Major Thread Fortuna Vitrea Est

[Kal Goldtail]

@Liza Fairpaw @Izakis

The back-and-forth scanning of each other continued for a little bit, but seemed to end in a friendly manner, which was a good sign for Kal. With the crowds down there it would be easier to disappear on the floor, though she would rather risk being fed an arrow here than being noticed by someone that could potentially recognize her down there.

"Well, as ya say, 'tis a decent spot to watch. And some of 'em- " She gestured to the crowd while speaking. "Like to have people on their coin in case of a problem, eh?" She smiled. "And hey, whaddya mean, 'tis my finest clothes!" Kal exclaimed with a bit of laughter, before a thrid beast joined their company. Already nervous vixen noted to herself, that this was clearly not a great spot if she wanted to go unnoticed and spend time in solitude. Unless Liza turns on her, Kal might even live to apply that lesson in the future, though the occasion is oddly specific for her current lifestyle.

The unapologetic excitement radiating from the newcomer made her smile a little, but she took up on the offer of finer drinks. Been a while since she held a proper glass in her paw, though she tried to hold it as awkward as she could manage, while also not coming off as a half-brain. The delicate balance of dumbing herself down on manners enough to not raise too many eyebrows, but not hard enough to seem worthless has been a tough act to keep up. Though, she had to admit, she did forget a lot of things, and some mannerisms of lower class are overtaking her upbringing. "What brings you here to join us?"

 

[Marie "Whisper" Deftclaw]

@Asta Dalgaard
When the lizard came by, offering drinks, Whisper had to remind themselves that they can have those. Taking one with a shaky paw, they ended up also getting a wink a word of encouragement which felt... weird.

Turning back to the beast Whisper was talking to, finding themselves to relax in their company slowly. Sure they were still tensed and anxious, yet they could manage those somewhat. In the end, their biggest worry was gone for now and the company was nice to them. Trying to focus on conversation allowed for their mind to put other worries aside even for a moment and that was a huge boon.

"Ah! I-I'm s-sorry. I di-didn't w-want to assume things!" Their voice was now slightly more feminine, as confidence rose up, Whisper's reluctance to show any traits of her biology fell. "I... It is m-my first t-time playing a-at s-such a place. I m-may play concertos b-but I've only done them f-for public at the p-parties my f-family o-organized. I c-come from Stalls, S-small village w-west of T-Tully Sh-Shore. M-my dad owns it and m-most hamlets a-around... I d-don't have t-that interesting o-origins... H-how about you? H-how is Varangia and... travelling." Subconsciously, Whisper drummed a little beat with her claws on the floor. One that carried her growing curiosity far better than her voice ever could.

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

"Gates Alwyn, you're tying it too tight," he protested, squirming as Alwyn strangled him half to death. The fox patiently tipped his head back, and let out a pathetic whine.

"Nonsense Finn, you look perfect!" Now Finn didn't mind the waistcoat, no that did an excellent job of hiding his frilly shirt. What he couldn't tolerate was the little black bowtie Alwyn was snugging tidily around his collar.

Finn scowled at this, and jammed his paws into his pockets. He knew very little about the opera, beyond tales that it was the most excruciating thing you could endure as a kit -- beyond having to dress up for it.

Still smarting after the conflagration in the Slups, Finn reminded himself to be grateful. Alwyn had come to his rescue, and (after a brief stay in Pyrostoat) had insisted he join him this evening. Pinning his ears back, he let Alwyn put the final touches, straightening out tufts of his headfur gone away, and let out a little huff.

It would be fun to see Talinn again, at least. Shyly, the dapper little foxkit chased after Alwyn, and lurked close behind the hem of his cloak.

 

[Marianna Furotazzi]

Marianna felt herself flush with heat at Ivo's suggestion. The temptation to find a closet or coat room was certainly intense... Is that really all their is to this relationship, though? A part of her critically analyzed her desire. Is this just a musk-fueled tumble in the sheets, or is there anything more ?

