Lord of Azure Flame Chapter 18: Grand Ballin'

[Dark Sage]

"No, it's not that. It's that Septimus destroyed my home. And it bugs me there's nothing I can do here without starting trouble," said Alferis, hoping Derek would understand. "The Septimus army killed your father. You can forgive them for that?" he said, stopping at the palace's doors.

[Balcerzak]

As Arrin mentioned needing to take a seat, Tessa stood back up, and offered him the chair she'd grabbed. She'd simply find another one if she felt a need for it, but for the moment she had no problems with standing either.

When Charlotte mentioned that she should probably just apologize at the ball, and that it was quite likely Alex would be in attendance, Tessa sighed a little but nodded. The princess hadn't been there, so didn't really know what the General had been like in person... but maybe, maybe she had a point after all.

It was Luc, though, that really surprised her. The mention that there were some other obligations associated with the gifted dress and uniforms came quite unexpected, and she wondered if Alferis or Conrad had been aware of such. She cocked her head as she tried to figure out just what might be entailed by this. Apparently they were a part of the count's entourage... as well as Charlotte's? How exactly would that work...

[Phoenix]

Isotov

Iso: Perhaps that is the best option. I'd rather not look like a fool at the ball anyway if I can help it.

Irina and Levski

Lev: Ah, Heinz! You'll do. To answer your question these are Viv and Charlotte's cases. I guess most of what we'll see at the ball is neatly tucked away in these things. Whew. Krin deserves the money for these job more than I do. We've got two more cases after these.

Irina watched as Lev spoke with Heinz and became a little annoyed. She really didn't want to go, and now may have been her only chance to escape. Kiev was awake and eying her curiously. She quickly made up her mind and went around to his side to hop on the saddle. She quickly whipped down the reins hoping Kiev would take off. He didn't move though. The wyvern could tell she was incredibly distressed. Levski was right over there and always managed to calm her down, but she chose to run? That didn't make any sense.

She didn't say a word at first. He turned his head back to face her and stared, his face conveying worry and concern. She looked back at him and quickly wiped her eyes before the tears could creep back out!

Irina: Can't we just go? Please? I don't ... I. Thought I'd feel better once we got here but ... I don't want to be here.

Kiev let out an almost canine like whine and nudged her with his nose. He didn't know what else to do, but at least if he stayed on the ground she wouldn't be able to abandon the group.

Irina: ... ... p-please, Kiev ... there's no reason for me to be there.

He didn't move yet again. Instead he whined in response.

Irina: Oh, why won't you help me get away from this?! I don't want to be here! *gasp*

She quickly covered her mouth realizing that she'd yelled out loud enough to be heard by anyone nearby! She quickly looked around and then nervously came down from the saddle. Kiev not cooperating meant that she was stuck. It was as if ...

Irina: ... why aren't you listening to me? Do I just have to be there no matter what? What is this I don't even ... (This can't be about that prayer can it?)

Viveka

Viveka: Farewell.

She waved goodbye to him as he led his pegasus away. Once he was out of hearing distance she started chuckling again. Susann's eyes had essentially been mysteriously replaced by giant pink hearts. No one seemed to notice apparently ...

[Snike]

Derek

"... The Septimus army did nothing of the sort. Jace was the one who killed him," Derek said, clenching his fists. "I'd like to do something, but right now, I can't. You just have play by the rules, sometimes. Though, it's a pain, you can't exactly give your adversary some more leverage to use against you, can you?"

[Inactive Account]

"Right, we may get a little lost but I'm sure they'll find us eventually... preferably after there's nothing they can do to get us in there," Kelas declared, abruptly turning and heading off down a hallway at random, keeping hold of Isotov's sleeve.

"Thanks..." Arrin said, sinking onto the offered chair and holding his head, which still felt like it was spinning.

[Dark Sage]

"I guess, but it's just so hard. And staying with the enemy just rubs me the wrong way. It feels like I'm betraying everything I believe in.

