The Festival of the Gods (Open)

[Deleted]

Kail shrugged a bit on the costume "Eh....the outfit I am wearing is something I got it a few days ago to try and fit in while I am here in the city. The mask though I made myself, I can hide indeffinately....I have to come out sometime" he said and gingerly drank a glass of wine. As the blond did not want to go crazy on the stuff. Lilith then asked where he was staying and desided to tell a partial truth. "Yes there is a safe location that we all went to. But I am not staying with Rivers and the majority of the group. I have my own place....things have been a bit rough overall" he said and munched a bit on some food. That was until another dashing individual came up to the two of them. This man had money like a damn high amount and if Kail was a gambling man. He would guess this man was royalty or a really snobby lord as he more or less blocked him from seeing Lilith. Kail figured that this would be the best time to distance himself from the elven woman.

The blond moved away from his spot on the tree and tried to find another good spot to gaze about the crowd of people. It was the same as the winter ball he went to near the beginning of the year. He could not connect with the majority of the people. As he was from another world no matter what it seemed like there were a lot of the upper class here. Even back on earth this was still not his place, but yet he still came. Overall perhaps he wanted to have somekind of human contact with others. But the overall fear of the Fated and if he would be hunted and hanged or beheaded in the morning. This time around the blond would try and give this a better shot and tried to stick around. How could he connect with these people around him.

[Roxanne]

The news of the Festival of the Gods had reached far and wide throughout the kingdom, including Gallow's Bane, the secret Fated community. A certain red headed half demon took delight in the opportunity to get out and mingle. She was eager to see more of this version of Nova, so different and yet so much the same but she’d never been to the castle in either place. So, when she arrived in the courtyard, she was in awe of the sight before her. It was absolutely gorgeous with all the flowers and ponds. The atmosphere was perfect, almost dreamy and none of the animals were jumpy or fled from the noisy crowd. She knew Aria was still around in the castle, last she heard, and wondered if the talented demi-goddess had a hand in it all.

Roxanne’s dress trailed a little behind her as she walked sedately amongst the wisteria, making her way towards the refreshments, helping herself to a glass of wine and some of the food. The half demon admired some of the other costumes she saw, some of which had more obvious themes than others. She had decided to go with a theme more familiar to the locals here, a Raul.

Her dress was long and sleek, hugging her curves and accentuating her toned figure. The top was a halter style, with a V neck, and the skirt belled out at the bottom, creating the short train that flowed over the grass behind her. The dress was predominantly green, starting as a sort of spring grass color at the top and transitioning to a deeper emerald green at the bottom. What looked like wings protruded from the back of the dress, made of fabric and tiny, flexible rods. The fabric for the dress and wings actually appeared to be made of scales that glinted where they caught the light. Her mask was designed in the image of the Raul, cat like, matching in color with her dress and covering most of her face. She had her hair half up, so it wasn’t falling to it’s usual length but was still long, brushing her hips and falling naturally around the wings.

[Rivers]

As the women and Diamond began to converse another individual sauntered by with a smile on his face, though it was hidden behind his mask. The man looked to be about six foot and he wore a fine white linean shirt under a light green vest with a long green coat embroidered with a scene of birds and flowers on the back. This had ended up costing Rivers a pretty penny. His pants were a pristine white that tucked into a green and white trimmed boots. Over his face was was a harlequin mask with silvers bells.

Melda would be able to recognize the feeling that Chasm had given off when they had encountered each other. He stops to look at he group then after a moments hesitation decided to continue down the staircase until he was on the main floor. Rivers was not quite sure what he wanted to achieve by being here, in truth it seemed like an unnecessary risk. A simple soul borne by the wind to wherever it may wish. He muses to himself as a black crow perches on a nearby window case to watch the young fool.

Rivers could feel the presence of the tunnels he had given out. For a brief moment, in the presence of all three given pieces he considered drawing them back so that he could once again feel whole, but too many were still missing for even that to be achieved.

For a brief moment he considers going to say hello to Seanait and Claire, but his better judgment gets the better of him and he instead opts to take a seat by the reflecting pond and to simply observe for the time being.