"I think let's save dessert for later in the night," she suggested, leaning in to whisper in his ear, "Plus, I want to leave you guessing a little longer what I'm wearing beneath this dress... and what I'm not wearing." She pulled back, satisfied with her game. She wanted to see him at work with that little puzzle in the back of his mind. And, in the meantime, it would give them a chance to actually spend some time together as work partners, not just bed partners.

Her eyes drifted over the crowd before they landed on a set of three vixens, each identical to each other save for their dresses (scarlet, emerald, and sapphire silk respectively), and each wearing a glittering diamond choker, each set with a diamond large enough to probably be used to purchase this whole room. "There they are," she whispered. "The Vermillion Nobles - Veronica, Valentina, and Vivianna, triplet sisters. They say that when one of them wears the Choker out, the other two wear excellent replicas, and make a game of seeing if anyone can distinguish which is real." All three chokers were sparkling in the lighting of the room, no ready difference between them at such a distance.

~~~

Morgan's eyes nearly rolled back up in her head as she doused one of the shrimp in cocktail sauce and popped it into her mouth. "'Gates, that's good," she moaned, prompting a scandalized look from an elderly femme nearby. She started soaking another shrimp as she commented, "I reckon 'at rich beasts put everythin' in glass. I mean, when ye got more gilders 'n sense, why not? As fer the sauce..." She stuck a pawfinger in, scooped up some of the red sauce, and stuck it in her mouth, pulling out out clean a moment later. "Sometimes," she admitted, "when I'd come 'ome real late an' drunk, I'd go in th' kitchen an' just eat whatever sauces we 'ad. Mum got real mad one time when she got up an' found me eatin' a 'ole jar a' mustard sauce."

She grinned a wicked, heathen grin and took a sip of the sauce directly from the glass. "Wanna go try a buncha stuff we can't afford, 'en I'll introduce ya to m' friend Asta?" she proposed.


@Ivo Suresight
@Vihmastaja

 

[Ivo Suresight]

Ivo for his part nodded and chuckled. He did enjoy Marianna's reaction to his sultry words. But he wasn't pushy. He promised to be truthful, and as such he hesitated not to voice his desire, but he cared for her needs just as much. She wanted to work? Ivo may have wanted to enjoy himself but... they were a couple. He wouldn't want to deny Marianna her wishes.

Her words of course did put his mind at work. For someone with near perfect memory for what he saw? Ivo was pretty sure he already knew the answers. He was quite familiar with Marianna's closet contents. Still, with a slick grin, he followed her eyes and focused on what she was talking about. Ah the heist. "If I could've got closer... I s'pose I could tell ya the difference. Me eyes are good, but not at that distance."

Ivo gently tugged Marianna along forward, stepping towards the dancing parquet. His eyes sparkled at the coincidence. Both ability to get closer and well,,, spend time with Marianna the way he liked the most... doing something they both could enjoy. In the end, what connected them, was the wish to rebel and be happy despite the world. Seeing her having fun while he did that too? That was what he desired far more than her body.

"M'lady... wanna dance while we talk?" He asked just on the verge of the area where many beasts were flowing around in more or less sophisticated dance moves.

@Marianna Furotazzi

 

[Alwyn Ryalor]

Alwyn was in a typhoon of emotions as he led his squad of twelve beasts, in full uniform, polished plate, red plumes and cloaks, towards the Opera House-he even included Daniil for extra measure, though he was still more of a trainee than a proper Guardsman. He had been ever since rescuing Finnian from that building and examining the locket that he had found in his possession in Pyrostoat-and had not left the young todd’s side for a single moment since. Curiously, too, the formation was a bit unusual in that it looked more like he was protecting a VIP, staying directly in the center of it next to Finnian, than leading the group like a regular patrol. He made sure to keep a regular, if slightly slower, pace to allow the young kit to stay right behind him, almost hidden by his red cloak.