Jace you say? I heard the soldiers in my town say something about Jace, but I'm not sure if he has anything to do with them taking over my town or trying to conquer Vaorin. I heard that some of the forces didn't make it past the fringes of it, around where I live."

[-Cynthia-]

"Oh of course, Count Altair, I did not mean to impose. As for the people willing to miss the ball, I may argue that people often do not know what is best for themselves, but I suppose I do not need all my entourage members attending. Perhaps I'll say they ate some bad oysters or somesuch." Charlotte said, smiling as she saw Eric walk in.

"I suppose that would make Tessa your date then? That covers her dress, which is good." Charlotte said to Luc. There goes my plan of pairing her with Arrin, a shame since it looks like he could use some cheering up.

"As for the matter of dates, everyone in the entourage will be required to have one I think. You'll need someone to dance with, this is a ball after all. I will allow you to choose your own escorts, but I would very happy to find a partner for you if desired." Charlotte said, beaming once again.

[Snowy_One]

Secluded away in her closet, Esphyr started to become bored. She could just imagine what the other girls were saying about her right now. Irina was probably leeching about, wining about how she had missed out on the new dress and how Esphyr herself was less than a female dog. All the while, Tessa was spinning about, a happy smile on her face as she tried on clothes after clothes. All the while, Damian was feeling bad about Esphyr because 'he felt her pain' even though he had no clue what it was like. Esphyr had almost killed Irina, just as she had almost killed her classmate, and mutilated her roommate, along with many other incidents she couldn't remember. She had even managed to convince herself that if he tried to comfort her, the sword would shoot out at him the moment he entered the room. Morgan was likely sulking about, some plan in her head, trying to wind it about so she would no longer need to reply on Esphyr anymore.

Worst of all, she could feel a growing pit in her stomach. A growing pit that told her one horrid truth. That she was right.

[the_whistler]

"They must've packed a bunch of dresses then," he grumbled. "You don't mind working as a pack mule though instead of fighting? Charlotte and Viveka and everyone else didn't even know we were going to the ball until today." And yet they still brought so much stuff to wear. Heinz was about to bring the suitcase past the gates and into the palace when Irina yelled out in frustration. Heinz craned his neck puzzledly, seeing the woman come down from her wyvern.

"Something wrong?" He asked tentatively, not sure what to do.

[Script]

Luc Altair

"You could not have known, so all is fair." Luc said. Eric walked in shortly after, answering another question on Luc's mind that he had pushed aside again. Something of a bad habit of late. "I'll agree with you most vehemently there," Luc nodded at Charlotte's voicing that people didn't know what they wanted.

"Yes, she is," Luc answer Charlotte's assumption. Something about it didn't seem quite right, but Luc couldn't place it though. Another thing to forget about later, he thought in amusement.

[Phoenix]

Irina and Levski

Lev: Ah, sometimes you stay closer to your real goal by taking crap jobs. That's what I tell myself anyway. So far I seem to be right.

Lev and Heinz began taking the cases inside but Heinz became held up by Irina's shout which Lev had fought very hard to play off, hoping he could catch her on his way back to get the other cases. When he reached the others he got everyone's attention by raising his voice!

Lev: Happy Life Day, everyone! I've got dresses and good tidings for all of the ladies!

Sorry, the men don't get anything today -_-

Meanwhile outside, Irina turned to Heinz who'd questioned her.

Irina: ... umm ...(Come on is it really that big a deal?) ... do you want to go to that stupid ball?

Kiev tilted his head. The ball had been mentioned around seventy-five times last he counted, and he wasn't sure why "stupid" a word usually saved for Lev and Iso was being applied to this touchy thing he had yet to see with his own eyes. Was it some kind of monster that needed to be killed?

[Snike]

Eric + Dani

Her Highness, picking dates? Eric thought, looking around the table. This might not end well, especially with certain people around... And, Derek has tried to skip the ball. Any minute now...

"Excuse me, for a second," Dani said, abruptly. "I have a... matter, to attend to," Curtsying, she stepped out of the hall, and began to head for the gate. He is sooo dead, if he isn't here within a minute, the mage thought angrily.

