Frost 15th, 4621
I'm here on behalf of my brother; perhaps I wish I wasn't. I was dressed up on this unusual day. White and gold regalia, covered in a bed of roses, along with my family insignia on it. A phoenix; it was rumored by my family that my grandmother would appear as a phoenix in their dreams. It wasn't something I would know, yet she probably felt the same as me. Parties, gatherings and events of the truely rich was frankly something I wanted to avoid. However, it was my brother's happiness at stake; he needed me there more than anyone, since we were close. Closer than any of the Entente family combined. We didn't see ourselves as rivals, more like very close friends. We were brothers, that's what it was meant to be. A week ago we helped each other examine the combat strengths and weaknesses of each other; for one I knew he was clumsy and two, he was making extreme decisions, one would think he was intellectually inept. It was the way he was; the way we encompassed each other like we had a duality. We were two Sil'Norai brothers who understood that the goal to stick together was to unite, because united we stand, divided we fall. That was something the Entente seemed to forget in society; most of them mangled in the centerfolds of plots, schemes and other criminal activities. There wasn't something criminal about ascension in power though. One thing I learnt, if you commit a crime it's best that you don't get caught. It was one thing my stepfather taught me when I was younger.
I sat there, holding my champagne glass, watching as the tireless games would begin. Oh the Candor, worshipped by the mere paragons of exploitation; how it was enough to bring families to their knees in the vile thrill of the game; it was the epitome of the ruling class. The fun in which wasn't so fun if you lost. It was a thrill, a gamble, a massive casino only with the chance that you'll lose your life if the odds don't match up. It was a funny thing the odds. Except there was no such thing as luck. If the mage was powerful enough, you would stand no chance. The luminescence of the room was inviting enough; followed by the various buffet items on the table, followed by the large fountain of champagne. It was full of calories; no wonder some Entente ended up fat and plump, whilst I was the one who wanted to maintain a figure. Appearance mattered. Especially if enlaced in the golden embroidered regalias and masques; mostly to hide a multitude of sins. The insincerity on those faces. As usual it was always a thing in this merit-based capitalist society.
How very Daravinic.
It wasn't odd to have the odd stranger ask for a dance; especially the male ones entranced by the beauty of my complexion as their eyes suddenly engaged me with a trance. Some of them were handsome, but many weren't my interest. Perhaps I never will have a keen eye for interest in those matters, they all seemed far to obsessed with three things. Glory, Ascension and Power. It was something I didn't particularly find amusing, like we all had a void inside us that needed filling. I listened closely around, seeing if I could spot an opportunity to play the game; that was until one male came up to me and overstepped his shadow on me. Tall, dark and handsome, opposing figure, beard and yet slightly menacing. It didn't scare me however. It intrigued me how he would inspect me with those wonderous green eyes for a moment "May I ask you for a dance." I looked around the room; it seemed everyone had a couple, everyone had a dancing partner, except for me. I was the odd one out. The black sheep.
I looked at him, narrowing my eyes at the slightest quirk, yet he seemed innocent for now. What was putting me off was the scent of that toxic cologne he was wearing. The chemicals permeated my nose as the air lodged into the back of my throat; I felt the sensation of burning as I coughed slightly, nodding politely as I got up from the chair "It's a rare accomplishment to dance with me, but so it shall". From the corner of my eye, the happy couple came in. Dinah and Telias, my brother. I took to the dance floor for a moment as I listened into the conversations. The gossip. The whispers would start as I was hand in hand with the man. Telias would shoot a glare at me.
Something was wrong. I could sense it. The music started and yet there was a ominous beat to the music. We danced, hand in hand, eyes locked at each other as his stare grew intense with lechery. I gulped, feeling the sudden rush of adrenaline as he moves his hand's up my waist as we performed intertwining sessions of the tango. However, the real fight started as I locked my will with his; I pushed him away as we invaded the dance floor. The heat of the moment, our eyes still locked in a frenzy as he smirked. I glared. Yet, there was an ounce of charm to him; a charm that he seemed to pervade as we twirled with each other. He was the beast, I was the beauty, although I wasn't a beauty anyone could have. It had to be earnt. He seemed aggressive in his stance.
Cute.
The only reason why anyone would be so enamored in me was my Arlaed. Greedy nobles would often find ways to extend their lives, or live forever even. However, that wasn't always possible. Our arms lock one more time as I spun around the dancefloor, unsure of my stepping. Until it was time to leave. The gossip became louder at that point "Von Geric, he's dancing with Alac Von Geric" One woman asked another lady. My eyes became intense, as if I had committed another taboo. That was until Telias came at me with a glare in his eyes "May I have a word?" I nodded as I smiled at the taller gentleman "One moment please, I'll be back in two seconds."
