Major Thread Fortuna Vitrea Est

[Dusk Rainblade]

@Aiken Brudenell @Talinn Ryalor

Dusk gave her husband a sharp look and a squeeze of the shoulder as he implicitly chastised the young stoat for the slip in etiquette. It had long been a disagreement of theirs in how to handle such slights; Talinn, being from Fyador where decorum and respect were integral to the language, tended to be far more prickly about such things, while Dusk, coming from the noveau bourgeoise, saw it as beneath them to respond to such insults. That was what they had guards and servants for, after all. Still, Mr. Pritchard's date swiftly stepped in and restored a modicum of peace to the conversation, allowing her to relax.

"Thank you," she addressed Adelyn graciously. "I've heard many things about the expedition, and I count it a blessing that my husband returned alive - and mostly in one piece. All the pieces that matter to me, anyway," she added in a conspiratorial whisper, sharing a playful joke with the femme. Her eyes scanned over the pair, noting the discordance between their attitudes. "As for your Aiken, all is forgiven," she remarked breezily. "A young reporter, eager to make his mark? It brings me back to my youth and those heady days of ambition. I'm quite certain he'd have done very well for himself in the days of Vladimir I - though of course," she added, "it seems he's doing well for himself now too. If I may ask, how did you two become acquainted? I do so enjoy stories of young love."

~~~

@Vihmastaja @Jeshal the Ironclaw

Morgan opened her mouth to inform Vihma about Asta, Caden, and her family's connection, but was cut off by a todd making a comment about the cocktail glasses that was so absurd she couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, aye," she commented, "it certainly gives a new meanin' to the phrase 'deep in their cups'," she remarked. She looked to Vihma, squeezing her paw in a promise to answer all her questions, before shooting the stranger another look. Her eyes widened as she saw the metallic claw he wore in place of a paw. "'Gates," she exclaimed, "an' I thought 'avin' a metal tube stuck in m' chest was painful. What's th' story on 'at one?"

~~~

@Matisse Dubois @Caden S. Freemont

Lily couldn't settle on whether or not she should feel grateful as the sable took the tray of appetizers off her paw; in the end, she settled for a brief, muttered "Thanks." She hesitated though, listening to the conversation about the pine marten's daughter. Something in her panged at the obvious pride in the marten's face and the empathetic delight that the sable expressed toward this stranger. Even monsters love their kits, she'd often heard said; what did that say about her own parents then?

She peeled away from the pair, fleeing both the conversation and the intrusive discordance of her own thoughts. She hurried back to the kitchens, looking for her fellow Venges in the mix of wait staff and cooks. With this large an event, several different businesses had been contracted to work together on the catering, and they'd been able to slip into the mix easily enough.

~~~

Daniil gratefully peeled away from Alwyn, heading straight for his lover. He'd been required to come in dress uniform, which meant stopping by the Ministry of War to retrieve it; plus, even with Alwyn and his aunt both in the know, Daniil didn't want to be too obvious yet that they were a pair. He noted Caden in conversation with another beast, and managed to slip between a few groups milling about to reach the pair. "My apologies for my tardiness," he remarked, glancing between Caden and the stranger, "and for interrupting. I don't believe we've met, Mr....?"

~~~

Marianna accepted Ivo's offer of a dance, her paw sliding down into his. "I would love that, my lord," she replied, the corner of her mouth tugging up playfully. "As long as you're willing to lead, that is," she added. "I should warn you, though- I am going to step on your toes." It had been many long years since Vito had tried to teach her to dance; the lessons had been few and sporadic, the todd more inclined in his sunset years to spend time with his blood family than with the pair of kits he'd reluctantly taken under his wing. Admittedly, Marianna hadn't made herself the most available either; her quiet resentment of Vito for stealing her from her birth mother's care had always left a certain sourness between them.

