Does Viden Even Know How to Party?

[Maebella]

Calendar event

Open Event - Viden Academy hosts a soirée in honour of the delegation from Scalvoris. It is supposed to be open to all but there is a formal dress code and guards discreetly positioned at the door to keep out riffraff and stop people coming purely for the alcohol. The usually strict alcohol restrictions are relaxed and there is a great deal of food at the event.

22nd Ashan 718AV

This was supposed to be of great political import, but even before she stepped through the doors, she knew that there'd be many people present who simply wanted to take advantage of the abundant alcohol. It wasn't often that the Videnese authorities allowed some laxity on the amount that people could drink. The young woman wasn't sure if it was due to the expected volume of people or because of the special guests.

Scalvoris had sent a delegation to the city on business and of course, it was only fair that they'd host a celebration on their account, especially considering how the island had received their own Videnese Academy delegation. Thus, the organisers had pulled out a lot of stops when they'd put this shindig together. A formal dress code, security (there were some guards on the door and one or two subtly dressed ones floating around outside and probably some inside as well), a mountain of food and tables laden with drinks. Maebella could see it all when she stepped through the doors, easily waved through courtesy of her dark blue satin dress which was easily deemed formal enough. Despite the disapproval that she'd likely earn from Virikai, she'd chosen to wear heels, taking a little extra height and the changes to her appearance over physical comfort. He didn't approve of her causing herself pain but then there were some things that she didn't approve of him doing either so he didn't have the right to open his mouth as far as she was concerned. Besides, they weren't that high.

The Eídisi hadn't actually arrived with her fiancé, choosing to leave early in order to swing by her formal student accommodation to pick up an unusual guest: Leeloo. Gara had chosen not to attend but she had asked her scholarly friend to bring the Tunawa along, deciding that it was good for the little creature to get out. The future lady had agreed to bring her, in spite of the communication barrier, because she doubted that the little woman would have been able to enter of her own accord. Instead, Maebella had secreted her away in her cloak, removing it so that she could bundle it up before they passed through the doors in case the guards decided to refuse the Tunawa entry. She'd made a sign that the plant woman should be silent, placing her fingers to her lips, a sign that she thought was fairly universal. Once indoors however, it wasn't likely that she'd been thrown out and thus, she freed her, leaving her to sit on her cloak as she made a beeline for the food table. She'd give Leeloo the opportunity to hop down on the table while she gazed around her, searching for others that she knew like her fiancé.

"Eat," Maebella told the Tunawa, making an appropriate gesture so that she'd link the action with the Common word. She herself chose some berries from a platter, popping them into her mouth with an idle thought that the Aranaz Estate had no doubt done well from this event. However, she had no idea if Julian would show up, the man not seeming the most responsible from what she could tell of his character; she doubted that he was as politically-minded as Kai. Truthfully, the young woman would never have seen herself as politically-minded either but she was getting better, especially thanks to the lordling's influence. It was why she sought those who were out of place here, the Scalvorians who were visiting sure to stand out in some way, she was sure.

In the meantime, she had all manner of dishes with which to occupy herself. There were various platters of meat, cheese, bread and relishes, alongside various stews, pies and other savoury dishes, both hot and cold. There were plenty of sweet treats as well and they made the blue woman's mouth water. However, she found herself drifting more eagerly to the alcohol, choosing a flute of champagne to help ease her social anxiety. However, she wasn't sure if there was a Tunawa sized vessel around the place or something she could turn into one. Maybe there was a nutshell hanging around somewhere.

Off Topic

Anyone and everyone feel free to drop into this! No worries about posting order, asking to join, etc. Just have fun!

[Leeloo]

It had been an exciting day for the Tunawa. Mae had come to visit Gara and her. While the visit seemed unexpected to Leeloo, Gara seemed to have been aware of the visit. The blue woman was dressed in something that looked similar to the dresses she had been forced to wear. Or course Mae pulled it off much better than she had. The two normal sized woman looked at the few dresses Leeloo owned and had decided that her normally worn dress would do along with her grey shawl. Thread was used to very carefully fix the Tunawa's hair. Gara had very steady fingers.