[Deleted]

Finn was broken from his revelry of the bird song by the feel of a gaze on his back. He turns and looks up, briefly locking eyes with the individual who had apparently been watching him for some time. Bah, why be worried, isn't it at very specifically this celebration we are supposed to enjoy ourselves in anonymity? He wonders and then rises back to his feet to rejoin the peerage. After several more long insufferable conversations about how he went about creating his costume with several folks seeming to try and gauge the rank of who they were talking to Finn saw a hope of salvation.

Upon seeing Castille and Seanait he raised a hand and once he caught Shy's attention gave a more or less understandable military signal that said 'meet up for drinks later'. With some hopefully pleasant company likely at the end of the ball he steeled himself for more of the court conversations. Finn did an excellent job of deflecting awkward questions and being gracious and knightly and he found it funny that because he was doing a good job the conversations were only getting longer.

Finally he worked his way to the stairs where he managed to politely disengage himself from conversation with someone he was pretty sure was a merchant lord and wandered up to the group with the woman who had been staring at him.

When he reached the group he saw that there were now two other women and a man. He made a quick appraisal of the group out of habit. None woman seemed to carry a weapon and the man, who carried himself like he had seen combat, looked familiar. After a few moments of pondering he came to realize who it was. Finn made the sign of Mylee and gave a slight bow in acknowledgment of the man's rank. Any man of war knew that you only slighted the gods or their champions at your own peril.

“Good evening, would you all mind if I joined you for a while? Fear I might get pulled back into my prior conversation if I continue to wander alone.” He requests in a very familiar apologetic tone. Finn made no attempt to obscure his voice. Though it would be difficult to tell who he was by appearance, but for those who knew him the uncomfortable glance down the stairs and the shifting that brought his hands to rest on a sword that was not there was unmistakable.

[Deleted]

As Claire and Seanait walked through the hall they would find themselves coming face to face with a dark skinned man wearing a fine black shirt, pants and vest. His blood red mask seemed to call attention to his ruby eyes as his gaze fell on the two. Scooping up a nearby wine glass he made his way towards them, though calling his movements a walk would not have encapsulated it correctly. The dark man flowed towards the pair a tight lipped smile on his face.

Greetings mine champion. Says a rasping voice inside of Seanait's mind.

Outwardly the man nods and says in a voice smooth and rich as chocolate. “A pleasure to meet you both again. I am glad to see that you are both well, and that you have come here. I will hold you long, but I an anxious to know if my gifts performed to expectation.”

[Deleted]

Preparations 

The sound of the bed had called her, and woe to her for she had answered gleefully! She had been asked to decorate earlier that morn, she had gleefully accepted, it sounded fun and she was itching for a creative task. Of course the task had left her feeling expended. So she thought it would be fine to take a small cat nap before the party. Of course that little cat nap ended up being much longer then what she had intended. When her eyes opened the sun had already its decent and the party begun to get underway…and here she was still dressed in her simple dress from this morn!

There was a whirlwind amount of movement as Aria rushed about her room to get ready. She brushed her hair out and braided just the sides of her hair in a French braid that pulled it half her hair up and ended in a bun that sat on top of her head. While the rest cascaded down one shoulder in soft waves. In her hair she placed a gold oriental hair pin, which jutted out from the bun. It was an ornate piece of work, curling up into a gold phoenix with rubies fitted into the tail feathers that fanned up in a half moon. Off of the tail feathers of the hair pin, three tear drop fire stones hung from a fine gold chain. A portion of the hair pin could be removed, as it became a very fine dagger. But one would be hard pressed to notice it as anything but a fancy hair ornament. Really not a hair was out of place this evening. This was one of those occasions that Aria applied makeup, she edged her eyes with kohl, and painted her eye lids gold fading out into red at the edges. Her lips were done in a dark blood red, while her skin smooth as porcelain. She illusioned away her scar; leaving the look of baby soft skin. She wore a ruby earring in each earlobe, while her left ear also sported an ornate gold cuff, bringing attention to her delicately pointed ears.

