52
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- March 8, 2018
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Nec knew about the gala, but had decided that event was not for him. One, he wasn't too fond of crowds, even if everyone here had been nothing but accepting towards him (barring the odd troll or orc). Two, he had never been an art person. Three, he was, actually, a science person, but figured he coukd just as easily check out the exhibit when the party was over, and four. He had nothing even.close to formal wear. Not that he had any reservations to show up in everyday clothes, but he could try to show a little bit of respects once in a while, right?
So that's why he was sitting outside the local in with Sealgair, having just finished his drink when a scream rent the air!
The changeling jumped in his seat before getting to his feet and heading in the direction if the sound, Sealgair on his heels. "So much for not going to the party."
The Hellhound rolled her eyes. "You're not obligated to investigate everything that sounds like trouble." To which Nec smirked. "Where would the fun be in that?"
It didn't take long for the two to reach the Institute, a lot of people milling around outside, but he caught talk about a theft and that several had gone inside to help. Never shy about sticking his nose into things that probably wasn't his business, the Changeling went inside, spotting several familiar faces and Anari seeming to be in charge. He stayed in the back to listen to the curator answer her questions and the answers.
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Sealgair - female hunter-class Hellhound
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Telmaril
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Jul 6 2018, 04:02 AM
Post #13
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- Posts:
- 192
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- May 21, 2015
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The people of Eorzea had a very specific idea of what it meant to be a Warrior of Light. Theirs was supposed to be a life of adventure and sacrifice, chock-full of encounters with the unknown and the unknowable. In that shared fantasy there was no room for the mundanities of real life. Why would a Warrior of Light waste their time filling out requisition forms when there were primals to kill, Ascians to hunt down, a Garlean menace looming large on the horizon? Such practicalities were for people not blessed by the Mother-Crystal Herself.
So ran public thought, anyway, and Telmaril had long ago given up trying to correct the greater Eorzean hive-mind.
After all, no one was going to believe him when he insisted that looking the part was the key to his success as both Warrior and statesman.
The Telmaril that strode from the back room of his weyr would have disappointed a great many Eorzeans. Gone were the practical red-edged robes of a white mage. In their place Tel wore a set of ceremonial armor long ago commissioned by the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Red silk shimmered, gold adornments gleamed, and through it all thrummed a steady background pulse of magic meant to amplify its wearer’s innate abilities.
Tel, in short, arrived to the Gala looking like an Ishgardian diplomat ready to do battle on the field or behind closed doors.
He promptly felt ridiculous, of course, but that was immaterial.
Tel had spent only a few moments exchanging pleasantries and scoping out the snack situation when a strangled yell sounded from the museum proper. The gathered crowds promptly split in two, most surging away, the rest trickling towards the source of the sound. Midgardsormr in tow, Tel joined the latter group, only to sputter in outrage at the sight of a completely denuded Fine Arts wing.
“What... in the name of the Twelve happened here?”
And whose ass did he need to stick his deceptively-pointy boot up?

<<...you can’t go looking like that.>>
“Why not?” Dust reset his optics in his best imitation of an innocent blink. His antics made Crow bristle, shell segments sticking up every way except the way they were supposed to.
<<Because you look awful! Think of what the Vanguard would say if they saw a City Hunter dressed like that!>>
“‘Oh, hey, another Hunter looking like an idiot.’” Dust’s impression of Commander Zavala came out just a smidge mocking, a fact that made Crow steam anew.
<<Alright, fine- what would Cayde say if he saw you prancing around looking like a circus on legs?>>
Halfway across the captain’s quarters Dust stiffened with a machine snarl. Cayde-6 was a fellow exo Hunter and a relatively recent addition to the Vanguard. More to the point, Cayde was the embodiment of all that was Hunter. Every Guardian that ever donned a cloak looked up to freewheeling, gun-slinging Cayde, and none more than the lanky copper exo who’d been sent to him green as new leaves. Dust idolized Cayde, had from his first day in the City, and hearing that he was disappointing his hero...
Well, Dust tossed aside the mismatched garments he’d been considering and pointed an accusing finger straight at his Ghost.
“Low blow. Real feckin’ low blow.”
