Always Make an Entrance (Varlum, Open)

[Red]

Timestamp: Vhalar 110, 718, Evening

Auya looked out from the open air carriage that had been sent by the winery to pick up passengers attending the Redwine Ball. She'd wanted a closed carriage personally, they felt safer to her, but her date was a bit too large to fit into one of those. She looked over at Varlum in his suit and smiled. He looked so strong and yet so gentlemanly in his red suit. It fit so well, Faith really had done a great job. His stature and musculature were not diminished by it, and yet, it helped to soften his normally intimidating appearance. Powerful and gentle. The perfect combination in Auya's opinion.

Her deep green eyes looked onto the grapevines that stretched as far as she could see. She wondered how much land the winery held. The grapes were pretty, deep reds and purple, offset by the dark green leaves and brown vines. The pair were alone in the carriage, save for the driver, Varlum needed a lot of space, and with the many large ball gowns, space was coveted. But there were perks to being the date of the most noticeable Lightning Knight. Auya looked over and up at him, smiling, "You doin' okay big guy? I know this isn't exactly your cup of tea. It's not mine either." She reached out, patting him on the arm, "I really appreciate you being my date tonight. I hope it is a lot of fun." She remembered the nervousness of when she'd asked him toward the beginning of the season, while he stopped in to check on her shop during his patrols.

Soon the carriage pulled up to the front of the winery, with servants of all sorts dotting the entrance. The doors were kept open, and the early arrivals now looked onto Auya. She took a deep breath. She knew eyes would be on her, that was the point. To be seen. She squeezed Varlum's knee to help build up her nerve. Once the driver opened the door, she stood up, keeping her eyes on the house. Her dress was held in one hand so as to not damage it or get it dirty, her other steadying herself on the carriage.

Her deep forest green heel stepped down onto the provided wooden steps, her smile broad. Once reaching that step, her hand left the carriage and took the offered one of the driver. Down two more steps and she was on the brick driveway. She relaxed her dress, turning to look back at her date, knowing full well everyone already here was watching her. Her dress was a shimmering of emerald green and deep, shifting reds, like the heated coals in her furnace. She wore simple gold stud earrings, and her hair was done up by Faith's masterful hands, held together by an ivory and alexandrite comb, the gemstones shining green in this light.

She waited patiently on Varlum to get out of the carriage, so he could escort her into the ball. Even though he was tall, her own height and heels made them appear a bit more proper. There was nothing but butterflies in her stomach, but she was also excited. This was her night. To show this town that she was more than a redhead meant to be attacked. That she was a proper woman, an upstanding citizen, that she would not and should not be treated how she was last season.

Once Varlum reached her, she clutched his arm gently with one of her own, beaming up at him with her smile, "Shall we?"

Note

Please drop your arrivals and related posts in here, just so we know who is in attendance. Other threads involving the Ball proper can be done separate.

[Varlum]

"You worry too much, you know that, girl?" Varlum chuckled in a low tone, looking to the woman. Admittedly, she looked good. Very good. The dress was stunning on her, bringing out her hair in a way that he could only admire. It wasn't often that the Ithecal looked at anything but a weapon with beauty, but Auya had set the bar and had set it high. Then again, both of them looked much different to their usual attire. Varlum would often see Auya when she was at work or maybe a little after, but rarely more than that. With a small smile to her comment about being her date, he placed a hand on hers, reassuringly. "You don't need to thank me for spending time with a friend. Nobody else in Rharne is worth being the date of"

Glancing out of the carriage showed Varlum what was, admittedly, a fancy venue to be at. It was nice to see such a beautiful location for their night, the time they spent together in a nice place. As that thought crossed his mind he felt her hand grip squeeze his knee, giving a small glance to her through a scarred eye. It was no surprise she was nervous, in the little time he'd know her she'd been bruised, beaten at times. Though he'd only seen it once, when a man had stood on her hand, he knew it happened. But not tonight. Whether they would try or not, he didn't know. He hoped not, but he could never be too safe. But if they did? It would be a shame to end the ball with blood. At least his suit wouldn't be ruined.

As Auya stepped out, Varlum gave a look around to the area, all of the people around. If they hadn't seen him yet, when he stepped out of the carriage they would. Then again, most would probably find it strange. A man of his size, coated in scars and usually with a weapon on his back was now walking to a ball with a wine-red suit. A strange mix of a mound of muscle and a gentleman's appearance put together. Even the suit, however, would leave some fearing him. It was rare that he could go anywhere without at least a few people feeling a level of discomfort around him.

