The big ballroom was brightly lighted, the tables heavy from the foods on it, the laugher resounded around the room. Various courtiers, priests and merchants and most prominent people of Hauet barony talked, joked and drank, being merry for the joyous occasion. At the head of the table, sat baron Gauthier Castex - by all standards, a tall man. He had a big belly, but not enough to be called fat - none would call him that considering that most of his body were muscles. A bald man of... questionable attractiveness, square face and nose that was broken more than one time. He wears black trousers as well as a red tunic with yellow stripes with Castex crest on his heart. He is known for his dislike of non-humans, arrogance and lust. He was drinking and joking with the young woman who was sitting next to him - a woman for whom the entire party was organised, his daughter. Nicolette Castex, the younger of two daughters of the baron, was a young beautiful woman. She practically radiated with youth and innocence, laughing with her father. Her thin red and gold dress did little to hide her slim figure, decent bust and round ass. The storm of her golden locks, one unruly continued to fall on her, oh so beautiful face. And while she had good relations with her father, it was common knowledge, that who she was really close, was her mother. The baroness Noémi Castex, formerly Laframboise, while, somewhat cold and distant to her husband, was incredibly close to her youngest daughter. Despite being in her late middle age, she was still one of the most beautiful women present. Her blond straight hair reached well pass her ass, the dress she wore only enchanted her womanly curves, her hour-glass figure and round ass. Her cleavage was deep enough, to draw all of the eyes to her large bust, but was not big enough to be considered... indecent. Next to her sat her eldest - Nadine Castex. The eldest daughter of baron was completely different then her mother and sister. Despite inheriting her mother's beauty, she prefered to accompany her father on the battlefield, instead of spending her time at the court. The rumour was, she had even organised her own retinue composed solely of women. Even now, at the ball, she wore lathers - a form of decorative armour, instead of a dress. She had an athletic body, her muscles clearly visible under her clothes. She kept her blond hair in a bob cut. As the party was going on, the door opened and the herald announced the arrival of the first of the lords and ladies, the landed vassals serving the baron.
“Good luck, have fun, and don't hesitate to call for me if anything happens, my lady.” “Thank you, Sophie. You have fun too, and let's hope I won't need you tonight.” Reana reassured her head maid-slash-personal guard. For tonight's party Reana had chosen to wear a blue gown matching her eyes, tight enough to emphasize her butt a bit (but not too much). The dress had rather deep cleavage that served to emphasize her large breasts. Further drawing attention to her bust was Reana's only piece of jewelry – a round golden medallion with an oval blue gem in the middle, hanging on a golden chain and nestled right between her breasts. Sophie had an identical gemstone, only hers wasn't part of any sort of jewelry – instead it was safely hidden in Sophie's pussy. The young sorceress had put a weak enchantment on the gems, allowing the two women to track each other's locations by concentrating for a bit, and also allowing Reana to send a mental call for help, if necessary. The enchantment would lose its power in less than 24 hours, but hopefully by then it would have served its purpose. Almost as soon as Reana turned her gaze towards the door it opened and a herald announced her. Taking a deep breath the young woman walked inside the large ballroom, taking small slow steps. She took a quick look around the room, trying to take note of any guests of particular interest, then decided to introduce herself and headed towards the Baron's table.
"Lady Reana Taerin!" the herald announced loudly as the woman entered the ballroom. "Hah! Look at that!" The baron's voice boomed. "The first of my landed vassals decided to show up and who it is - a witch! Shows just how much my vasals respect me." the baron growled. "At least there is something to look at." His eyes lecherously travelled over Reana's figure.
Reana sighed mentally. Leaving Sophie to wait outside was definitely the right decision. She could guess what her head maid's reaction would have been. Pretending to have not heard – or at least not understood – what the baron had said Reana moved closer to where the baron's family was seated. “Good night, baron Castex, I am Reana Taerin. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Reana introduced herself and curtsied to the baron, pretending not to notice his lecherous gaze. She then moved on to the rest of the baron's family, starting with the one who was the reason for the party. “Happy birthday, lady Nicolette. May you always be healthy and beautiful. If there's anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.” Reana checked out the young girl, but made sure to not stare for longer than was polite. “Baroness Castex, it is a real pleasure to meet you. If there's anything you need from me just let me know.” Again Reana made sure not to stare for longer than was polite as she bowed slightly, even though the baroness' deep cleavage and large bust were a real feast for her eyes. Finally she moved on to the older daughter. “Hello, lady Nadine, it's a pleasure to meet you.” Reana introduced herself to the last member of the baron's family.