<<I’m right and you know it.>> Steadier now, Crow rose to eye level, meeting Dust’s glare with a steely gaze of his own. <<Save the plaid for another time, okay? And the tie-dye too. They aren’t going anywhere.>>
“Until you get your hands on them and trans-mat them to Mercury.” Defeated, Dust flopped onto his recharge slab and dragged both hands over his metal head. “Look, I was mostly joking. I just... the only thing I’ve got is my parade armor, and that’s not the right kind of ‘formal’ for a gala. I’m gonna look like an idiot no matter what I do. I thought it’d be best to embrace it and get it over with.”
Crow rose up, settled light as thistledown on Dust’s shoulder. <<Alright, that’s fair. But you’ve got more than your parade armor, you know.>>
A pile of neatly-folded cloth the color of lapis lazuli trans-matted in next to the exo. Dust was immediately certain of two things: one, that he had never seen it before, and two, that Crow had been planning this for ages.
“You little shit.”
<<That’s me.>>
It took the Hunter longer than he would ever admit to don the appropriately-dapper suit Crow had tracked down for him, and longer still to wrangle his tie into submission. Still, he strolled into the gala feeling like a million bucks, resplendent in a navy suit, lapis lazuli vest, white shirt, and gleaming copper tie.
Unfortunately for Dust, exos had not been built with eating in mind. He was forced to content himself with good company, better conversation, and more than a bit of eye candy. (seriously, when had Arieh shown up, and why did he look like he was having the time of his life? It was enormously distracting-)
Then someone yelled, the crowd-seas parted, and Dust found himself trotting to join the group of merry madmen before he missed all the fun.
Edited by Telmaril, Jul 6 2018, 04:04 AM.
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It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll I am the captain of my fate, the master of my soul
Telmaril | Shinies Legion | Shinies Dust | Shinies Astrid | Shinies Shiny Site
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Belial
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Jul 6 2018, 10:58 AM
Post #14
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- Posts:
- 529
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- Joined:
- May 21, 2015
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To the scholars and the academics, the Desmonian Institute was hallowed, sacred ground. This theft was no mere burglary. It was desecration. Particularly to devoted scholars the likes of Zenthim and Nahlie.
This wasn’t just a job to them. This was their lives. And dashed to bits as surely as if the relics had been destroyed in an all-consuming fire.
And after bellowing at Belial for asking stupid questions, Zenthim rounded on Taki because stress made our curator exactly no shades of nice. “You think if I know that, I would have screamed? Unless stating the obvious is a power of yours and can magically return all the items that were just stolen. Then by all means. Keep asking inane questions.”
He was turning to snarl at Anari when Nahlie calmly reached up and flicked him hard on the tip of his nose. “I appreciate that you’re frustrated and that this is traumatic, but they don’t have to help us.”
“Oh...Right,” the curator relented, at least having the grace to look abashed. “Sorry everyone. My patience at the best of times is almost non-existent. Today obviously is not the best of times.” He would give a nod to Belial and Taki before turning to answer Anari. “Everything was taken it looks like. I have not had the time to properly go through to see if anything was overlooked, of course. Though it seems bit of a moot point right now since it appears they even left little of themselves. Last seen...For sure the night before. I was going to come check on it earlier this morning, but I was waylaid by other...Responsibilities.” The last two questions would see quite a pause before Zenthim answered them. “Anyone acting strange? No stranger than usual for Haven. As for hearing...I’m sorry once again. You may have to be more specific as many of those objects were cursed, blessed, or just plain talkative when someone else was around.”
“I think what he should be saying to you,” Nahlie addressed Taki, “is not simply sorry for the bad behavior, but if you could please put that empathy of yours to use.” Ah, yes, the joys of someone familiar with Taki’s species! “Whoever pulled this off has to be feeling something about it. Were I the thief, I would probably be feeling victorious right about now. Smug. Alternatively, terrified of being discovered. You might could use that to track him, her, or them down. Most likely them. This actually looks like it must have been a team affair.”
“A brilliant deduction!” Belial applauded from the peanut gallery, failing to hide his sarcasm. Someone elbowed him hard in the abdomen. It might have been Aletha.