As they stepped onto the dance floor, a small amount of regret showed in Marianna's eyes as she looked up at Ivo. "I'm sorry," she apologized quietly. "I really should be able to turn it off and just relax." She sighed, admitting, "My mind doesn't like to let itself rest. It feels... selfish? Indulgent?" She shook her head before looking up at the todd, a small sparkle in her eyes. "I should just enjoy being here with you."

~~~

@Alwyn Ryalor @FinnianBrightfur

Mina Rose Brewer had counted it as a blessing when she'd been able to find work with an event catering company. That their first job was to cater the birthday celebration of a minister was, in a word, nerve-wracking. It had been well over a month since the destruction of her parents' tavern, and, though she'd never admit it, she was rusty. She also wasn't used to this outfit; the white shirt, waistcoat, and jodhpurs felt odd on her compared to the dresses and corsets she'd normally worn through her youth. She was still learning how to move in them - and, it seemed, failing a bit in the process.

Mina Rose yelped as, not seeing the todd kneeling to talk to a kit, she tripped over his tail. The tray of champagne flutes she'd been carrying went tumbling from her paws, glass breaking in a small cascade that, fortunately, did not land on anybeast around, but left the vixen shame-faced on the ground while the wealthy guests murmured, and a few clapped sarcastically at her performance. "I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry!" She apologized, scrambling to try to push the shards toward her tray, then yelping as one cut one of her fingers. "Owww!" She sucked at her injured finger, tears starting to come to her eyes. She looked to the pair of foxes, her tail curling around her legs as she knelt amidst the debris of her first real job. "I'm so, so sorry sir," she apologized again, her voice quavering on the edge of crying.

 

[Ivo Suresight]

To the vixen's words, Ivo had but a one answer. "So do I." He gave her a kiss before taking her into his grip and beginning to lead to the playing waltz. "I understand ya. Even I came 'ere with selfish ideas of seepin' intel from the crowd. I guess it's jus' in our nature t' stick to the work, even when we have one another."

Ivo wasn't great of a dancer either, but he had years of experience with running, jumping and climbing around to navigate the streets. That left his body nimble and trained, enough for him to flow around with Marianna in his paws. Sure she did as promised and stepped on his toes at least a few times. So Ivo did try to correct it by leading more and more firmly.

"But I tell ya what. Lets enjoy ourselves an' try t' do some of that workin' together. No need t' lie t' our natures or feelins. I want t' relax with ya, but we both know that lettin' such opportunities fly by will stress us even more. Whaddya say love?" He offered while already sneakily navigating their dance closer to the sisters in order to inconspicuously take a look at their famed jewellery. They were both partners in love and in crime and Ivo was sure, they could do both without feeling bad about it all.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

@Silvertongue Songfox

Kaii raised his eyebrow as he looked into the crowd. It was so dense it would be impossible to find a beast after about five to ten meters. All that was left was to hope he could stumble at his platinum friend. Still it was rude to seek for someone else, so he turned to the friend that was here already again. Seeing as they were sipping at the glass without providing more answers, Kaii decided to repeat himself, assuming it was just lost in the noise. "I see." This time his voice was a bit louder and a bit more flat. "Well, it is as you say, hope he can find at least you in this throng. Care to tell me if you are planning on playing tonight? I think your talents would be most suitable for the occasion."

 

[Talinn Ryalor]

Talinn was about to be even more direct in disciplining the uppity young stoat reporter and show him exactly why according to his culture one should respect their superiors, even in his condition, but the presence of the two femmes and their interventions, his wife’s definitely conscious and the young stoatess’s likely coincidental, defused the situation. He reflected again for a moment that perhaps they would all still be living in caves killing each other with spears without the benefits of modern society were the women there not to both encourage them to greater heights and civility. He noted, though, that the young stoat still did not correct his error and address him by his proper title. The gall-was he a secret Republican? He had half a mind to ask Dusk to look into the situation and maybe even give Kilaris his budget concession solely to kick this fellow off the Smelt. Still, at the look and squeeze on the shoulder from his wife, he decided for her to remain cordial.

