In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
Post by Jagen Lavender♛ on Nov 30, 2020 18:22:21 GMT -5
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[attr="class","header"]The Royal Winter Ball
[break]
A light snow begins to fall, and the streets of the Royal capital are covered in a fine powder as the wind bites at any exposed skin. Houses, shops, and even the palace are alight with brightly colored lights and even decorations that people have set up for everyone to see. Yuletide cheer has spread throughout the land as the king and queen send out the invitations for the annual Winter Ball.
[break][break]
[attr="class","header2"]The night of the ball
[break]
The time indicated on the invitation has finally come and the Royal Capital is now a winter wonderland. The average amount of snow on the ground is about 0.5 meters and the frigid temperatures were nothing to scoff at, but as usual, the king spared no expense in hiring independent fire mages to keep the surrounding area warm and cozy. He also hired more guards for the ball since the appearance of the daemons and the issued at the Magic Knight Exam of this year he was not willing to risk his safety and most of all... his entertainment.
[break][break]
Jagen, the Wizard King and commanding officer to all Magic Knights made sure that they were included even with all the issues they have each year with the riff-raff and unusually fight-happy guests that appear. All in all the food spread makes even the mouths of the well-fed, wet with anticipation. The drinks were never-ending, and the music this year...was absolutely divine. The music starts up as the guests arrive
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 1, 2020 12:41:11 GMT -5
Bengal... stood out.
There was no way around it, the monolith of a man entered the main hall, arm in arm with a beautiful young silver-haired young lady known by most as June Silva. Unlike others that were dressed in regal suits, Bengal was clearly wearing foreign attire, though it was still of incredibly high quality. A simple low-cut black shirt revealing the intricate tattoos decorating his chest and skin, as well as iron-like muscles so different from most mages. The baggy grey pants, paired with a pair of short wooden geta set an odd base in Clover. But upon closer inspection, it was intricate in its own way, with golden embroidery decorating the edges of the clothing and intricate designs of warriors battling demons carved into the sides of the geta.
What caught the eyes of most was the kimono worn over this, however. The long open silk kimono was a work of art, depicting an entire battle woven into its surface. Its base color a deep purple, with stories of warriors in full armor charging into battle from one sleeve, clashing in the center of the kimono's back with the opposite side where rampaging devils came bounding from portals of hell. The bloody, brutal, yet beautiful art piece was nothing like the sleek suits that most men wore here.
Bengal didn't care. He'd always stood out in this country, and it had never stopped him before. Instead, the man's feline-like eyes glanced over the various groups of nobles and royals, and grunted. Technically, he was a minor noble of this land now as well. But his people were looked at more akin to knights at best, and most still considered them 'foreign savages' despite their blood that had been shed against the Diamond and Daemon. Curious of any friendly faces, he would glance down at the elegant Silva at his side.
Hopefully, this would be a decent distraction from everything that had gone wrong since the pair had been tossed across the continent by the Daemon's temporal magic. The shattering. He wanted to see her smile. The goal had been to bring Emily as well, but she was still uncomfortable going out. At least she'd kissed him back again.
"Food, drink, fake socializing, or look for someone that we actually care about, Flower?" he glanced down toward June as he asked this, offering her an amused expression. Sincere, if a bit tired.
WC: 438 TWC: 438
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 4 Strength: Intermediate Speed: 25m/s
Mana Skin: 24/24 Health: 20/20 Mana: 465/465 Mana Regen: +55/75
Attending such a formal event without worrying about her parents' watchful eye felt odd. Though the lack of judgement was welcome, her parents' absence was not. With one hand perched on Bengal's forearm, June stood out in a way that her parents would have struggled not to disown her for. She was on the arm of a commoner who forwent the traditional style of formal wear that any in Clover that could afford to do so observed.
In contrast to Bengal's outfit, June wore a floor length ball gown. It was medium blue with black floral patterns spilling down the front. It had impressive body thanks to the hoops beneath the skirts, allowing it to hover just above the ground and not drag despite its length. Flashes of silvery shoes could be seen with each step June took. Over the dress, a black waist coat with sleeves that reached her hip was laced firmly across her abdomen. A white band decorated each sleeve just above the elbow, below which each sleeve flared with matching white trim around the cuff. a simple silver necklace with small but high quality sapphires rested on her collarbone.
