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 Jun 30, 2021 18:07:56 GMT -5
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[attr="class","header"]Summer Solstice Ball
[break] The kingdom had been put through the grinder over the last year, there had already been three daemon attacks that had caused a lot of damage, one of which had actually succeeded. The town of Kikka had been engulfed in darkness for two months under the daemonic rule. It had eventually been liberated but the damage had been done, there was now civil unrest and sewed the seeds of distrust towards the magic knights and their ability to protect the kingdom. Now there were three new threats that made the old ones seem like child's play, the unholy trinity of Aamon, Asmodeus and Lilith. [break][break] They were daemonic royalty and their strength made the captains and even Jagen concerned about the future, still, the royal family wanted to keep morale for the civilians and magic knights alike high. It was because of this they had announced the fact they were hosting a ball within the Royal Palace where no expense would be spared in regards to food, drink and music. Was it indulgent? Yes, however, who knew just how long it would be before the kingdom would be at peace once more and free of such threats. For now, they just wanted people to forget about the uncertain futures and concentrate on the here and now.
Aelia wasn't too sure how long she had been away from home, she was wanting to return as soon as possible because every moment she was away from it she knew she was getting in worse trouble. She hadn't tried to run away, she was taken advantage of but that wouldn't matter and she knew it, she had still left without permission and that's all her father would care about at the end of the day. She had been working and training alongside Jin during that time in the attempts to make herself useful so he could at least say some nice things in the hopes that it would lessen her punishment. She knew if it did it wouldn't be by much but she knew better than to be lazy regardless of where she was; if she was ever unbound it was to train or work so it was strange to not have to do that all the time.
When she had been in town one day she had heard of a ball taking place in the royal palace, she remembered what Jin had said about networking to find out information. She bit her lip and summoned Fredrick he was still an arrogant noble who belittled her, she never called him out on his behaviour as it was something she was used to from home. He seemed pleased he could act how he could in life even over the person who should have put him in his place. She had asked about balls, of course, she had been to some in the past but nothing like a royal ball so it would need more information. Fredrick explained everything to her throwing in insults here and there and she took everyone apologising or agreeing when needed, she had done nothing to him but let him survive longer but he continued how he had in life.
She informed him she wanted to go and he scoffed telling her there was no way she would fit into that kind of surrounding, that she would be eaten alive like the meek little mouse she was. She had enough at that point and snapped at him much as she had at Jin when he called her little. That took the noble wraith off guard and so he remained quiet for a second but he quickly regained himself, he again said she wouldn't survive there especially with how slow she was and her broken language. She didn't care her mind had made him and she told him so in her own way. The wraith sighed knowing he couldn't really argue with her so he took her to a dress shop in the royal capital to get something more fitting for the occasion.
On the way they stopped off at a suit store, she remained quiet while Fredrick gave all the measurements for a suit to be made for Jin and a place for it to be delivered to. It wouldn't be where they were staying but a place where she was told was safe to go if she ever got lost so she knew Jin would go there if she wasn't at their 'home'. She also knew if she needed anything delivered it would have been the place to send it. A note was left with the package saying that she would see him at the ball that evening. Fredrick had told them, the suit had to be done that day and would pay what was needed to get it done before closing that they just needed to send the bill to his estate and he would pay it.
No one knew that he was dead and he intended to keep it that way, Aelia had no intention to go against his wishes she knew it benefitted her in the long run as she had access to his funds to get her what she needed. With that done she headed to the dress shop with Fredrick, his personality had shifted once more and he came off as a dotting father telling them to pamper his angel with the very best. He told them that this was her very first time going to a ball with someone, not her father and he wanted her to knock him off his feet. He said this pampering was to include hair, nails makeup, shoes and dress. Aelia looked somewhat puzzled about what was about to go on but she was ushered off by the giggling woman who would be tending to her.
They got her measurements and started to go through what types of dresses would suit her, first, it was a big poofy and sparkly dress but they all agreed it was too much, then they tried a dress that was a bit more form-fitting but noticed that she wasn't comfortable in it. They then tried a dress with a trail but she tripped over it when she was walking which would have just ruined her night and made her embarrassed with the guy she was going with. It was then they decided something simple and elegant might be more on the nose with her and so started to go through all sorts of bolds and bright colours but she didn't seem interested in any of it. She walked towards a dress on a manikin and felt the fabric smiling. It was soft and light, she liked how it looked and it was the one she chose for herself.
The women went looking to see if they had one more in keeping with her petite frame because the one on the manikin would have needed a lot of altering to do so. Luckily they had three but they weren't in the same colour as the one she had liked. They showed her the three and explained that if she still wanted that one they'd do it just that it would take time for it to be fitted. She looked back at the manikin, it was a soft rose pink colour before looking over the three being held in front of her. The first was plain white, the second a baby green and the third was blue she moved over to and touched the fabric again almost as if she was testing the fabric to see if it was the same.
She was helped into it and the small edits that were needed doing, it was ethereal with the way the sleeves were and with how long the dress was it almost looked as if she was floating across the floor. They even helped her into the matching shoes, she couldn't help but giggle, with that done she was moved to a chair where her hair was brushed and put up into a braided base bun, within the braid of it they weaved in a ribbon to match the aesthetic of the dress before doing her makeup. The jewellery was next as they put a dainty platinum chain around her neck with three teardrop sapphires at the bottom, they gave her a matching bracelet to wear on her left wrist and a ring to wear on the fourth finger of her right hand. She was then brought to a mirror to see herself.