Tazed

"It wouldn't surprise me. That man has been scheming for years," Derek added, turning away from the palace. "I'm getting out of here, personall-"

"Oh, no you are not," Dani said, as she fired a shot of green lightning at her brother. The lightning abruptly stopped him, shocking him enough to get the message across, but not enough for any permanent damage. "You're going, like it or not."

"Dani-"

"Don't 'Dani' me. You heard me. Now come along. Oh, hi, Alf," Dani added, as she began to drag Derek into the palace. "Sorry about that, but I'm just doing what's good for him."

[Dark Sage]

"You guys always do this?" asked Alferis, gazing at the green bolt. I wonder of brothers and sisters do this to each other a lot. If so, I'm glad I don't have any siblings.

"Anyway, I got my date, so if you excuse me, I'm going to get the hell out of here. I though we were going to do something very important."

[the_whistler]

Heinz nodded at Lev's answer, recollecting what Ivanko had said awhile back. A real goal to make yourself stronger... He has gotten closer to Morgan and helped her in the past I suppose. Perhaps that helps him as well? He pondered curiously. The Ivanko mercenary seemed to ignore Irina, deciding to head inside instead. Would've thought he'd comfort her himself, putting down the case as he answered Irina's question.

"Not particularly. I've been to the ball before as a bodyguard for a baron, but I'd rather not go as a guest. I don't enjoy dancing very much," he replied. Or making small talk with nobles. "Do you not want to go?" figuring that was the reason for her outburst.

[Snike]

Dani & Derek

"Sometimes, when their stubborn brothers refuse to do ANYTHING remotely social," Dani said, as she pulled Derek into the palace. "Well, see you, then."

Derek merely grumbled something about hating balls, and let himself be drug over to the grand hall. Correcting his expression as to not offend anyone, the cav took a seat beside Dani, though, not willingly.

[Dark Sage]

Geraro

"So? Did you convince her?" asked a woman wearing a dark cloak with a veil over her head.

"Yes. It was quite easy. She is a coward, so getting her to work for us is quite easy," said Geraro. "Unfortunately," frowned Geraro, "I couldn't make her smile. But I did leave her a riddle."

"Geraro, you've done well. Ferris will be quite glad to hear of your success. Don't worry, I'll take that," she said, pointing to a pendant that Geraro wore. It was identical to the one Reika carried.

"But Liane..." said Geraro, a frown on his face. "I want to track her. I want to see her smile. I. WANT. TO. MAKE. HER. SMILE!" he said, brandishing his tome.

"Geraro calm down!" she spoke sharply. "You're not well. I will take over this business. You will find out all there is about this Heinz fellow. He could prove dangerous to our plans. He is not so much the one that matters, but who he's working for. Find him, but until then, get back to your entertainment room. You'll get lots of, uh, smiles there."

"....Yes Liane. You provide me with the grins, I give you your results," he said, the smile reforming on his face, performing a rakish bow licking his lips and then walking out of the room.

"Disgusting twit. Ah well, his torture chamber will stabilize him. Ferris will be pleased when I tell him that everything so far is going to plan," Liane smirked.

Edited August 25, 2010 by Dark Sage

[Phoenix]

Group in general

Irina: Sounds like you can at least put up with it if you have to. I really don't want to go but it feels like I'm being forced. Kiev wouldn't even budge when I told him to take off.

Meanwhile, after getting general and mixed replies, Lev headed back out to get the remaining cases. He noticed Heinz speaking with Irina and shrugged.

Lev: Eh. That may help too in some way. I'd better get the other cases.

With that, he headed into the aerie and after patting Krinkov on the head again, he came back out with the other two cases over his shoulders.

Lev: Hey, Heinz! Make sure Irina doesn't miss the meeting. She needs to at least get fitted for one of these dresses!

She hung her head and sighed with her eyes closed.

Irina: ... forced ...

Meanwhile Viveka hitched Susann and gave her a light hug. She left her with a feeding bag and then headed into the castle ignoring pretty much everyone she saw on the way.