Once Leeloo was dressed upped, she was hidden inside Mae's cloak. Leeloo giggled and every so often gave a sing-songy, "Mah-behl!" This was a funny way to get around, but Leeloo trusted Mae and wondered where they were going all dressed up. Eventually Mae looked down at her and gave her a sign that meant she should stay silent. Grinning happily covered her mouth with both her hands and quieted a giggle and waited for further directions. Not long after being hushed Mae let her out of her hiding space in the cloak, allowing Leeloo to finally see where she was.

The Tunawa's eyes widened taking in every sight. "Oh my... This is..Oh my word. She brought me with to a party?! I-." For the first time Leeloo was speechless. It reminded her of the events Lyssia's father used to throw. Of course she had never been part of them, just long enough for the guests to gush over Lyssia who held her cage. Not long after showing off his daughter she and Lyssia were escorted from the party to a room for Lyssia to play sometimes with other guest's children without disturbing the grown ups. But this time... Leeloo looked around still amazed and in shock. Mae had brought her to a party and it appeared to as a fancy commodity to show off, but as a guest. She was a guest! A party guest! She laughed at the irony of the situation and brushed away a few over excited tears. The fact both Mae and Gara had worked to get her here as a guest meant the viewed her of being worthy enough to attend. A feeling of self worth began to bubble up somewhere inside of her. She'd walk a little taller today into the night.

Mae returned telling her to 'eat'. While she knew she had heard the word before it was only after the gesture she understood. "Eat? Leeloo, eat?!" She pointed to the tables of food and sweets, "Leeloo...eat?" She had to make sure she had understood Mae correctly. The Tunawa had the most dumbfounded look on her face. All this fancy food... And she was allowed to take part of it. She motioned for Mae's hand and flung herself to a finger in a thankful squeeze of a hug. "Mah-belh! Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you! This means the world to me and one day I promise I learn how to tell you!" She knew all Mae would hear was chatter but still she had to show how grateful she was.

Looking over the trays of goodies Leeloo was deciding what she would eat and what to sample, there were so many things to eat that she had never seen before. These foods indeed needed a good tasting to satisfy her curiosity. All the fruit was on her list to try. Ooh she spotted some kind of food it smelled like berries but with a crust. The smell of warm soups and other hearty pot dishes made her mouth water. Gara often made different soups and warm food that could warm the whole body, it was like laying in the sunshine but in one's belly.

Looking around she found Mae over at a table filled with glasses of all shapes and sizes holding many different kinds of liquids. They shimmered, gleamed, and bubbled within their glasses. Watching them was entrancing, Leeloo didn't know what they were but was content to watch them.

Tree Talk Xanthea Common

[Aur'ren]

Hardly dressed for the occasion; the sailor showed up in his typical black-garb consistent of multiple sashes and cotton. He walked into the academy for the sole purpose of gathering information in regard to the population of Viden. Although he spent quite a bit of time here; never before had he attended any public affairs. If the circumstances of the events were typical, and usual he had no reason to be within the confides of the city. At the moment he could be out to sea, and catching fish to sustain him for a somewhat extended period of time. Salted fish was not only delicious, but lasted for quite a while in the open. However, something interested him about the entirety of the vicinity and that was the presence of guards. There were few, but they were well and strategically placed throughout the area as to provide a form of control.

While some had already been removed for coming to do nothing other than drink themselves into a stupor. One of the rules had already been picked up on, and learned by the tactician as he proceeded through the crowd. There were several people here of various skin colors, textures and types to include a strange creature that made attempts to speak common. Aur'ren ignored every presence in the room and took a moment to look over all of the food. The amount of food present could feed hundreds, and they certainly prepared it well. Albeit not excited, but intrigued; the tactician simply took to grab a single fruit from one of the several tables.