She looked completely different, she never expected to see herself dressed elegantly as she was. The bill had been settled as Fredrick had requested the use of a communication spell and told his estate to bring the funds the moment the dress and jewellery had been picked the hairstyle and makeup had been easy to price up. He then requested a carriage as he wouldn't want her dress to be ruined by walking to the ball. The funds had arrived shortly before she finished and she walked to see Fredrick who actually had a soft look in his eyes towards her for once. It seemed as if he was impressed with the vision in front of him but said he should get going as he too needed to get ready, he instructed her to remain there until the carriage came to collect her.
This was so he could leave and she could cancel the spell without questions being asked at a later date or other complications. When he left he walked down the street and into a nearby park, using his sensory he felt no one around and he was in a darker part of the park. Given that knowledge, he walked out of range of his mage and the spell ended. When the carriage finally arrived Aelia was helped into it and made the short trip from the dress shop to the royal palace to take part in the ball. When she arrived the music was in full swing as people entered. She opted to remain outside and wait for Jin to arrive so they could enter together, that was the right thing to do, wasn't it? She had no idea she had never been to a ball without someone guiding her so right now it was all hit and miss to her.
News had broken out across the city and to neighbouring towns of a ball free of expense, but that was wholeheartedly indulgent. This was of great interest to a man like Vile, not for the social aspect, the fashion, the reputation one might gain, nor the chance to show oneself to the word, oh no, no, no... It was entirely for the feast he would have. Being a homeless man certainly had its perks such as no responsibility, but it came with a number of designs. Most importantly was his distinct inability to get a proper meal. Vile was no fool despite the deameanour in which he regularly presented himself. In order to get into a place like a ball he knew he had to look and smell at his best, or rather look the way others would see his "best." This was definitely going to be quite difficult for him to pull off successfully.
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Upon hearing the news and contemplating exactly how he'd get in the wretched individual began to put a plan in to motion. First of all he had to get some sort of garb that would allow him to get in. "But how?" he wondered. He tapped his chin and tilted his head as he comteplated in the middle of the market square over a days travel away. Clothes were expensive especially those silly, uncomfortable ones. He could certainly steal some but that would likely be more trouble than it was worth. Vile stood there for nearly an hour in the exact same position blinking scarcely as he formulated the exact methods to be used.
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Vile had decided he would use the foolish masses to gain the money required to do all of this. First of all he needed to clean himself up. Luckily enough for him the village itself was mostly farmers and quite compacted. This mean that removing his otherworldly stench was less needed, he simply needed to smell tolerable. The people around the town square had at this point begun whispering among themselves about the weird man standing still. They were about to get more of a shock as he then took off his coat and jumped into the central fountain.
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Only moments later Vile found himself getting an earful by disgusted onlookers and a number of guards. He apoligized profusely and promised it would never happen again. It was obviously a lie but the guards themselves hadn't had anything interesting happen as of late so they let it slide. If his transgressions were to continue they would finally have something to do in such a boring town. Vile cracked his neck and picked up his coat. Unlike most times he would not use the disgusting article of clothing as his means to dry off. It was at this point that he headed straight for a nearby tavern. It was late in the afternoon which meant most of the farmers and other labourers' work hours were beginning to end.
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The door was swung open in dramatic fashion, a loud bang sound reverberating throughout the room. With all eyes on Vile he walked in a deliberately exaggerated and self important manner. With this over the top swagger he whispered that he would happily make the barman a bit of coin if he was allowed to play a game with the patrons. He laughed at the idea that this man could even do so and said he could try without hesitation. There was however, the caveat that if it didn't work he would be banned from ever entering the bar. Worse yet he was threatened that if he lost him patrons he would swiftly 'beat that smug look off your face myself.' Despite this Vile's plan would immediately go into motion.
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Despite acting as one Vile was simply no fool. His delicate and slender looking frame was an incredible deception and few would realise that he was far stronger in terms of physical strength than the labourers in the bar. He took a seat at a table off to the side of the room with only room for one other individual that could sit on the opposite end. "If anyone can beat me in an arm wrestle I'll buy them drink, if you are beaten by me I get 5 yuul, surely none of you big men are scared?" Almost immediately there was an uproar of laughter but many of the patrons would take him up on his offer. He would lose deliberately here and there but Vile's physical conditioning allowed him to beat anyone he chose. Patrons brought friends they knew to beat the man at his own game but none of the commoners had prevailed.
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After giving the owner his cut Vile set out for the market square. He searched until he found a a trader leaving for the capital in preperation for tomorrow's ball. Explaining his intent to join, and through some persausive argumentation aided by his new-found wealth, he was able to sit with the goods in the back of the carriage. It would take several hours of travel before the vagabond was able to drift asleep. The bumps in the road and the uncomfortable seating of his position made the entire ride a hell no man would wish upon another, except Vile of course, he would gladly watch the people of his home village go through such an awful experience.
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It took until dawn for the trader to finally reach the capital. Despite drifting off to sleep it still felt like it had taken far too long to be done with. Upon arrival to the city centre Vile would hop out without further communication to the trader. He accidentally left the carriage back open as it moved away toward another section of the city. Hopefully that wasn't something that would end up biting him in the backside later. For now Vile's only concern was finding a tailor and getting ready for the ball itself.