The lady's silvery blue hair was pulled back into an ornate up do held in place with ivory colored pins made of bone. She tucked a strand of carefully coiled hair behind one ear before addressing her lover's question.
June smirked at Bengal. "Drink first, then let's seek out a few friendly faces for some 'fake' socializing shall we?" she replied, imitating his wording with a teasing tone.
Her attitude was perhaps the cheeriest it had been since the pair had returned to Clover after the Shattering. Despite the bittersweet feelings of grief threatening to overtake her most moments, June was able to put on a brave face for the event. Not only was she here to show that the Silva were still alive and well, the young woman was also here to show everyone that she stood by the choices she had made.
Making an exception for Bengal was not an easy choice, but it was one June would not be swayed from. At first, it had been a fling, stubbornness, and a desire to rebel against her parents. Now, more genuine feelings solidified her decision. Trust, shared grief, and affection.
June intended for the whole world to know that Bengal was hers and that his status did not lower hers. Rather, they were both high class. Unlike most commoners, Bengal was strong, rivalling Magic Knights easily. He worked hard and had begun to acquire wealth without the benefit of noble upbringing.
Head held high, June scanned the crowd for anyone she might care to talk to.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 1, 2020 13:28:04 GMT -5
A rumble of amusement filled his chest as she played along with his terminology in regards to socializing in these instances. He couldn't help it, for the most part, it all felt fake. A bunch of masks and fake smiles, something totally different from how his clan interacted. A bunch of lies, essentially. As harmless as they were it seemed so pointless, showing off fame, money, bragging rights, status. A bunch of wasted time.
Still, he was here, and he'd play along with their culture while he was here. Since she was after drinks, Bengal moved through the crowd. It wasn't difficult with his size and looks, most nobles parted away from him. A few Krane and Vermillion gave him nods and even smiled in greeting. But many of the participants avoided him between those few that recognized him.
Once they'd arrived at the drink table he idly waved a hand for the large bottle of wine, making sure June's was poured before the waiter gave him a questioning, uncertain look.
"Yourself, sir?" he asked in a voice that was surprisingly firm. A nice surprise. At least the servants were well trained in their manners, one less thing for him to have to deal with. Sassy waitresses were the worst.
"Ale," he clarified bluntly, and thankfully it was painless. As much as this was a royal ball, it was also a place for many of the magical knights. Vermillions, Wilhelms, and various others were here. Ale was a favorite casual drink, even if it wasn't being served in giant wooden tankards or anything.
"Wonder if Ardere is here... I'd prefer sake," he mused idly, lifting his own metal mug now full of ale as the waiter moved on to the next couple. Bengal's gaze slid across the various faces before glancing down toward June. "Think any of your cousins are coming to this one?" The last time he'd seen a gathering of the Silva cousins had been... dramatic. He knew June wasn't the only active one about, however. He just wasn't sure how many were still participating in events like this.
WC: 385 TWC: 823
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 4 Strength: Intermediate Speed: 25m/s
Mana Skin: 24/24 Health: 20/20 Mana: 465/465 Mana Regen: +55/75
[attr="class","julienglassscroll"] He was not here of his own choice. Then again, he hardly ever had one. [break][break] So when Michail Ravencrest quote ‘invited’ the Reinsberg to join, he could not deny him. Julien said nothing as he stood beside the other noble, the glass mage’s cold fingers ran across his scarf ensuring that it covered his scars because no one would be happy to see them. Dressed in formal attire, his hair still covered his eyes slightly. He kept his head down, because making eye contact with anyone would assure that he would have to acknowledge his own presence there. [break][break] And his presence there was something he quietly wished he could hide away. [break][break] The music was fit for the season, joyous and loud and filling one’s ears with the annoyance of bells and high melodies. Nobles and their balls were always loud, crowded, and filled with the decadence that only the upper class could bathe themselves in. It was the way of the world, and even during the Yule season, it was no different. [break][break] At least, he would not have to spend this holiday with his adopted family and the cold relief that washed over him was an eerie comfort. As a member of the Silver Eagles, he now had an excuse not to return to the Blake manor. Though, he supposed if his adopted parents requested him home, then he would not deny it. But they had their real son to attend to. Their fake one could maintain the noble outlook of being a Magic Knight. [break][break]
And so, there he remained, standing somewhat to the side, not expecting to be spoken to or called out. [break][break] He hoped Michail would have his good time gloating about his status, and then he could leave soon enough.
