Vlad's Last Minute Party

[Vladimir Steel]

It was not often that Count Vladimir Steel made the trip to Nova for business. But when he did, he always threw a party. So the first two days of him being in the city had been spent preparing for the sudden event. The first day he had gone to The Merchant District, successfully ordering last minute food, entertainment, and decorations. He also had last minute invitations sent out to every person of nobility and royalty in range of the event that he could think of and encouraged them to invite their colleagues, just in case he forgot anybody.

The next day he arrived at The Guild District to rent the usual guild hall that he always rented, last minute, when he was in town. He believed that almost any space could be turned into a grand ball room with the proper supplies, and this had always been the perfect fit for his spontaneous plans. Within hours the guild hall had been transformed. A buffet table along one wall filled to the brim with gourmet Hors d'Oeuvres, deserts, and other tasty treats. Well suited servants standing by with silver platters to run around and cater food and wine to guests. A small platform had been set up in a corner for the orchestra to perform. In one area a makeshift lounge had been created with comfortable chairs and chaise lounges for those who wished to sit and relax. And in the center a large dance floor had been set up for inevitable dancing. Any empty space was filled with some flowery arrangement, sculpture, fancy lighting, or a well placed drape.

It had almost been a full hour since the party had started and Vladimir was just finishing getting dressed in a room outside of the grand entryway made in front of the guild hall. This was not new however, Vladimir also believed in fashionably late entrances, not to mention he also took forever finding just the right outfit. He had finally chosen fitted black trousers and knee high leather boots accented in silver. The boots and trousers were overlain by a fitted black velvet, long sleeved, high necked tunic embroidered with silver vines and red leaves. The tunic had been belted with a black leather belt with a silver buckle, he also wore soft leather gloves, and as always his large family crest ring. Checking himself over one last time in a full length mirror, he decided he was ready to make his grand entrance.

When he entered, the orchestra was hushed and the conversation from the guests had quieted. Vladimir smiled crookedly and adjusted his glasses by pushing them up the bridge of his nose, "Ladies and Gentlemen thank you so much for coming out tonight to attend this little get together at such short notice. For those of you who might not recognize me, I am Count Vladimir Steel the Third of The Eastern Marshlands of Palico. But enough of titles and introductions. Please, make yourselves at home and enjoy yourselves, we have plenty of food to eat, wine to drink, and music to dance to."

With that the music instantly started back up as did conversation and Vladimir stepped out to greet his guests. This was when his feet decided to fail him and he tripped over them, nearly falling on his face. Thankfully there was a servant handy and he grabbed onto the poor mans shoulder tightly to steady himself. Once upright again he cleared his throat, brushing the mans shoulder off, pretending as if nothing had happened, even though half of the hall had witnessed it. Straightening his glasses again, he plucked a glass of wine off the servant's platter that miraculously had not crashed to the floor, took a large drink, and proceeded to walk off from the scene.

[Deleted]

Ansley was surprised when a messenger came with a letter; delighted to find it was an invitation to a dance! Oh how she loved dances; however the party itself was such short notice! Not even time to write a proper letter of attendance. But despite for the breech in traditional party etiquette she honestly could not in good conscious turn up an opportunity to go dancing. She rushed her servants off to go prepare; instantly going to her wardrobe to pick out an outfit for the evening festivities. She would have to pick and old dress; usually she would have a new one made for such events. She sifted through her collections of gowns; and came to the horrific conclusion that the invite did not state the form of dress! Was it a small get together or a grand ball? The currier had said he was delivering these to all the nobles within the area. Which presented a large problem. If she were to go over dressed and a noble of higher rank then herself showed up in a more casual set it would seem she was putting on airs of a higher rank…that was horribly rude and in bad form. If she erred on the more casual side and others did not she would seem awfully sloppy…Oh dear….this was a sticky situation.

