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A Grand Fireworks Display [Hellvion Ball]

Started by kleineklementine, June 03, 2014, 10:53:22 AM

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kleineklementine

The Hellvion Spring Ball: The Grand Hall
After a long, brutal winter what could be better than a ball? This thread is the Grand Hall of the Hellvion Great Ball.


Image source here.

This is the main thread for the Hellvion Ball! Plotting info can be found here. This even t is open to Connlaothian nobles only. Please post in the plotting thread before joining the ball.


Open Threads
These location-specific threads are open too everyone attending the ball!

The Grand Hall: A Grand Fireworks Display (you're already there!)
The Ball Room: Catherine Wheels and Spinning Sparklers
The Gardens and Veranda: Roman Candles and Chinese Lanterns

Semi-Open and Closed Threads
Ball-related threads that are either semi-open (for side-adventures where you might be open to someone joining you) or closed will be added here. If you want to add a semi-open or closed thread, please PM me and I will link to it here! Be sure to let me know if it is closed or semi-open.

Sparks in the Darks! [Complete]



visualspice

It had been quite a dreadful winter. It was too long, too cold, and had far too much snow for even the Hellvionian Duchess to dislike (and they had fairly awful winters as per the norm). But Duchess Melora's duchy weathered the storm- but not without a lot of casualties-and mostly in the poorer classes who could not afford to stock enough food. Those that had survived were gaunt and thin, even some of the nobility had suffered from the weather's unusual cruelty. But the second the weather broke, the ice from the rivers thawing out and the trees beginning to ripen and green, it was here the Duchess declared the necessity for a ball to celebrate the freedom and relief from something so naturally stifling, especially during this time of war.

War was something she outwardly disliked, and the whole of Connlaoth knew of it. She was, out of the other duchies, the most vocal about it- and well, part of it was to gain the attentions from The Grand Duke himself- whom most presume, through gossip, is due to a long held grudge against him since he hadn't selected her daughter as his wife. And it was also stated that is why Duchess Melora's daughter Aella had yet to wed- and at her age, people had begun to talk- and even the Duchess's husband, who normally let his wife do as she pleased, was becoming more adamant to see his daughter married off.

She said she'd see to it, as she always saw to most affairs, and waved off her husband's concern. Her daughter, after all, needed to marry only the very best and powerful of men there was to offer. So she suppose she ought to select one, and do so soon. But she had to be careful as to just who exactly her perfect daughter would be married off to- for it could prove a great advantage in political alliances if she were able to select just the right one. Perhaps if she and her husband could finally come to the conclusion as to which noble house would inherit the throne, she could negotiate that with the marriage of Aella to him- but as it seems, she showed no interest in one family over the other, though rumors were going around she might be actually considering a certain Lord Davishire Callister; but if the rumors were true about what happened over the winter, and that he was already calling upon another lady- she'd have to reconsider. But little did she now, both houses in opposition had done some seemingly scandalous things over the course of the winter- even if, it had been out of necessity-
For Lady Callister had spent the winter at Lord Connloach's- and Lord Davishire Callister- had a Lady Treyburn at his!

Speculations aside, she'd have to gauge both parties this evening, make a choice, and make it swift. Perhaps if she could promise Aella as the bride- she could seal her fate and keep the blood line in Hellvion. And what better way then to have this engagement become the 'grand finale' of her ball? Right before the spectacle of fire worksm too! It was a splendid idea, and the fire works- as promised by the Regent of Connlaoth- Lucien Thornwood, it would be a dazzling display- the best there's ever been.
And if it were not, Lucien Thornwood, who had been within her good graces for quite a long time, might fall to her ire like most others that dare trifle with such a woman of power.

But here it was, the day she so long awaited, ushered in upon brilliant sunshine and no signs of rain. It couldn't have been more perfect if she set it up herself with Angsar's powers, for all of her gardens were in full bloom, and the guests had begun to arrive. Calling for her husband and daughter, the royal family moved about to station themselves in the Grand Hall so that as each guest arrived, they could be announced to their host and greet them appropriately- and Duchess Melora was flushed with just the daintiest amount of pink to her cheeks, as her heart pounded lightly within her chest as the excitement of the day to begin helped coax her head up high as she awaited for the first guests to arrive.
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

kleineklementine

OOC: The bit in italics is flashback, obvi.