Aria got into her gown as well; now the gown was a piece of work. She has bought it while out with Lucinda and Melda. During their shopping spree; it was a gorgeous gown on its own but Aria had added her own embellishments to the dress….and Rivers would have his wish that she be in red. The dress was a deep crimson fit and flare dress; that hugged her body and hips slightly before flared out into a loose flowy fabric. It emphasize her thin hour glass figure. The crimson fabric started dark at the top and faded into a lighter brighter shade. The straps of her dress were done in an ornate gold lace that looked like a mix of feathers and flowers; slowly transforming into gold jeweled flowers that fallowed the hem of her dress. The bodice was made and embroidered with gold colored beads. Near her breasts the material upon close inspection was neatly layered red feathers; with a small golden shimmer to them. Her skirt which was a loose and flowing fabric was crimson layered many times; the material had a light gold shimmer to it as well. The most stunning part of the dress, was the train. Starting from just below the plunging back, amazing long phoenix feathers made up the train. Layered to mimic a phoenix glorious plumage. Much like a peacocks, the phoenix feathers featured an eye like pattern at the tip. The feathers themselves were a deep red that faded into a bright gold at tips. In fact the feathers would actually seem to be from a phoenix. Underneath the plumage another set of fabric extent out in a flame line pattern. When she moved, a little magic on her part, the fabric seem to be a lit with flames. Gold flowers also decorated the train; tying it in nicely with the top of the dress.

A bracelet of small golden flowers was placed on her wrist; and her shoes….well her shoed would most likely be uncomfortable tonight. But they were gold and very ornate; the metal work being in layers, decorated with flowers, and a small feather like design. They were really a work of art, she had lavished praise on the crafter. They really were very pretty; and they fit her dress wonderfully. Finally almost ready she grabbed her mask and secured it to her face. It was a gold colored cat eyed mask, which covered only the upper portion of her face. It was decorated sparsely on one side, which flared out into a wing like patter wrought in gold. On the other side a grand phoenix arched around her right eye, the wings and bird had what looked like rubies decorating it.

Once she was satisfied with herself, well as satisfied as she could be. She really didn’t feel like herself in this grand get up. She looked older….more ….well Granny and Ven in her time would be proud. She walked over to her door and took a deep breath; she really didn’t like large events like this. Even while done up in a costume….something always went wrong….always. But she was already late, the party was underway and the court yard was on the other side of the castle. She quickly made her way through the castle, her heels clicking as she went. She bit her lip; hoping she wasn’t noticed for being late yet….perhaps it was time for a short cut? She could just pop up in a nice quiet corner unnoticed.

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At the Festival 

Close to the middle of the court yard, a large flame erupted in the middle of the room. A figure appeared in the flame as it swirled down; flaring her dress around her in a glorious display. Aria stood her hands coming to rest in front of her as she took on a regal bearing; as though she completely meant to do that. Her blue green eyes came to rest on a man that according to her birds was crushing the décor. Her eyes narrowed.

”Please don’t crush the flowers; it’s disrespectful”

With that she turned on her heal, her skirts flying around her; flames seeming to still be living around the hems as she moved. Quickly and quietly she made her way over to the food table; quite ready to go hide under it….really REALLY she didn’t mean to show up in the middle of the room. Despite her calm appearance her heart was racing; this was worse than fainting in Nokus arms last ball.

[Deleted]

True. Dangerous as it is, hiding away will do no one any good. Come by the library some time— No one has to know you’re there, and it’s like a couple hours of freedom. Lilith smiled gently, wishing there was more for her to do, to help her friends. When Kail said there was a safe place for him, but it was away from the rest of the group, Lilith looked a bit worried, though it was hard to tell from behind the mask. Okay… Well, just be careful, okay?— She had planned on going on, trying to push as to where they were staying, but someone interrupted her. She looked over, her eyes falling on a man nearly all in white. She looked stunned as he moved suddenly, offering his hand and asking her to dance. His voice was silky and smooth, and she was sure she’d never heard it before. She was at a loss for words for a moment, and looked to Kail for advice, but he had somehow vanished. Made sense, any one here dressed as amazingly as this man was, must be important, and Kail had to avoid important.

Lilith’s lilac eyes turned back to the mans, resting on his own, and she bit her lip nervously. Surely Sima wouldn’t mind if she danced? It was, after all a festival— it wasn’t her fault he couldn’t come… Lilith hesitantly placed her hand in his nodding her head. I would be delighted to. Her voice remained as usual, soft and shy. She hadn’t a clue who this man was, but she was here to have fun, so why not? And he was dressed so stunningly… 

Lilith went with him, but her eyes were drawn to the giant flame in the middle of the room, when it died down, she heard a voice and wanted to face palm. Well, Aria certainly did know how to make an entrance...