Eve walked into the grand room looking very out of place. To be fair, she had done a considerable amount of prep-work; her hair was tied up behind her head, each purple strand glossy and straight from the washing it had received, her skin was clean and fresh, and she smelled faintly of vanilla-scented perfume; not a ton, but enough that if you got close you might notice. Then there was her dress; a single black one piece that did nothing to hide her ridiculous curves, reaching almost to her ankles with deep slits that exposed her hips as she walked, but mostly covered her legs when she was still. She had simple but formal black shoes, opting away from the offered heels considering she was already nearly six-foot-tall and didn't feel the added height was necessary.
But she couldn't have been more out of place.
Eve had been told by her father about the ball and pressured into going, but she was much more comfortable wearing her street clothes and running into a dungeon than a fancy formal event like this. But, her father had apparently wanted her to go enough that he slipped the information that Satori and June would be there, and that was enough to convince her to at least entertain the idea and if she felt too out of place, dip entirely and just leave. While she might have drawn a few looks, being stunning in appearance and her dark clothing, skin, and hair making her eyes stand out like searchlights, she had one arm across her body and holding her elbow, almost looking lost for a moment, before spotting the monolith of a man across the way along with the small silver-blue haired member of their normal party of three.
Approaching, she smiled, despite her uncomfortability, projecting that air of absolute confidence. "Oh good, some people I actually know. I am not used to being in something this fancy... place or clothes." She gave a light chuckle, trying to break the ice as best she could and melt into the conversation that they were having, hoping as always that she was not intruding. They were a couple after all. Idly, she wondered if she could ever convince her father to come here and join in on the festivities. After all, now that they were more stable, he should really get out more.
WC: 401/401
Last Edit: Dec 2, 2020 1:11:49 GMT -5 by Eve Darkkon
Post by Michail Ravencrest on Dec 2, 2020 2:20:17 GMT -5
Wait, he actually showed up?
Wide-eyed in a custom suit, Michail stared at Julien as he entered the ball. The young Ravencrest only played it up as a joke at the time. A jest. He didn't seriously expect Julien--a Reinsberg of all people to show up here. Ugh, Michail thought as he ran a hand down his face. What was it Waylynn was always telling him again? Not to feed the strays? He saw why now.
Well, whatever. He'd have to play the role of Julien's master yet again. They were both Silver Eagles, but neither of them was representing their squads. Julien was here because he was a dumb dog, and Michail was here because he enjoyed it. But of course, he was also here representing the Ravencrests as well. The best part was he hadn't seen a sign of Lydia anywhere, nor had he seen Typhon. This was shaping out to be the best ball yet.
Or at least, it was until Julien showed up. Well, whatever. He couldn't cause a scene. Lydia seemed to be okay with Commoners, so the blonde very much doubted she'd take issue if Michail accompanied his squadmate here. Still, it wasn't his company he wanted!
Michail, being the "gentlemen" that he was had taken notice of a dark-skinned woman with bountiful assets that were difficult to look away from. But she was with another crowd, one of which included a Silva. He could tell right away based on her features. Not to mention that other man who looked more monster than man--had he no shame pretending to be human? To be civil? Laughable.
"Julien, Julien," Michail said as he greeted his senior of three years. "So good of you to show up. How's the fam-"
right.
Clearing his throat, he changed topics. "How is your day?"
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 2, 2020 7:02:24 GMT -5
Other ki were started to appear around him that were a bit more interesting than most. Two smaller noble males were especially curious, one of them felt... oddly blank, empty. Grey, feline eyes briefly passed over Julien and the conversation being directed toward him. Despite this, Bengal's gaze shifted toward a more interesting individual as someone he knew approached. Eve was stunning, as usual, most that looked at her wouldn't think her of 'mere' common blood. Further proof that the concept was idiotic.