[the_whistler]

"I suppose the princess and some of the others consider this 'fun'," Heinz said wryly. "The wyvern might just be tired or something," Heinz shrugged his shoulders. Probably shouldn't ask about those injuries then, she seems upset enough already.

Just then Lev returned, picking up the other two cases. Irina sighed after hearing the man's words, and Heinz frowned. He's leaving me to comfort her? I suppose I can try at least.

"If you don't mind me asking, why don't you want to go to the ball?" he asked. I thought most girls would like this sort of thing, mulling slightly. "Do you not like dressing up? I suppose I could try to talk to the princess for you, if you really don't want to go," he offered.

[Phoenix]

Irina

As Levski headed back into the castle somewhat followed by Viveka, Irina lifted her head up to Heinz with a mixed expression. Part depressed, and part annoyed.

Irina: Me and Esphyr couldn't agree on either of us getting that dress and, I thought that we could duel for it, but the second I landed a decent blow, she turned around and tried to kill me. Kiev took the hit and nearly died over a dress. I'm just ... I don't want to go now. I feel stupid ... guilty ... but most of all I feel like I could have prevented all of this if I would have just let Esphyr take the dress and tried to get one of my own from somewhere else.

She just happened to be standing a bit strangely for a trained mercenary and seemed a bit girly with her hands fiddling around.

Irina: Sounds like I'm going to get a dress anyway but ...

She quickly cut herself off feeling that she was talking too much. Kiev just watched. This sharp object wielding male was interesting. Irina seemed to not mind speaking with him. He wasn't usually close enough to pick up a good scent from. Now Kiev could recognize him from now on. He wasn't sure what good it would do once the male with sharp pointy blades disappeared again.

[the_whistler]

Heinz listened to Irina's words, frowning slightly. That explains why the other wyvern was carrying Kiev, then. Couldn't Damian have just bought Esphyr a dress though? Seems kinda petty just to kill her over a dress, trying to figure out what to do.

"Well, it seems that you were trying to stand up for yourself, and things got a little out of hand," he said slowly. "You can't help that Kiev got hurt, he was trying to protect you. It seems that he's gotten better since then, from the looks of it. You shouldn't keep blaming yourself forever for what happened, I don't think either of you two meant for this to happen," gesturing around vaguely.

"I know you're still upset, but if going to the ball is something you'd like, don't worry about the past," he tried to convince her, pausing for a second. "And I'm sure Kiev would be a lot happier if you were a lot happier too," he pointed out.

"I think it might be better if you gave yourself a second chance. Plus, they've got great food at the ball," grinning briefly.

Edit: Reworded one part.

Edited August 25, 2010 by the_whistler

[Phoenix]

Irina (and Kiev)

Irina: A ... second chance ... (I never looked at it like that.) Maybe you're right. I had my reasons for wanting to go so I must look moody changing my mind. I guess I just felt like I'd be hurting Kiev by going even more.

She couldn't figure out how any part of her explanation made sense, but that was probably the whole problem to begin with. That's how she was beginning to feel at least. She took a quick glance back at Kiev who was waiting to see how things would turn out, and then she turned back to Heinz. She nodded her head in agreement and held up her fist for some reason.

Irina: Alright. I'll go. He took a hit on the head so that I could be here. So I'll go. For him.

She gave him the best smile she could manage for the moment. She was after all still recovering. Kiev could instantly tell by the tone of her voice that she felt better! That was great news! This blade wielding one may have also possessed strange powers! Usually Irina could only be calmed by Lev's strange hugging or soft words, but he merely used words alone! He might be useful to have around. After all, Irina became sad quite often since joining the group and Lev wasn't always around to hug her back into happiness.

[the_whistler]

Heinz watched as Irina deliberated, hoping he had managed to convince her. I haven't done anything like that in awhile..... maybe- maybe since Markus and Sophie died, blinking his eyes a few times. He watched as the woman turned towards the wyvern, then turned to face him again. Heinz smiled for a second and nodded at her statement. Glad she stopped blaming herself, and I managed to get her to go, chuckling a bit.