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Time flew by as Vile walked the streets, despite the varied designs it all looked the same to him. Only after around 4 hours would he find the tailor he was looking for. When he told them his desire was to get into the ball they simply laughed at him. When he showed the coins and became quite insistent they relented and told him they didn't have enough time to make him a tailored suit. Already having known this he went through the store and picked a number of items that could not be described as matching, let alone fashionable in any which, way, shape, or form. He took one swift look in the tall mirror wearing the chosen garbs he handed what was left of the money to the men behind the counter.
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Vile left the shop with his old clothes in a bag and his style... Well, better in the very least. He was now wearing a purple suit with red pants, yellow under shirt, top hat, and white leather shoes. He didn't complete the look with a pocket square or tie. He then slicked back his hair and put on a thin smile that was mockingly replicating his experiences with nobles. He asked around till he was given directions towards the palace in which the ball was taking place. Before heading there he found a large flowerbed and rolled around in it slowly as to cover his body the scent of said flowers.
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Upon his arrival two guards would glare at Vile with suspicion. His posture was straight unlike usual and he walked up to the entrance confidently. When asked where his invitation was he immediately responded; "why, I was given a verbal invitation only yesterday my vigilant sirs. I am but a travelling comic here to provide some of the guests with a very exclusive service." He took a deep bow and his lips spread open to an inviting toothy grin. "I am however unfortunately lost and could not find the servant entry for the event as I have not been given such information. Do you think it appropriate for me to enter through here or could you guide me to the correct path?"
Post by Alyssa Lilygate❃ on Jul 7, 2021 13:05:27 GMT -5
There was still worry heavy in the air, she was fully aware of everything facing the kingdom and as powerful as her girlfriend was she still feared that he may lose her against Asmodeus. She didn't voice her worry, there was no real reason to as she knew the pink-haired Ravencrest already knew the worry she had. She tried to push the thoughts to the mack of her mind it was something that they didn't need the kingdom at large worrying about, the faith in the magic knights had been shaky since Kikka, that was a well-known fact at this point but they still did their duties none the less showing that they did have nothing to fear. The problem was the three that had been defeated were nowhere near as powerful as the three going against in the future. They could have ended them with little thought, it was scary.
The first day at the beach had gone well but it had come to a close for most, in honesty, the silver-haired woman wanted a change of scenery and so suggested to her partner that they should retire and go to the ball hosted by the royal family. Lydia had agreed and they left the beach to go and get changed, something told her that Lydia was going to turn up in a suit. She enjoyed seeing her beautiful girlfriend in a dress but she wouldn't be mad if she did turn up in a suit. She was happy so longs the other was, she, however, would be wearing a dress. It was rare for her to be able to act and dress like a normal noblewoman and so she savoured any time she was able to. That night she was going to wear a dress she had made recently.
It was a long simple yet elegant dress that went off her right shoulder but had nothing on her left, it had four straps on the back. It was black but midway down the dress it turned from black to a royal blue and had a small taper at the bottom so it looked like she'd be floating even while wearing matching heels. Once ready she did a natural makeup look before doing a loose top bun placing a white daliah into her hair, she put on a diamond bracelet and necklace. She then made her way down to her carriage, her steward helped her into the carriage and off she went. She was tired but she wanted to try and make an appearance as was normal for most heads of families. It wasn't that long of a ride but enough that she had dozed off only to be awoken as the carriage door opened.
Standing she was helped out of the carriage by the young man that travelled with the driver of her carriage, she was quite fond of Josh and smiled to him "Thank you, you and your father should enjoy yo-" she was caught off-guard as a man who looked somewhat clownish walked into the ball. "Is everything alright m'lady?" Josh would ask making the silver-haired woman looked at him "I thought I saw an odd man walk into the ball." she said honestly, she could hear the music meaning the ball had stated and took note of a young woman who was standing alone as if she was waiting for someone. The evening was still warm enough so she wasn't too worried. "I'll talk to you later Josh, Lydia may already be waiting." she said waving to him before making her way up the steps to look around.
The royal capital, a place Griswold considered to be a greater cesspit of corruption and vile deeds than the rogue’s refuge. Considering how the average politician had way more skeletons in their closer than the average rogue, yet got away with things because they knew the right ways of doing things and managed to make the fallout of their actions disappear by throwing money at it, it was a place Griswold personally preferred to stay far away from. Up until now, the only exceptions he had made to this rule was a small ceremony because he had gathered up enough golden stars to advance several ranks within the order of the magic knights and the week he had spent in and around the crimson lion headquarters. Needless to say, these events had all been rather short lived, but had at the very least been fairly enjoyable for him.
Today marked the first time he had come to the royal capital in months, though it had not really been for himself that he had come. Because of all of the turmoil within the country with the archdemons popping up, attacks along the entire shoreline from as of yet unknown origins, the royal knights exams having just ended and the magic knight exams looming on the horizon, it was quite safe to say that everyone involved had been incredibly busy with all manner of things. Some more than others, that much was for sure, though Griswold himself had been extremely busy. Between trying to prove himself a capable enough mage to become a royal knight, preparing for the magic knight exams, preparing to fight the archdemons and working his butt off trying to keep the forsaken region safe for the most part, it seemed to be the case that few of the people here were as tired as he was.