He looked over the red, plump, and firm skin of the fruit before he sank his teeth into it. The complementary crunch came, as did the moisture that accompanied it. The fruit had been extravagant, sweet, and ripe enough to maintain its firmness. The fruit had been a delicious one, but exquisite taste did not ease his suspicion. There had to be another series of reasons for this event that none of them knew existed quite yet. Perhaps this event was simply meant to gather a mass of people, and make several announcements.

People were greedy creatures, and only ever bothered to be generous when it benefits them. Especially those dirty, corrupt politicians with nothing but quite a bit of nel and time on their hands. Although, he certainly could do with a bit of entertainment to accompany the good food. This fruit would likely be the only thing he would bother to eat at the event. Aur'ren was after-all a tactician, and every true strategist knew when being paranoid was necessary. This had been one of those times, for someone could quite easily poison the entirety of the food supply. The tactician felt the need to wait for any unexpected side-effects after he finished the fruit.

However, since he had already taken a bite; no further harm could come from finishing all of it. He walked toward the nearest wall, and leaned against it whilst he continued to bite into the fruit. Xavante adjusted his position wrapped around the upper-torso of the tactician. The Taipans head came to rest atop his left trapezius muscle. If one looked closely enough at his loose-fitting shirt the venomous snake head could very easily be spotted.

[Virikai Talius]

Virikai was primped, primed, and ready to go fifteen trills early - he deserved a fucking medal. Or a whiskey. Virikai took the corridor from his private rooms to the common area shared with his parents, sister and fiancée, intent on his planned drink. Of course, he wasn’t the first to arrive. There she was in all her glory, wearing a stunning emerald evening gown, fixing the last strands of hair as Virikai strolled in. “Looking glorious as always, Mother,” he greeted, smiling.

The woman turned at the sound of her son’s voice and returned the smile, “No Maebella?” The heir to the Talius line shook his head and explained Maebella’s return to her old accommodations to pick up the tree. The elder nodded in understanding, though he wished she wouldn’t - Kai did not understand it. He had allowed Bella to go without comment, but could already imagine the whispers and rumours. “At least I’ll get the most eligible bachelor in Viden to escort me in,” the woman teased as she walked over and adjusted Virikai’s collar, “Your father has gone ahead.”

“No doubt scouting out the best deal he can negotiate,” Virikai scowled for a moment, though it disappeared when his mother rested her arm on his, indicating she was ready to leave. “It is the way of the world, Kai. Though if you really want off the hook, I’ll cover for you.” Virikai snorted, imagining how well that would go down with his father. “If you can spend trials on end with your pets in the Facility, then you can mingle with society types and make small talk.”

Kai gave a wry smile. “I don’t know, some of those society types are worse than the test subjects,” he laughed “You know that. You’re one of them.” A look of consideration flickered across the scion’s face before he smiled again and said, “Well, if they’re all like you, I have nothing to worry about. The problem is Viden’s unwavering efforts towards a... disgustingly conspicuous display of wealth, ever since this new arrangement with Scalvoris.”

“Oh, come now, Virikai. Have you not noticed your fiancée’s discomfort at your own lavish displays of wealth? I thought you were more self aware than that. Everyone wants their pound of flesh. It’s not about philanthropy for most of them; it’s networking or marketing or hunting for a rich son for their daughters. Well richer. But we’re hardly able to judge. Every industry makes important connections at functions like these, and the Academy is no exception.”

“If you learn nothing else from me, learn this: everyone thinks they’re fascinating, darling - just play along and they’ll love you.” On the way to the gala, Virikai ran back through the mental notes of all the important people who would be there. Who were the top donors. Who had political power. Who to avoid. All pretty basic stuff. Before entering the building, he slowed, took a deep breath and steeled himself. There would be people there he knew and disliked, and people he didn’t know yet, but would dislike, but there were still a few he knew and liked - so perhaps there would be some he didn’t know and would like?

The Ballroom was a glittering example of Videnese opulence, with its crystal chandeliers, gilt detailing, and lofty ceiling. Nice. Not really Virikai’s style, but he was gonna bet his fiancée would love it. There were attractive, slim bodied servers gliding through the room bearing hors d’ouvres or glasses of champagne on silver trays. Virikai kept an eye out for the tiny number of people he actually liked while schmoozing his way through vague acquaintances and opponents.