It was hard not to notice the heavily armed and armored squad approaching, with more than a few heads turning as they walked up the stairs. It was unusual that a full squad of the Hammer of the Empress was deployed in such a purposeful formation except either on a special assignment to protect, arrest, or kill a beast or beasts of some import. Rumors soon abounded on whether or not the Minister of War himself was making an entrance here tonight like the Minister of Innovation, Minister of Misanthropy, and Minister of Niceties, but Alwyn paid them no mind as he scanned for true threats within the crowd and made note of the security posted around the entrance. He could spot both Unsmudgeable and MAUL agents, the latter being more concealed and unlikely to be noticed if one were not actively looking for them, though he suspected those were more of the beginner sort. Protection was like the layering of an onion, and his mother would have placed her best agents closer to her.

They were actually stopped by a few Unsmudgeables, their commander appearing to be a stoat, and Alwyn, smoothly instructing Finnian to stay in the center and wait for his return, showed up.

“Is the Minister of War here to grace us with his presence?” The stoat asked neutrally and with a bit of curiosity as he stepped up to Alwyn.

Alwyn shook his head, and, keeping his voice low, spoke to the stoat.

“House Ryalor business.”

The stoat tried to peer into Alwyn’s formation, to get a glimpse of who they were protecting, but his beasts had closed ranks, forming a literal wall of steel around the young foxkit.

“Is that not...a bit...unusual? Both Ministers are already here, and the House usually supplies its own troops from its battalion here, does it not?” The commander asked, clearly trying to probe more.

“It is, and yet nonetheless, here we are. As you know, beasts at the highest rank of the gentry and at every rank of the proper peerage may request a Guard escort. This request was granted.” Alwyn replied, green eyes and voice hard.

The two of them had a something of a staring contest for a few moments, neither willing to back down, before finally the Unsmudgeable leader gave him a slight nod of respect and stepped aside.

“Very well, then, it could not hurt to have more protection here in any event, the more security, the better. Both the Duke and Duchess are inside, the Duke with some of his commandos, and the Duchess is as brilliant as ever. As you will.”

Giving the Unsmudgeable a gruff, grateful nod, Alwyn was about to return to the center when his cousin approached and made a few comments, then asked for permission to scout through the crowd. Alwyn was tracking his cousin’s vision, and he made the same observation, and, internally, he sighed. They were here on business…but...he supposed Daniil could rope Caden in, one way or another, which would be worth it.

“I do not like them either, there are too many variables, but it is nonetheless a duty which you must get used to with the nature of our work. In time, you will be more comfortable, and know what to look for. Go ahead and ‘scout’, and report back to me when you have done so.” He nodded firmly at his cousin, all business tonight.

As the guard squad moved in, beasts parting before their formation, Alwyn slipped back in to meet Finnian once more. He knelt down and ruffled his headfur a little, then gave him a nod.

“I have some critical business to attend to, but, afterwards, would you like to meet my father again? And my mother too. I am sure they both would be delighted to meet you, especially all dressed up as you are.”

Alwyn beamed proudly looking at his charge, although he knew that the kit hated the stuffy formal wear. He had too back in the day, but had gained an appreciation for it over time. Especially as vixens were drawn to beasts in it like moths to a flame. But that was a conversation for much further down the road…

@FinnianBrightfur @Dusk Rainblade @Caden S. Freemont

 

[Talinn Ryalor]

Talinn blissfully accepted the what he perceived to be a supportive paw on his shoulder, enamored as he was with his wife again at the moment, and could not help leaning over and nuzzling it slightly as he did so. She was so beautiful, even at her age, smart, and witty, and her fur smelled nice. It took him a few moments to get out of his daze to pay attention to the stoat reporter, which was lucky for the mustelid as Talinn was a stickler on formality to beasts he did not know, and would have taken the beast down a notch for not bowing to him were his attention not focused on Dusk.