Regardless of that, he imagined that there were a lot of people who could really use a break right about now, and apparently people figured the best way to do that would be to throw a ball. Personally, Griswold had always considered a ball to be the kind of thing the snootiest of nobles would go to in their most expensive clothes, brag about how much money they had made over the past few weeks or months and drink some very expensive wine. But that was what was in his mind, as he had never actually seen a ball in action, only heard the story from Emery back at the Cromwell farm. And since he hadn’t been all too pleased with such events that seemed to only be around to elevate the egos of the few while being paid for by the hard work, blood, sweat and tears of the many, Griswold didn’t think much of it either.
But that was just part of why he had come today, because he wanted to see what it was worth with his own two eyes. That, and if the food and drink were anything along the lines of what had been described to him some years ago, it seemed like the kind of thing he would want to look into personally. Being somewhat of a connoisseur when it came to the food and beverages one could come across in the forsaken region, he had had his fair share of moonshine, mead and ale, mead being by far his favorite due to the honey making it that much more tasteful. When it came to the food, there was nothing quite as good as turkey legs, chicken wings or cow ribs that had been grown on a local farm and prepared by a local butcher. It was simplicity at its finest, and that was what he loved about it.
Upon arriving at the scene of the ball, Griswold wandered into the building wearing the same attire he always wore, existing out of a black shirt, a ragged black scarf, black slacks with a hole torn into the knee, as well as a pair of brown leather boots. Not owning anything Clover’s nobility would consider to be “fit for a ball”, he had at the very least decided to leave his sword at home, feeling like this was not the place to brandish such a weapon. After all, the ball was held so people could temporarily get away from the reality they faced, what with people going missing along the shorelines, impending attacks by demonic forces and whatever else might go about skulking in the shadows, using all of the bigger threats to keep themselves from being noticed. No, he had come to have a shot at enjoying himself, and as such, he went straight for the banquet without making eye contact with a single living soul.
[attr="class","florencetext"] The day at the beach with Alyssa was nice and relaxing. However, it was also pretty draining on Lydia and Alyssa it seemed. The former would then recommend they retire for the day and head to the ball at the royal capital. The former vice-captain would agree partly because it was almost expected of Lydia to show up at any type of noble balls which was draining in itself. However, the main reason was that she got to see Alyssa dress up not that the light mage didn't dress up herself. Lydia would follow Alyssa back to the Lillygate estate before using a spatial mage to go to the Ravencrest estate in the royal capital. Seeing as the ball was at the royal palace this gave the pink-haired mage time to take a quick nap before getting ready for the ball. [break][break] While the head of the Ravencrest family would normally wear a dress to events like this she did like to switch it up once in and while. So tonight she would wear a black suit and tie. She would of course wear matching black gloves as it was uncommon to see Lydia without gloves on. She would also wear a pair of black heels that increased her height by two inches. Lastly for her hair, she would let it fall down her back however she had a small loose braid running down the middle of her hair. Seeing as she was now ready the light mage would make her way to the ball and wait for Alyssa to show up which didn't take long. The blue rose captain would make her way inside right after a weirdly dressed man. [break][break] Lydia would set down her glass of wine making her way to Alyssa smiling at her girlfriend. She would then kiss the other woman's cheek. You look breathtaking as always. Lydia would then hold her hand out for Alyssa before leading the other women the rest of the way inside. Hopefully, the silver-haired woman didn't mind the suit too much.
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[attr="class","florencelabel"] pow
[attr="class","florencelabel"] dur
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sta
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] con
[attr="class","florencelabel"] speed
[attr="class","florencetag"]240
[attr="class","florencetag"]0
[attr="class","florencetag"]160
[attr="class","florencetag"]180
[attr="class","florencetag"]150
[attr="class","florencetag"]30 m/s
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[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana skin
[attr="class","florencelabel"] health
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana regen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana pool
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]70 ic // 85 ooc
[attr="class","florencetag"]495/495
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[attr="class","florencextra"]COMBAT SUMMARY
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[attr="class","florencetext2"]You can put spells and whatever here idk [break][break] Outfit:
A young Jin sitting on the floor with the rest of his 'brothers and sisters' looking up at their mother Jukane Zhongli. Most are children and even the oldest among them are no older than 15-16 years old. Jin being eleven around this time, has his deep blue eyes focused and looking at his mother. Leaving nothing to distract him from listening to her words. "By now most of you know the importance of remaining hidden yes?"
"Yes." the entire room said in unison, without fail.
"Good. Remaining hidden doesn't just mean, staying out of sight. But can you hide when all eyes are on you? Can you hide yourself when everyone around you is an enemy and they can see you clear as day. Without the use of magic?" She asked her silver eye glistening as she spoke.
The entire room remained quiet not knowing the answer to such a question, most were confused. How can one hide, when every enemy in the room can already see you? And not use magic at all. Some of the children were scratching their heads trying to figure it out, while the older kids smirked as they already knew the answer. "Anyone?"
Jin had looked reluctant to answer, as he had an idea but wasn't confident in it. Then a nudge from his brother Eno, pushed him to raise his hand. Jukane's eye glistened again looking at the young silver haired Jin. "Why yes my little Jin."