She sent a couple of her servants to go see if the other servants might know what their mistresses would be wearing to the party. It would do her no good to choose an outfit until she knew what others may be wearing. A whole hour was wasted that could have been spent preparing by the time her servants came back. But at least she had an idea of what to wear; she went back to her closet. It was winter; but it would soon be spring. She picked a lovely little number that had a nice springy feel to it. It was pink of course; her favorite color. It had a tight corset bodice with a low square neckline. It was toeing the line of scandalous but still acceptable. She made sure to pair the neckline with a pretty beaded necklace accented with pearls and turquoise beads with a pink ruby drop that subtly drew the eye downward. The bodice hugged her curves tightly and made her already small waistline seem smaller. Bits and edges of her dress was lined with white lace; it had cute little puffs over her shoulders which extended down into long form fitting sleeves. There were turquoise and gold embellishments on the sleeve caps which matched her beaded necklace perfectly. The dress was completed with a pretty matching headpiece.

Ansley put the finishing touches to her hair; it was placed in soft curls and pined back. She put on some pearl earrings that matched her necklace and slipped on embellished silk slippers that had a slight heal. She pulled on a light fur lined cloak; it was lined with white furs with a lovely light pink fabric on the other side. Once she was dressed she made her way to a horse drawn carriage that would bring her to the party.

The party itself was very well done; especially with such short notice. It was tastefully decorated and a decent spread was put out. Ansley found a nice seat in the corner; taking out a decorative hand fan and fanning herself idly. Their host made an appearance; she had seen him in the courts once or twice but had never been properly introduced. Oh he was a handsome specimen; but oh my …..Just a bit clumsy. She hid a smile behind her hand fan as she watched him casually brush it off.

[Deleted]

Melda seemed to be wrapped around Arias pretty finger, cause she got roped into attending a party she hadn’t meant to attend. She knew very well who the host was, and going by rumour, he wasn’t Melda’s type. He was goofy, and so undignified in public. It made her skin crawl. But Aria had asked nicely, and Melda wasn’t really given a choice.

She was not given a dress code, so Melda decided to wear her latest purchase. It was a shimmering gold colour, in a bell ballgown style. The sleeves were long, painted black and gold, and from her shoulders hung sleeve skirts, reaching the floor with her hem line. The bodice was tight, bringing her figure to the light with a square neckline. On her collarbone she war a simple but stunning silver necklace, and wore matching rings. Her silver hair was done mostly up, with braids pinned in various patterns around her head, with only stray pieces floating about. Her skin was natural as she chose not to put random things on her face.

Melda arrive shortly after Ansley, having left at a similar time, with Diamond beside her. Shortly after, the host made his appearance, oh so debonaire. Melda had to refrain from rolling her eyes. Diamond, feel free to wander, just keep an eye out. You know what to do… Melda sighed, not remembering how she agreed to such a debacle. So far there was no sign of Aria. She doubted the red head had backed out, but if she had Melda would rain hell on her. Melda moved to a table and grabbed herself a drink, waiting for a familiar face. Normally she would just socialize with Diamond, but at a public event, something could be seen in a light it was not.

[Deleted]

Diamond had cursed slightly when he heard his employer had gotten a invite for a fancy party. He thought that with him as her bodyguard that the mercenary did not need to get dressed up all fancy. It seemed that Fate was giving him the finger in this sense. The only thing he had that was nice, was the outfit he worn for the masked event. Unlike that event he would not need a mask. Plus he could be armed for the event and well get away with it. So he doned the black hakama pants, the purple top, and a purple sash around his waist where he had both of his katanas placed in. He also wore a nice pair of Novian boots under the pants even though he could wear the sandels and tabi socks. There was still a light chill in the air so he would still like to keep warm. He also tied his hair back into a low hanging tail. To at least look a bit tidy as his boss claimed as his hair was normally kept down and wild looking. Diamond gave his boss a nod of his head when she gave him the order to wander about. But understood that he was on the job. He went off to get some food since it was available and would only have a bit of it. Since the food of the nobility in Nova was really good. But it was at times heavy and did not want to over indulge on it.

As the white haired mercenary walked about many gave a slight bow or moved slightly out of the way. As his title of being Mylee's Champion gave some weight and gave him a psudo rank of nobility. Since champions were considered for the most part somewhat spiritual figures. That and his fourin garb, along with the fact that he had subdued the King while he was enraged. With nothing then his hands to strike him down. Diamond just grabbed a few pieces of finger food and some wine to parch his dry mouth. Although he was looking for something a bit stronger then the wine. If Aria was going to make the sceen there would be some chaos to be had. Although with this kind of event it would be a bad thing if that redhead did her normal hijinx that he had seen out in the springs so often.

