• Closed • [Seasonal] Twilight Masquerade

[Zoro Astrian]

To say that Zoro was conflicted was an understatement. The enormity of what she had said dawned on him and he blanched at its implications. Zana was the daughter of the Immortal of Birds. That meant she was the daughter of Delroth. Delroth. Delroth who had killed Mildred alongside Kalortah, his avriel follower. Remembering the events that preceded the Forging, Zoro recalled the strange and bizarre and painful and wonderful happenings in Sweetwine. He looked at Oram as he did, for he and Oram had shared that experience. Did Oram know that Zana was Delroth’s daughter, Zoro wondered. Did he care or hold it against her? Should Zoro care or hold it against her?
Any tinge of pink evaporated from Zoro’s aura as his memory took him on a journey. Once more he recalled standing with Oram, with Darius too, and with many others as they saved Scalvoris and awoke the Induks. He recalled being soul bearer to Bao, alongside Darius. He remembered it all – all they had done. And they had done that despite Delroth, not with his help and Zoro felt a stone of lead in his belly at the thought.

This information changed his course as surely as a gale changed the course of a ship at sea and Zoro became quiet and reflective as he considered what he now had to do. He had, before this information became known, toyed with the idea of engaging in an amorous adventure to woo this maiden’s hand but hearing her antecedence dunked him in the cold and briny sea of reality.

So it came to pass that Zoro Astrian took his seat at the table. He looked around at those sitting with him and he wished that Oram was here, and Zana was not. He smiled at Astra as Darius introduced her, and he spoke his own name in introduction. Then, Zoro took the opportunity to read the menu and he made his order. Maureen could sense his inner turmoil and while Zoro kept glancing at Zana, Maureen knew that he was doing so for quite a different reason. It was with this musing that he noticed the emblem flower embroidered on his napkin. It was ironically ‘passiflora incarnata’ or the passion flower. Zoro mused that somewhere, someone was having a laugh at his expense. Far from his passion incarnating, it was now strangely repellant.

Zoro was pleased to be distracted by the menu and he ordered his courses. He looked forward to them all and he chose a different drink for each one. He managed to remain silent for more than a few minutes and then, as his appetizer of almas golden caviar with a shot of vodka on the side arrived, he looked at it and considered how wonderful life was. To be here, in this moment, to be alive and able to experience all of it.

Looking at the caviar, Zoro knew two things. He knew that he should not make a fuss in this very nice place and he knew that should keep quiet for the sake of everyone, himself included. But more than that, Zoro knew that he had to be true to himself and his friends.

“Your father killed my friend”, Zoro blurted to Zana. Like a bottle with a popped cork, that was it. There was no going back now. “And furthermore, he is a cad, a bounder and an utterly reprehensible excuse for an Immortal. He’s not big, he’s not clever and he’s a mean old bird!” His voice grew louder as he spoke and as he waggled his finger at her, there was no pink, there was no blush, there was only fierce and full emotion. “Not only did he not help Scalvoris during the Forging, he tried to harm us all. When Kalortah claimed that tree in Sweetwine in Delroth’s name, he could have tipped the whole island into the sea.” His words were coming fast and furious now and he sounded positively indignant and just a little bit shrill. Zoro Astrian could not contain it. He stood up, his chair clattering to the floor as he did, and he looked at Zana Delroth with contempt in his eyes. “I will not sit and eat with anyone who is proud of that sorry sack of feathers,” he was ejaculating words with a force rarely seen from the mild mannered biqaj man. Turning to Darius, to Astra, to the other members of the table, Zoro gave a stiff but firm bow. “I bid you all a good evening, please excuse me.”

And with that, Zoro turned and marched away with his head held high. It would have been better, he reflected, if he hadn’t stumbled on the chair as he walked, but he’d worry about that later.