"Eve," he greeted her with a smile at the familiar ki of the woman. "You look gorgeous," he stated as he glanced her over. His lip curling upward in amusement as his gaze shifted toward June again, before arching a brow at Eve. "Something to say to my fiance?" he inquired teasingly toward the dark-toned woman.
Bengal had picked up on it, even if June hadn't yet. The slight crush that appeared to be developing from Eve toward his lover. Bengal was content to let it play out as it needed, June was neigh oblivious between her upbringing and current emotional state. But he was willing to give them both a little push here and there. No harm in having a third wife if they all got along, anyway. Besides, slight encouragement that also teased Eve a bit was twice the fun.
His gaze slid back toward the pair that had briefly caught his interest. They were talking, but it was too far, and with the drone of the crowd it was neigh-impossible to hear properly. He'd just have to keep an eye on them, as well as kee reaching out looking for other familiar ki. Especially Ardere's. Seemed likely that the man would show up as well.
WC: 325 TWC: 1,148
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 4 Strength: Intermediate Speed: 25m/s
Mana Skin: 24/24 Health: 20/20 Mana: 465/465 Mana Regen: +55/75
Post by Eve Darkkon on Dec 2, 2020 11:00:58 GMT -5
Eve gave a small smile at Satori as she approached and he gave a compliment, but then blinked in confusion at his follow-up statement, unsure why it was that he was saying such. Sure, he might have caught her taking a glance at the cute little June-Bug once in a while, but it was his fiance for crying out loud. She was done beating around the bush, it was time to get it addressed. "Absolutely radiant, particularly today. But it begs the question of why you are insisting in me saying something that could be easily confused for flirting to someone you are engaged with, Bengal." She would have called him Satori, but Bengal seemed more formal, and this was a formal event, so that was what she was planning to go with. It still felt, and likely sounded, a bit unnatural coming out of her mouth. This whole thing felt unnatural though, so perhaps it was par for the course.
Her eyes darted around, identifying exits, people in between her and the exits, windows, avenues of approach and people who had looked her way. She noted one individual that she thought she had felt the eyes of, and she lingered there for a moment, noting the mismatched hair but formal demeanor. Likely a Noble. Not that it really mattered to her, a person was a person, but usually, that affected how they interacted with her. She didn't really feel like running that particular possibility at the moment, so she would stick with the people she knew for now. Eve did, however, look towards the people on the dance floor for a few long seconds, thinking about it for a bit. She knew how to dance, mostly instinctively, and watching them dance it wasn't that difficult to pick up on the style in which they were doing so.
A place where she was actually supposed to dance versus where she just did so in passing by a tavern or something. She preferred those less formal, upbeat tunes, but dancing as a whole was something that she truly enjoyed.
It was almost too much to take in! The Capital in all of it's glory, but also the royal palace at that? It was almost ridiculous the sort of work that went into a place like this! And to think that it was so lavish as well? Even from afar, the ....massive woman had found herself a little awestruck by the place. So much that she almost didn't mind where she was walking as she glanced down at the little ones she had been escorting down the street. She'd always had an affinity for children, and the children of the clover kingdom seemed rather fascinated with the incredibly large woman, a big smile on her face as she glanced up at the little girl sitting up on her right shoulder, carefully pulling them up an doff of her to set them down on the ground into the practical little puddle of excited young ones ready for their turn. Ah sorry! but I need to get going. Maybe some other time hmm?" she placated them, noting those disappointed faces, she paused, and then looked around. "Ah, but how about one more trick before I'm done hmm?" She ventured, grinning just a little. The response was immediate enthusiasm as she stood up and gently pulled a deck of cards from her cloak.