[Deleted]

Acacia was quite ecstatic to receive the last minute invitation. After all, she hadn't been in the courts very long herself and so, was delighted that she hadn't been overlooked. On the other hand, it was annoying that she didn't have time to properly respond or even shop for a dress. She paced around her room, sighing and huffing, as she thought about what to wear. The dress code wasn't listed so it was a delicate predicament for the young baroness who had to be careful not to dress above her station.

She wandered into her closet and dug around for an hour or so, pulling one dress after another, trying it on, and dismissing it.Too dressy, Too summery, Too short, Not dressy enough, this one had no sleeves, that one had holes. Really what were those doing in here? She shook her head and set that last one to the side to be mended. Turning back to the task at hand, Acacia finally settled on a lovely, sort of bluish purple dress that would be not too hot but not too cool. Just right. She did her makeup first, dusting her eyelids in a lavender shadow and lining them with charcoal, applying a gloss to her lips. She picked out a set of drop earrings, each one made up of a gold disc with an amethyst set in the middle and hanging from that a second amethyst.

Having done that, the young baroness finally put her clothes on. It was a long, bluish purple dress that would almost sweep the floor as she walked. The top was long sleeved and corseted with a sweetheart neckline, a lace collar, and a sheer panel over the top of her chest and upper back. It was laced from her mid back down with lavender colored ribbon. The neckline had a ruffled edge that was also lavender in color. The tops of the sleeves were poufy and lined at the edge with lace. Around her waist and hips, a layer of darker purple taffeta roses that cascaded down the back to make up a layer of the skirts. The front of the skirt had two layers that created a sort of sash affect, the upper most layer matching the color of the roses while the under layer was lighter. She wore matching gloves and pumps. Her hair was pinned back on one side with a lovely rose ornament that had a corsage look almost. The rest was left to brush her mid back in its natural wavy glory. Her bangs, of course, were left down. (Same dress as her avy)

Satisfied that she was properly presentable, Baroness Acacia exited the castle and took her carriage to the party. Upon arrival, she was rather impressed. The whole room looked marvelous and it appeared to be a very well put together party, especially for being so last minute. The music was nice, the food looked good, everyone was chatting and having a good time. She had, of course, arrived on time and so was present for Count Vladimir's welcome speech and clumsy stage exit. Acacia hid her amusement behind a glass of wine she plucked from a nearby server tray. He was very handsome at least and apparently threw good parties, so two points so far. Still, he didn't seem her type so she shrugged him off mentally.

Her eyes wandered the crowd, keeping an eye out for anyone she might recognize and have to curtsy for. Appearances and formality were very important at such events, especially for a young baroness. Speaking of baronesses and formality, there was Lady Ansley. Acacia smiled and made her way over to her friend. "Greetings, Lady Ansely. How are you enjoying the party so far?" she asked, "Have you seen any of the higher nobility? I think I spotted Duchess Vanya a moment ago." Her composure was flawless but her eyes looked a bit nervous at the prospect of being around so many other nobles. After all, she'd never been to the court before.

[Deleted]

Aria groaned as she read the letter that had come for her; it was a party. She was not fond of these events. However her new position made it so that it would be rude of her not to at least make an appearance. More so since she recognized the name to belong to Palico. Aria had avoided most of the parties in Palico; claiming she was busy with the drakes. But seeing how it was just one flight she was overseeing while she was here; her time opened up considerably. Aria sighed knowing she would have to suck it up and at least attend one of these things; but like hell if she was going to suffer alone. Aria made a beeline to go see her favorite duchess. Somehow Aria convince her to attend. Aria also made an attempt to ask Garrett if he’d be willing to go with her. Frankly he was busy so she had to leave him a note; but hopefully he would get it and attend as well. The party would be bearable with him as her partner.