Lily arrives at the entrance of the ballroom, leaving her guard, and loyal retainer outside. She sauntered inside, wearing a sleeveless black gown that ended on her ankles, and covered her cleavage, yet it hugged her large bust like a second skin. On her arms were black evening gloves that ended well past her elbow. And on her feet were black stockings, and high heels. It seemed like lady Blackwood was attending a funeral with her all black attire. But she simply honored her family's emblem, which was a black tree. Lily's auburn hair was done in her usual loose bun, with a gem-encrusted needle right in the middle to support it. Looking around the big ballroom, Lily tries to see if anyone of interest, aside from the baron and his family was there. (Do all our characters know each other, seeing as we're all vasals of the same baron.)
"Of course it's a pleasure to meet me." The baron boomed - one couldn't tell if it was a sarcastic comment or her truly thought that way. Nicolette smiled at Reana. "Thank you Lady Taerin. I thank you for gracing the party in my name with your person." She said politely. As Reana's eyes landed on the baroness, Noémi quirked her lip in a small smile, clearly indicating she knew what the young sorceress was doing. Both baroness and her eldest daughter acknowledged the greeting with nods - and while the baroness seemed somewhat amused by the young noblewoman's attention, Nadine seemed bored. "Lady Lily Blackwood!" the herald has announced. "Be careful around that woman." The baron growled to his daughter... it might have been supposed to be a whisper, but it was loud enough for those around to hear. "Blackwoods might be an old house loving balls, flowers and dances - but people tend to have accidents quite frequently - especially their enemies. A house of vipers, that is..."
“It was nice to make your acquaintance. I hope I'll get to speak with you more later. But for now it seems like there are more guests waiting for your attention, so I will leave you to it. Please excuse me.” Reana excused herself as the herald announced the next guest. After a final smile at Nicolette and the baroness Reana moved away, allowing the next guest to approach – and also overhearing the baron's advice to his daughter. She moved to the side, out of the way, and started examining the other guests, curious to see both who else would arrive and who was already there. (OOC: I'm going to assume that our characters have not met face-to-face before, though they likely have heard of each other.)
{Most of the baron's vassals have already met him - those who didn't, are simply those who took over their families since the last meeting.}
Albert arrived at the doors to the big ballroom, after he had dismissed his squire and cousin Josephine to tend their horses. He wore the most expensive clothing his family possessed, which had belonged to his father: a doublet and breeches in blue with silver accents and with an embroidered family crest on his breast, a silver unicorn. Albert had brought a bottle of wine from the estate’s vineyard as a gift for the Baron’s daughter. He looked around in awe at the splendour the Baron could afford in his home. It was the Baron’s first ball since his father had died and Albert’s first time at the Baron’s court, and he probably had to introduce himself. Naturally, Albert was quite nervous as he approached the herald. ‘Greetings, I am Albert de Lautreamont,’ Albert greeted the herald, ‘Could you announce me to the court? This is my first time here, I don’t think anybody knows me yet. They might know my father, though... Sorry, I am a bit nervous.’
Just as the woman talking to the baron left, Lily made her way to greet their host. She stood in front of the baron's table, bowing as she greeted them, "Good evening, baron Castex," She looks at his wife with a smile, "baroness Castex," next to their eldest daughter, "Lady Castex," and finally bowed again to the ball's guest of honor, "Lady Castex." She then looks at the baron, "I am Lily Blackwood, new head of the Blackwood family. It is a pleasure to be here in honor of your daughter." She says with a smile. (Edit: forgot one of the daughters)
The baron dismisses Reana, and she has a chance to look around and find a few more prominent people present. Among the people of note in the ballroom, where few important characters from baron's dominium. The Marshal Rémy Vaillancourt was a rather... unpleasant character. Known for the pogrom of non-humans during the last peasant rebellion, this mand personally has led his men to rape and slaughter the peasants who supported the rebellion. A muscular warrior of questionable beauty, covered in scars, he is a typical soldier - always looking forward to the next battle. The priest Hector Rodin is a fat man - even his oversized priest's grab of the cult of Thilo is not able to hide his big belly. Next to him stands a curvy attractive middleaged woman - talking to him hotly. Ingrid Leloup - a priestess of the convent of rose. It is wildly known that this two are opponents to each other - both trying to win the aid of the baron. Swine and pearl. * * * "It's a pleasure to see you, my lady Lily Blackwood. You are a pleasure to this man's eyes." his eyes roaming over the young noble woman's body. The other members of his family nodded to her in greeting. "After... you mingle around, I will have a business to discuss with you later, my lady. I will call on you later." The baron stated seriously. * * * "Of course." Noding stiffly, the herald nods to young Albert "Albert de Lautreamont!" the herald has announced.