As she stepped into the entrance hall of Duchess Melora's ball, Constance "Olive" Carwick felt like she was stepping into another world. How long had it been... The daughter of the late Duke of Wulfbauer had always spent less time in the glittering circles of Connlaoth's social elite than most others of the high nobility. She had been, after all, marked as a mage when she was only a girl. But it still made Constance stop a beat to think that this - this! - had once been her world. The world she was born into. The world she might have once felt entitled to. But that was all Before. Before she had silently and compliantly followed a Knight of the White Lily to the north. Before the mage camps. Before the mess and slaughter of Valinarus, and the chilling horror of the Northern Camp that had no name, that didn't officially exist, where mages were experimented on and exterminated. Before regaining her freedom, if you could call it that, in more mess, more slaughter, more blood. Before the last few years living on the run with other scarred survivors, before their campaign of guerrilla warfare against the government, against the army and the church.

Before all of that, could this really had been her life?

"Your invitation, please."

The man's sharp inquiry cut into Olive's reverie. She looked up, blushing and flustered as Bryony very well might, at the suspicious, pompous, and over-dressed old man tasked with vetting the guests. Surely, at a party like this, he expected to recognize everyone on sight. Well, she didn't suspect he would recognize Bryony either way, and when she handed him the invitation To Lady Bryony Carwick and Escort she saw recognition settle onto his face.





It had been a very different day when Olive had procured that invitation. The cold bite of the winter, which had been the death of more than one of the rebels, had yet to release the country from its jaws. Olive sat huddled with a handful of other members of the Alliance of the Blue Star around a weak fire, shivering slightly under an old fur. The Alliance regularly intercepted post and letters sent by road, and Olive watched as Silas slowly inspected the most recent batch of letters they had confiscated, only giving a sidelong glance to the bound and gagged - but unharmed - postman who had been carrying them. Well, they'd put him close enough to the fire; he couldn't really complain.

Silas had been looking through the messages for a few minutes, the silence of the winter encapsulating the small group, before something made him pause and his face darkened "I don't believe this..." he muttered to himself. Then, looking up to the group of eyes now curiously on him, Silas told the others, "The Duchess of Hellvion is throwing a ball."

"A ball?!" The scoff came from Roderick, whose face mirrored the disgust in his voice. "When the majority of people in the country are starving and freezing to death?"

Olive moved slowly, lethargic with cold and hunger, leaning towards Silas. "Can I see those?" Silas passed Olive the stack of nearly identical invitations, only the neatly calligraphed invitee name differing from one to the next. She slowly sifted through them while the others continued to talk with anger and disgust about the audacity of the nobility, the starving of the people, and where food for a ball would even come from. She knew all the names; that was no surprise, Melora was unlikely to invite any lower nobility and, the daughter of a duke, Olive knew - or at least was familiar with - the rest of the ruling houses. She paused, then, when she got to one invitation in particular.

To Lady Bryony Carwick

Bryony? That was a surprise. Her cousin might now be the sister of a duke - Olive did, at that point, know of the death of her own father - but she wouldn't expect Melora to invite her. She'd hardly been out in high society at all. But then... Olive leafed through the rest of the invitations. Bryony was the only Carwick invited. Perhaps she was to stand in for Avery now that he would be busy running a duchy, possibly at war. She didn't expect that Avery would attend a party when he had duties to attend to. Olive had always admired him for that. But then there would be no one, at least not on this list, who would really know Bryony. Bryony, who was only a year younger than Olive, a cousin she'd always born a close resemblance to... And no one had seen
Constance Carwick for five years.

"I think," Olive suddenly spoke up, interrupting the discussion going on between the others, "that I can get us in."






"Oh yes, Lady Bryony, you're very welcome," he said, his tone polite and a little apologetic. Then, to Olive's surprise, his expression softened and he gave her a little, almost sympathetic, smile. "The Duchess is very glad you could attend," he said, in a more confidential and warm voice.

"Thank you,' she replied, her own tone warm but shy, as she was sure Bryony's would be. "Thank you very much. Its an honor to attend." Then, bobbing a little curtsy, she squeezed the arm of her escort, who nodded his head courteously to the man, and the pair entered the grand hall.