[Balthazar Black]

122 Ashan 722

The professor expressed interest in discussing Balthazar's experience with magic in a different setting and Balthazar gave him a small nod but had time for little else before Rakvald swept in. Balthazar didn't mind. He felt he would have more in common and more to discuss with Rakvald than he would have if he lingered near the professor. Academics continued to be, more or less, exactly what he expected them to be. Curious, questioning, and all over the place. Rakvald, something of a hunter himself, seemed more simple and more complicated at the same time. Balthazar had to admire that about him. Their conversation went on as they moved through the proceedings, Rakvald responding to the things he said and Balthazar trying to respond in kind while they were herded towards their destination.

Rakvald's reasoning for opening a gym was interesting to Balthazar. He just wanted to make people stronger. There was a simplicity to that which was great. Balthazar found himself often overthinking what he would do next but perhaps he could take after Rakvald. Just do something he wanted to do. When it came to the topic of a fencing instructor and Rakvald's continuing search for one, Balthazar noticed that the other mage had hinted at an offer. "I might be interested, but probably wouldn't be consistent. I like to travel."

Eventually they moved from the reception to the tables where they were to sit for whatever portion of the night demanded it. The room was well decorated, no one could deny it, but Balthazar didn't focus as much on the decorations as he did his conversations. He didn't pay any mind to the little silk iocane bloom folded-napkin until he'd nearly crushed the design with his arm. He didn't recognize the flower, but it looked nice. Balthazar ordered quickly because he was not all that interested in browsing the menu. He ate relatively the same thing at all of these sorts of events. Why change now and try something he might not end up liking? Besides, it gave him more time to discuss matters with Rakvald if he was not focusing on what he was trying to eat. "Can I have a purple whiskey?" Balthazar asked when Rakvald ordered his pray soup. Balthazar was familiar enough with that particular poison that he was not interested in trying it out at a masquerade party... well at least not without a better mask.

Balthazar cast a glance around the table at the others who were joining them and was somewhat surprised to seen Leigh Birch sitting in attendance. It seemed strange seeing anyone from the government at a party. Especially a part he had been invited to as well, but there were worse things. Then there was Felicia from the orphanage. Balthazar offered her a smile and a small wave but he did not move from where he was sitting as the places around the table were filled. Many faces, some familiar and some not. That was really a description that fit almost any party. Balthazar inclined his head slightly towards Oram again when he saw the Chief Ranger and then he returned his attention to Rakvald, who was answering his inquiry about the beard.

While Rakvald explained that he'd pushed himself too hard in a magic, the tables appetizers began to arrive. Balthazar started with green. Brussel sprouts, cut in half and cooked. Nothing special. Remarkably boring by design. Easy to eat. At the end of his story, Rakvald asked why Balthazar was no longer with the Elements and since he was sitting at a table with a two council members, he didn't feel inclined to give and entirely transparent response. "Well I hope I never sprout a flaming beard by overusing defiance. It wouldn't look as good as yours." He said with a small grin, "The Elements and I had fundamental disagreements. I'm better at what I do when I do it alone, and they are better at what they do without people like me to make them look bad. I've been working on a few things since then though. Trying to start up a mercenary company- ended up with a lot of archers though. Nice people but... archers. Also looking to get into crafting a little more. I think it'll help me explore my least explored spark- transmutation."

It was announced that their host was running late and Balthazar's brow furrowed. He let something slip out loud to the table just so he could see what everyone else thought. "Odd that the host was late but everything to get us here was on time."

Objectives

All aimed for and complete.

[Avalon]

Ashan 122, Arc 722

The Segreti Table

For the most part, Therese let the people at the table converse, attentively enjoying the conversation flowing between the guests. She was happy to make introductions if needed, but people usually preferred doing that themselves, as in the case of Darius Baer. If a lull in conversation occurred, she would direct a question to the table to keep things lively and enjoyable, but otherwise she remained silent unless asked a direct question.