Uh oh.
What have I done this time?
Telias had a habit of committing passive aggressive scalding towards me all the time. It wasn't anything new, however there was something I didn't know. Dinah nodded at me "Well well, Caladrin... I see you in Nardothis all the time, studying... Quite the bookworm aren't you" She said making small talk as Telias looked over at Caladrin "You were dancing with that criminal mastermind, Alac..." I blinked. I was confused. What did he have against the man, he was handsome, charming and yet excitingly tall "Oh come on, Telias, you're over reacting..." Telias rolled his eyes at me; once again that look of a parent scalding their child came into play "He has caused our house great inconveniences, something I cannot speak off."
Dinah sighed as she scoffed "Oh please, he's a scumbag, a scoundrel and frankly I'm surprised he hasn't been caught for what he's done, I say we give Caladrin a ultimatum. An ultimatum in blood, shall I say" My eyes widen. An ultimatum in blood? What could that be. She handed me a vial of a suspicious liquid "Oil of vitriol, that should kill with just a single of drop." I gulped, the discomfort reigned in me as I pocketed the vial. Telias nodded at me as he crossed his arms "Go on, prove yourself. For our family" His eyes locked onto me, like I was given some kind of test. The ease of discomfort wrenched at my stomach as I sighed. I didn't let my emotions get to me, but I knew at this point, there was some kind of family war. One which I had stupidly managed to get myself involved into. I watched Dinah smirk as if she was the puppet master behind Telias' motions.
I glared at her back as I pocketed the vial and found my way back to Alac; whom I was dancing with earlier "What was that all about?" He asked curiously. At that moment, I smiled at him with such a passive aggression as I looked him up and down "Nothing, concerning." The male brushed a finger through my raven black hair behind me and simply smiled "I'm sure we can head back to my palace, where kings rule." He wiggled his eyebrows as I smiled at him with a hint of disgust, batting my eyelids in the most sweetest manner possible "Of course, if you wanna walk with me. The night is somewhat frightful."
It was then he wrapped his arm around me and lead me out of the doors. I looked back at Telias as he glared at me, hoping I'd get the job done. What was I doing, this man had done nothing wrong to me yet I was brought into a family war discussion. Was things about to get intense?
Only I could find out.
I'm here on behalf of my brother; perhaps I wish I wasn't. I was dressed up on this unusual day. White and gold regalia, covered in a bed of roses, along with my family insignia on it. A phoenix; it was rumored by my family that my grandmother would appear as a phoenix in their dreams. It wasn't something I would know, yet she probably felt the same as me. Parties, gatherings and events of the truely rich was frankly something I wanted to avoid. However, it was my brother's happiness at stake; he needed me there more than anyone, since we were close. Closer than any of the Entente family combined. We didn't see ourselves as rivals, more like very close friends. We were brothers, that's what it was meant to be. A week ago we helped each other examine the combat strengths and weaknesses of each other; for one I knew he was clumsy and two, he was making extreme decisions, one would think he was intellectually inept. It was the way he was; the way we encompassed each other like we had a duality. We were two Sil'Norai brothers who understood that the goal to stick together was to unite, because united we stand, divided we fall. That was something the Entente seemed to forget in society; most of them mangled in the centerfolds of plots, schemes and other criminal activities. There wasn't something criminal about ascension in power though. One thing I learnt, if you commit a crime it's best that you don't get caught. It was one thing my stepfather taught me when I was younger.
I sat there, holding my champagne glass, watching as the tireless games would begin. Oh the Candor, worshipped by the mere paragons of exploitation; how it was enough to bring families to their knees in the vile thrill of the game; it was the epitome of the ruling class. The fun in which wasn't so fun if you lost. It was a thrill, a gamble, a massive casino only with the chance that you'll lose your life if the odds don't match up. It was a funny thing the odds. Except there was no such thing as luck. If the mage was powerful enough, you would stand no chance. The luminescence of the room was inviting enough; followed by the various buffet items on the table, followed by the large fountain of champagne. It was full of calories; no wonder some Entente ended up fat and plump, whilst I was the one who wanted to maintain a figure. Appearance mattered. Especially if enlaced in the golden embroidered regalias and masques; mostly to hide a multitude of sins. The insincerity on those faces. As usual it was always a thing in this merit-based capitalist society.
How very Daravinic.