“Marcus, how is the business doing? Oh really, that’s a shame. The market can be so fickle...”


“...Oh, really? Yes, Liesl, do please introduce me. Ms. Jensen, how nice to meet you.”


“Inoa - loved your panel at the Academy the other trial. And don’t feel too bad. Lots of people don’t know in which part of the anatomy the metatarsal is found...”


“Isabelle! What a surprise seeing you here! I thought you’d returned to Krome...”

The fledgeling lord made the rounds diligently. He could see his mother, who, he’d split up with on arrival, smiling and nodding away next to Verity Talius. Not far from them, he could see his fiancée, looking ravishing in the blue satin dress, but it was still too early to retreat to the delightful and familiar. Especially if she was with that confounded plant. Still, Virikai was considering giving in to the impulse anyway when his gaze fell on another. The man looked so out of place, improperly dressed for the event, yet he moved with such purpose, such confidence, almost as if he owned the room. Virikai found he was amused despite himself. “I would suggest the frozen varieties. Fresh fruit may be placed in stasis by any talented arcanist, but nowhere produces frozen goods quite like Viden.”

[Amaris]

- common / murnasian

Amaris would not count themselves to be one fit for a particularly extravagant gathering. They hadn't, actually, thought that there would be one. They weren't the most experienced with politics, and while they did understand that there needed to be some level of formality, they hadn't thought a party would be among those things. As such, they were filled immediately with a wave of panic akin to what they had first felt upon preparing to come to Viden. It had been nothing to hop back over to Scalvoris with the usage of the portal stone, but that didn't make any of it less stressful. Not when they needed to decide things like what to wear and how to wear it. They might have even gone as far as seeking help from their mother, if not for time constraints.

The mixed blood was fortunate enough to have at least find something they felt would be appropriate. Their height would prove only somewhat more useful to them in the crowd, though they had to come to understand that not everyone in Viden would be dwarfed by their height. At some instances, a good number actually, it would be the other way around. But for now, the slight addition to their height in the form of heels would keep the hem of both the dress and cape from dragging along the floor more so than it might have.

Admission of discomfort would be immediate if anyone asked - though they doubted it would come to that. A slight wobble in their step could be spotted if one bothered to look, making their way to the food. That would make their evening go by easier- stuffing their face and hoping someone didn't strike up a conversation. Or, at least, not one about anything political. They were still not so certain they could manage that without the crutch of one of their fellow councilors. It was a fact they readily, but shamefully admitted.

Eyes trained on the food, the mixed blood began to form something of a plan. If they could make it through a break or two of this, perhaps they might be able to leave early. Would it be poor form to do so? They hoped not. They swallowed past the lump in their throat as they tentatively reached for the fruit, halting and thinking better of it. They had to occupy themselves with something; look busy, even. Being relatively listless did not fit that bill and surely some upstarting politician would see them as an easy target. Isn't that what you're supposed to be? No; they'd rather not be that. Their seat on the council wasn't some selfish endeavor and they hadn't the need to compete with their fellows in any way. Not yet and possibly never.

Some opinions may conflict or overlap, but at the end of the trial, Amaris had never seen themselves as a politicians. Perhaps it was beside the word had almost been spoken as if synonymous to 'pirate' by their parents - particularly their father - but it was something that filled them with a similar dread as the other p-word. They blinked; dwelling on it was getting them no closer to looking busy and soon, they supposed, they would be forced to speak to someone.

With a murmured thank you, they quickly snatched a drink from a passing server's tray, wrapping both hands around the stem of the glass as they glanced down at the liquid in it. They would not drink it - that much they had already decided - but it would be something to occupy them while they tried to decide on what food to eat. Preferably something that would require attention and usage of both hands.