“Oh, he asked nothing that we could not handle,” Talinn replied perking up, mollified by Adelyn’s respect for his position, noting that she seemed to be the smarter one in whatever relationship “partner” meant “but yes, I am glad to be away from that terrible isle.”

He paused to let Dusk deflect and cover for him, though he internally rolled his eyes at her comments, both regarding his special bits, which he were glad were unharmed, and the comment that all was forgiven which he was not quite certain it was depending on how the stoat reporter acted next.

He understood why they were necessary, but he was getting too old to play these social games. It was another reason why, deep down in a place he would never admit to anyone, he was glad Amélie had won out in the negotiations that fateful day. He might have had to execute half of the Imperium’s nobility simply for not going along with their alien idiotic customs and norms, whereas she handled them deftly. The upcoming confrontation between the two in the renegotiation of the deal he had struck was something he was dreading, especially since he knew he was going to be in the room and have little to no idea about how to defuse any potential comments that could see him poisoned or guillotined if he said the wrong word, or, indeed, did not say anything at the right time. Returning to Urk seemed to be a better option.

He had one of his guards flag down a passing server and took at random one of the glasses from it, examining it for a little bit longer than normal and shaking it a bit to see if there was any unnatural reaction before taking a sip. He did not think it would be poisoned, and there were some that showed no signs, but the best laid plans for murder were comparatively simple and involved as few beasts as possible, yet it never hurt to be a little extra cautious. He still had many enemies.

@Aiken Brudenell @Dusk Rainblade

 

[Alwyn Ryalor]

Alwyn was waiting for Finnian to reply when suddenly he felt a sensation in his tail and the crashing of glass. Instinctively, he shoved the young foxkit protectively behind him, then spun around, poleaxe and voice at the ready to dispense orders, death, and justice. So brazen an attack at such an event! What were the Unsmudgeables doing? However, he soon found the spike of his deadly weapon pointing at a young, strikingly beautiful vixen server on the edge of crying, and, just as deftly as he drew it, he handed his weapon to one of his guards and knelt to comfort the her. A supportive paw was placed on her shoulder, and warm green eyes soon met hers as he spoke in a comforting voice to her.

“Ah, no harm was done in the end to either of us, right, Finnian?” He asked his charge, although his attention was fixed on the gorgeous belle before him. “It looks like you, however, suffered a grievous wound. Here, let me help you that.” He gestured for the medic of his squad to come forward, who pulled out a carefully sterilized bandage and handed it to his lieutenant, who quickly and deftly knelt, avoiding the broken glass on the floor for now, to attend to her cut, subtly making sure he had her paw in both of his as he wrapped it. Making sure it was tied, he clasped their paws together for a quiet moment where it was just the two of them among the crowd to make sure the bandage held, and to properly introduce himself.

“My name is Sir Alwyn,” he breathed, still struck by her beauty and giving her one of his most genuine and winning smiles as he stared into those beautiful emerald pools that matched his own “may I have the pleasure of knowing yours?"

@Dusk Rainblade @Tanya Keltoi @Jeshal the Ironclaw

 

[Silvertongue Songfox]

"Oh, am I performing?" Silvertongue repeated the question again. It was hard to hear over all the chatter. "I hope they'll let me, I just need to find a way backstage. I think I came in through the wrong entrance." He looked around once more, getting a bit overwhelmed by the crowd.

 

[Marianna Furotazzi]

Marianna could only risk looking in Ivo's eyes for so long. If she held eye contact with him, she could feel her heart going pitter-patter like a besotted schoolgirl. He might not have been a well-trained dancer, but he was graceful and gracious, even when she stepped on his toes. More than that, she felt safe in his arms. That wasn't something she'd felt with another beast in a very long time, maybe ever.

And, more than that, he was understanding. He saw her insecurities, the sides of herself that she tried to hide, and he embraced her for them. Yes, she was a workaholic and a perfectionist; he saw that, and he found a way for them to combine work and play. As they danced closer to where the three wealthy dowagers sat, she murmured to him, "If you want to dip me, we can use that as an excuse to sneak a peek."