It wasn't odd to have the odd stranger ask for a dance; especially the male ones entranced by the beauty of my complexion as their eyes suddenly engaged me with a trance. Some of them were handsome, but many weren't my interest. Perhaps I never will have a keen eye for interest in those matters, they all seemed far to obsessed with three things. Glory, Ascension and Power. It was something I didn't particularly find amusing, like we all had a void inside us that needed filling. I listened closely around, seeing if I could spot an opportunity to play the game; that was until one male came up to me and overstepped his shadow on me. Tall, dark and handsome, opposing figure, beard and yet slightly menacing. It didn't scare me however. It intrigued me how he would inspect me with those wonderous green eyes for a moment "May I ask you for a dance." I looked around the room; it seemed everyone had a couple, everyone had a dancing partner, except for me. I was the odd one out. The black sheep.
I looked at him, narrowing my eyes at the slightest quirk, yet he seemed innocent for now. What was putting me off was the scent of that toxic cologne he was wearing. The chemicals permeated my nose as the air lodged into the back of my throat; I felt the sensation of burning as I coughed slightly, nodding politely as I got up from the chair "It's a rare accomplishment to dance with me, but so it shall". From the corner of my eye, the happy couple came in. Dinah and Telias, my brother. I took to the dance floor for a moment as I listened into the conversations. The gossip. The whispers would start as I was hand in hand with the man. Telias would shoot a glare at me.
Something was wrong. I could sense it. The music started and yet there was a ominous beat to the music. We danced, hand in hand, eyes locked at each other as his stare grew intense with lechery. I gulped, feeling the sudden rush of adrenaline as he moves his hand's up my waist as we performed intertwining sessions of the tango. However, the real fight started as I locked my will with his; I pushed him away as we invaded the dance floor. The heat of the moment, our eyes still locked in a frenzy as he smirked. I glared. Yet, there was an ounce of charm to him; a charm that he seemed to pervade as we twirled with each other. He was the beast, I was the beauty, although I wasn't a beauty anyone could have. It had to be earnt. He seemed aggressive in his stance.
Cute.
The only reason why anyone would be so enamored in me was my Arlaed. Greedy nobles would often find ways to extend their lives, or live forever even. However, that wasn't always possible. Our arms lock one more time as I spun around the dancefloor, unsure of my stepping. Until it was time to leave. The gossip became louder at that point "Von Geric, he's dancing with Alac Von Geric" One woman asked another lady. My eyes became intense, as if I had committed another taboo. That was until Telias came at me with a glare in his eyes "May I have a word?" I nodded as I smiled at the taller gentleman "One moment please, I'll be back in two seconds."
Uh oh.
What have I done this time?
Telias had a habit of committing passive aggressive scalding towards me all the time. It wasn't anything new, however there was something I didn't know. Dinah nodded at me "Well well, Caladrin... I see you in Nardothis all the time, studying... Quite the bookworm aren't you" She said making small talk as Telias looked over at Caladrin "You were dancing with that criminal mastermind, Alac..." I blinked. I was confused. What did he have against the man, he was handsome, charming and yet excitingly tall "Oh come on, Telias, you're over reacting..." Telias rolled his eyes at me; once again that look of a parent scalding their child came into play "He has caused our house great inconveniences, something I cannot speak off."
Dinah sighed as she scoffed "Oh please, he's a scumbag, a scoundrel and frankly I'm surprised he hasn't been caught for what he's done, I say we give Caladrin a ultimatum. An ultimatum in blood, shall I say" My eyes widen. An ultimatum in blood? What could that be. She handed me a vial of a suspicious liquid "Oil of vitriol, that should kill with just a single of drop." I gulped, the discomfort reigned in me as I pocketed the vial. Telias nodded at me as he crossed his arms "Go on, prove yourself. For our family" His eyes locked onto me, like I was given some kind of test. The ease of discomfort wrenched at my stomach as I sighed. I didn't let my emotions get to me, but I knew at this point, there was some kind of family war. One which I had stupidly managed to get myself involved into. I watched Dinah smirk as if she was the puppet master behind Telias' motions.
I glared at her back as I pocketed the vial and found my way back to Alac; whom I was dancing with earlier "What was that all about?" He asked curiously. At that moment, I smiled at him with such a passive aggression as I looked him up and down "Nothing, concerning." The male brushed a finger through my raven black hair behind me and simply smiled "I'm sure we can head back to my palace, where kings rule." He wiggled his eyebrows as I smiled at him with a hint of disgust, batting my eyelids in the most sweetest manner possible "Of course, if you wanna walk with me. The night is somewhat frightful."
It was then he wrapped his arm around me and lead me out of the doors. I looked back at Telias as he glared at me, hoping I'd get the job done. What was I doing, this man had done nothing wrong to me yet I was brought into a family war discussion. Was things about to get intense?
Only I could find out.