[Maebella]

The scholar had gotten better at dealing with the Tunawa and her frankly peculiar manner but when she burbled away in her own tongue, making all sorts of gestures and sounds, or worse still, when she tried to speak Common, then Maebella found herself cringing. It was made worse by the fact that they were out in public and she wondered how Gara had brought herself to bring the little plant creature out. The Ellune seemed to be delightfully amused by her though so it honestly didn't seem to bother her, leaving the Eídisi somewhat mystified. Still, Leeloo was her responsibility this evening so she probably had to ensure that she was well entertained. She doubted that the little thing was difficult to keep amused.

When Leeloo made a big hullabaloo about eating, singing it out as if it was the most exciting thing imaginable, a blush began to darken Maebella's skin and she covered her eyes with her hand. Perhaps if she couldn't see anything, she wouldn't have to see the curious stares. Or maybe, the Tunawa would run away while she wasn't looking and she wouldn't be able to find her. Oh no, what a tragedy that would be...

At moments like this, she could understand why Kai referred to the Tunawa rather contemptuously as the tree. He hadn't taken the time to properly converse with her at all but he'd briefly encountered her, apparently taking enough from her childishness to deem her unworthy of his attention. He had seemed less than pleased when she'd basically stood him up in favour of the little thing, choosing a few inch high plant over her fiancé to accompany here tonight. Still, sort of date or not, she didn't need to stand over Leeloo to watch her closely. As long as she threw her eye over her every now and then, she should be fine. Leaving her to own devices in one small portion of the veritable feast provided, Maebella felt that it was safe to venture about a bit, to observe others who were present and perhaps pick out some familiar faces.

With a flute of champagne in hand, she let her gaze skim around the room, spotting Virikai conversing with different people, lingering for a few moments to exchange a little conversation before passing on to someone new. Always the politician, he seemed far more at ease in these sorts of situations than she was, socialising with no apparent difficulty. It appeared to be so simple for him but she knew that she couldn't mimic his behaviour readily, adapting to each new person. In truth, the blue-skinned woman would be lucky to manage to sustain a conversation with one person. She debated joining him, wondering if she would be more likely to jeopardise his work when she saw him speaking to a young man at one of the food tables. With a sigh, she began to drift that way, belatedly remembering the Tunawa and turning her attention back to where she'd last seen Leeloo. That's when she spotted the towering figure.

Dressed in a light coloured dress and cape and with heels to add to her height, an excessively tall, tawny-skinned woman had appeared at the table where she'd left Leeloo. Maebella had never seen anyone like her before. The height was greater than many Eídisi, even without heels, but she was too short to be Ellune, or fully so at least. The skin tone confused things though, neither blue nor grey, and so while she had to guess that she was some sort of mixed blood, she couldn't fathom what the combination could be. There was something regal about her bearing as well, although a little wobbly looking on her heels, and while Maebella didn't get out much, she felt if this woman lived in Viden, it would have been very difficult for her to go entirely unnoticed by her for all her arcs. She might well be one of the delegates from Scalvoris and she was likely to come upon the Tunawa unawares, which could be... an unsettling experience. As such, she headed straight for Amaris as fast as her heeled feet could carry her.

"Hello!" she greeted, a tad breathless when she reached the tall one's side, eyes darting about the table in search of her little guest. "I wanted to make sure that you didn't get a shock by going across a Tunawa in your food. Leeloo!" she called, hoping that she hadn't strayed far and that she was simply lost under her anxious white gaze. By way of introduction, she knew that this was a bizarre one and so she turned her attention to the taller other, switching the champagne flute from one hand to the other so she could offer it to Amaris to shake.

"Maebella Arval. Sorry for the rather on unorthodox greeting. I didn't think about it when I rushed over. I just thought that if you came across Leeloo without any warning, you might scream the place down," she admitted with a thin smile. "You wouldn't happen to be here from Scalvoris, would you? I simply say this because I haven't seen you around before and if you were from Viden, I'm sure I would have."

Already the Eídisi felt ill at ease, wondering if yet again she was managing to cause offence. Time and again, she'd sprung herself upon people and managed to leave anger and discord and potential enemies in her wake. She really had to do better and she wasn't sure that this was a very good start.