Jin gulped as he knew the punishment for getting an answer wrong, meant more intense physical training. Something he wanted to avoid. But he went ahead and gave his best answer. "Remain unknown...if...if tasks are completed efficiently and effectively then no one will know who you are. Then no one will know the unknown. Therefore in a public place, you are hidden. You...you can act and react accordingly to the situation at hand. Keep in mind that at all times your true self is hidden, when all enemy eyes are on you." Jin answered. A moment of silence was in the room, but that ended when Jukane responded. "A beautiful answer Jin, and that is absolutely correct. And now that will lead us into networking.."
-End Flashback -
Jin of course with his line of work tended to avoid being apart of big celebrations or public balls. Not that he didn't enjoy them or like them from the outside in. But being a hired assassin meant certain sacrifices had to be made to his social life. But this little sacrifice could be remedied if and only if he made the proper connections with the right people. And that's exactly what Jin was doing as of late, networking with the right people.
Allot of the time most people thought rogues were mindless and rowdy bunch of people, who did not like to follow certain laws. Allot of people thought rogues were easy to spot, and easy to tell from anyone else. But for Jin Zhongli this wasn't the case, for his work he had break those laws and those rules. And unlike allot of rogues he wasn't so easy spot, not because he was skilled in hiding his presence. But because he was skilled in hiding his true self, or as he would put it mixing his truths with lies. But also Jin had no serious issues with civilians, magic knights or nobility not even royalty. His drive to succeed in his tasks didn't stem from anything like revenge against a certain class or job, he bares no true ill will to these other factions. To him they are all living within their purpose, following the orders given to them by the higher ups. Jin stood a few meters away looking at the ball from the outside in between some people as to not stand out to much at all. But he was watching people work, and talk and greet and eat and all the things people do in these functions. All doing as they are told, the guards will guard and the dancers will dance. All of them linked to chains. What he was chasing was to be free of the chains.
Jin was dressed up in a suit to make sure he fit in. It was rather simple as well, nothing to make him stand out to much. It was mostly all black with a red shirt inside all of it fit to his form by a tailor. He was wearing his black round shape shades though, that was more of his own personal style choice. His hands in his pockets he was people watching, but also waiting for Aeila to make her appearance. Often times he was like a caretaker for her, but he didn't see it this way. Aeila was more than capable of taking care of herself. But when it came to other things she did need a bit of help, but when he wasn't around she had her wraiths. Aeila's wraiths were very much peculiar in the fact that most of them if not all, kept their personalities in tact. Be it a human wraith or a animal one, they all had distinctive characteristics that she kept within them. There was a particular one named Frederick, who often served as her butler of sorts. The dialogue between them was odd for one, Frederick would often talk down on Aeila one moment and then completely act differently the next. But if this didn't bother Aeila to much, Jin would leave it be. Unless it was getting out of hand he would step in. These wraiths she had were like a budding family to her, as long as it didn't slow down her growth he had no issues. In fact these wraiths and their personalities would helping her growth.
But this Fredrick did have access to funds that Aeila would make use of, if she knew or not. But Aeila was smart so she probably did. So when Jin told her to meet him at the ball, he knew that she would make things work on her own end with the use of Fredrick. And not much to his surprise she did. Not only did she arrive dressed for the occasion, but she did so in carriage. Jin wasn't to fond of the idea, only because arriving in such a manner could draw unwanted attention. But luckily enough there was many people arriving in carriages, noble or not. So it was fine. Jin moving silently as always would creep up to Aeila's left and bend down a little as to bow. "Aeila you look beautiful." he said calmly. And just in case she wasn't to sure on the word beautiful he would follow it up. "Another word for wonderful, and absolutely amazing."
The rogue would then stand back up straight with a slim smile on his face, holding his hand out for her take. "Well then. Shall we enter?" he asked her.
Aelia had been helped out of the carriage by the footman who was with the carriage, it wasn't her first time within one as it was seen as normal in regards to these types of events. It had been, however, the first time she had travelled on her own within one. She normally had a caretaker with her so she was a bit anxious, but she put it down to being another learning experience. Normally when she had gone to such events it was to work in one way or another, this would be the first time she would be going to a social event just to socialize. It was so out of her realm of comfort, but then, she was used to doing things she wasn't comfortable with. She never enjoyed taking or ruining another person's life, she just did as she was told to ease her own suffering.
She smiled at the brown-haired gentleman who looked to be several years older than herself, she wasn't one for touch but in such situations she allowed such thoughts to flow away on the wind. Her personal discomfort meant nothing, it was all about fitting in and seeming as if she belonged. "Thank you." she said politely as she delicately stepped out. She knew if this was any other sort of affair turning up with a carriage would have caused a lot of unwarranted attention, but she at least trusted Fredrick to make sure she didn't stick out like a sore thumb. She looked around seeing many other beautiful women arriving in all sorts of dresses and even a few in suits. She thought the latter was strange but she knew that everyone was different and that this may just be normal for their family. She felt so out of place.
While she was waiting she saw a strange man talking to the guards, he looked like he belonged in a carnival as one of the clowns. She intently listened as he explained he was an entertainer. Something about that seemed off to her, as surely, at an event like this there wouldn't be an entertainer like him and even if there was, wouldn't he have arrived before the first guest had. It was more than a little strange. Pausing for a moment she sniffed at the air subtly, there was too much going on with the perfume of herself and other people, flowers and food she couldn't really tell much. It was something she would need to rectify she was sure, she didn't like it when something didn't seem right and she couldn't use her senses effectively. Another male turned up, he seemed out of place himself but not as much as the clown person.