Alegretto

The carriage rolled to a stop outside the grand estate and the driver hopped down from his perch to open the door. Dwight stepped out of the vehicle and stood still for a moment, stretching, before he started up the path to the mansion. As he walked, he worked out the rest of the cramps in his legs from the long carriage ride. It wasn't a short trip from Allar to Hellvion, and he was still sore all over from the multi-day trip.

He walked along the entryway unescorted. He didn't have the budget to bring along a retinue, so he strode up to the front door alone and unattended. The doorman looked with some distain at him as he opened the passage, and the man checking invitations wore the same look upon his face. Dwight handed over the invite, and the man grudgingly let him pass.

He was a pity-invite and he knew it. A bone thrown out to the last remaining member of a once prestigious family. Everyone else knew it too. And so he was here not out of respect for his house but rather out of pity for it.

The whole situation rankled on Dwight. Right then and there in the entranceway he resolved that he would find a way to restore the wealth and influence of his family, he'd show all of them. And this party was one of the first steps. For many, this was a gathering of pleasure. For Dwight, it, like everything else nowadays, was business. Make friends, improve his reputation, raise awareness of who he was. It was all on the agenda.

Well, no time like the present to get started, he decided. He stepped out of the entryway and into the grand hall to begin mingling with the other guests as best he could.

Anadwen

It was the most wonderful of days to travel, and the most wonderful of days to attend a ball of such magnificence and importance. The sky was washed clean from the clouds that covered it all long winter, and the sun shone amid it like a gleaming jewel, following a single carriage that quickly made its way through the woods, pulled by a quartet of grey stallions. One could even call it blessed - though, maybe the important guest that was carried in the chariot might not, considering how little importance he gave blessings and curses. After all, this was no land of mages and fae, but Connlaoth!

Miracles and magic had no place here. How ironic that he was the exact man that took care of something almost miraculous, the fireworks that would be the pinnacle of opulence of this evening.

How ironic. His thin lips formed a slight smirk at the thought. Fireworks...

The carriage made a slight turn, barring on the road to follow it into beautiful gardens, and trees disappeared to make place for blooming flowers of great beauty. The rays of the sun almost as if stroke them with their long fingers, and they shone even through the windows of the carriage to fall upon a figure of a man, deep in his thoughts. It was only for a short moment, and then, the self-same man was embraced by shadows again. His rather expensive-looking chariot stopped in front of a beautiful residence, and the door opened, though remaining in the shade the walls cast at it.

It was truly a relief to step onto dry, warm earth once again after that dreadful winter was what Lucien thought upon stepping out, carrying himself casually elegant as always. One of the servants, garbed in white, that accompanied him, picked the long coat that trailed behind him up, and together with his cape, he softly laid it down behind his master's feet, to avoid even the corners getting stuck in the door that closed soon after Lucien made his way out. His typical white coat, lined with the soft grey fur of wolves at its collar and sleeves, was half hidden by a long grey cape, pinned by an exquisite brooch at his shoulder. With one smooth move of his arm, he pushed it aside to reveal the robe underneath, buttoned by even more exquisite silver at his chest, to open widely at his waist, and trail behind him in the wind. The servant bowed deeply as he made his way away from the carriage, and towards the residence.

Duchess Melora's ball. What a good opportunity to strengthen political alliances... Good that he provided the fireworks. They will yet be of good use to him, he was sure of that. And the Duchess herself - he grew quite fond of her. She was a magnificent woman to say the least. But even she was sinking into the spider's net like a fly, slowly approaching. She, too, could, like a firework, bring him higher and bloom to scatter and disappear. Sure, she could still do much. After all, a duchess was a woman of great importance. But she was only a woman, and he needed her for one thing only - to bring him closer to other nobles. A little attraction was a side product, a pawn on the chess table that could help him win the game, but it was something he could still easily get rid of. Besides, Melora was no choice for marriage, partly since she was already in one, and partly since she, by herself, could not even rule a duchy without her husband.

What he'd need would be a wife that could. That was what he would be looking for this evening - though, only rather discreetly.

"Sir, your invitation, please?"

The voice of an old man broke the regent of Connlaoth out of his thoughts, but he didn't let on how much it surprised him, and rather quickly pulled the envelope from beneath his coat. His white-gloved hand raised to hand the paper to the man. While he read it, a servant stepped to him.
"Sir, may I take your cape?"
With a slight nod, Lucien unpinned the long grey cape, and without a word handed it to the boy, which bowed, and exited.