[Leeloo]

Leeloo had been sampling some of the fruits on display, a young server had helped the tiny creature make a small plate of the fruits she wanted in smaller servings for her. To which the Tunawa happily sat down on the rim of the small plate and began to eat. Each fruit was better than the last and Leeloo was in heaven.

Unaware to her, a group of young women saw her munching away and approached. Leeloo watched them as they cooed and watched her as she ate. She knew that her kind was rarely seen around here so she took their playful curiosity happily. Never in her life had a group of people found her this interesting. Fishing off her current peice of fruit she stood up and curtsied, " Hallo. Myn name ees Leeloo! Neece too meeet yoo!" It was her best Common and while it was horrible, it had improved from when she spoke none of it. She was slowly learning. The women smiled and each introduced themselves to which Leeloo shook each woman's finger, normal hand shakes were impossible due to her size so this was the next best thing. "Myn Cohmon ees l-l- leemited. Not musch knoow." Before they got too far into conversation, Leeloo had to let them know that her own speech was very limited to basic chit chat. Besides that, Leeloo loved the attention.

The women spoke with her for awhile, bringing over a friend or lover to meet the tiny sprout and share in their excitement. Being able to socialize with so many people was fun. However she heard her name called, "Oh? Mah-behl!" She turned to her new friends and waved, "Bye-bye! Mah-behl..." Off she scampered dragging her plate behind her to find Mae. The blue woman was at the table where she had been left when they first arrived. "Yes? Mah-behl?" The Tunawa looked up now from under the plate she now carried above her head. "Mah-behl? Yeh?" She carefully put the plate down beside her. Looking up Leeloo saw the person beside Mae, they were tall... "Ah. Hallo! Myn name ees Leeloo." She curtsied to this new person. Leeloo smile up at the woman before looking up at Mae, "Am here! Yeh?"

Leeloo was certain that Mae was simply checking on her. But, now that Mae stood before this new woman... Perhaps she wanted to introduce her to the woman. The lady didn't seem to be from around here. Her skin was a lovely color not seen often around Viden. In fact this lady was quite pretty.

Tree Talk Xanthea Common

[Aur'ren]

The Tactician stood against the wall and made note of several things surrounding him. Aura settled into the vicinity, and remained on guard as always. Typically he would not allow a soul within arms reach of him. However, there seemed to be several people that came across him in passing. While the armed guards stood watch vigilantly; The tactician did the same in an entirely different manner. For him this event had little to do with whether or not he wanted to attend. Much rather that the tactician had to attend for the sole purpose of knowing what to do if the events went “wrong”.Rather than bother with formalities, and conversing with others he made the failed attempt to isolate himself from the remainder of the group.

Someone just had to speak to him, and virtually force him to respond. No matter how badly he would have enjoyed retching at the thought of the “Blue” people. A sigh exited the tacticians lips, and replied with choice words. The man who spoke to him had been one of the ugly breed of these strange beings. They however were not the gargantuan, wrinkly, ugly, tall people immune to the cold. As far as Aura had been concerned; these people were a bunch of foolhardy nerds. They were nothing more than tools at his disposal under normal circumstances, however he sensed something different entirely about this one. The man mentioned an assortment of frozen food. However, Aura had but a single question which he should have responded with.

“Who the fuck would eat something that is frozen?” The tactician thought to himself whilst he cocked a brow at the strange man. For a moment he locked eyes with the seemingly white irises of the man. However, with parted lips he spoke to the human-whale hybrid without issue. “That is cool, however my interest lies in places other than the food here. I am here for purposes other than to indulge in social mingling.“ The tactician virtually smart-mouthed whoever this person had been, and again increased the distance between the two.

The tactician positioned himself “Politely” several feet away from the person who spoke to him. As he came to a rest again; he simply continued his several observations whilst being brought a “message” of sorts. One of the attending Mariners waltzed over to him, and spoke aloud in the least secretive way possible. “Hey, Tac! Take a look at this later, and let us know what you think, yeah?” The mariner spoke as a small journal had been placed within his hands. The tactician would not dare to peek at its contents whilst in public, and decidedly slid it into his pocket.