The Baron introduced himself and Astra to those he didn't know at the table, and the others offered smiles and names. A well-dressed gentleman replied that his name was Jareth but opted to omit the surname. Marcelle Tran removed her mask for a second, so Darius could recognize her from the Council, smiling. The other man at the table offered a nod and smile, introducing himself as Professor Fridson. "Hello again! I remember you from the Glass Temple during the Forging. You arrived just before everyone took off again!" It had been a chaotic affair, and the man didn't hold it against the blond sailor for not placing him immediately.

Compelled by his curiosity, Darius was the first to ask their table host a question, inquiring about who a certain man at a nearby table was. Tilting her head a bit, she glanced around – there were a few nearby tables – as if trying to sort out which one he meant. "Balthazar?" she said, riddling out who was where.

It took a moment, but finally, Therese's eyes lit up as the answer came to her. "Oh, the Mistero table? That is an acquaintance of our host, I believe. I've seen them speaking on occasion. I don't know his name, however. Fleur would know. I can check with her later if you'd like?" Nothing about the question seemed to bother the young woman, answering calmly.

Zana sat at the table, waiting to see what happened with her tablemates. Jareth was relatively quiet, choosing the same tact as the mortalborn, for a time, before getting pelted with questions from Marcelle, who sat to his left. However, he occasionally glanced in Zana's direction and smiled if she were looking his way.

In stark contrast, Professor Fridson wanted to talk and chose the beautiful daughter of Delroth as his first conversation companion. "My dear, I hear that you were involved in the situation back in Saun with dragons. That must have been fascinating! I would love to schedule a time with you to discuss the experience, if you would permit?"Marcelle looked up briefly, having heard some of Zana's experiences in the Council meeting, and oddly seemed curious to see how Zana would respond to the scholar.

Behind her and to the side, Zana could hear rumblings of a conversation. Juliette and Pierre were having a fast-paced back and forth regarding a seating issue. It wasn't easy to make out precisely what they were saying, but the tone alone was enough to tell Zana that something somewhere wasn't right and that Juliette was dominating the discussion.

Appetizers and drinks were served to each guest, as ordered. Jareth tucked into his small plate of pecan and blue cheese stuffed mushrooms while Marcelle had opted for some sort of antipasto assortment. Therese, still glancing curiously while keeping on top of the needs of the table, delicately nibbled at her avocado bruschetta, and Professor Fridson snacked on a variety of marinated olives and cheese slices.

The Mistero Table

Meanwhile, at the Mistero table, Oram and Elise were reunited and began pouring over the menu to make their course choices. After a few trills, the young woman leaned over and spoke to the ranger in a low, dramatically conspiratorial voice. "My mother often told me that no matter how high brow an event is, it's considered a success as long as people are having a good time and not causing a stir. I've always avoided these things, but it's not too bad. I'm not sure I ever will get used to walking around in these heeled things, though. It's like losing touch with the ground."

Once the table was engaged with chatter, Fleur motioned for Brunoise to attend her. Hushed words were spoken about the 'seating chart,' and the young woman urged him to find Juliette and report something. It was difficult to hear the issue, but the table host appeared momentarily concerned before returning her attention to the table, appearing for all the world to be undaunted by anything.

Rak was enjoying conversation with Balthazar when the servers began taking orders. Before him, the young woman shook her head gently when he inquired about Pray Soup, replying with a light accent. "I am sorry, Sir. That is not available this evening, but I will be sure to choose an excellent port from Rharne for you."

As the server departed, Rak noticed the young woman be approached by another server, all designated by their black and white clothing. They had a brief conversation before both went on their separate ways.

A few bits later, another server appeared at the table and offered a colorful little cup with fruit cut up into small, intricate little shapes- moons, stars, snowflakes - to Svartholda to hold the child over until food arrived.

Balthazar opted for his usual, purple whiskey, and participated in the lively discussion with Rak regarding various topics. He took note of the others at the table, perhaps mildly surprised at some of them. Felicia and Leigh seemed to be deep in conversation, while the thin man appeared to be content to sit silently and observe the room. Like the others, he was attended to, but he didn't engage in the discussion unless provoked, which none did save the young woman taking his dinner order.