“If the smart ass for a narrator is done, may you and your date please start searching for anything? Preferably something useful. A copy of the inventory is in my office. It should have everything you need. Except apparently some manners. That you may want to take a class on.” From one smartass to another. “You in the long purple dress, supervise this one.” He pointed to Kemori, knowing fairly well what his outfit and tail alluded to. “Make sure he doesn’t actually cause more trouble while you two are looking for more of the artifacts as well. If you can convince the devil and angel to share, I’m sure you can use the artifact manifesto.” Looking about the group, he pointed at the other angel and devil couple. “Didn’t know this was opposites attracts day, but you two. Go find the thieves that dared do this to our precious exhibit. And please. Try not to kill them. That would rather ruin my revenge against them.” He glared at Tide. “Useless...Ow!” Rubbing his nose, he calmed down just a little bit as he mentally reminded himself they didn’t have to help them. “Yes. Go talk to the staff. Just be quick about it. And skeleton man and strange woman. Go. Follow that footprint. The quicker you all are out of my sight the better off for any delicate and...Ow!”
“You two look like you have keen eyes,” Nahlie observed of Jeremi and Mildred, hand still poised for the nose-flicking. “If you could look through the Desmonian and search out more evidence, more clues...and you! You’re one of the mottle queenriders from the Weyr!” This said to Gertude. “You can definitely collect extra information from the Weyr as you look for things. And...who have we not...ah, you two, with the hellhounds.” Shrayla and Nec were apparently up on the chopping block this time. “Your hounds can track, right? Surely the thieves must have left scent trails for you to follow.”
That left the Four Horsemen, a few late arrivals, and Cobalt on one side of the display room and Aletha, Melonwei, and Linah on the other. It was the latter group Zenthim turned to with a sour expression.
“And what are the rest of you doing? Stop staring off into space like idiots and actually make yourselves useful. There are plenty of artifacts to find so...Get going!”
Zenthim looked like he was about to say something when Telmaril arrived late and asked The Question again, but Nahlie raised her hand, poised for flicking, and the curator stilled. She never bluffed about nose-flicking.
Susan Pale Horse raised a hand before either Zenthim or Nahlie could give her an assignment. “I believe my fellows and I catch the gist. Artifacts stolen, and you need a search party.” She canted her head to address Dima, Arieh, and Gwandoya. “What say you, Horsemen? Shall we preface our Ride with a Searchride?”
Dima snorted. And then extended a hand to Cobalt. “Would you care to join us, Cobalt? I’m certain five pairs of eyes will be sharper than four.”
“No, four pairs of eyes,” Arieh corrected her, distracted and vague, his own eyes pointed elsewhere. “I believe you shall do just fine without War for this, mm?”
Susan sighed heavily and rolled her eyes, but waved him off.
Arieh made his way over to Dust, a familiar face who had helped rescue him from a very unpleasant cave some time back, and sidled up with a smile. “So it sounds like we’ll be hunting for hidden treasure, hopefully no caves this time. Would you… care to search together?”
“If you are going to Fred-and-Daphne it, you should at least try to be smooth!” Dima catcalled from behind him.
“You’re assuming he’s Fred and not Daphne,” Susan added, smirking.
“Please ignore my sisters. They know not of what they speak.” Except for the part where they knew everything of what they spoke and Arieh was simply trying to salvage his dignity. A little. Kelila snorted.
~*~
Belial’s lips twisted at being addressed so disrespectfully, but he was hardly going to blow up and say Things while Raferties was right here.
Instead he opted for the more sedate, “Shall we away to the manifest, then?
~*~
Raviel was wordless at the discourtesy shown him, he, the Archduke of the Sixth Circle, but Raviel tended toward wordlessness on the best of days as it stood anyway. He merely pursed his lips and nodded along before looking to Keldos and arching a brow to ask shall we? without making a sound.
~*~
Jenna...was not used to skeletons walking around. She’d always imagined skeletons would be hostile, but this one didn’t seem to be.
“Uh, hi. So, these footprints seem to be going that way,” she pointed, “so...good place to start?”
~*~
“You...don’t smell seasoned,” Shrayla observed, meeting up with her assigned partner for the whole event. “Like a hunter of beasts, not of men. But I can’t always trust my nose in this world. Come on, let’s loose the hounds and find our thieves, yes? I imagine...you’ll have more to say to them than I will. And perhaps more to make them say.”
Let it not be said Shrayla couldn’t smell a practiced interrogator when she met one.
~*~
Melonwei was perhaps three steps away from breaking free of the crowd and surging forward to cause Zenthim some serious bodily injury when Linah and Elzathiel dragged her back by her wrists, which was a surprisingly difficult task when her size was taken into account.