"That's good. We should probably go find Charlotte then, so you can get measured for your dress," picking up the case again. He headed into the palace, looking back for a second to make sure Irina was following him.

[Phoenix]

Irina

As Irina followed Heinz into the castle she slowed down for a moment. She turned back to see Kiev watching her. All the other animals had been stabled.

Irina: (I really should put him in the aerie. Even Viveka put up her pegasus. Oh, I know!) Hey Kiev!

She quickly pointed her finger toward the aeries. Kiev turned to face them and hung his head. He didn't like aeries very much since humans tended to just abandon him and others there for untold numbers of hours while they went into tiny places too small for them to venture in. Well the one with the sharp blades seemed to be looking after her, so he knew she would be fine inside the castle. He wasn't going to hitch himself though. He guessed that Irina was treating him by letting him wander and aerie unrestrained. That made him happier and he haphazardly headed there on his own.

Irina: Okay. Lead the way.

She then resumed following Heinz into the castle and through the halls to the meeting area.

[riariadne]

Chase followed silently, somewhat amused by the Prince but also somewhat angry at how he treated the group. Criminals! I'll show him... no. I can't. I'm supposed to be representing Jerdon... even if I've never so much as seen the place, I don't suppose I can let down Charlotte... or Morgan.

Upon hearing that everyone had to have a partner for the ball, Chase blushed sightly and walked up to Morgan slowly. "Umm... Morgan? You see, I was sorta wondering if you'd... you know, go to the ball with me...?" he asked, becoming quieter as he went on.

--

Conrad scowled at the Prince at his mention of the Comet, but refrained from making a comment. "Hold on. I'm supposed to be representing Jerdon? That might cause some... issues, to say the least, if I was representing a foreign country," he asked Charlotte.

[Phoenix]

The Group in general

Most listened as the stereotypical princess instructed them on procedure and what would be required of them during the ball. As much as Viveka wanted to attend, she was highly offended by the princess' pushiness.

Viveka: (This is annoying. I'm from Elyisima. I shouldn't be representing Jerdon. Don't even get me started about the General. He shouldn't even be in this meeting. Charlotte the world doesn't revolve around you, you know ...)

Levski leaned back in a chair thumbing through the old "kill it with fire" manual he occasionally read. He knew enough about what was going on to do alright. As far as dates for the ball, he didn't care. It was just a ball and a date for one night meant almost nothing to him without an actual goal at the end of it so he decided that he'd let Charlotte pair him if she wanted. If not, that was excuse enough for him to run security. Then he could get some more reading or writing done perhaps.

When Irina and Heinz arrived, they listened in as well and Irina stood there a bit nervous and twiddling her thumbs. She'd decided to go but this date thing was finally catching up to her. Levski looked like he didn't have a care in the world though. She had no idea what that meant. Why didn't he care about a chance to get paired with someone? She was nearly overcome with the urge to go over and question him on it, but she was too nervous. If she didn't get paired with him then ... who? She didn't exactly trust Charlotte to pay attention to things like cliques and the whole "who gets along with who", or the all important "who likes who". She sighed falling a bit back into her depression. She was going, but she was positive that Charlotte or someone else was going to steal the few men she did get along with and she would be left with someone completely unfamiliar ... or annoying. It was the same difference, she thought.

Kiev and Krinkov

Kiev wandered into the aeries and was rather happy. Krinkov snorted at him a bit annoyed. He turned to his hitched brother and giggled as only a wyvern could. His big brother, the mighty Krinkov was hitched like a horse, but he was free as a bird and could roam freely! This was wonderful, Kiev thought! Krinkov shook his head at his ignorant brother, fully aware that there was a hostler right behind Kiev who'd already taken his reins. By the time Kiev noticed, he was hitched too. The hostler walked off without a word. Kiev's expression quickly faded to sadness and Krinkov nearly rolled over in amusement.