~~~

Mina Rose blinked back tears as she looked up at the kind todd who came her rescue. As he bandaged her paw, she blinked in surprise, shocked that this handsomely dressed guardsbeast would even ask about her, much less behave so gallantly. "My name's Mina Rose Brewer, sir. Mos' folks back home called me Mina; only family called me Mina Rose." A pang in her heart ached as she remembered her parents' funeral, the wound still fresh in her soul. She continued, her clear-as-day Tookumberry accent a dead giveaway of her rural origins. "Ain't got much left a' that these days."

She blinked, clearing her eyes, as she looked between Alwyn and the young kit with him. She blinked in surprise before adding, "I'm so sorry, I didn' mean t' spoil yer time out wiv' yer brother! I'll get this cleaned up, sir, don' worry abou'-"

"You!" The maitre d' for the event, a stoat in a crisp formal coat and white gloves, hissed at Mina as she lingered on the floor. "Get that cleaned up this instant! My apologies, ladies and gentlebeasts," he addressed the crowd more loudly, trying to project calm and authority. "We beg your indulgence while we clean up the mess. You," he lowered his voice and addressed Mina Rose again, "get every piece of that picked up and out of here! I swear, if you so much as drop a dessert fork the rest of the night, I'll toss you out and seize your pay for the uniform."

Mina rose looked like she was on the verge of crying once more as she arduously attempted to pick up each individual shard of glass between her claws and move them onto the silver tray.

 

[Matisse Dubois]

Quick eyes scanned the program eagerly, his intrigue genuine if for the entirely wrong reasons. This marten was one he needed to do some digging on, a fresh face amongst so many familiar; a fact notable in itself, and something in dire need of correcting. Furthermore, that he was so clearly proud of his child was already valuable information. He nodded away, smiling politely the entire time.

“Asta. Lovely name.” At the very least he meant that. “I look forward to hearing her performance: takes a special beast to be able to play well, let alone at such a level as to be selected for such an auspicious event.”

The vixen’s departure drew his attention for a moment and Matisse smirked at Lily’s back, shaking his head as though bemused. “I suppose even those who have to serve can have enough,” he mused, “though the night is terribly young to already be so dour, wouldn’t you think?” Inclining his head back towards the other jack, he saw that the beast’s red eyes were already upon another; it only took following his glance to see the todd in question.

Oh now this was curious. He’d seen that blasted look before, but this jack already had a kit. Quite the life, then. His pleasure at finding such a reach seam of knowledge only bolstered his apparent good cheer, and he beamed at Caden. “Oh, a friend of yours?”

As the fox introduced himself the sable offered a paw, smiling. “Oh, no need for apologies on sich a fine night! I’m making my own introductions tonight, it seems: I’ve only just gotten to speak with this fellow here, myself, and not even introduced myself properly. I am Matisse, a pleasure to meet you.”

 

[Orina Emberkin]

@Mina Rose Brewer @Alwyn Ryalor @FinnianBrightfur

"Excuse me." A black-furred paw landed upon the shoulder of the stoat. Orina's blue eye bore into him as he turned to look at the Vice Minister in surprise. "What is one spilled tray, hm? Look around, I believe you're the only beast who cares so much to be making idle threats. Off with you, now, and leave the working beast alone. Unless you want me to put you on serving duty for the night as well."

The stoat raised his gloved paws in a defensive gesture. "Apologies, Vice Minister Emberkin. I was only trying to ensure the proper decorum was maintained." He quickly beat a hasty retreat from the unyielding gaze of the black squirrel.

Orina turned back to Alwyn and Mina, addressing the vixen. "He should leave you alone the rest of the night. Drop as many forks as you'd like." She nodded to Alwyn.

"Lieutenant, seems you have this well in paw." With a single, sweeping gaze over his squad and a small exhale of air that could have been a chuckle, the squirrel swept away from the pair and into the crowd once more.

---

@Talinn Ryalor @Dusk Rainblade @Aiken Brudenell

"Ah, my fellow Ministers!" A mildly inebriated Kilaris, flanked by a pair of Unsmudgables, invited himself into the conversation. "What a night, isn't it? And it's barely even begun. How are you enjoying yourselves so far? I do hope the festivities are to your liking."

 

[Asta Dalgaard]

@Marie "Whisper" Deftclaw

Asta was trying to find the words to reassure Whisper about her appearance when one of the stage paws approached. "'Scuse me, you're Asta Dalgaard, aye? You're on after the next one, best get yourself ready."

"Thank you." She nodded to the beast and stood. "Looking like I should be getting ready," she said to Whisper. "Do you wanting to see my lute? My father making it for me--made it for me," she corrected herself, then smiled down at the small fox. "Also, your body being just fine, Whisper. I thinking you very nice."

 

[Liza Fairpaw]

@Kal Goldtail @Izakis

The mouse's ears twitched as she shrugged. "Oh certainly plenty of trouble to be had anywhere at a shindig like this. And I don't mind a couple of beasts hanging about up here, but gotta keep all our points covered or else the powers that be will have our tails."