Aria arrived at the party alone; she hadn’t gotten a response from Garrett. Which was a bit disappointing. She had been hoping he’d come but no signs of him yet. She sighed a bit looking around trying to spot anyone she might know. Aria was looking elegant; her hair was pinned back in intricate braids. Small ringlets of hair escaping her braids to frame her face which was delicately painted up. Aria had lined her eyes with kohl and painted her lips a light rosy pink. Her ballroom cut dress was soft flowing silk just a couple of shades darker then her blue green eyes. The only decoration on the dress was gold embroidery along the sweet heart neckline which branched off into an off the shoulder design. The bodice was fitted in a corset style and hugged her curves; her bell like sleeves were made out of an opaque white silk with another layer of white that was fitted more closely to her arms. It was a very nice dress; and she did look lovely in it. The only thing that marred her appearance was the ever present scar that blazed across her face.

Aria glanced up as their host made his appearance; her eyebrow arching at the display. Apparently this might be a more interesting party then she first expected it to be. Aria continued her search through the crowd to find a familiar face; if she didn’t spot someone soon she’d just do her best impression of blending into the wall.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda couldn't help but roll her eyes when she got the invitation from Vlad. Of course, she knew she had to make an appearance at least. He was from her court and he'd never let her hear the end of it if she didn't. Sighing, the princess headed into her closet to grab the most appropriate thing she could find. It was a long dress, dragging the ground a bit as she walked, with long sleeves. Mostly a dark ocean blue in color, with a sweetheart neckline and poufy shoulders. The bodice has a mostly white pattern embroidered on it, large diamonds, which continues down the front of the skirt, bordered by gold threading. The hem is gold as well with a cloud and stars pattern around the edge. The princess pinned her hair up carefully in an elegant style, leaving her bangs to frame her face which was painted.

She took a carriage to the party, arriving just in time to hear Vladimir give his speech and then watch him stumble, hiding her amusement behind an elegant hand fan that matched her dress. Lucinda mingled among the guests, grabbing a glass of wine and sampling a few of the provided goodies.

[Vladimir Steel]

Vladimir although the social butterfly decided to take a moment to walk silently around the dance hall, trying to ignore the snickers from his guests. He sipped his wine and scoped out the people around him. He noticed a couple of ladies talking in the lounge corner, a red headed woman he didn't quite recognized, and then there was Melda. He recognized her from other social events but had never met her personally. To Vladimir she had always seemed a bit sour, thus he decided to steer clear. As he turned to go in the opposite of direction of the silver haired woman he almost ran into silver haired man. Stepping back Vladimir cleared his throat, trying not to fall over himself, again. The man was slightly intimidating, and he did not give off the noble vibe the other men around him were. He seemed a bit sour, kind of like Melda. "My apologies, it seems that I have two left feet on me this evening, excuse me." With that he stepped aside and continued his stroll finishing off his glass of wine. 

Vladimir had just passed a gaggle of giggling girls trying to catch the eye of a group of men on the other side of the room, when he caught the sight of a familiar face. A wide smile split across his face and he set his empty glass on a passing server's tray and grabbed a fresh one before making his way over. He stepped up behind her and chuckled, "Well if it isn't Princess Lucy Lu! So glad you could make an appearance! How long has it been? What does it matter, either way it's been way to long. The important question is. How have you been M'Lady?"

[Deleted]

Ansley pulled her gaze from the count when he began to walk the room; it would do her no good to be caught staring. Instead she scanned the rest of the crowd; Lady Vanya had arrived with a man that looked quite intimidating. He was the champion of Mylee if she remembered right. But why so many weapons to such a fair gathering? It seemed a bit out of place; and a bit nerve racking. Was there a need to have so many sharp objects on ones person during a civilized event such as this? He might as well shout that he didn’t trust their host to provide a safe gathering. Ansley took her eyes away from the heavily armed champion and moved to others in the room. Her eyebrows raising when she spotted the princess of Palico amongst the crowd….and was that Sadens champion hiding along the wall? How did she get an invitation? Finally her eyes settled on her dear friend Acacia as she approached. Ansley folded her fan and stood to greet her friend.

”Oh I’m so happy you made it; have a seat with me.”

Ansley took her seat once more and patted the seat next to her. She was happy she would have a companion for the party; Acacia was always so much fun at these events.

”Well I do think I just spotted the Princess Lucinda; I wasn’t aware she was visiting until now. But I did spot Lady Vanya as well; shall we go greet her?”

Really it wasn’t much of a question; after all if Acacia like herself were looking to meet the higher nobles Lady Vanya would be there best chance. Considering they were already acquainted. Ansley stood and smoothed her skirts and headed to greet Lady Vanya. When Ansley approached she dropped down into a proper curtsy.