"Sir Thornwood, it is a pleasure to welcome you. Your fireworks are regarded highly." the man welcomed him upon reading the invitation, and bowed, too. "Though, it is surprising to see you without an escort..."
"It's a pleasure to attend, too. However, I feel no need for an escort." Lucien responded in a silky voice, gracefully waving his hand at the remark. It was rather rude to point something like that out...

For the position of a regent, Lucien was slightly eccentric in some ways. Over thirty and unwed. Coming from a questionable noble family. Living all alone. Truly, not the standard for someone of his status, but he made up for it with his manners and behavior. And expensive gifts for his noble acquaintances - he had once gifted an Essyrni dancer to a man for a favor, even.

Like that, he made his way to the grand hall, naturally searching for the Duchess.

visualspice

What was a party without it's hounds? Kentamin Dhelsbar, though of noble stock, had already pledged his allegiance to a greater cause than a noble blood line; and was now becoming more integrated into the templar's who were beginning to get a bit of a dangerous reputation. Perhaps it is this reason he was selected to attend, not only to show the good will of the church and that they too, were not only soldiers, but Connlaothians as well- and he, as an example, one of great stock as well- so it was a surprise when he received an invitation- and when the Priests had granted him the time off to attend.

So now he stood, in stuffy, tight fitting layers of deep blue, a color that brought out the vibrancy of his eyes, and all around the frills of the collars and buttons and cuffs of his suit were intricate gold embroidery to accent his chosen attire. And thick, oil slicked black boots came up to nearly his knees as he stood at attention, bowing before the Duchess of Hellvion as he was introduced, and the Duchess's violet eyes shined at such a sight.

"Such a handsome templar. You make your parents proud I'm sure," Melora told him, as Kentamin   gave a nod in agreement.

"I try my best to serve an honor both my family, country and church, Duchess."

Melora gave a nod.
"Then I feel as if I am lucky a man of such breeding and training was able to attend my event. Please, do feel free to mingle here and enjoy yourself, Lord Dhelsbar."

ANd with a nod, Kentamin turned away, and it was after the young templar was out of her sight that she spotted another guest of great interest. Bryony Carwick. And it was when the young girl's eyes caught her gaze that she gave her a smile and gesture for her to approach.

"Why, Lady Carwick, so good for you to attend," she told the little thing with a bit of a pout to her lips. "I hope you are doing well. My condolences about your cousins. Though we have lost many good men and ladies to this war, to lose ones of such high caliber is an atrocity. Duke and Duchess Carwick were well loved and your brothers..." She shook erh head. "It was sad to lose them too.I just hope we can see an end to all of this foolish fighting soon." And witha  graceful nod, she inquired, "I hope your journey faired thee well?"
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

kleineklementine

Olive had no choice but to follow Melora's unspoken beckons when the Duchess caught her eye. As families of neighboring duchies, Melora had, of course, seen Olive as a child and she could only hope now that the years blurred Melora's memory. She hadn't, after all, been allowed anywhere near the snobby Melora or her family after she'd been Marked as a child. So Olive turned and, with her 'escort,' approached the Duchess. (She hadn't, thankfully, seen who the Duchess had previously been talking with!)

Olive bobbed a polite curtsy, saying in greeting, "Duchess Melora." On her arm, Roderick, her 'escort,' gave a small, stiff bow, but said nothing. Olive forced herself not to glance at him. This interaction, she knew, would be much harder for him than her. Roderick was originally from Hellvion. He wasn't a mage, but in many ways his rage was that much greater because of it. Roderick wasn't a mage, and neither had his little daughters been... But that hadn't stopped the Church dragging them away when the nation entered a frenzy of mage hunting. The girls, of course, had been twins and that had been proof enough for the Church. The girls, no more than six, had been sent to the camps with everyone else. When Roderick joined their ranks, the mages in the Alliance who had been in the camps spread word amongst themselves to find Roderick news of his girls. But when they had, it hadn't been good. Now a father without children, Roderick was now one of the most fervent rebels.

"It was so kind of you to invite me," Olive responded with Bryony's modest brightness. "After the bleakness of this winter and all the suffering in the war, I-"

But Olive cut off. She'd been so distracted by playing her part, that she almost hadn't heard what Melora actually said.

"My condolences about your cousins ... Duke and Duchess Carwick were well loved and your brothers..."