[Deleted]

When a woman approached her, Melda felt the need to be formal, as though the woman were more important than half the people in the room currently. Why thank you, you look magnificent yourself! Melda curtsied lightly, keeping the formalities up, just in case. 

When the woman next to her spoke, Melda instantly recognized her as Lucinda, and a soft smile came on her face. So Aria had done the decorating? Mel looked around the room. Well done Aria, well done. The woman certainly had amazing taste. I must agree, this room is spectacular. I’ve never seen anything like it When Diamond joined in as well, Melda looked over him, nodding her appricaiance of his attire. She’d been worried he’d simply buy a mask and be done with it, but she was glad he took part in the formal attire, as everyone else. You look dashing. And no apology needed here. Have fun. She nudged his arm lightly, not using his name just in case. His hair did give things away, but people who did not know him would be there. Feel free to roam around. As long as you can protect me from afar, you do not need to stay by my side this evening.

Melda stood there for a moment, enjoying the company of Lucinda, Diamond and the Goddess Ai, when she felt the familiar presence of the wind, and looked up the stairs to see a man coming down them. She kept her eyes on him as he walked away, remembering the servant who she’d spoken to. She had no reason to approach him now. However, a couple moments later, yet another man approached their small group, requesting to join them. I see no problem with it. Melda knew that voice, but had no clue who it belonged to. Due to all the people talking to her, she missed the Kings entrance, but had no choice but to stare at the fire in the middle of the room. She glanced at Lucinda when the fire died down, and unmistakable red hair was visible. Quite the entrance…

[Rivers]

Rivers can't help but find himself laughing softly at the pillar of flame that suddenly emerged in the middle of the room. There weren't many around who could do such a thing and only one who would do it in this setting. As Aria emerged from the pillar the well dressed man in the laughing mask walked over to food and drinks table to see the girl.

“Milady, that was a marvelous entrance,” he greeted, silvers bells ringing softy as he moved over to her and piked ups a plate of apple slices. Delicately using a fork he took pieces of the slices and raised beneath his mask into his mouth.

“I usually pride myself on showman ship but you certainly outdid me here I must say.” He says voice full of admiration. Though the tone of the voice would be familiar, though the cadence and accent were different Aria would this was Rivers as surely as if he were not wearing a disguise at all. He pats softly at the rustling bottom of his coat to calm it and gives the girl the first careful look over since...how long had it been? A month at least.

“How is life at the castle these days?” He asks, not entirely able to hide a hint of concern from his voice.

[Deleted]

The scholar entered the Ball and looked around. In truth Locke had little inclination to be here. He found that he disliked these parties, though the anonymity was pleasant. He appreciated people not knowing who he was, and recently there had been a few too many people approaching him and calling him out on his identity. None the less, he needed to be here and the wheel he had set in motion needed to be watched.

The scholar had come in a comparatively simple outfit. He wore fine brown cotton pants and a fine brown suede vest with a forest green sash. His was a simple silver half moon the covered the top of his face and under his arm was a large crimson tome.

He walked in amongst a group and walked in short measured strides with a relaxed but hesitant posture. Blinking several times in the dim light then gazing about, his eyes falling on his two peers in the room as well as several of the champions. A grand gathering, as always.

He walked over to a nearby corner and opened the book having no desire to seek out companionship and being content to simply be present.

[Ai]

Ai bowed her head in thanks, and listened with interest as Lucinda explained a woman decorated. Ai glanced around once more, there definitely was a lot of symbolism here.

”It most certainly does send a powerful message, down below there is a plant that seems to represent every one of the pantheon. Ferns for magic, which I assume is for Caster, Nasturtiums for conquest and victory in battle, I assume that ones for Helena. Tasteful, considering the flower named for her is often used for insults….poor dear. Anemone’s can symbolize death, she’s found a very nice dark shade of them to. Globe Amaranth, it can mean immortality or unfading love; really it could be a symbol for either Mylee or Ai. Yellow Hyacinths, symbolizing the death of nature and its revival, a wonderful tribute to Zepon and Mylee’s connection. Yellow Iris’s for passion, a clear meaning there. The Blue Lotus in the water represent knowledge.”