The host's absence weighed on the minds of some, with Balthazar being the first to query the others regarding the situation verbally. Felicia shrugged gently, opting to answer first. "I suppose many things can delay one's arrival. I have to admit curiosity at the mysterious nature of the invitations, though. It will be interesting to meet the man, so to speak."

The staff soon served appetizers and drinks to the table. Elise eagerly dived into her smoked salmon crostini while Fleur seemed delighted with her caramelized onion and bacon pastry cups. Mistero table's mystery thin man picked at a plate of bacon-wrapped brussel sprouts while it seemed both Felicia and Leigh had ordered plates of fresh fruit.

As Oram ate, he decided to test out a Sojourn ability, desiring to learn about the place he was in. As always, using divine abilities for the first time was a bit disorienting while trying to figure out how they worked, but he managed well enough. The information came as Oram ate, but it was vague. It was evident that the overall party was a social group with a single leader, but there were two distinct organized sub-groups with their own leaders. Both had formal hierarchies, but informally, people went to a single more experienced individual for advice if needed. Information. That word came through loud and clear. Information. One group's customs felt very rigid and formalized, while other seemed lacking such. But both groups had rituals that revolved around information in some way.

Both Tables

When drinks and appetizers arrived at the table, ornate envelopes appeared, flowing lettering on the outside with the recipient's name on each. Instead of being handed to the named individuals, they were simply tucked into the name card holders at the head of each place setting, with instructions given to the guests not to open them until instructed.

If one were to look at them, one would note that each envelope had a distinct character. The color of the envelope varied with each person, from Zana's shimmering gold version to the deepest of black for Balthazar. Both Darius and Oram had red versions, while Rakvald's was of vibrant pink. Rounding out the group, Zoro had an aquamarine envelope at his place setting.

Stealing the Spotlight

Zoro spent some time at the Segreti table, thinking and weighing his options. Beyond Zana and ordering food, that seemed to be all he could handle at the moment until the dam of emotions broke free, prompting a rather dramatic display that got everyone's attention.

Jareth didn't rise, but leveled a harsh look at the young man after he was done with his diatribe. "When did the sins of the father become the burden of the child? I think you are shooting a bit wide with your disdain, Sir."

The young biqaj hadn't left the room yet, so things seemed quite up in the air. While shocked looks were abundant amongst the staff, several leaped into motion. Therese rose and moved towards him, looking concerned. "Mr. Astrian, is there something I can do for you?"

Juliette was making her way quickly towards the pair when a large crash sounded from the direction of the foyer. Turning her head sharply in that direction, the woman altered course and made her way back through the ballroom gracefully, smiling at those she passed along the way, assuring everyone that it was most likely nothing.

Mod Stuff: Please Read

I've designed the OOC areas to be informative but not conclusive, so please let me know via discord or pm if you ever have questions. I will undoubtedly miss a lot of things! This is my first solo Seasonal, so please be patient with me as I'm figuring out the process as I go.

Info & Rules

• I'm bumping out the deadline for reply a bit because I've had some stuff come up. Right now, it's about ten days, but we are still keeping track of missed rounds. If you miss a round, there will be consequences including but not limited to death by chocolate, zombifying, and being attacked by a flock of rabid wild geese. Two rounds and you are out! You have been warned...
• This style of event moderation - with objectives etc - was created by a wonderful moderator named Crimson. I had forgotten all about it until I saw Peg used it here. Thanks to Crimson for the amazing mod style, and to Peg for seeing it carried forward for the enjoyment of future writers. It's a legacy very much worth continuing. Much love to you both!

Things to know

• As for the menu, I'm leaving it up to you guys! Assume there is a menu but please describe your choices as they arrive at the table.
• Soup/salad course arrives this round!
• To make it easy, please consider that if you brought a plus one (Darius, Rak) that you only receive one envelope that's shared between your group. It will make sense once the envelopes are opened.