She hadn't really people watched in a very long time, normally it was only a single person and getting her attention normally was never a good sign. It was then that she heard a familiar voice, she looked to see him in the tailored suit Fredrick had ordered for him with a set of circular glasses on. She blushed and looked away, she had never seen him in such a way nor had she been complimented the way he had by someone that was close to her about her looks. Taking grip of the skirt of her dress a little she gave a curtsy to his bow "Thank you, you look dashing this evening." It was a full and complete sentence, there was no hesitation and no stuttering, she seemed comfortable in every word she had just spoken to him. There was a reason for that.
Her language was still very much as broken as it had been, but she had been taught to parrot certain sentences so she can fit in a bit better when on tasks. Tasks that went out of the four or five sentences she knew she would just pretend to be mute because she didn't want to humiliate or embarrass the one escorting her. She had the feeling this was going to be one of these times, but she wanted to give him a compliment. She wasn't lying about what she had said as the slight blush in her cheeks showed. "I know what mean, not stupid." she pouted, it had been the first time she actually spoke about herself not being stupid, normally she would just take the correction and nod. "I choose. Fredrick pay." she said with a smile, instead of taking his hand she would wrap her arm around his and nod, it was almost like they were a normal happy couple just out to enjoy their evening.
Being that Vile’s outfit was anything but subtle it would not be of surprise if he had drawn attention to himself. He felt like he was naked in the crowd. He was far more used to being stared at by people than the average person for reasons wholly unknown to him but that truly did not bother him by any mean. To him most people were little more than sheep, to say otherwise was fundamentally misunderstanding how communities or cliques were formed in the social world that he was brought into. Vile simply didn’t like people and this ball was certainly no exception. Noble, commoner, magic knight, rogue, it is all the same to him. They are all individuals with selfish goals that conflict with one another in the application of living what they see as a good or true way of life.
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With his entry into the ball he was pleasantly surprised to find he would not stick out like a sore thumb, the various mages throughout the area were just as absurdly dressed. That was to say, in Vile’s opinion at least. To wear a suit or some kind of garment to flaunt one’s own social and financial status was completely abnormal to his rather skewed mindset. The act of needing validation from strangers or those within a social bubble you lived in was wholly moronic to him. Vile scanned the area to size up the mages around him, unsure of what it was exactly the people around him were doing. They were chatting and discussing various topics whether they be politics, combat, magic, friendships it once again truly wouldn’t matter to the vagabond.
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As Vile walked through the crowd of people he noticed an odd smell. The man lifted up his left arm as best as he could in a suit jacket and took a whiff of what he noticed. Despite essentially taking a bath and rolling around, very literally, in daisies he still had quite a remarkable musk about him. Years of unbathed homelessness would always catch up with him it seemed. Vile knew this meant that he was going to be walking on thin ice no matter what with this. He lacked care for the status quo yet was not wholly incapable of understanding it. If anything it was the reason for his lack of care. With his musk growing more noticeable with each passing second the vagabond knew fully well that he was now on a strict time limit. The great shrimp heist would begin.
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The man looked across the crowd of people, being that he was definitely taller than the average person this was not as difficult at could have been. The waiters were carrying the most beautiful of bounties and Vile could not help but make his way to the closest one. To get there he walked directly through the conversation of a small group of nobles without a word. In fact so poor was his basic etiquette to the group itself he actually pushed one over to the side to make his path easier. There were protests and clear accusations of his rude behaviour but this would simply not deter him. Ignoring any pleas for an apology the man had made it to the waiter serving a platter of various types of sausages. Without hesitation he grabbed at one of each of these wild and wonderful delicacies. He had never had spiced sausage before and was completely blown away by its broad, yet distinct flavour.
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With one final scan Vile was able to discern the location of his fascination, a table with platters of sea food. Once again the man would begin moving through the crowd; however this was much more methodical and thought out. The vagabond ducked and weaved between people in a far more subtle manner than before. He looked around to notice if anyone was watching him specifically before the great shrimp heist would begin. Upon arrival at the platters Vile took off his jacket and then cracked his neck in preparation. While the room was crowded he was thoroughly convinced he could pull off his manoeuvre with stealth and grace. He rolled up his jacket into a ball shape and tied the ends of the sleeves together forming a bag shape. He then scrunched up the jacket bag under his right arm so nobody could discern its newfound shape. The homeless man began to sample various types of sea food, trying shrimp last and even actually double dipping his shrimp into the various dips with little regards to others getting his saliva on subsequent dips.
Post by Alyssa Lilygate❃ on Jul 21, 2021 15:28:26 GMT -5
She was quite sure that both she and Lydia would both have rathered have had a quiet night on one of their estates but there was no such luck for them. They were heads of their families so that meant it came with responsibilities to mingle with other nobles, then there was her duty to show her face as a captain every now and then. She normally wouldn't have gone to a beach party as it wasn't quite her scene but given her family had been one of the four to host it, it wasn't as if she could avoid it. She preferred gardens, forests and other natural places due to her families affinity to nature. Still, after everything that happened with the town still suffering it was believed a beach party would help heal the wounds of the past, alleviate the fear of the future and help commerce of the town. To her, everyone won.