Lily kept a straight face, even as the baron openly oogled her body. "Thank you for the compliment, my lord." She bowed once more, causing her breasts to sway with her movements. Her smile then turned to a grin once she heard the baron's statement. "Understood, my lord. I will await your summons." She answered in a calm respectful tone, as she stood up straight. "Thank you, my lord, my ladies. I will excuse myself, I am sure you have other guests to attend to." Lily leaves the baron's table, and moves toward an empty seat, where she could watch the other guests.
Albert stepped through the doors to the ballroom, looking around in awe for a moment. He had never seen so many nobles gathered at once, and some of them were quite beautiful. He gulped, feeling a lot of eyes on him because of the announcement. Albert waited a moment for the auburn-haired woman at the baron’s table to exuse herself, and then stepped up. Bowing to the Baron, Albert introduced himself, saying the words he had mulled over in his head several times, ‘My liege, Baron Castex, I bid you a good evening. I am your humble vassal, Albert de Lautreamont, son of the late Pierre de Lautremont. It is a pleasure and an honour to meet you and your family and I thank you for inviting me.’ Having introduced himself to his liege lord, Albert turned to the Baron’s wife, the mature beauty and eloquence the older woman exuded made him pause a moment, he didn’t know where to look to be polite. Albert cleared his voice and bowed, ‘Uhm, Baroness Castex, I thank you for your hospitality, it is a pleasure to meet you.’ He then turned to the baron’s elder daugher Nadine, she reminded him quite a bit of his cousin Josephine, which made him a bit more relaxed around her, ‘Lady Nadine, it is an honour. I have heard tales of your prowess on the battlefield at your father’s side.’ Finally, he turned to the youngest daughter and the woman being honoured that day, Nicolette. Albert looked at the youthful woman and smiled, her beauty and innocence were striking, ‘Lady Nicolette, I am happy to meet you. I wish to congratulate you on this special day.’ Albert produced the bottle of wine he had been holding the entire time, ‘I have brought a small gift from Lautreamont’s vineyard. I hope it will please you.’ Albert looked nervous, he didn’t know whether to give the gift to Nicolette directly or hand it off to a servant.
Reana considered her options. Marshal Vaillancourt was near the bottom of the list of people she wanted to deal with. She had heard a lot about him, and not a single thing to endear him to her. Hector Rodin and Ingrid Leloup were a bit more interesting. According to what she had heard about them they were opponents, so seeing them talking like this aroused her curiosity. While she wasn't particularly religious Reana knew that religion could be a powerful tool and that priests could have a lot of influence. Thus, curious what the two might be talking – or possibly arguing – about she decided to investigate and moved closer. As she walked towards the unlikely pair Reana tried to remember everything she knew about their religion.
Lily, easily found an empty seat. As she sat down, immediately a servant approached her, offering a bottle of wine. * * * "Welcome, Albert de Lautreamont!" The baron boomed with joy. "See Nicolette? This is the future of the realm - a warrior with steel in his hand. I would trade a lad like him for a witch any day." He laughed. "It's good to see that at least Pierre's kid turning up, right." "Do make yourself a guest, young knight. If you need anything, do let me know." The baroness smiled kindly at him. The eldest of baron's children perked up. "Oh, is that what they are saying about me?" Nadine asked, smiling "That just made my night." She suddenly looked with interest on the young man. "Hmm... as a fellow warrior, would you do me a favour and train with me later?" She asked. "Thank you." Nicolette said as the man finished giving his regards. As Albert gave the wine, the young woman walked up to him and received the bottle. "Ah, thank you for your gift, my lord." She said blushing lightly as her hand brushed against his. * * * Reana started walking to the priests...
Albert blushed as the Baron praised him and ignored his jab against witches, ‘You honour me too much, my liege. I may have trained under my father and proven myself at a recent tourney but I have yet to see a real battle, only true combat could test if I have what it takes to protect the realm.’ The young man gave nod to the Baroness and returned her smile, ‘Thank you, I will gladly do so, my Baroness.’ Albert was a bit surprised at Nadine’s request, but it was not unwelcome. He smiled at her, ‘An interesting proposal, my lady. If our obligations permit it this evening, I would be delighted to train together.’ When Nicolette took the bottle and brushed his hand, Albert blushed a little as well and his heart skipped a beat as he looked at the young woman’s face and golden locks, ‘Uhm, yes, don’t mention it. It is but a small courtesy, my lady.’ He smiled at Nicolette. He addresed all of them, ‘It is truly a pleasure to finally meet you and your lovely family, my liege. I wish you a pleasant celebration and leave you to meet the other new arrivals. I’m sure we will see each other again over the course of the evening.’ He smiled at Nicolette, ‘Again, congratulations, my lady.’ When the Baron dismissed him, Albert left the Baron’s table and looked around the ballroom. He had heard of many of the nobles by hear-say but could only place the most visually distinct of them. He looked for an empty seat for the moment, not quite sure who to approach to mingle.