Missed Rounds

• Balthazar - No misses! Gold star for you!
• Darius - No misses! Gold star for you!
• Oram - No misses! Gold star for you!
• Rakvald - No misses! Gold star for you!
• Whisp-Wish - Two misses - out of the event!
• Zana - No misses! Gold star for you!
• Zoro - No misses! Gold star for you!

Objectives

• Zoro just made a fuss! How dare! React! (Zoro, this objective for you is decide if you are coming or going!)
• Towards the end of the post, please describe the soup/salad you ordered as it's delivered to the table.
• Ask another member of your table a question!
• I gave you the color of your pc's envelope. Please describe a distinct decoration/embossing upon it.

Annotations

• 'Elise' continues to be haunted by 'Elisa'. I think I got them all, but I thought that last time and one still snuck in.
• This is the first post that I've done a few different rewrites for to get it right. It just did not want to flow and all of you threw me some excellent curve balls.

The Segreti Table Table Seating Chart PCs: Zana - No missed rounds and all objectives met! Zoro - No missed rounds and all objectives met, but currently storming out! Wisp-Wish - Two-rounds missed! We are sorry to see you go! Darius - No missed rounds and all objectives met! NPCs: Jareth (aka - the handsome man) Therese (Host assigned to the table - long, red hair, wisteria-hued dress) Marcelle Tren (Scalvoris Council - Trainer) Professor Fridson (University of Scalvoris) Pierre (Attendant assigned to the table)

The Mistero Table Table Seating Chart PCs: Balthazar - No missed rounds and all objectives met! Rakvald - No missed rounds and all objectives met! Oram - No missed rounds and all objectives met! NPCs: Elise Shmickel (Ranger) Fleur (Host assigned to the table - bubbly blond in fuchsia) Leigh Birch (Scalvoris Council - Proper) Mysterious Thin Man (Name TBD) Brunoise (Attendant assigned to the table) Felicia

Deadline to Post: Tuesday, April 26th 11:59pm
(Pacific West Coast Time)

[Rakvald]

As Rakvald offhand gave his order to the server, he asked for the Super Salad they had on offer. It sounded really good, or at least it had better if it was super. Either way, he expected something special. When the entrees began coming out, along with the Super Salad, Rakvald was mostly oblivious to the efforts being made on Svartholda and Ildred's behalf, so engrossed as he was in conversation with Balthazar. It didn't happen too often that he met other mages, so he liked to talk shop when it was possible.

"Mercenaries, eh?" Rakvald caressed his beard lightly, "And Archers? Sounds promising. It's not easy finding someone who can draw a bow well, let alone aim it. To have a group of them would be a big advantage in a ambush type situation." Rakvald didn't know much about tactics, really, but what he said he thought stood to reason. "If you ever need some extra muscle that can get up close and personal on a job, I can help. Just let me know beforehand. I'm around Scalvoristown."

The super salad came, but it was slightly disappointing. Just some fresh greens, tomato's, and vinaigrette with escargot bits in it. Not bad, but not super, in his view. He'd expected something truly extraordinary for a Super Salad.

"Oh you're a transmuter too!?" Rakvald asked, "Hey, I just started exploring it myself. You know, I made some transparent embersteel lenses the other season that I smithed myself, they didn't last long though before disintegrating."

Rakvald noted the woman who spoke briefly with another, but thought nothing of it. Instead, he began picking away at his Super Salad, the little bits of snail in it.

Soon enough, however, the entree came out. For Rakvald, this was a blossom of fried calamari and onion slices, and some nice, creamy sauce on the side. Probably not as fancy as what some of the others were getting, but it suited Rakvald's down-to-earth tastes just fine.

There was a skinny little biqaj dude making a fuss in the middle of all of this, but Rakvald didn't think much of it. Fancy gathering like this was like to attract the sensitive sorts of people who were liable to throw fits at the slightest provocation. Not that he knew the nature of the man's upset, but he presumed.