Regaining his composure, he did notice that he was addressed as “Mr.” rather than “Duke”, and his expression hardened and he took a closer look at this Mr. Pritchard. The young stoat seemed a bit familiar, but he could not exactly place why-something in the face. But that could be simply because he had seen the beast before-after all, Smelt reporters tended to show up to many places, and he very well could have met this fellow before.

“I confess I do not know who you are talking about,” Talinn began, pale blue eyes staring hard into the reporter’s own, “there are many Mr. Ryalors, as the surname is quite common in Westisle. Indeed, even in the noblest House, there are beasts of gentlebeast status who go by that name, having not achieved the title of Sir that comes with knighthood and above.”

It was petty as all hell to do to the young reporter, but Talinn had clawed and fought his way through hell, high water, and countless bodies for decades to get this title in the Imperium, and he would be damned if people did not use it, especially if he did not give them leave to be more familiar with him.

 

[Tanya Keltoi]

“Ahhh now, nonsense!” the vixen reassured with a dismissive wave of the paw. “You’re here now and as welcome as any beast so you enjoy the night as much as you fancy. Besides,” The grin returned to her narrow muzzle, “’tis nice to have a few interestin’ ones about. Now I ain’t supposed to gossip much but it does get awful boring hearing the same stories over and over in these sorts’ve jobs.”

That, at least, was no lie. The only monotony Tanya had ever become accustomed to was that of long days at sea – something, perhaps, she shared with the wolverine. Moreover, longbows were not the weapon of choice for her slight stature, but they were the province of her son who seemed a similar age to Hali. It was almost a shame he wasn’t here tonight, but she reasoned that this was the last place she wanted him.

Green eyes followed the wolverine’s scan of the room, herself picking out the odd familiar face in the crowd in doing so. There was Caden; Dusk was performing beautifully beside her husband; she caught sight of Jeshal and averted her gaze before their eyes could meet. There was another todd who had to be a Ryalor by the looks, addressing a- a kit? Her heart sank, though her expression betrayed only vague interest in the multitude of faces.

“Now I don’t know just who you’re looking for but I’m here to serve, ma’am: can I help you at all? Got a name or appearance’ve the beast who you’re hoping to find?"

 

[Aiken Brudenell]

@Dusk Rainblade @Talinn Ryalor

The stoat stared down at Talinn, at this scheming, duplicitous, petty monster of a beast, his eyes hardening once again as the fox made quibble about his title. It was true that Aiken had slipped up, another falter in etiquette brought on by the conditions of his being. He didn’t care. In a just world, this bandit would be back overseas, finding some other country to infest with his family’s infernal machinations, squabbling about reclaiming their pathetic fallen empire. That he got to stand here – sit here – and lecture him about the lofty titles he’d stolen...

The stoat opened his mouth, ready to hang himself by his tongue, to let Talinn what title he felt he should be addressed by, only for another stoat to draw to his side.

Adelyn was smiling, despite the obvious guards that now stood by, clearly not entirely comfortable, but excited to be around such important beasts as the Ministers of Misanthropy and Innovation and their entourage.

She looked to Aiken, offering him a champagne glass, hinting in her expression that she expected him to introduce her to them.

Aiken cleared his throat.

“Yes, well, ahem – this is my partner, Adelyn Ufrey. Adelyn, I’m sure these – ah – these fine beasts need no introduction.”

Handing her own glass off to her boyfriend, the stoatess curtseyed rather elegantly, Aiken’s whiskers twitching at the sight of her deference.

“Lord Duke, Lady Duchess. I hope my Aiken hasn’t been asking too many questions.”

Aiken took a long sip of his champagne and looked away, resolving to go through another five or six glasses before the day was done.

Taking her own glass back from Aiken, Adelyn jumped straight into the conversation, taking the pause as an understanding that she’d joined at a good time. Where Aiken’s eyes had missed – more deliberately passed over – Talinn’s tenderness for Dusk, she saw it for what it was, eyes soft with sympathy.

“You must be glad to be back home together – I heard Urk was terrible.”