With those rapt little eyes paying attention, she gently began to shuffle. Of course, in a land with so common a thing as magic, these sorts of things were all about making the magical item seem ordinary. Thus, she took great pains to keep that deck seeming just like a normal set of cards. Not at all that hard given her experience. She shuffled and fanned, gently sweeping and raising her hands in a fancy flurry of the cards, smiling as she noticed the impressed faces of the young children at the fancier moves, honestly not even needing her magic for it. Finally, producing a single card, she showed it to the children and they leaned in. It was Number Twenty Six, The River Dragon. She handed the card to one of the youths and asked them to claps it between their palms. She held the deck over their closed hands and took a slow breath, slowly rubbing her fingers over the top car before.........Tap! She patted the top of the deck, and the deck thus tapped against the child's hands. And just like that, the card between their palms dropped and Tora crouched to quickly catch it, grinning a little before slow flipping it over. Revealing not the River Dragon, but the Sky Soaring Great Sage. With such a subtle sleight of hand, the children were immediately impressed, breaking into a bit of applause as she patted her volunteer on the head, and then bid the children farewell, heading toward the center of the capital. Though... not very far before soemthing caught her attention.
'My, you certianly seem to have a way with the little ones'. Tora almost didn't see the little old woman as she walked almost past them, stopping in her tracks before glancing in their direction. "Ah, thank you! I do try my best." She replied, looking around before giving the woman a bit of a concerned look. About to speak up about the woman being out in the cold when the woman beat her to it. 'Oh dear, it's getting awfullly cold though. You should hurry inside. Are you heading to the Ball?'.
Tora's eyes raised a bit at that and she tilted her head. "Ball?" She ventured, this being the first she'd heard of it. The old woman chuckled softly and shook her head. 'Of course! Used to attend it myself don't you know? Ohhhh it was a wonderful thing this time of year~ You should go dearie, oh sure the company can be a little stuffy, but it's a Beautiful occasion dear.' The old woman insisted and gestured toward the palace. Tora paused, considering such a thing for a moment before she smiled and thanked the old woman for her advice, assuring her that she would indeed look into it, but only if she went inside out of the cold. With a chuckle and a pat to the practical amazon's forearm, the old woman nodded and headed back inside, leaving Tora to regard the palace thoughtfully.
A Ball hmm?
The actual night of the Ball itself, Tora was off to the side, her brow sweating just a bit as she was..... a good ways from the palace entrance. She had ...miscalculated. She had expected to just be fine waltzing into the occassion. But seeing the other guests making their way in, she noticed immediately that there was some sort of dress code in effect. Fancy suits and adorning dresses. Everyone was very dressed up for the occassion, and looking down at her traveller's cloak and tunic, she hardly imagined she was fit for the occasion. She furrowed her brows. Those dresses looked dreadfully cold, not to mention she didn't imagine they would go well with her ....ah....aesthetic. She reached up and touched the scar on her cheek self-consciously, humming for just a moment. Ugh, the Hunt had been such an easy thing compared to THIS. but she took a little sigh, mustering herself. Surely she could do this. But what to wear.... She looked at some of the gentlemen, their suits catching her eye. Warm, at least somewhat functional. Yes it definitely would fit her aesthetic much better. She took a moment to slip out of sight, taking a moment to straighten that wild mane of hers just a bit with some combing, even tying her hair up into a neat bun behind her head save for her bangs. And then, with one last glance at the guests heading in.... she shuffled her cards and then drew. She paused.... smirking just a bit at the card. Number Fifty Four, Zou Yuan. An earthly fiend no less. The Forest Emerging Dragon. She shook her head and flicked the card up into the air, the magic twisting out and wrapping about her body. Her transformation magic doing it's work, tidying up her hair just a little and transforming those traveller's clothes into a fine, dark, ornate suit that fit to her form. Not the most traditional outfit, but it was fancy. A silver dragon dacorating one side of the outfit, precisely matching the card she'd drawn. Complete with matching black and silver gloves, as well as wide-heeled dress shoes that brought her already staggering 6'2" height up to about 6'5" It wasn't too ridiculous... but it would do~
With her new confidence, she took a deep breath and headed on in!