"Hey little guy! Calm down. More than enough room at this table if you want? I can scooch over! Ildred, make room!"

[Oram Mednix]

Is it a….haredeer? A rabbitrind?

Elise was doing her best to make this occasion comfortable and enjoyable, in spite of the awkwardness of finding herself seated next to her boss. Oram smiled and nodded appreciatively as she spoke. ”Let us hope your mother was right,” he agreed as…agreeably as possible. People seemed for the most part to be affable and enjoying themselves, yet wisps of mystery -and perhaps a cloud of concern?- seemed to spread over their host’s delay. Oram held himself only slightly better at reading rooms than he was at reading minds, yet from what he could tell, their host’s delay was not entirely expected nor welcome by the other staff.

The not-a-cookie-despite-the-name scallop dish tasted delicious, and the dry white wine -’condrieu’, the servers had called it- cut across its flavor nicely. Oram could already hear his brother making fun of his hoity-toity wine and cookie exploits -though perhaps not while Signy was listening. The hunter allowed himself a grin as he pictured it. Of course, unbeknownst to most people, that coquille videnoise managed to tell Oram about more than just the skill of the Chateau de Whatever’s kitchen; it also provided hints of the politics within the household. Of course there were internal politics; there were more than three people on staff. More interesting, and perhaps more significant, was the premium on information that Oram picked up on. Was that why they were all here? He wondered, casting a furtive glance at the strange, still unidentified thin man at his table. Was this shindig all just a big ruse to gather dirt on Council members and such?

That grin gave way to a pensive expression as Oram wondered this, but then darkened to a scowl when Zoro did his thing. The hunter sighed, wondering sadly what had provoked such an outburst. The biqaj was a hot-blooded youth who hadn’t managed to get the girl, so perhaps there was part of it. On the other hand, as he looked between Zoro and Zana, and recalled the latter’s pride in her vain and petty Immortal parent, the traveler could think of at least one other, more compelling reason why Zoro might not want to remain at table with her, however golden that woman was. Oram had been there with Zoro when Delroth had tried to kill their party and ruin pretty much everything for whole the island of Scalvoris; he could forgive the young man for not wanting to sit through an evening of Daddy Delroth this, Daddy Delroth that.

He sighed and looked over at Elise. ”So much for not causing a stir,” he mutter, grinning ruefully. Even as he said this, two of their hostesses approached the angered guest with concern. They were interrupted by a startling crash from the foyer. Resisting the urge to rise and run to investigate, Oram instead connected with Amoach. ”Go look,” he instructed the diri, as he continued himself to watch Zoro and the two hostesses. Watch, but not intervene. It was not his party, and Zoro, although young, was old enough to resolve his own crises. If he could handle the treachery of Delroth and Audrae, he could handle his own hissy fits.

Momentarily distracted by the uproar, Oram barely noticed the arrival of his salad: this was made with grilled chicken seasoned with lemon dressing, on a bed of kale greens that had been baked crisp. Turning away from the stir on the floor, and awaiting news from his impromptu diri scout, Oram looked over his food and noticed at the same time a dark red envelope that the waiter who had brought it had left leaned against his place card. Embossed on the envelope was a four-legged, antlered creature that Oram at first thought was a deer, but then noticed the rabbit-like ears and legs. A rabbit with deer antlers? What sort of nonsense was this?

Curious, he pointed out the embossing to Elise. ”What do you suppose that is, fellow Ranger? Do you recognize this creature? I don’t think I’ve ever seen its like on the island.”

[Balthazar Black]

122 Ashan 722

Balthazar was somewhat relieved that there was no Pray Soup on order for the night. He was fairly certain that if anyone had any of that, they'd be having a more interesting party than the rest of the room. While he spoke with Rakvald, Balthazar found his eyes shifting over to the thin man across the table who had yet to really engage in the conversation with anyone around him. It was the man's choice of bacon wrapped brussel sprouts which drew Balthazar's attention first and then the suspicious thoughts about the quiet man began after. Balthazar ate his normal brussel sprouts while Felicia offered her thoughts on why their host was late. She seemed more forgiving than curious but Balthazar understood why. It was who she was.