The Duchess. 'Her' brothers. Olive reeled. Her mother... Avery... Cass... She couldn't believe it. She had barely recovered from the news of her father's assassination, but this! It couldn't be true. For a moment, Olive forgot where she was. Her mother. Avery. Caspian. Her father. Images of all of them swam in front of her. Her mother, always so proper, always so beautiful even as she aged; her mother who she never reconciled with... dead. Avery, who she would have married if it hadn't been for this war, who was fair and kind and... dead. And Cass, who had actually been her friend, getting into trouble when they were young... They couldn't, they couldn't all.

"It's still very hard for her," hearing Roderick's voice brought Olive back to the present.

Olive realized she'd been silent for too long, with her emotion plain on her face and unbidden tears in her eyes. "Oh I'm very sorry, Duchess," she said hurriedly, a blush of embarrassment coloring her face, and dabbed her eyes with Roderick's proffered handkerchief. "I- I loved my brothers very much. And the Duke and Duchess... It's all so horrible. I think," she swallowed, sniffed, "I think Avery would have made a very good Duke. He was always very kind, very fair." She took a deep breath to compose herself. Bryony always wore her heart on her sleeve, was emotional and sweet, so Olive hoped her own obvious emotions wouldn't raise very much suspicion. Her entire family... "Yes, I also hope this war will end soon. It's just terrible."

visualspice

Such drama in her house sent a fire of rage boiling beneath her skin like the veins of lava waiting in bowels of a volcano. But she did not scorn the girl for her emotions, and showed pity where society dictated, but she would not be mourning over the loss of this conversation when the true focus of the evening just arrived-
For the Grand Duke not only replied to his invitation much later than was socially appropriate, but he was now arriving much later than his rank dictated. If anything, he should have been the fourth or fifth person at the latest, but now, he was nearly the last person to arrive. And with his wife on his arm, Melora felt herself chewing on her own tongue, but the tense expression blossomed away into a smile as she whispered her condolences to the girl once again before turning away from her and standing more erect and proper, eyes shining subtly as she awaited to receive the Grand Duke in all of his glory.

"Your Grace," Melora began with a bow and regal curtsy, "You are looking well, and so is your wife." And here, Melora's gaze flashed to the Grand Duchess, as her well polished smile broadened for her. "And congratulations to you both on the birth of your child. I'll be she'll grow up to be as lovely as you both."
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

Zero

The Hellvion Ball was supposed to be quite the grand affair, and knowing Malora, it would be a lavish event, beyond reason, most likely. The damned woman had always thought entirely too much of herself, though even Micah Coleridge could not deny that she had always been beautiful - almost beyond comparison. Almost. To think that he had nearly chosen her for himself in his naive youth, but thankfully he had sense enough to pick a bride more easily managed and pleased. Barely. It had been a close thing, but he was grateful for the years he'd had with his late wife, and for the children he had been given. Melora had only managed to produce a single daughter, and he shuddered to think how things might have turned for him if he had failed to sire a son.

When he had first received the invitation Micah had given serious consideration to simply ignoring it and not attending. Wouldn't that have burned that hateful woman up? Maybe, to have a duke of his caliber ignore her would be quite a statement, wouldn't it? Still, Hellvion could be too useful to him to make enemies. Besides, it wasn't Melora he was here to see.

Duke Micah Coleridge was announced as he entered, as a man of his note should be. Of course, he arrived just after the Grand Duke, and found that most of the attention was on Calent. Emerald eyes flared momentarily before an easy smile graced his lips, let the fool have his moment, before the night was over it was his name on every set of lips. Striding confidently into the room his eyes sought out who he most wished to see.

It didn't take long to find Duke Hellvion himself. Walking up he dipped his head exactly enough not to be insulting in his greeting to the other duke. "Good evening, quite the spectacle you've arranged for the night, my good man. I have been looking forward to this ball, mostly because I had a matter that may be of some interest I wished to discuss with you. Do you suppose you could spare me a few minutes of your precious time?"

kleineklementine

Olive was only too glad to lose the attention of the Duchess Melora. Her head - and her stomach - were still reeling from the news that the duchess had so casually (and unknowingly) delivered to her. She followed passively as Roderick's firm hand on her shoulder guided her away from the small party - the party that would shortly include the Grand Duke - with a polite nod of his head to Melora.