“I completely sympathize with the desire to hurt the man who calls you an idiot,” Elzathiel rushed to speak, digging his heels in to prevent Melonwei from simply dragging him along for the ride, “but would it not be more satisfying to prove him wrong than right?”
“You play a very dangerous game, erinyes,” Melonwei snarled, teeth bared.
“Unfortunately, being a crass malcontent is not a capital offense, or I would strike him down myself,” Aletha commented, remarkably unconcerned with the threat of violence within arm’s reach. “However, capital offenses have been committed here this day. I intend for my blade to drink deeply of thief-blood. Come. The first places we ought search are actually out in the courtyard. This is a lot of inventory to move all at once. They might have hidden some items close enough by that we would not think to look for them, for the convenience of later retrieval.”
She turned on her heel and left, and that was that.
Aletha stepped outside of the Desmonian Institute and surveyed the courtyard with new eyes. Immediately to her right were three wagons, two empty, one full of crates. Further beyond that, brightly colored tents. To her left, well, that was actually a giant mushroom in the corner, probably useless. Straight ahead of her, a giant tree, beyond that, the food and refreshment tables. Further off and to the left, a market stall, beyond which was a small historic graveyard with two above-ground sarcophagi. Further off and to the right, on the far side of the brightly colored tents (two red, a purple one between), there was a house.
On a lark, Aletha took a sharp turn at the door and began rooting through the crates of goods in the sole loaded wagon. Wedged between straw-padded bottles of wine, she found a belt.
“Is this one of your vaunted artifacts?” the blackguard called back into the building.
Zenthim paused in probably what would have been more scathing remarks as Aletha called out. Moving quickly, not quite believing that an artifact had been found so quickly, he was ready to dismiss whatever Aletha had found. Until he saw what it was. “Yes. It is.” One moment. Two moment. He was debating with himself and lost in a way. “That is the Belt of the Illusion of Drunkenness. All the perks of alcohol without any of the consequences.” He would reach out for it, already tempted to put it on and waste the day in a drunken stupor. Tempted, but he wouldn’t do it. “Good job proving me wrong.”
Aletha opted to RETURN the artifact, tossing the belt back to Zenthim with enough care to make sure it landed squarely into his hands. “You are wrong much more often than you know. I think you will find yourself saying that much more as the day wears on.”
FIRST UPDATE AND WE’RE OFF TO THE RACES! Thanks for joining me, everyone, and I hope we’re off to a fun ride. (Also, thank you Tide for cowriting with me and putting a voice to Zenthim.)
So Zenthim and Nahlie have assigned almost everyone a task...but now the leashes are off! You actually don’t have to follow their suggestions. XD This round was to sign up and check in. Now that you have, you’re free to do as you please, be that hunt thieves or hunt relics. You’ll be finding other things along the way.
Aletha’s bit was mostly to show you where you could start looking, and the action taken regarding the artifact is in all caps as per my rules post request so that the action is easily identifiable. A recap, for those who don’t want to scroll:
Actions you may take when you find any given object in your quest:
* RETURN to Zenthim
* EXAMINE it (this will result in me editing a spoiler box with results into your post)
* Attempt to USE it (this may not work if you don't examine it first)
* TAKE it
Just please capslock the action you’re taking when you find something<3 That way I don’t miss it in all the rest of the fun stuff going on.
Also, people whose characters are partnered with my characters, I may add to your posts, with your permission, to include Arieh/Belial/Shrayla/Jenna/etc… rather than clutter the thread, although I may also do mini-updates here and there.
As complicated as that sounds in theory, in practice...just go futz with stuff and have fun. ^.^
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"Life is not about what you deserve. Life is about free will, life is about what you choose. Afterlife is about what you deserve, and all the Heavens forfend you deserve me." --Belial
"Redemption is a work in progress. I've...got a lot of work left to do." --Shrayla
"Fair winds and good fortune to you, friend." --Khareesh
"I think you have me mistaken for someone penitent, and I don't appreciate it." --Melonwei
"If someone rains on your parade, start dancing in the rain." --Linah
"The rules of the Lord of Poetic Justice are very simple. You do unto others as you would have me do unto you, aye?" -- Aletha Hoarfrost
"War's the candy, I'm just the wrapper, but that doesn't make me ready to die any time soon." --Arieh Harel
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