The decor was.... more or less just a fancy as she imagined it would be. As she walked in past some very leery looking guards, she offered nothing but a big warm smile as she entered the ball and took a moment to take in the finery. Music... food. Nobles, to say the least, based on all of the fancy dresses and such going on. She pused by a tray to pluck a glass of some fluid. A juice perhaps? She thanked the one holding it and took a sip, pursing her lips as she fought the urge to spit it right back out in surprise. This.... was a VERY strong wine. she slowly swallowed the sip and kept that smile going. Good lord, how wasted did these nobles get? She buried the thought and set the glass on a table for a moment, adjusting her gloves for a moment before retrieving her glass and taking another sip. The old woman had been right.... the place WAS beautiful, extravagant. And even though she stuck out like bit of a sore thumb, she hardly seemed to be the ONLY one. She spotted one particular group of people that seemed to be drawing a LOT of attention. A silver haired woman and the bull of a man standing near her. It seemed MOST eyes were glued on that particular pair. Were they famous or something? They seemed to be talking to a third person, a purple haired woman who seemed almost as awkward and out of place as she did. Tora knew a cornered animal when she saw one, and when those nervous eyes darted in her direction, she offered a bright smile and a wave to the woman as she parked herself near one of the taller serving tables in hopes of standing out a little less. Just be friendly, she told herself. everything should turn out fine!
wc: 1442 twc: 1442
Summary: Tora hears about the yule ball from a kindly old lady in the capital. Though after she scopes the place out she notices she's very underdressed, but nothing a little card and transformation magic won't fix. With her new duds, she heads into the ball and finds out that nobles sure like their booze. Trying not to look too out of place, she parks herself next to one of the serving tables.
June let out an amused huff at Bengal's comments on the selection in alcohol, holding up her glass of wine and swirling it to allow the aroma to waft from it. Judging by the scent it was a semi-sweet berry flavored wine. Sweet enough to drink on its own, but not so delicious that she would be tempted to down the drink too quickly.
"We can always go and get some sake after we leave here," she murmured just loud enough for Bengal to hear before taking a sip.
Turning, June watched as more people began to arrive. Her nose crinkled at Julien's appearance. The Silva recalled the way the man had delivered the news of their captain's death. Even if it wasn't his fault, the desire to pour the contents of her glass all over his suit was still present. She shifted her attention away from the man before she got any bright ideas. Even without her parents around to disapprove of any unseemly behavior, June would still try to behave. It wouldn't do to embarrass herself and Bengal.
Eve's arrival had been unexpected but not unwelcomed. The short Magic Knight sipped at her wine while her fiance exchanged pleasantries with the tall woman. She paused mid drink and pursed her lips a bit to keep the red liquid contained.
"Flirtation?"
June looked between Bengal and Eve, attempting to process what the two taller people had just said. It was not unlike her love to tease people, though perhaps the purple-haired woman had read into his comments too deeply.
"You do look lovely, Eve. No need to worry over the exchange of pleasantries being mistaken for anything else. It is a part of the song and dance of noble socialization if you will," the short woman explained helpfully. "Bengal does like to tease, though. Don't fear giving him a good whack. It won't injure him."
Satisfied that she had smoothed over the situation, June began to scan the room to see who else had arrived. She caught sight of a woman dressed in a suit watching her little group. The Silva raised a single blue-silver brow at the woman before turning back towards Bengal and Eve.
Something about the atmosphere and light buzz of alcohol allowed June's more playful side to surface. She rested a delicate looking hand on Eve's forearm.
"Eve, if you are still too nervous to lay a hand on Bengal due to his new status, I'll do it for you. You need only lift me up so I can reach." June smirked.
Post by Satori Ryuutei on Dec 2, 2020 13:24:57 GMT -5
Bengal was... amused. The fact that Eve was apparently completely missing the entire point of his go-ahead and had to directly ask caused the large man to suddenly rumble with laughter that shook the area around him, causing several surprised looks. It sounded more like a beasts rumbling growl than a laugh and anyone not used to Bengal was caught a bit off-guard that such a sound came from a human. June made it even worse, completely missing what was going on and joking--but Eve would likely completely take it wrong as her trying to block her from him. Desperately trying to reign himself in, Bengal released another laugh before lowering a hand to gently caress June's head to distract her for a moment.