Once they were out of earshot of the other party-goers, and still keeping her close to him, Roderick asked in a quiet voice that was both hard and compassionate, "Are you okay?"

"Yes," Olive answered automatically without thinking about it. Then... "No," she answered again, honestly, trying to keep the conflicting emotions from her countenance. The conflict continued in a few moments of silent inner-struggle, then was replaced by a look of resolution. "Yes, I am," she finally said. "But... I think I need a minute, to..."

Roderick squeezed her arm. "Why don't you get some fresh air? Clear your head. Remember why you're here." Olive nodded in numb agreement and Roderick continued, "Why don't we go outside for a bit?"

"No," Olive answered. "No, I can go on my own. I... think it'd do me good."

"Alright," he agreed. "I'll have a wander around here. Try not to get myself in any awkward social entanglements."

Olive had to smile at that, and looking up she saw he was smiling, as well, if grimly. It seemed fine. There was nothing unusual about a sweet young girl with a newly deceased set of brothers needing to collect herself. And getting some fresh air... Well, maybe it wasn't a bad idea. Olive's eyes scanned the room. Seeing all these faces that she recognized... It left her feeling unsettled. But after another squeeze from Roderick, she nodded, and exited to the gardens.

Roderick, meanwhile, milled about. Trying not to look too darkly at the wealthy, hob-nobbing nobles.

Alegretto

Dwight carefully extracted himself from a conversation with a few elderly nobles. It was clear from there looks that he wasn't welcome. He huffed as he walked away. Well who needed them!

He'd only walked a few more steps when he sighed. He needed them, unfortunately. He needed them to like him, which increasingly seemed to be an impossible task. The other nobles were tolerating his presence at the party, but none of them seemed to want anything to do with him.

He sighed again as he walked towards the gardens. He needed some time to himself, and it seemed as if going outside was his best bet.

visualspice

Duke James Edmund Avelon of Hellvion was a man who often did not make such public appearances, despite the reputation and events often sponsored by his own wife. Poor health was a common theme, but here today, he stood as healthy as ever, and even a bit portly in his age. He smiled carefully at the approach of another Duke and gestured towards him with regal finesse.

"But of course, my ear is all yours, Duke Coleridge. Shall we take this conversation upon drink in the gardens? Or would a corner within this room suffice?"
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

Zero

"A glass of wine while discussing business in the gardens sounds excellent, Duke Avelon. Such a wonderful suggestion." Micah kept a pleasant tone and demeanor, but inside he was hiding his disdain. The duke of Hellvion was getting fat in his age, hardly taking proper care of himself. Hard to believe the man had produced such a lovely daughter. How Aella Avelon was created was hardly his main concern, of course.

Gesturing towards the exit before folding his hands behind his back, Micah waited for James to lead the way. Hardly proper to take charge in another Duke's home, after all.

visualspice

The wine was poured well after the two men were situated in the gardens, against a lovely set of table and chairs near a rose bush. The day was lovely, they couldn't ask for something better and the wine, delicious as the Duke took it to his lips.

"Nothing better than Connlaothian wine," he said, then smiled over at the other man. "So, you said you had something to discuss with me?"
And he was curious as to what it was. The two duchies hadn't conducted business for a time. Perhaps it was time to reopen some trade?
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

Zero

The lack of trade between Hellvion and Orchy could probably be contributed, at least in part, to Melora's displeasure with Micah, but his duchy flourished without trade from the admittedly wealthier providence. Bringing the glass to his lips he took an appreciative sip before speaking.

"Quite right, nowhere else makes finer wine than Connlaoth, but it isn't wine that I wish to discuss with you. As everyone knows my dear wife passed several years ago, and you have a very beautiful daughter who has been kept far too long without being wed."

Micah let the words hang between them, not saying more for the moment as he sipped at his wine and subtly watched for Duke Avalon's reaction to his implication. Melora would not like it at all if he took her beautiful daughter as a wife, but that was part of the reason he wanted the girl.

visualspice

The reaction started off slow, a gentle nod about the poor man's wife, and then as the quietness set in between them, he raised both of his untamed brows. The look was curious, but after a moment, he stared down in thought before stroking his beard.
"I see. Yes, it is almost famously too long," he went on, being careful of his words. "My wife, as you well know, is just... particular on the selection of a suitor." And here he paused, not wanting to presume what he thought about this statement- and rather, let it go at that. Micah should come out and say it if he wanted his daughter. He was not here to play games. That was a job for his wife.
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

Zero

"As she should be." Micah commented idly, "Aella is a very lovely young woman, certainly deserving of only the finest of suitors. As particular as Melora can be, however, wouldn't you agree that it is high time your daughter be married to a man that can care and provide for her as she deserves?"