Reana waited a bit longer for the fat priest to walk away, using this chance to observe Ingrid for a moment, before slowly approaching the priestess. “Hello. My name is Reana Taerin. You are lady Leloup, correct? I have heard about you, but never had a chance to meet you – until now. How are you? Enjoying the party?” She tried to engage the woman in a bit of idle chatter before doing anything else.
Lily nods, and lets the servant pour wine in an empty glass on the table. When the servant has finished pouring, she smiles, "Thank you, that will be all for now." She said, to dismiss him/her. She takes her glass, carefully swirling its contents, as she smelled the wine's fragrance. Lily also takes the chance to listen to the other nobles, in hopes of hearing rumors, or better yet, secrets they shared among themselves.
Richard shifted uncomfortably in his tunic as he approached the entrance to the ballroom and the herald waiting there. He preferred the garb of his war-plate rather than the finery of his courtly dress, and his fingers tugged gently at the neck of his tunic as though he was trying to loosen a noose. From beyond the heavy doors he could hear the buys chatter of the gathering going on inside, but it was too muffled for him to make out any distinct sounds. He was somewhat late arriving he knew, but that simply couldn't be helped. He'd been camped with his men the past few weeks and only left them when he'd received word of this party. Richard had considered skipping it with his apologies, but thought better of it. Since he'd become lord of his manner he hadn't been to see Baron Castex, and as it was he was pushing the limits of civility. Snubbing the baron's daughter's birthday could have proven... unwise. Thus he'd left his camp and men under his lieutenant Sir Lance D'frolic; a man who's renowned skill with the sword was rumored to be rivaled only buy his skill with his sword. A notorious "poon" hound, D'frolic would have jumped at the chance to attend this ball. But Richard had thought better of it. Lord von Stryker had been in these halls only a handful of times before with his father, but the last was several years ago when the elder von Stryker was well enough to make the trip. Instead it was Richard's brother Charles who had spent much of his time here, and at the thought of his late brother Richard's thoughts grew sad before shaking them away. As he stepped up to the herald, Richard dropped his hand from his neck and cleared his throat before straightening into a nobleman's posture. He nodded a simple greeting towards the herald and said, "Lord Richard von Stryker, here to see my lord Baron Castex whenever is convenient." Richard then gave himself a quick inspection as he waited for the herald to announce him. The young von Stryker's outfit was somewhat typical for male nobility: a doublet and breeches. As per family tradition his was in a green hue with gold trim. Satisfied with his garb he quickly ran his fingers through his hair pulling a few stray strands from falling in front of his face.
"Ugh...this sucks..." Mumbling to herself as found her way to the entrance, the colors of her costume and vibrant patterns already were intended to do the one thing the Allaire family was good at. Forcing themselves to be the center of attention. Colorful spheres and twin tailed long hair, and the garb that was more suited for the court jester than a noble, it was easy for eyes to be drawn to her rather than the sound of clanking armor walking beside her. "Milady. Please hurry. Your brother gave me highly specific instructions that I don't wish to carry out if you won't do this willingly." His face was odd. He had the scars of a veteran, but an overall youthful look that didn't seem any older than her. He spoke like a grizzled warrior and had the armor of one, but just not the face. For that reason, Viola felt it was fine to object. "But- The word doesn't even come out before a sudden movement of a gauntlet that's soon followed by her mumbling some curses while rubbing the back of her head. Not so hard that it would seriously hurt, but enough to get the point across. Faking illness didn't work. Her mother saw right through that. Her brother refused to believe she suddenly had an interest in actually learning to manage anything. While a lot of it would look like she was just a typical lazy noble, she was following some highly specific instruction by her mother as well. Nobody expects the Allaire to be good at much. Keep it that way. She knew perfectly well why she was chosen to go. The few good notes of her house was that they were overall sincerely friendly and had surprisingly capable magic users. Her brother may know how to be competent, but that's why sending him wasn't an option. He didn't have the innate magic ability that she did and while clever, her mother didn't either. It remained only to her to show off their abilities and try to convince people just enough that there was a purpose to keeping them around. So she forced a smile and got near the herald. "Heya! Lady Viola Allaire. Can you announce me and stuff when you get a minute?"