Once Auya was down, Varlum positioned himself on the edge of the carriage and stepped down, only needing to use one of the steps before moving down to the driveway, the wood making an uncomfortable sound under the weight of the man. With a small nod to the drive, Varlum placed himself at her side and took her arm, as he had seen others doing. "It would be my pleasure" he smiled back at her, glad to finally see happiness in her eyes. Real happiness, real delight. Even as he looked away, a genuine and warm smile could be seen across his face.

No matter what happened, tonight would be her night - one she would remember fondly for as long as she lived. By Rharne he swore it.

[Finnegan O'Connor]

--snipped--

Other events conflicted with the timeline and Finn was never at this ball.

Whoops. Hopefully it's not too late to have pulled out!

[Aneka Tristal]

Always Make an Entrance

Aneka stood outside the party and the entrance since she got here. This wasn't her crowd, the people were all hoity toity nobles with more money than integrity and more greed and finery than brains. She didn't like it here, she looked the part though. She had her dark nightsky blue dress that was made just for her, it was simple but well-made, light and easy to move in.

It also revealed quite a bit of skin.

Aneka wasn't the shy type, no not at all, she'd shown skin before, but it never bother her much, but what did bother her was the people. She should fit in, she looked the part, she didn't act the part, but she didn't talk, she was just there, waiting for her supposed date. But the scars on her body showed and people looked at her, and whispered. She was usually proud of her scars, they were a sign, a badge of the pain and hard work she put in for her skills to be where she was now, she had talent her father said, in a myriad of things, but talent could only go so far, but now, the scars on her body are now more of a sign of shame and her status as just a lowclass brute, more comfortable with a cheap drink and in a bar fight than this fancy "Ball".

She didn't like this one bit. She crossed her arms against her chest, covering a mostly healed but noticeable scar. She tried finding Cassidy, hoping to go together but she couldn't find him anywhere. Was he avoiding her? She watched as the line to get in thinned, she spotted a young couple walk by, they seem cute together, but she couldn't quite dawdle on that.

She played with a long loose strand of hair, twisting and curling it around her finger, a nervous habit she thought she got rid of, but it came back full force now. She took a deep breath now, trying to calm down her nerves, Cassidy is just running late right? He's probably trying to find his suit or something... If he even had a suit that is.

Did he forget? Did he get lost? He is new to Rharne, but he shouldn't be this late. Did he stood her up?

She shook the thoughts away from her head and crossed her arms tighter around her chest. For the first time in a long time, she was scared, partly because she was out of her element completely, and because of an emotion she couldn't quite find the word for. She was scared of being rejected.

As much as she tried, her vision trailed back to the people entering, almost everyone had dates, ladies with big puffy dresses clung to rugged "handsome" noble men, she just scoffed at these pretty boys that have done nothing to earn her respect, let alone their station. Cassidy was different from the others, he was tough, confident, a hot head for sure, but sweet and gentle when he needed to be.

She hoped she was right because if so, the Cassidy she thought she knew wouldn't stand her up like this. She felt the tears start welling up in her eyes again, she was thinking of just maybe going home, the bars in the Glass quarter will most likely be empty, maybe she can finally go there to have a drink, pretend to be something she's not until she gets so drunk and starts a big old brawl, that'll lift up her mood hopefully.

She wanted to leave but that's not an option, she spent a lot of money on the dress and she didn't want to waste Ilia's and Ms. Faith's work and time on the dress, so she might as well join the party. She walked in, taking a glass of wine one of the waiters were serving and she took a sip. "Ugh... Wine... Rather have some ale or mead." She said and walked took a seat to watch the dance floor.


"Common", "Rakahi"

[Red]

Auya was positively beaming as she watched the dapper Varlum step out of the carriage and come to her side. Her arm tucked into his, she felt big, and proud. Faith had been right. Her dress felt like armor, she felt like a general. She squeezed Varlum's rock hard arm. She was glad to have him at her side. She never feared anything with him around, and she could sense that he was ready to let his hair down for this. For her.

It would be interesting to see him not in work mode.

She walked past the servants and employees that littered the entrance. She saw some whispering of the servants at the door, as they discretely looked at them. Auya and Varlum walked up the steps, when one of the servants nodded at them. Auya took it as a sign to stop, standing before the entire ballroom that was beginning to fill.

The other servant spoke loudly to the room. "Auyaree Kaiben and Varlum Onarmus." Auya fought down a deep blush, taking in the many pairs of eyes that were on them. She found herself wondering how the servants knew their names, but perhaps that was just a thing those who ran in such social circles kept track of.