When the letter was brought out and put in front of them, Balthazar couldn't help but want to open it. He wondered if they picked the color black because of his name but even if they had, it didn't explain the theme of embossed flowers on the things they kept giving him. He wasn't even all that fond of flowers. What was the worst that would happen if he opened it? Maybe a little scrying portal to try and see through the envelope? No. There were other things to be curious about.

At least this gathering seemed to be going more smoothly than most of the ones he'd been to in the past... well it was until Zoro had his little outburst about the daughter of Delroth sitting at his table. Could Delroth be blamed for what had happened? Certainly. Balthazar would have blamed the Avriel who claimed the tree before blaming the immortal though. Could the daughter of the immortal be blamed for being proud of her parentage? Balthazar liked to think not but mortalborns were an interesting group that he did not understand everything about. Could Zoro be mad at whoever he wanted to be mad at? Certainly.

It seemed like someone was rising to attend to it when a large crashing noise came from the foyer. Things were falling apart quite quickly now but Balthazar's salad had arrived so he was content to remain at his table and ignore those who's emotions flared... for the moment. He'd ordered a simple salad and as he ate it he wondered if he should have gone with a soup. Greens and bacons bits would do for now though. Rakvald helped to distract him from his thoughts with comments about both the mercenaries and transmutation. He had almost exactly the same thought as Rakvald when Robin brought him the archers. He nodded when Rakvald suggested that he would be willing to act as muscle and made a mental note of where he could find him.

"Transparent embersteel sounds impressive. I admit I've had more practice using it to destroy things than create." Balthazar confessed to Rakvald on the topic of transmutation. "I didn't have much time to practice before I returned to Scalvoris and now I have a... decanter that should help me learn more. I'm a little nervous to try it though. I don't normally think to drink in order to practice magic." He didn't mention that he had four because he didn't really want to divulge that much information at a table where he didn't yet know everyone. Rakvald reached out to Zoro and Balthazar took the opportunity to turn his attention to the mysterious thin man sitting across from him.

"How are you enjoying the night?" Balthazar asked the man, "I don't believe we've met. I'm sure I'd remember. I'm Balthazar."

Objectives

All done.

[Zana]

122nd Ashan, 722

While Zoro had been stewing in his own righteous fury, Zana had turned to the Professor and nodded. "I would be more than happy to discuss with you," she said. "I do rather enjoy telling the tale and so it will be a treat for us both," more him than her, of course. If she noticed either Marcelle or Jareth, she made a very good show of not doing so. When the Professor was talking to her, her focus was on him. "What sort of information might you need?" Zana asked. She spoke to Darius and Astra, also, "So are you both native Scalvorians?" She smiled slightly, wondering what the story was with the two of them.

She was about to ask other questions, to discuss things and be the social butterfly that she was, when Zoro Astrian started to tell her off and then waggled his finger at her. "What?" was all she got out and, as he finally stood up, knocked over his own chair and stormed off, Zana looked at him in genuine surprise. Casting her mind back, she considered it. She had replied that her father was the Immortal of Birds, but that was the only time in this whole thing that she had even mentioned him. That was some time ago and now, in the middle of a crowded room and where it gave maximum effect. Zana watched him and sat back in her chair as he stood, looming over her. She didn't feel nervous, exactly, but she most certainly did not like it - and she didn't hide that she didn't like it, either. A man standing over her, shouting and waving his finger in her face. Zana had been beaten on more than one occasion and she had seen other prostitutes be badly beaten. For her, there had only been the one time that it had been serious and she had killed the man who did it. But, just for a moment, Zana looked what she was.

Frightened.