”Good evening Lady Vanya”

[Deleted]

Melda stayed in one spot, not too eager to roam around and chat. The one person she wished to see, was the one person she couldn't find. How hard was it to spot flaming red hair!? Her icy eyes roamed the room, taking note as Vladimir started approaching her before seemingly deciding against it, and nearly running into Diamond instead. Melda cocked an eyebrow. Was the social butterfly of a host avoiding her? Or did he just have an aversion to silver hair? Melda made a note to approach him later and ask him about it, the thought of watching him squirm about amusing her.

As she looked around the room, more than once she spotted Diamond roaming around on his own, like was asked, and felt bad for him. She had no doubt that if not for her he would never attend another one of these in his life. She would have to reward him for it later; perhaps some time off or something like that. Her eyes moved back to the entrance, and a smile spread on her lips. Aria was here! No wonder Melda hadn't seen her before, she was trying to act like wallpaper. Melda moved to make her way over, but was stopped before she could start by a voice greeting her. She turned her head to find Baroness Ansley, curtseying her hello. Melda bowed her head lowly, a small smile on her face. Oh, hello girls. I had a feeling I would be seeing you two here. Enjoying yourselves? She smiled, her eyes glancing over at her fellow Duchess. If only she would look her way, she would motion her to join them, at least then she wouldn't be alone.

[Deleted]

Diamond had finished some of the finger food and was slightly startled and one of his hands emediately went to one of his katana's. Perhaps it was just out of reflex, due to fighting and the line of work he was doing right now. When he heard it was the host appologizing for his clumsiness it relaxed the white haired sell sword. "Its alright and don't worry about it. Sh....I mean stuff happens right. Just be a bit more mindful of your surroundings in the future is all I ask" he said accepting the appology from Vladimir. As it was an honest mistake and was not going to repremand him. Diamond also hated that he had to make his way of speaking be more proper for those around him since it would look slightly bad on Melda. Although he was getting looks due to him carrying his weapons. He was on the job acting as a guard for his boss. Would a bodyguard come unarmed to protect his employer? No unless his body was already a weapon, technicly Diamond could do that. But figured that a weapon in plain sight would be a deterant for a would be attacker.

His eyes flicked around and saw Aria trying to hide out from everyone. Trying to blend in with the wall and not be seen but that was failing hard. Due to the dress she was wearing as it was dark colored but with the teal coloring it kinda stood out in combination with her hair color and her scars on her face. He desided to rest on a near by wall and crossed his arms covering his arms with the billowing sleeves. There was not much he could do since it was a noble's event. Plus most of them were pansies with the exception of Aria and Melda. Both of them he could tell could more then likely give him a good run for his money. And could understand him a bit more in a situation like this then most of the others there.

[Deleted]

Acacia was very unfamiliar with the courts and who was who, aside from Duchess Vanya and their host, she really didn’t recognize anyone. It was one of the reasons she was staying close to Ansley, knowing that the other baroness had been in the courts and knew who the higher nobility were. Ansley would be able to warn her at least before Acacia had time to make a fool of herself.

She took the seat next to Ansley and looked surprised when she was informed that a princess had joined the party. “Princess? Lady Ansley, I am not familiar, by any means, with noble faces. Please, might I ask a favor of an old friend for you to keep me informed?” she asked, looking a bit nervous. Though she nodded as Ansley asked if she wanted to go greet the duchess, rising and following her friend across the room.

Acacia dropped her own curtsy alongside Ansley, smiling at Duchess Vanya. “Good evening, Duchess Vanya.” she said, greeting her after Lady Ansley. “I cannot speak for Lady Ansley, but I am quite enjoying myself so far. There seem to be quite a few notable people and such an opportunity is always a treat,” she answered the duchess. “What about you, Duchess? I would hope that you also are enjoying this wondrous occasion. Have you tried any of the food, the wine? It’s simply marvelous.” she continued, having sampled a little earlier.