Auya thanked the servants lightly, not caring if she didn't show the air of nobility that others might have. She was working class, she was not about to treat others as lesser than herself. She led Varlum down into the ballroom, moving in among those mingling. A man approached with a tray of sparkling wine with raspberries floating amongst the bubbles. Auya took one, thanking him, offering up the glass to Varlum for a tink and a silent toast before sipping at it.

It was delightful, light and sweet, the bubbles tickling her tongue. She hoped Varlum was comfortable here, she didn't want him to just be here as her arm candy or social servant. He was here as her dearest friend, as her date, her equal. She saw the buffet tables on the back wall, and while the band was playing, dancing hadn't quite yet started. "You hungry big guy? I'm starving. Been cutting back so I could really make this dress look good. Not that it needed my help, Faith did a wonderful job."

She led him to the table, where there were small porcelain plates and finger foods of all imaginable types and then some. She started simply, some fruits, cheeses, olives, and these little smokey sausages. She would have multiple plates tonight, but now she found herself wondering if it would be enough for Varlum. He was a big guy after all. She knew he could, and needed, to eat a lot. She'd make sure he got his fair share, that was for sure.

Her eyes took in the affair. She saw the door that servants and cooking staff were coming and going from, she saw the many dresses and suits abound. She was now simply next to Varlum, unable to still hold onto him while eating. "See anyone from the Knights here? You're the only one I know."

Nearby, a woman came in alone, unannounced it seemed. Auya assumed it was because she didn't wait, so therefore the servants took that as a sign. The woman was craving mead or ale, clearly not satisfied with the wine in her hand. Auya smiled at her, "I'm sure the mead will come later in the night. Try some of the food, these olives are to die for." Auya popped a cheese in her mouth, chewing it lightly before continuing to speak to Aneka.

"I'm Auya, this is my good friend Varlum." She didn't make mention of the woman's lack of a date. That would be terribly rude, plus one didn't need a date at a ball. "I run a smithy in town." She then leaned against Varlum's arm, "Big guy here is a Lightning Knight. What is it you do?" There was so much pride in her voice, not just for herself, but for Varlum as well. And she wanted everyone to know it.

Note

Super apologies on the delay Aneka! Perhaps we just continue the three of us if you'd like? Or me and Varlum can duo it up?

[Varlum]

As he made his way out of the carriage the man realised what he was in for. Something so out of the ordinary for a man like him. Yet there was no fear in him, no doubt in his mind that he belonged here now. Right here, with Auya, was the place that he belonged. Though, that wasn't a new feeling, far from it. When he visited after both of them had worked a hard day and she took care of him he hadn't felt any more comforted. Plenty of food, always ready and made for him to sit and enjoy. Talks of their days, talks of the forge, promises made and vows sworn. The two of them had grown close in a short amount of time, the girl soon becoming the best friend he had in this entire city. That wasn't something you could ignore. It was a fact that had warmed Varlum as he slept and comforted him as he worked every trial since he realised it.

As their names were announced, Varlum glanced around the room for a moment. Usually, the stares would do more than bother him, especially with her around. Not for his own sake, he had little care what people thought of him. Love or hate him, everyone would come cheering praises when he came back from a war that could have been dangerous to them, or when he threw himself under the spear of a Flameborn for Rharne. But when people stared at her, as if she wasn't a citizen like all the others, as if she was worthy of those stares? Something inside of Varlum burned, as if his Defiance spark wanted to awaken, to release his inner fire - not that he ever would. They were confused, perhaps scared. He understood it in a way. But as every citizen of Rharne was not a soldier among her armies, and some even potentially disliked how she ruled, not all with red hair were Rharne's enemies. Blaming the many for the acts of a few was cowardly, it led to the pain of innocents.

Innocents like Auya.

When they were finally in the ballroom Varlum moved around, careful not to knock anyone to the floor with his tail. It wouldn't have been the first time someone was injured by it, though it with definitely have been the most humiliating thus far. But his thoughts of that were taken away by the tray of wines approaching. "Thank you," Varlum said with a small nod and a warm smile to the man, watching as Auya took her own and readied herself for their toast. Nothing really needed to be said on what they were toasting for. It was obvious - perhaps even to the strangers around them. Maintaining a subtle but heartfelt expression, Varlum raised the glass and tapped it lightly against her own, the clink breaking their silence as they raised their glass and drunk just a little of their wine. As much as wine had never been his thing, Varlum had to admit it was good. Or perhaps he was too wrapped in everything else good to notice that he didn't like wine. Either was fine by him.