At the sound of breaking glass below and the sudden commotion in the crowd, Liza had an arrow out and ready. A flurry of movement from the other Rangeblades in the catwalk told of the preparedness of the others watching the crowd below. Liza's sharp grey eyes scanned, her entire body still, one ear forward as the other swiveled.

"All's well, then," she said cheerfully as the party below returned to its previous flow. Returning the arrow to its quiver once more, Liza relaxed. "See? Might be hard to keep an eye on both up here and down there if we have more'n you two wandering 'round up here. Stay as long as you like, though. Not the worst place to be, the distance from it all makes you see the big picture o'the thing, eh? You got Ministers and nobles and whatever other beasts rubbin' shoulders with each other, but we're up here, watching it all like it's some sort o'show. Kinda philosophical if you think about it."

 

[Ivo Suresight]

Ivo obliged and moved to dip Marianna once they've got close enough. The issue was, he wasn't a trained dancer and might have put her waaay to low. It took a bit of luck and strained muscles to both hold her and look at the jewels. While he didn't know which one was real, he wasn't called Suresight for nothing, as he surely sighted the differences between the three. Ones that anybeast could consider just a result of wear. But Ivo assumed that such valuable objects were to be made and kept perfectly, thus any tiny mishap wasn't a case of failed maintenance. After making sure the differences were spotted, he heaved Marianna up with audible crack of his bones.

He hissed from pain, but continued to dance, albeit clearly pained and holding it bottled to not gather attention.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii nodded affirmatively to his friend. And then gestured towards the scene. "This building truly is a labyrinth. But if you wish to perform? I am sure getting behind the scene is the first place to be. Albeit you may want to wait with me to catch Swifttail and maybe meet with Duke Tallinn. I am awaiting till he shall have a moment to spare and you are welcome to join me." Kaii actually kind of wanted for Silvertongue to stay, mostly to have a discussion that didn't require of him much more than he could.

 

[Marie "Whisper" Deftclaw]

Whisper gave a meek smile as they also stood up. They were still having issue with taking any kind word about their body, but it wasn't time to hold this stranger. Instead Whisper focused on the mentioned lute. It was really a beautiful piece and Whisper kind of wished to try it. It was however not even remotely possible for them to ask voice such personal request. Instead, Whisper nodded a bit franticly before focusing on what they wanted to say.

"Yes!! I m-mean..." The fox realised how stupid and desperate they must look, curling a bit around themselves. "I-if it is o-okay. I w-would l-love to see it a-and see h-how you play..." Politely taking the focus away from their own pathetic body, Whisper now started realising they might be going next, right after Asta, which again brought anxiety into their mind.

 

[Caden S. Freemont]

@Matisse Dubois @Daniil Ryalor

"Matisse," Caden repeated the name, then gestured to Daniil. "This is indeed my friend, Daniil. And I'm Caden." He raised the plates of food he had collected, addressing Daniil. "I was getting some food for Asta, but I think I may be too late to get it to her before she goes on."

Caden held out the program to the todd. "See, the Vice Minister just finished, and there's only one other performer before Asta's first piece." He glanced back at the Guardsbeasts with Alwyn. "How much freedom from duties do you have tonight? Perhaps we could get closer to the stage to watch."

 

[Izakis]

@Liza Fairpaw @Kal Goldtail

Izakis could see how her moves captured the other vixen eyes. There was no harm in continuing the moves she mastered over the past years. She did avoid doing anything that was too extreme though. Public decency was something she actually tried to uphold... most of the time. Still, it was seeing the sudden commotion and the instant reaction of the mouse that caught most of her attention. She was all for lightening the mood and followed upon the direction suggested by the rangeblade.

"Fuhuhuhu~ you aren't wrong... There is ssssomething sssspecial in watching the events happen. Some beasts are born to act while others just watch, but here? I think most of the ones who just watch are down there or on the balconies..." She paused to look over the rail onto the otter that was currently downing twelveth drink in a row, feeling a bit saddened with their lot. "I won't ask you, brave Smudgie, which one you are. You've already shown your skill and drive." She winked before turning to the vixen. "But what drives youdear? Are the crowds tiring so you came here to watch? Or are you just waiting for something to happen like the brave huntress." She finished with a small giggle while pointing at the mouse besides.