~~~

Vihmastaja Rhoodie

Vihma laughed, first from the story, then from watching Morgan drink the cocktail sauce straight from its glass. Well, that had to be the intent, right? Why else would they put it in such a container?

“Yer a riot, mate. Aye, sure – lemme meet this friend’v yours.”

She made slow but consistent progress on the shrimp. They were good, and the sauce too, though she wasn’t quite enamored enough with it to drink it up. Not yet, anyway. Maybe, like Morgan had said, she just needed a little alcohol to build up her appetite.

“Where’d ye meet this Asta anyway?”

 

[Matisse Dubois]

Grey eyes took in as much as his large ears, which perked at the influx of information he was absorbing. Though possessed of entirely different approaches, neither of the beasts in his company were at their most comfortable in such an event. In most cases he would revel in teasing about such a matter but tonight was not about such indulgences.

One thing he realised as he continued to smile back at the vixen was that he did not recognise her. That in itself was not necessarily cause for concern, but for such a surly member of wait staff to be hired for such a prestigious event – one he did not know of – was worth making mental note. Perhaps they were one of Yaro’s hires, or a personal pick of Kilaris. ‘Gates, for all he knew this was one of his employer’s no doubt multitudinous children. Not, of course, that he would ever say such out loud. He had some good sense.

“Well, far be it for me not to help a lady out,” Matisse replied cheerily, relieving Lily of the tray and popping another morsel into his mouth. “Always happy to be of service and let you get back to yours.” Curious one.

Turning his attention back to the white marten, he raised his brows in genuine interest. “Your daughter?” Good to know. “Indeed, support is marvellous. Why, I often wonder how things might have turned out had my parents supported my interests. How charming. What does she play? Will be be treated to a solo performance or is she working with the orchestra tonight?”

 

[Liza Fairpaw]

@Kal Goldtail @Izakis

'Gates. Was anybeast even watching the entrance to the catwalk? How did one, much less two beasts find their way up there? Liza glanced away from the conversation for a moment to scan the backstage area. Oh, of bloody course, Vallens--the Bladedancer adept who was supposed to be stationed by the stairs backstage--was nowhere to be seen. Probably showing off his sword to some jill in one of the closed door rooms. Liza scoffed lightly and returned her attention to the fox and lizard now perched in the heights with her.

"Sorry, mate, no respite for me." She waved off the offer of drink. "Apparently some of my comrades don't take their duty seriously tonight, but I've gotta keep my eye on things and my wits about me."

As Kal asked her question of the lizard, Liza waved to catch the attention of another Rangeblade in the rafters. She made several gestures with her paws, then pointed to the stairs backstage. The other Rangeblade nodded and began to make their way to the staircase.

 

[Asta Dalgaard]

@Marie "Whisper" Deftclaw

"Your father owning...?" Asta trailed off, unsure she had understood the the fox. She shrugged as she answered Whisper's question. "Varangia being home, but I can't going back, complicated story. My father died, and me and his husband, my adoptive father Caden, were being in danger from bad beasts. We coming here, where Caden being from, and staying here where it safer for us."

She took another sip of champagne. "The voyage being very long from Varangia. I never sailing before, and it was sometimes good, sometimes scary. Stopping at Alkamar. It being not bad there, but I liking the Imperium better."

 

[Caden S. Freemont]

@Matisse Dubois @Lily Lesse @Daniil Ryalor

Caden watched, nonplussed, as the sable marten took the entire tray from the vixen. She had offered, he supposed. Lifting his free paw, he took another of the savory stacks of meat and vegetables on tiny skewers.

"She plays lute and is an excellent vocalist as well." Sliding the food into his mouth to free his paw again, he fetched a piece of paper with the program of performers listed from his pocket. He swallowed hastily and held it out to show the other jack and the vixen if she cared to look, pride evident in his voice. "Asta Dalgaard is her name. She'll be doing a few solo pieces and several with a chamber group throughout the night."

A commotion in his peripherals brought Caden's attention up. It was difficult to miss the squadron of fully armed Guards entering the space. Though his gaze quickly slid from them to the grey-furred fox breaking from the formation and moving towards him. The marten noticeably brightened, nerves sublimating to excitement as he lifted a paw in greeting to the approaching todd.