Her eyes continued to scan the room, still picking out the subtle little symbolism. Mylee was going to adore all of this. Suddenly she noticed some tiny little purple blossoms skirting around the edges. She clapped her hands and laughed.

” Lucerne for life; wonderful. Numerous roses, which hold quite a few meanings depending on the color. Rue flowers; the little white ones are for new beginnings; I assume it’s to symbolize the new starts of the fated that have been brought here. There actually planted quite close to Flax flowers which symbolize Fate. Teleska is represented by the animals. The wisteria can mean both devotion and welcome. Quite appropriate that the Wisteria is above us, symbolizing devotion to the entire pantheon. There are also numerous Larkspurs I assume that is for his Majesties birthday due to the fact it’s this month’s birth flower.”

Ai chuckled as she learned that the one who arranged all of this was Sadens Champion. How very fitting; it was surprising to have a fated girl so knowledgeable about the symbolism. She had to say she was jealous over Sadens Champion this year….hers unfortunately didn’t represent her very well…Ai nodded her head in the man in the eastern garb who joined them. She looked on in approval as another man came and bowed to whom she now presumed was Mylees champion. Really he ought to have come greeted his relative…. Whom became his champion no less. But alas he was so busy lately. It was a wonder that she got him to agree to come here at all….IF he came….Really where was that man. Suddenly a flame erupting in the middle of the ballroom drew her attention, quite surprised. She laughed and then clapped; really it was a grand entrance indeed. She would like to see if it would be topped tonight.

”Quite an entrance indeed!...oh my…”

She frowned behind her mask; crushing flowers especially tonight with what they symbolized was in bad taste.

[Sima Oratio]

Sima found himself at this ball, knowing quite well that it was not smart to be here. He didn't quite care at this current moment, there was a very small chance he would in fact get caught. No one knew that he was fated, perhaps some guessed, or assumed, but only two knew for sure. He made his way through the others, having been at the ball for quite some time. Most of Sima's attention was distracted by the others, however he found it hard to pinpoint any person out. He made his way through to where he found himself paying attention to a pair of two. The man he noticed was dressed quite nicely, and as he eyed the outfit he could tell it had to be expensive. Sima's outfit was nice, but almost nothing in comparison. 

Then Sima realized who he was asking to dance. "Lilith.?" He whispered under his breath. This is when it became clear, he could smell her scent now, when before everything was hidden among the various smells of the ball room.. mostly perfume. Sima first felt his heart drop, as if he had been betrayed. Although it was not necessarily the case, it was not a good feeling to see someone you love accepting a dance from another individual. He couldn't help his rush of emotions, he didn't like the image, he didn't like the thought, he was for all purposes jealous. Sima sifted through the scents to see if he could recognize this ones, but it didn't seem to be anyone that he could recall. Whoever they were, they were dancing with the person Sima loved.

Be it innocent fun, or something more, it sat horribly in his stomach. Sima didn't care who this man was, he was the one that had wanted to dance with Lilith, in fact, one of his favorite past times was dancing, how could he refuse a ball? He looked down at the ring that Lilith had given him, the one that kept his power in check, kept him safe. It was a thoughtful gift, a memento of something far more though, a memory. Sima wanted to talk to the other people, see them, interact, make friends, see Lilith's friends. However, upon noticing the two, he found himself too caught up in his own feelings to care about the rest. Sima walked toward the two, purposely staying in the male's blind spot.  

When he arrived a flurry of options flew through his head, but when he reacted, it was like he already decided on what he was doing before he made his way there. He stepped purposely between the two, making his presence known to both parties. "I apologize, but I was promised a dance quite some time ago. I have been waiting quite eagerly to dance with her, ever since I met her, so if you wouldn't mind, I would like to take this dance."  Sima wanted to reach for Lilith's hand with all his heart, but he kept his body from doing so. "If you'd like you can have the next dance, but I can't let this one go." Sima reached for her hand, finally attempting to grasp it. Upon doing so, he tried to pull her away, quickly, he wanted to give them little time to react to his words, instead he wanted to push Lilith to the dance floor with him, to talk, but mostly so he could dance, dance with the person he felt he should be dancing with. 