At the mention of food, Varlum almost chuckled. Auya had a habit of keeping the man as well fed as she could, a habit he'd learned to love fairly fast. Admittedly, the man was probably better for it. As well as feeling more comfortable, it was no surprise he was so hungry with how much emphasis he was putting on his training these days. It had paid off in ways he never realised it could, quickly too. But with it had come a new and powerful appetite that, without Auya, Varlum would likely struggle to keep fed. "Faith did a wonderful job, it's true. But you didn't need to go to that level to make the dress look good, girl. You would have looked perfect without cutting back" he said with a small, honest smile before following her to the table of food.

Admittedly, the food was fairly small for him. But it didn't matter too much. If he had to eat something impromptu after the event then so be it. For now, at least he would treasure what food there was, all of it looked admittedly good, though his eyes immediately fell to the meats in front of them. Varlum grabbed himself some of the food, some spiced sausage and a few small cubes of cooked beef. With a few small pieces of cheese on the side for extra taste, Varlum glanced around the room at Auya's question. There were a few Lightning Knights here, but none of them that Varlum had grown even remotely close to. "A couple. None worth noting, at least. Though with the food and alcohol, I imagine there's a lot more Knights here I just haven't met yet. They tend to like drinking" he chuckled quietly, stood beside her as he took a cube of beef into his mouth. It was beyond good.

When Auya and Aneka started to talk, Varlum gave a small glance around the room one last time, searching for any familiar faces before smiling to the girl in front of them - matching Auya's pride and positivity. Perhaps tonight would be more fun than he had anticipated.

[Red]

It seemed the woman didn't wish to talk, and Auya shrugged, giving a polite nod, turning back to Varlum. "It always seemed so... strange to me, that an entire basis of government could come from drinking and fighting." Auya didn't mind drinking occasionally, but she was never one to get drunk, or brawl. Now that she thought about it, she'd never seen Varlum drunk either. "Do you drink as much as the rest of them? Is that a requirement of the job?" She couldn't imagine any sane person trying to drunken brawl with Varlum.

Then the first note from a violin rang out over the ballroom, a low whining draw that tinged the room with its cry. Everyone around perked up. Soon, the rest of the band's instruments came in, and Auya's hand reached down finding Varlum's. Her hand slipped over his rough skin, squeezing it, lifting up as she stepped forward. She looked back over her shoulder, smiling up at him, "Big Guy like you ain't scare of dancing are ya?" She winked at him, and tugged, to lead him to the dance floor where people were pairing up.

Though in reality, Auya was a bit nervous and scared. She didn't know how to dance one bit. She looked around her at the other couples getting ready. She held up her right hand out to her side, a bit above her shoulder. Her left she held out in front, ready to rest upon Varlum's upper arm, to complete the closed ballroom position.

The music was kept low and steady, not setting into the swing just yet, to allow people to pair up and ready themselves as needed. Once they were, the Rharnian Foxtrot would begin, and Varlum would be the lead. And Auya intended to do her best to follow.

[Varlum]

Varlum gave a friendly smile to the woman that didn't seem interested in talking, turning his attention back to Auya and chuckling at her comments and question. "I drink, but not often - and not on duty. People get reckless when drunk, me included. Someone in this city has to stay sober to keep the peace" he smiled at her. It wasn't that he disliked the way Rharne functioned with alcohol, a lot of people thrived from it and the city did alright for itself in a lot of places, bar the assaults on its own people. But if he drunk as much as others did he wouldn't be able to defend people as well as he could, which would mean he failed at his job. The buzz of alcohol wasn't worth that weight on his shoulders.

Everyone seemed excited as the music started playing, even Varlum glancing around the place and letting the music sink in and relax his body a little. It was nice to hear, beautiful sounds echoing across the ballroom and making the Ithecal smile. Yet the feeling of Auya's hand wrap around his and her beginning to walk, before glancing over her shoulder with a playful taunt, made his heart freeze. But he followed, almost without thinking, focused on all the potentials. What if he embarrassed her, what if he stood on her foot or stumbled and people laughed? The man wanted to keep her evening perfect, not ruin it with his own ineptitude.

Slowly, however, he got into position with her.

As best he could, he put his hand around her back and rested it on her, the size difference making it harder for the two to get into position but not impossible. His eyes glanced regularly to a couple that seemed to have perfected the dance until finally he mimicked their positions. Then, he mimicked their movements. It wasn't beautiful, not by any stretch, but it worked. They moved, slowly, and for the initial moments Varlum was terrified. Yet he gave a small look to his date and smiled gently to himself, feeling the warmth spread through his heart as he leaned in a little closer to her, letting the world around fade out of his mind so that he could focus solely on the one person that mattered in the moment they shared. Finally, after a short amount of time had gone past and Varlum was moving with a little more confidence, he said the only words that he felt were needed.

"Thank you, Auya."