Outside the castle gates

Daneka was blissfully riding on Nyx while Alphonse lead the dark pegasus by the reins. When they reached the gate, several guards approached them. Nyx lowered her head aiming her horn at them defensively! The horn had a nearly dried blood stain on it, the tell tale sign of someone's untimely death. The guard that was brave enough to come closer waved to them.

Guard: Have you business here, Colonel?

Daneka: Why yes we do. We won't be here long zough I'm afraid.

Guard: Very well.

The guards stood aside and the pair headed through the gates. After dismounting, Alphonse led Nyx off into the stables. Once he returned, he escorted Daneka into the castle. Meanwhile in the stables, Nyx turned to see a familiar pegasus! It was the scared one! Susann trembled in sheer terror at the sight of the horrendously swift black one! Nyx continued snorting at Susann aiming to scare her for her own pleasure. This was the exact kind of thing that she needed a stallion like the magnificent one for she thought. He could protect her from haters!

A blast from the past

Outside of a grand hall, a young woman came running out with several bags in hand. She ran up to a man who was leaning up against the wildest contraption anyone had ever seen! It was a completely enclosed wagon, but not only was this wagon enclosed with a roof like those mean for royalty, but it was covered in armored plates! The inside was packed full of weapons and smithing tools. The man leaning up against the wagon had his arms crossed and was feeling a bit impatient. The girl was smiling a lot though. She'd been through a lot and had survived the chaos. The man didn't look very softened by the radiant glow she gave off.

Kamilla: Shamus! I got the things you asked for!

Shamus: All of'em, Lassy?

Kamilla: Mmhm!

His gaze finally softened a bit as he uncrossed his arms and took the bags. As he loaded them in the wagon he began talking again.

Shamus: Ya seem mighty pleased with yurself lately. Ya didn't slay a demon and save a village while I wasn't lookeen now did ya, Lassy?

Kamilla: Oh nothing like that. I'm just happy to be getting close to home. It was never that great, but ... after everything I went thought with those people I just ...

Shamus: Ai! That sack of crimson toting criminals you were on about since I found ya?

Kamilla: Yeah ... well. As I said, they weren't all bad. Only the idiots and the people in charge. There was Tessa. She took care of me after what the evil blac-I mean Morgan did to me. Eric was nice to me too. I hope he didn't finally get killed by a falling castle or something ...)

Shamus: Eh. Surely they've been arrested by now, Lass. Ya won't be seein them again, let me tell ya! No one evades the law forever.

Kamilla: (That is justice, and just what most of them deserve but ... Tessa in jail? That's just ... ) Shamus, can we not talk about them anymore? I was feeling fine until just a moment ago.

Shamus: HAHAHAAHAHAAAAH!!! Welcome back to the real world! Hahahaahahaaah! Now come on and let's get goin! We've got quite a few more stops to make in preparation for tonights big "Grand Ball" arharharharahah!

Kamilla let out a sigh. Shamus had a habit of knocking her mood down a few pegs. She did need his help to get back to the church though.

Ixion Shenanigans

Around the same time Jasmine had arrived at the fortress in Halton, a letter addressed to Ivanko arrived. After a brief discussion with Ixion and several other very high ranking mercenaries, it was decided that Ixion would go to Burgosas as Ivanko's representative. Meeting with Jace wasn't on the agenda but, it could have proven profitable from Ixion's point of view. The Dark Druid had agreed to have Jasmine's letter delivered for her, and in exchange ... ... well he didn't go into that and she had no recollection of what had happened concerning that. Instead he took her and Stephanie with him. They warped to Burgosas making numerous stops along the way so that Stephanie wouldn't succumb to the enormous demands of such powerful magic. By the time they reached the capital of Septimus, hours had passed, and the ball was only a few more hours away.

Proxima

Still running at superhuman speeds, Miranda dodged passed trees and boulders as she made her way toward the other crimson weapons! She could tell that she was getting close! She only needed to keep pressing now! She couldn't remember how long she'd been running, but her body wasn't tired yet! The benefits of having a demonic body she thought.