But then, her ability to play a role, to be a social butterfly kicked in and she put a laconic smile on her face. Jareth jumped to her defence, but Zana shook her head. There is no need to bother yourself," she said quietly to him. "My sincere apologies to you all," she spoke to the others at her table. "He asked me if I liked birds in the carriage ride here and I said that my father is the Immortal of them. That is the extent of my conversation with him regarding Delroth but, apparently, he'd been stewing a while." She gave a slight shrug. "And I have no idea what he's talking about, what situation that is." Her father had killed one of Zoro's friends? Then the friend deserved to be killed in Zana's mind, but that really wasn't the point.

Oh, this was not good. She was able to act as nonchalantly as she wanted, but she couldn't hide the fact that she was trembling slightly. She shook her head and put it to one side. "Of course, there's a bird on my envelope, too, so that might have done it," she gave a slight chuckle, but was hard pressed to do so. Her soup arrived, a light vegetable soup in a clear broth, and she looked at it with an expression which told that she really had no appetite for it. Moving the spoon around a little, Zana took a few sips and then put it down.

All of this seemed to have rather taken the lustre out of the event for her and Zana considered simply leaving. However, that would give Zoro a clear message that he had both upset her and that he had won. She would allow no such message to be given and so, she picked her spoon up once more and she tried again to eat. She would, she did not doubt, have her revenge on Zoro, but it would not be to-trial. No, it would be at a time and place of her choosing and she would execute it in a manner which was appropriate to what he had done. He had made her afraid, made her seem vulnerable and Zana would have no such thing.

She heard the crash and glanced out, trying to see what she could of whatever was creating the noise. It served as a distraction, at least, but Zana knew that - for her - the evening was ruined by yet another Scalvoris man judging her in a manner which was both unfair and unnecessary.

It was becoming, she considered, a pattern and she put the spoon down for the final time as she pushed away her mostly-uneaten bowl of soup.

Objectives Aimed for

Ask a question - asked Prof Freidson, Zoro, Darius and Astra. √
Describe my soup - √
React to Zoro √
Decoration on the envelope. √

Your lights are on, but you're not home
Your will is not your own
You're heart sweats and teeth grind
Another kiss and you'll be mine

[Zoro Astrian]

Even though he did not hear or pay any attention to the man at his table who remonstrated with him regarding his behaviour, Zoro was mortified and immediately flushed a plethora of vibrant pinks. There may even have been one or two bubbles, remnants of the very events which he was remembering and chastising Zana about. He bowed deeply and apologized manfully to all in the room and while that included Zana, it was not specific to her. “I am most frightfully sorry for disturbing your lovely party,” Zoro said. His chin was jutting forward as he made sure that he stood, manfully, and apologized sincerely when in fact the temptation was to run out of the door. “I was carried away by my emotions, I do beg your pardon.”

Zoro had quite obviously embarrassed himself and his concern was genuine. He did not look at Zana specifically when he spoke, and he did not make eye contact with her at all afterwards. Although he remained angry at Delroth he had a sense of growing embarrassment at his own outburst. Turning to Theresa who was approaching him, Zoro repeated his apology to her. “I’m so very sorry to have made a fuss at your lovely party when you’ve worked so hard.” He felt a little unsure of what to say to her question because he didn’t know how or if she could help him. But just then, Zoro was relieved to hear Rakvald’s kind invitation to join the other table.

Addressing Rakvald, Zoro replied “Thank you kind sir, I would be much obliged and honoured to join you.” Zoro scooped up an attractive aquamarine envelop from his previous place setting and he could quite clearly feel the quality of the paper. There was, he noticed, in bold relief an embossed image of a ship. Zoro once again addressed Theresa “Please could I be moved to the other table at this kind gentleman’s invitation? I ordered the bisque.”

Zoro noticed that, throughout this whole turn of events, Maureen was uncharacteristically silent, but Zoro was too wrapped up in his own thoughts to pay it much attention. As he approached his new table, Zoro nodded to Oram and introduced himself to the table. He smiled rather sheepishly and introduced himself, then said with another burst of pinks “I promise to behave myself.”