Here Micah leaned forward in his chair, green eyes gleaming slightly. "I can give your daughter much and more than any other man that might ask after her. Think of what a marriage could mean for our respective duchy. Hellvion is known for wealth, but Orchy is known for power. Uniting our duchy through marriage could be very lucrative for both of us."

visualspice

The Duke of Hellvion leaned back in his chair, nodding and taking in all the other Duke had to say.
"Your offer, as it stands, is the finest," and he chuckled, but that soon faded away as he sighed. "But I'm not sure how my wife would feel. You... do know I know the.. complications she has towards you?" And he raised his brow towards the man. Though he spoke of it like it wasn't that big of a deal, as if speaking of his wife and daughter were simply an act of business. Because.. well, they were. And as much as he loved his daughter, she had to marry someday.

And Micah had a very promising offer.
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

Zero

Ah, there was the only real obstacle. Not that he really considered Melora an obstacle. "Complications...that is a polite way of putting it. She cannot reject suitors forever, Duke Avalon. There will not be a better offer for your daughter than I, and I will not wait. This offer ends if a decision is not made by the end of the ball."

visualspice

The Duke of Hellvion gave a nod.
"And I am not foolish to believe other wise. She will make a good wife, and you a husband for her. It is only fair to accept, for not only would it benefit you both, but our duchies, and the political alliances it can uphold."
And the Duke was quite pleased. He never considered Aella would finally get the opportunity to marry a Duke proper and she, become a Duchess. But as soon as he accepted, he sealed both his and his daughter's fate. For he knew Melora would be writhing with rage-

But hey.. He had to put his foot down eventually. And at his age, and with his illness...
And with the help of some fine wine, he began not to really care.

"At what time do you wish it appropriate for the marriage? Or would you prefer we converse with Melora?"
CHECK OUT MY LATEST SITE EVENT!
The Never King- a king erased from history because of his dabblings in dark magic (among other things...) suddenly because a present day problem when an unlikely group of adventurers 'awakens' him from the grave. You can read more about the event on the plotting page here and information page here!

I ran the Connlaothian civil war. For more info, check out it's page here. The war has now turned into a 'Cold War' with it's plotting page found here. It's no longer a huge site wide event but the scars are there.

My currently active characters:
Grand Duke Calent Allarrick // Aella Coleridge // Blaith Harmond // Kella Harmond  // Hope Allarrick // Krah Mordeth // Mehtwald Allaen // Zannrick Austengarde // Katahnia Harmond // Jinai Rinstgate  // Leif Arrant // Dekka Blade  // Kentamin Dhelsbar  // Dahnny Quills  // Victoria Armani  // Ohna Waitsmith  // Jarrett L'isson  // Trest Arristaire  // Clayton "Jack-in-the-Box" Wilson // Cullen  //  Vels // Shay // Killian  // Fluke  // Mellesta // Danning // Petrin // Gavriella // Dornsley // Miersck // Aelith // Iyla // Angel // Ellarrah // Persea Ah'nikh // Phone // Jace // Ne'friss // Opus Dey // Lord Amalin // Ehvren // Narophne // Edward // Dehzrehn // Chase Vander // Valeska // Jayo //Layana // Rezvek // Red Sun // Harmanaija // Mirajah // Liana // Oska //Hay-gee // Beatrice // Ninn // Dao'bachpa //Pao'orha // Mae'leena // Davishire // Davina// Gemla // Hyathia //Thethysis // Urd // Missendria // Ina-herit // Feni'tat // Phen // Evelyn // Kell // Striker // Ithica // Connor // Vlint // The Gambler // Lord Aegis // Thomas // Quince // Althea // Vaeyna // Ihlsepar Asawa'eht // Krazxick // Djchastese // Katoma // Na'o // Moonlight // Bluesong //Caollette // Artemis // Arrick // Evetta //Jackal // Winston //Lenny // Anphis // Hebara //Ibra // Dre'hn // Veride // Arthund // Kao

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