"Eve, I forgot you don't know of my Clan," he stated in an amused rumble, "We take multiple wives. Our children die often, you see. June is my first and Emily is my second, but I was saying you're welcome to flirt with her too," Bengal, with all the tact of a rampaging bull, talked about such things casually. Not seeming to care about the nearby nobles that heard and stared at him in a mixture of confusion, curiosity, and shock. They barely registered to the large man, as always, most people could go fuck themselves as far as he was concerned.
Still chuckling he would poke June's hip lightly, arching a brow down at her. "And you, my love, are oblivious. Eve has been... interested, in you, since our first job." Shaking his head in bemusement, he would lift his drink to his lips before shifting his gaze toward another signature that attracted his mind. A tall woman, not quite as tall as him, but taller than most was in a rather handsome suit. He offered her a wide grin, noticing the similarities in her design to his own and idly made a motion of his hand. A silent message that she was welcome to come over if she wished.
WC: 369 TWC: 1,517
Statistics
Rank: Grand Fame: Tier 4 Strength: Intermediate Speed: 25m/s
Mana Skin: 24/24 Health: 20/20 Mana: 465/465 Mana Regen: +55/75
Post by Eve Darkkon on Dec 2, 2020 14:11:43 GMT -5
Eve looked down at June, noting that she was willing to put a hand on her arm to accentuate the point of wanting her to lift the tiny woman up to smack him, something that she was going to be more than willing to do for her just to see such a thing play out. It seemed like she was flirting back with Eve, almost... and that was enough for her to want to entertain the idea further, but before she could stoop down and pick up the young woman, Satori caught her attention and explained the situation, causing Eve to outright just go still for a moment. Her mind raced. Multiple wives? I mean, it wasn't unheard of, but not something that Nobles usually dealt with... usually there might have been mistresses involved or the like, but nothing like what Satori was describing. The fact that he had known about her attraction to June since the beginning was a little disconcerting as well.
She rolled with it as best as she could while her mind struggled to process, only a moment of confusion crossing her face. "Well," she started, putting her own hand on June's that was still on her arm, "at least I understand why he makes those comments so freely now. He's been saying stuff like that and hinting around since we met.” Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, she smirked as she looked towards the woman who was even taller than her and looking out of place. “I’m going to go retrieve the other awkward individual. We need backup.” And she needed time to process what exactly it was meaning based on what he was saying. So it was OK to flirt with June? But that would require consent from everyone in his little Harem. That was literally what it was, after all.
Noting the woman was hesitating to accept the invitation from Satori, she took the moment to escape and go retrieve her, needing the moment to get her mind straight and attempt to figure out what the next step was. Approaching the tall woman, she flashed her a large smile. “Hey there. You look like you need some friends, and I need someone aside me that feels out of place so I have someone to talk to about non-Noble stuff. Let me introduce you.” She turned, and positioned herself beside Tora and placed a hand right in the center of her back, and while it looked like they were simply standing side by side, she was all but pushing the woman forward until she had reached the rest of the group.
“Allow me to introduce you to Satori Ryuutei, otherwise known as Bengal, June Silva, and I am Eve Darkkon.” This was about as blatant as it could get. It was a Segway for Tora to introduce herself and hopefully involve her into the conversation. It was a great way to divert completely from the topic that they were just discussing, which was the entire goal of what she was doing.
Tora really was not eavesdropping or anything like that. So she missed the subject entirely of what was going on over there. She was trying her best to sip her wine and look like she fit in with this strange crowd, surveying the appetizer trays and trying to seem like she knew what half of this stuff even was. What on earth? Dips, sauces, crackers, cheeses, this was all so weird. There was even some sort of black spherical mush? Like little mushy dark beads? What WAS that? Why did it SMELL so bad? All the same, she DID notice some sort of bean dip? She eyed it for a few moments, as if waiting for the perfect moment to strike on the rather nice-smelling thing. There were even some unmashed beans off to the side. However, before she knew it, that woman from before suddenly was right next to her! "Oh uhm, hello." She murmured, almost dropping her wine glass as the nice-looking woman came and promptly placed a hand on her back. At first she didn't budge, but her instincts around shorter individuals caused her to promptly give in to the pushing and allow herself to be steered all the way over to the other group, glancing over her shoulder for a moment, though glancing back as eve promptly introduced everyone present. She nodded politely and paused... looking back. "Mah beans...." She murmured, voice almost a whisper before she remembered her manners. Cue big smile!