 

[Kal Goldtail]

@Izakis @Liza Fairpaw

Kal had realized that being a supposed private beast at arms on a catwalk had way less sense given that she was not armed for any kind of ranged encounter. Shattering glass and commotion made her look at the crowd, but the tension disappeared rather quickly. "Took 'em long enough to screw up." She smirked as the raised alert on both the ground and up here on the catwalk dissipated. "Maybe we see all, but we lose out on 'em sneaky little details - can't overhear any gossip in here."

Philosophical discussion about the natural order of beasts in the world was expected by Kal from this event, though. Truthfully, any discussion was already a surprise. She sighed. "S'pose it's nice to see the big party with my own eyes. And get some coin while at it. Seems rather boring so far, down 'ere - dunno if for better or worse." There was a slight pause, as Kal wondered what to say. "And you? Watcher, or a beast with a plan?"

 

[Silvertongue Songfox]

Kaii nodded affirmatively to his friend. And then gestured towards the scene. "This building truly is a labyrinth. But if you wish to perform? I am sure getting behind the scene is the first place to be. Albeit you may want to wait with me to catch Swifttail and maybe meet with Duke Tallinn. I am awaiting till he shall have a moment to spare and you are welcome to join me." Kaii actually kind of wanted for Silvertongue to stay, mostly to have a discussion that didn't require of him much more than he could.

“Oh, the Captain is here?” Silvertongue perked up. “Alright. I’ll stick around. I want to find Swifttail as well anyways.” He nodded, looking around once more. He seemed to be nervous, but it would be easy to be nervous in such a huge chaotic crowd like this.

 

[Jeshal the Ironclaw]

Prior to meandering further down the buffet table, Jeshal had been noting various beasts and their movements. Just ignore that his writer failed to make mention of it earlier. The group of guards led by Alwyn had not escaped his notice, piquing his curiosity as to whom the gaggle appeared to be blocking. Nor had he missed the sight of Talinn looking especially displeased with a stoat, their other halves appearing to be smoothing the situation over. The stoat looked an important and interesting person to converse with at some juncture, and the Ironclaw felt it niggle at him that he should probably know who they were. He had long since been out of the network of his past ministry and sources.

The jill asked him on the subject of his paw, encouraging another bright grin from him that he presented to her and her friend.

"Ah, a fine tale of wonder an' horrors, says I. Two score years ago it was back before I were in the Imperium. A lowly little swabbie was what they saw me as on this ol' vessel I found meself aboard, but one cold and cruel night we found a shivering fox kit floatin' out there on the dark waves in a battered dinghy. Jumped down there to get 'im, so I did, but not before I came face ter face with the thing what had destroyed the boat he came from. AH! The lightning struck and there before me, towering out of the depths, was a gigantic sea monster. Took me paw, so 'e did, but I wouldn't give up the kit. See, me an' the beast found an understanding. I looked 'im in the eyes, and I said—"

Whatever it was Jeshal had supposedly said cut off at the sound of shattering glass. He noticed the vixen on the floor, the spitting image of his wife when she had been younger. For just a moment his heart squeezed and then it registered who she must be. Caden was there, along with a grey-furred fox from the guards. That shade of grey... it must be...

Everything was happening so quickly. Alwyn briefly threatening the assumed Mina Rose before making amends. It was a wonder Jeshal kept hold of his grapes. What another Ryalor mess. Along came the maitre d' and Jeshal had half a mind to make his way over, fantasising dark thoughts about what he could do with a beast like that and dropped glass, but the organist had swept in to take care of matters.

"Ah, Bully," he murmured. "Never changes."​

 

[Asta Dalgaard]

@Marie "Whisper" Deftclaw

Asta opened the lute case and fondly withdrew her instrument. She looped the strap over her head and crosswise on her shoulder. "I can't play too loud back here. But maybe playing a little."

The jill quietly strummed a series of warm, rich chords, the instrument fairly singing under her paws. Then she plucked out several arpeggios before stopping and twisting the tuning pegs. She tried the arpeggios again and nodded. "Better, ja? Was a bit flat."