She saw one of the current Royal Knights wander in, it was almost as if he really didn't care for dressing up. He's stuck out like a sore thumb, but that was his choice, she honestly didn't believe he was going to stick out any worse than the person who looked like a circus reject and smelt like one too. Moving up the stairs slowly she gave a quick curtesy to the white-haired male and the woman he was accompanying them before she reached Lydia "I'm sorry if I've been keeping you waiting, I know I make it seem easy to look like this but at times it is a full-time job with a house full of children and teenagers." she didn't really mind her home had become an orphanage and least she knew she was doing something in her mother's memories and keeping those who they saved safe even now.
She smiled lovingly at her girlfriend and kissed her cheek as her own was kissed. "Thank you, you look wonderful yourself." she said contently. She of course preferred seeing Lydia in dresses but she understood that out of the two of them Lydia was more tomboyish than she ever could be. It wasn't to say that this was her personality it's just she knew dresses could stifle movement making it hard to react if there was a threat that came out of nowhere. She also knew the way Lydia had been raised more a warrior with intense training since before they had met. She had warrior training but she was trained more like a force of nature, to know when she should be a dainty lady who was willing to move like a willow tree and when to put someone through a wall as if she was a tornado.
She took Lydia's hand and allowed herself to be escorted inside to the main ballroom, there was wonderful music in the air, the scent of differing perfumes mingling and the large food spread as was to be expected. It was then she noticed the clown man again and nudged Lydia a little "Isn't that the strange man who smelt of rancid sewage from the beach earlier?" she would enquire her voice whispered. "It looks like he is going to try something given how he is making his coat almost into a bag." she continued, she didn't want to be dealing with this right now but it would seem as if the two women likely would have to if he attempted anything. Especially when he had pushed over at least one noble to get to the food ignoring the request for an apology. She could understand if the nobles had done something wrong within reason but they were merely talking amongst themselves "It seems as if he is a troublemaker Lydia, just be careful if you intend to use your intimidating aura the last time you used it here you almost brought down the palace." she chuckled
[attr="class","zavenreescroll"] ”When was the last time I came to one of these things?” Zaven said as he gave a soft sigh and walked towards the door of the castle, a ballroom where the last time he was there...there was spilled wine, fists flying, and words said that made him regret ever coming...of course he was just an ordinary knight then, a fresh face amongst the numerous personalities that usually stepped up to these types of things. He handed an invitation over to a guard and the man that took his invitation blinked for a moment. Then he opened the door and was about to say something, maybe an announcement, but before he could Zaven just stopped the guard and smiled at him. ”I am just here for a drink, and to have a look around, I will not be staying the entire evening so there is no need to make a fuss.” Zaven gave the guard a friendly pat on the shoulder before strolling in. He was wearing a tailored three piece suit, traditionally black, with a warm blood red vest underneath. His hair was combed back and there was not a grimoire seen to the naked eye. Hraban even behaved himself as he stuck close to Zaven and just sat on his shoulder. The spirit was looking around at the people and drinks that were being moved around, almost losing his own train of thought and leaving Zaven’s side. ”ya know...I could just have a quick run and drink my fill then come back, you would not even know I was gone.” Hraban teased Zaven as the captain of the Golden Dawn, smiled at a few people here and there and was just generally glad handing as was the norm at these types of things. ”Don’t do it Hraban, I would rather not deal with the bullshit that comes with either of us getting drunk.” He said to Hraban using their mental link, there was no need for the pair to speak from time to time. [break][break]
After a few moments Zaven was able to get to a servant and get a glass of bourbon for himself, he was just having a social drink, and nothing past this. Besides, the taste of the royals was actually...not all that great. The bourbon was weak and he was sure it probably came from over-priced distilleries that often were no better than the swill that any commoner could buy...but Yul was Yul after all and the people here did not seem to mind. [break][break]
Soon he found a darkened corner to stand in, shadows danced and the flicker of the candles in the area gave him an approachable look, and he just proceeded to watch the people for a bit. Alone as he normally was, and he waited to see if anyone who was ACTUALLY suffering from a lowered moral showed up...as it was now it just seemed like there were nobles and those that could pass for nobles here and there. ”ah there is at least humor to be had here. That man over there thinks he will strike up some sort of spark with that young woman half his age, and that lady over there...looking for a young suitor for the night...There is always someone for everyone.” He was speaking to Hraban, but when no reply came to him aloud or in his head he looked to his shoulder to find Hraban had gone off as well and when he looked around, he could see the spirit floating in the air without a care in his world. The Shadow of Dawn just had a soft chuckle before taking another sip of his drink...