 

[Izakis]

@Kal Goldtail @Liza Fairpaw

Izakis could help herself but giggle. She had seen it before many times. A noble beast trying to downplay their act to mix with the commoners. She did the opposite way too many times and as such she knew precisely how to spot it. Still, not that she would be one judge. "Why, I am ssssimply wandering around, trying to bring a bit of kindness to those in need." Her voice was sweet like honey and she half-lidded her eyes as she continued. "Looking for those pretending, those who sssstress, those who are too sssstiff and those who are lonely. I am nobody, but, such occasion calls for joy! Sssso I do try to make sure each beast will get at least a bit of it."

She offered her warmest smile, delicately leaning on the wall, her tail swaying in a hypnotic pattern as her body flowed like water. The skink couldn't help after all those years to move in a normal way. But after all, a bit of eye candy was never a bad thing right? She did however spot extensive gesturing of the Smudgie.

"Awww. I know I am not meant to be here... But no need to be so rash. You can just ask me if you want me to go away. And if not? I suppose I can think of many other ways to give you a bit of respite aside from offering a cold drink... Both of you seem to be worried..." She finished with a flourish as she put her scaled claw to her chest.

 

[Silvertongue Songfox]

Keeping oneself at constant edge. Making use each of your movements, acts, words and mannerisms were perfectly suited to the occasion was tiring to say the least. Kaii wasn't there even long enough and already had a feeling he needed a break. Remembering faces and other details that mattered only because nobility required you to be in the know was at least somewhat easy of a task that Kaii could in any capacity enjoy.

But he needed a goddamn break. Too many new and unfamiliar contacts in strict social situation was something he was trained for. Not something he was good at. And the only temporary respite he spotted was... the Minister of Innovation. Albeit, they were now being moved to see their wife, Minister of Misanthropy... Dusk Rainblade if he remembered correctly. With how many names he processed in recent moments, he wasn't sure of his memory anymore.

Deciding not to interrupt the talk between the two, Kaii simply thanked and left his current interlocutor, navigating through the crowd to get into respectful distance from the Dukes. Making sure they can see him, while himself not imposing upon their space nor will. Delicate balance it this dance that was a noble life. One that Kaii had to live, even if he wasn't born for it.

Finally, a familiar face. Silvertongue wiggled and wormed his way through the crowd, making his way towards Kaii, slapping a paw on his back. "Kaii! Thank goodness you're here. I think yours is the first familiar face I've seen since I stepped foot in this place. I've never seen a crowd so big!"

 

[Marie "Whisper" Deftclaw]

@Asta Dalgaard

Whispser took a tenative sip of their champagne before letting out the breath they held while listening to the answer. Instantly they felt saddened when they've heard about death, inability to go home and danger. "I a-am so s-sorry!" The fox yelped out while the drumming of their fingers became slower and made more melancholic beat. "I sh-should n-not have asked!"

Thanks to the rather stoic reaction of Asta, made Whisper not feeling as guilty about it all as they would've. It was why they even could continue without falling into the tears from self-perceived failure.

"I... w-was more l-lucky in l-life. S-safe for t-this sickly, p-pathetic b-body I got b-being a runt. S-still, y-you seem t-to b-be doing well he-here. I h-hope the Imp-Imperium treats you w-well."

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

@Silvertongue Songfox

Kaii tensed for exactly half a second before he registered the melodic words of a bard he knew well. Turning around, a delicate but real smile appeared on his Muzzle. "Silvertongue! Likewise I am happy to see you here." His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper just for a moment. "I cannot deny I am tired with holding up standards my position would require." He then picked up a glass of cold cocktail made of field berries and offered it to the other fox.

"Indeed the crowd is rather immense. Hard to surprised about it however. This is, to my knowledge, one of the biggest parties this city had seen in a long time and all of the upper strata is here." Kaii took a sip from his own glass and looked at Silvie's Lute. "Do you plan on entertaining crowds today? From what I saw of your performances, you surely would captivate the crowds with your stunning renditions..."

Kaii took a small look around before realising one thing. "I am surprised you didn't come with Swifttail however. Did anything happen to them?"

 

[Silvertongue Songfox]

Silvertongue took the cocktail and tenatively sipped from it. He still wasn't entirely used to alcohol. "Swifttail was right behind me-" He turned around. "O-oh, I must have lost him in the crowd... I hope he can find us again!"