[Deleted]

Aria leaned up against the wall content to watch the party; her last time dancing ended up ending awkwardly. However this was a chance to observe the other nobles of Noku’s court. She generally kept to herself or associated with Melda and Lucinda. She did however inch her way over to the refreshment table; and picked up a glass of wine. She subtly used a spell to purify it; the only indication she used magic was a gold glow of her eyes which she kept lidded. It would do her no good to get tipsy. Aria quietly consumed her beverage; finally catching site of someone she knew. It would seem Lucinda had attracted the attention of their host.

Aria after having locked her sight on Lucinda made her way over to the princess. She approached just in time to hear the counts little nick name for the girl.

”Lucy Lu? I haven’t heard that one yet.”

Aria turned to the count and gave a small bow of her head.

”Good evening; I hope you don’t mind my intrusion on your conversation; I just found your nick name for the Princess amusing. I’ll have to remember it.”

Unfortunately Aria had missed Melda’s look in her direction; as her attention had been clearly drawn elsewhere.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda had just spotted Melda and her bodyguard when Vladimir came up behind her. She started a little, turning to look at him. Her eyes held the annoyance that her face worked so well to hide. "Count Vladimir, you startled me. Thank you for the gracious invitation to your wonderful party. You've really outdone yourself this time," she said in greeting. The princess sounded about as stiff as she looked, in all honesty. At the mention of her nickname, she laughed a bit. "Really, Vladie, it has been much too long. I've been quite well, thank you. You look well, but how have you been fairing and what brings you to Nova?" Lucinda asked, making light conversation.

She spotted Melda and her bodyguard on her next scan of the room. Melda looked occupied, chatting with a couple of what looked to be young nobles. She'd guess baroness or countess by their dress. Diamond mostly just looked uncomfortable and she felt rather sorry for him. Aria's arrival pulled her focus in a bit more and she smiled at the new duchess. "Not at all. Count Vladimir, this is my very good friend, Duchess Aria Wurud. Lady Aria, I'm pleased to present you to our host for the evening, Count Vladimir Steel," she said, making the proper introductions. "Do not let his name fool you, though, he is quite the softy once you get to know him," Lucinda added, her tone lightly teasing. "Lady Aria, I have yet to run into you in a few days. How have you been?" the princess asked politely.

[Vladimir Steel]

Vladimir smiled, he knew that the Princess's opinion of him ran hot and cold, as most people's did. Which is why he wasn't so offended by her slight stiffness by his informal greeting. "Ah I must thank you for the compliment, but I must disagree. The people are here, the set up is here, but there is something missing. Something most of my parties usually possess. A certain. Pizzazz. Maybe as the night proceeds, it'll spark." He looked around as he said it, noticing the calmness the room held. Nothing exciting was happening. He knew once his conversation was over he would have to go find some fuel to throw on his dying fire of a party.

"As for me, I'm simply here on business. A few custom orders for a some nobles that I have to deliver in person, a tradition my father had that he said kept business thriving. Apparently it makes us seem more personable, friendly." Vladimir was about to ask how The Princess was doing herself, and what she had been up to when they were politely interrupted by the woman he had seen earlier with red hair. As Lucinda made the proper introductions, Vladimir's eyebrows shot up very high. "THE Aria Wurud? The Dragon Trainer? My lady, it is a pleasure to meet you." He gave a polite bow. I have heard tale of your coronation, quite the spectacle. I myself was not there. I had some important business matters to attend to. A whole shipment of 150 longswords completely stolen En route. We still haven't figured out who stole them, but the Baron who had ordered them for his guard was not pleased. I ended having to travel to his home on the other side of Palico, just to talk business with the man and apologize. It was an honest nightmare. We ended up having to completely redo the order, charging half price. Just to save face. Because there was apparently no proof of the longswords being stolen. He has this unbelievable thought that we were trying to cheat him."

He scoffed and adjusted his glasses. "I must apologize, I should not be complaining about my business maters, at such an event, that I am hosting. How rude of me. I am also deeply sorry I missed your coronation. I would have loved to have been there. Like I said, if the stories are true. It was quite the show." He smiled softly taking another sip of his wine before gesturing with his hand towards Lucinda. "And don't believe a word, Lucy Lu, says. I am not a softy." He chuckled, his smile growing slightly. "Well, Maybe just a little. But that's only because I am not afraid to take pleasure in the finer things that life has to offer." He finished raising his glass slightly before taking yet another sip.