[Lucinda Noru]

More and more people continued to arrive at the ball as Lucinda watched and made mental guesses at their costume themes. That was until the handsome gentleman in red suddenly seemed to notice her staring and made his way over. The princess blushed, which was visible since her mask didn’t cover the lower half of her face, and her eyes shifted to her feet. As he asked if he could join their conversation, looked back up, having managed to find her composure in that minute. “Of course, your company would be most welcome. Are you not enjoying yourself then?” she said, smiling. Something about his voice seemed quite familiar and she looked at him for a moment, puzzled. It was his eyes that eventually gave him away and she gave him gentle smile, wanting almost to grant him a reassuring touch but restraining herself.

Ai started to go into detail then about the different flowers and such and Lucinda turned to listen, a clear appreciation on her face. She was glad that Aria paid so much attention to the gods and goddesses. Someone in this kingdom really needed to before they got angry and cursed Teair or something. “I personally appreciate all the attention she pays to the pantheon. It’s something I’ve found lacking here in Teair, which is disappointing at least and appalling at most. We made sure she’s been properly rewarded for her efforts,” she said, still unaware that she was speaking to one of the pantheon currently.

Her attention was distracted by a large flame erupting in the middle of the room and a figure appeared. Once the fire died down, she got a better look at the person whom she immediately pegged as Aria and the dress, which was gorgeous. She nodded in agreeance with Melda’s conclusion about the entrance. “Very grand, indeed. Though, I wonder if she meant to do that?” she asked, the question more rhetorical than anything.

[Deleted]

Olivia stopped at the entrance of the court yard with her mouth gaped. The beauty and wealth of this place had taken her breath away! Compared to her TerraFell; Nova had surpassed it in every step. It was simply gorgeous and by far the best kept kingdom she had ever seen in her life time. To any outsider this display of the ‘Festival of the Gods’ had outdone any she had seen by far. Whoever had done this was surely a master of the craft and served their king proud; for the decorations and the castle lit up at night showed Olivia just how much Nova demanded respect and power. This caused her heart to skip a beat. The realization finally setting in…. Far from home this one was and in the lion’s den of politics and foreign nobles. Into the court yard the maiden wandered in like a lost lamb within a sea of themed animals, costumes and colors.

Olivia’s dress was a simple pale plum gown with no straps. The design of a silver rose stood out as a center piece in-between her bosoms. With branches of what looked like silver thorns trimmed the outer edges of the torso of her dress. She also had a matching pale plum colored ribbon tied around her neck along with matching laced up open toe slippers for her feet. Her hair was shoulder length and its chocolate brown waves of locks kissed at her dark sun baked cheeks. Her eyes pale like the moon stood out against the shimmering white gems placed so carefully on her face to create the illusion of a mask.

Her eyes following along the heads of the people, feeling slightly out of place within such a crowd of strangers. How was she supposed to find the king in an event such as this? She pondered to herself before her eyes had been drawn to the center of the room. There a young woman made a grand entrance captivating the focus of the court yard for a few moments. Perhaps a deity she had never seen before? Or maybe a noble who wanted to make themselves known. The possibilities were endless and it just left Olivia eating it up for more. These Novian’s were strange and fascinating indeed. Olivia wondered while her hands clasped in front of her dress. Her eyes trailing after the woman as she watched her leave the center of the room to a group of people. Meanwhile the dance floor was beginning to fill up and the court yard soon became up lifted with elegant music for those who wished to dance.

[Deleted]

Kail had distanced himself and then saw the flames and explosions and it seemed that today Fate had became his backer on luck. As he knew that was Aria in some degree and saw her run over to the food table. The blond was never religious before even in his own world but it seemed that someone above was favoring him. He then walks by the dance floor and sees Lilith dancing with the noble and then someone had desided to bump in and take the dance from there. Kail had to chuckle a bit and then walked away until he saw a woman that looked rather lost. Would helping her be a good thing for him? So far he had been trusting his gut every step of the way. It had been good so far and was going to keep it like that. The blond walked over to Olivia and as he got closer he did see that she was dressed up real fancy like some of the other noble women there at the Festival. "You seem a bit lost miss, can't find everyone through this sea of personas" he asked her. Kail figured that if he could break the ice on this question.

He had hoped that good fortune was coming his way at a good pace. Since the blond needed it a lot as it was needed for this rather unforgiving world of Nova.