"Ah! Well it's a pleasure to meet all of you! My name's Tora, Tora Gui." She promptly chimed, her voice sounding almost noble in a sudden shift in tone and parlance. Her father didn't raise no savage after all! She could, if necessary, speak a bit more to the clover kingdom accent if necessary, though she did get a headache if she kept it up all night. "I'm not quite from the clover kingdom, so I admit this is all a bit to get used to." She noted, glancing around at the.... MANY gazes int heir direction now. She cleared her throat... and in the hand that wasn't holdiong her wine glass, a deck of cards popped up at her hip, and she started anxiously shuffling it with one hand, possible mainly by virtue of how big her palms were and of course her magic. All the same, she looked to each of her new.... acquaintances in kind and smiled once again. "So!.....where does everyone summer?" She asked casually.
wc: 422 twc: 1442 -> 1864
Summary: Tora laments the loss of her bean opportunity, but plays nice and tries to make small talk. 'Summer' as a verb, in relevence to the habits of the wealthy to abscond to a summer home.
June's hand tensed on Eve's arm when Bengal explained the situation. Her eyes widened at the realization that Eve had romantic interest in her.
"Eve?" she looked over at the taller woman to see if this was true. But the taller woman went to bring another person into the fold.
The short Silva took a sip of her wine followed by a longer drink. "Are you sure she is interested in me and not you?" she asked Bengal quietly before the dark skinned woman returned with Tora in tow. Her face flushed slightly at the idea. She thought back to that mission they had done together and then the time she spent with the taller woman in the book shop. Then, June recalled the teasing way she had addressed Eve, which could have easily been interpreted as flirtation.
Another drink followed. What had she done? What kind of Silva was she? First, she was engaged to Bengal who had recently gained noble status, had accepted a second wife, and now had managed to attract the eye of yet another commoner.
"Does this mean we need to turn her family into a minor noble house as well?" June muttered just before Eve arrived and introduced them to the woman wearing the suit.
June forced a polite smile onto her face and nodded in acknowledgement towards Tora.
Her mind was spinning at the idea that she too could select women to marry. How had she strayed so far from her family's traditions and ideals? The effect of the alcohol didn't help clarify matters. In fact, her thoughts had already become ever so slightly fuzzy.
The short Magic Knight looked up at Eve and tried to discern what the taller woman saw in her. She would have understood attraction to Bengal. He was strong, powerful, and had charisma. His unorthodox attitude stood out against the typical Clover citizen, regardless of standing. She, on the other hand, was small. Eve hadn't known that June was a Silver Eagle back then, and certainly didn't get the best view of June's power or abilities. They had both relied mostly on Bengal's power.
In addition, June was a woman. Even though the silvery-blue haired woman had accepted it when Bengal told her that Emily would be hers as well, the noblewoman had yet to explore that. She considered the Vermillion woman a friend and pleasant to be around. Further feelings hadn't been explored in depth. June simply hadn't taken the possibility of engaging in that sort of thing seriously.
What kind of woman would such behavior and relations make her? What kind of woman was Eve?
June stared into her glass of wine as though searching it for the answers to the questions tumbling through her mind.
Eve walked into the grand room looking very out of place. To be fair, she had done a considerable amount of prep-work; her hair was tied up behind her head, each purple strand glossy and straight from the washing it had received, her skin was clean and fresh, and she smelled faintly of vanilla-scented perfume; not a ton, but enough that if you got close you might notice. Then there was her dress; a single black one piece that did nothing to hide her ridiculous curves, reaching almost to her ankles with deep slits that exposed her hips as she walked, but mostly covered her legs when she was still. She had simple but formal black shoes, opting away from the offered heels considering she was already nearly six-foot-tall and didn't feel the added height was necessary.