[attr="class","florencetext"] Lydia honestly didn't care for these types of balls it of course wasn't because she thought she was better than commoners as unlike others in her family she didn't share that view. It also wasn't because she couldn't dance as the pink-haired mage very well could. No, what she disliked was people of her status were expected to show up not just to dance even though it was very common. In all reality, it was to show off their money and status and of course gossip about anything and everything. However, Lydia always showed up for the sake of her family as in her latter of importance it was higher than her own personal wants needs, and feelings. The former vice-captain didn't have to wait long for Alyssa to show up and as her girlfriend went to apologize Lydia would just shake her head. I don't mind waiting on you at all Alyssa. [break][break] Besides I was close and had less dressing up than you to do. As the two were walking into the ball a small smile would appear on Lydia's face as she looked around at all the people. She of course spotted Griswold which surprised the light mage. After all, this type of thing didn't look like his style, and based on how he was dressed it wasn't. Perhaps he was here for the free food. Which she didn't blame him as the royal family went all out for the ball and sadly most commoners wouldn't be able to avoid the type of food cooked for this event anywhere else. Lydia's gaze would then shift to Vile as Alyssa pointed him out to her. [break][break] Sadly due to the light mage's animal-like senses, she was able to smell his odor even from where she was standing. Yes and it seems like he still smells just as bad. Her gaze would then focus on what he was doing in more detail once again thanks to her animal instincts and she would notice him double dipping his food in the sauces. This would cause her to wrinkle her nose in disgust she of course heard Alyssa's comment about her aura. It's not my fault this place can't handle my aura. It was common but Lydia's family trait of pride would slip out during the comment. I guess I should go and deal with it. [break][break] I also don't recommend using the dips as he dipped more than once in more than a few. Lydia would then start making her way over to Vile and as she passed a servent she informed the women that the food area would need new dips. Once she reached Vile the Ravencrest would waste no time getting straight to the point. What the hell are you thinking dipping more than once in the sauces. You, other people, use them as well right? Also what exactly are you planning to do with your jacket like that. It was clear from Lydia's tone she wasn't fooling around at the moment and the smile she had was now replaced with a more serious look.
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[attr="class","florencelabel"] pow
[attr="class","florencelabel"] dur
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sta
[attr="class","florencelabel"] sen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] con
[attr="class","florencelabel"] speed
[attr="class","florencetag"]240
[attr="class","florencetag"]0
[attr="class","florencetag"]160
[attr="class","florencetag"]180
[attr="class","florencetag"]150
[attr="class","florencetag"]30 m/s
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[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana skin
[attr="class","florencelabel"] health
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana regen
[attr="class","florencelabel"] mana pool
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]archmage
[attr="class","florencetag"]70 ic // 85 ooc
[attr="class","florencetag"]495/495
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[attr="class","florencextra"]COMBAT SUMMARY
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[attr="class","florencetext2"]You can put spells and whatever here idk [break][break] Outfit:
As always wanted Aeila seemed to know and not know always left him more confused than before. A slight shock look on his face appeared and then turned into a smile as she spoke in a complete perfect sentence. Something he believes was the first time he heard her do so, but in order to not make a scene his face changed back to normal as quickly as it appeared shocked. After she wrapped her arm in his he would begin to walk into the place.
"Heh. I know you are not stupid. It is a little difficult keeping up with what words you do know and what words you do not." Jin replied to her comment about not being stupid. He never believed she was, but it was something to note that this was the first time she corrected it. Usually when her wraith Frederick called her such she would just accept it, he began to wonder if that changed recently. "It's a pleasure hearing yourself say it though." He added walking through the room, while quickly analyzing the entire place. It was easy for him to multitask these kind of things, continue to have multiple conversations while also taking in every detail about the environment.
"Fredrick always pays." Jin joked to her. Her relationships with her wraiths were always interesting and entertaining, just because they weren't mindless tools but rather a growing family she kept alongside her. But it was important to keep in mind, the more she got the more powerful she would become. Jin understood how her magic worked now, but he didn't yet see the full capacity of her magic. He thought about this quite a few times in the past few weeks, what would happened if she turned an extremely powerful being into one of her wraiths. Would they still keep all their magic, knowledge and experience? Only time will tell. For now they both still had quite some ways to go before they reached their full potential. And what could lie ahead beyond that for both of them.
Among the people Jin took into his sights there was an odd fellow, rather tall with very dirty and unkempt white hair. He was wearing the proper attire for the event somewhat though it was also unkempt and not fitted properly. Jin didn't really judge the man at all, the event to the ball was free for everyone to enter including himself. He probably mostly had his eye on the food and drink, as far as Jin was concerned he could help himself to it. Having all eyes on the vagabond would just lessen the eyes on him and Aeila. Not that there was a reason for any eyes to be on them, but some distractions were always appreciated. As the vagabond continued his antics only seemed to increase after he sniffed himself, a small chuckle left Jin's lips watching the act. "That guy has the right idea. But make sure you don't try any of the food over there Aeila, it's basically ruined now." Jin said to her gesturing the area with his chin.
Post by Sol Delothosin✾ on Jul 29, 2021 2:35:49 GMT -5
Sol sighed as he stepped out of the carage that had taken him to the royal palace, while he was normally not one for big interactions like this he knew that as a noble it helped to have connections so he decided to at least stop in and visit with some of the nobles here, the man was dressed more traditionally being garbed in black hakama pants and geta sandals with with tabi socks as well as a white under kimono top and a black haori with green leave patterns on the sleeves and edges to contrast his red eyes,his katana was noticably absent but he had it under lock and key back at home so he knew it was safe, as he stepped towards the entrance the sound of his footsteps as apparent as his geta clacked against the hard ground beneath him, glancing around he spotted people that he knew and some that he had never seen before in his life. The first one that caught his eye was the man at the food Griswold who Sol had no intention of interacting with since the man rubbed him the wrong way ever since their encounter in the dungeon.
Sol wasnt going to pick a fight with him but at the same time he didnt want to deal with any of his issues but what did catch his eye was the fact that the man was hardly dressed for the occasion if at all and he scowled slightly as he shook his head.”honestly he couldn't even bother with dressing up a little bit just shows how much class he lacks” he muttered to himself as he headed further in upon seeing the foul smelling man at the food tables being dealt with by Lydia Sol accidently bumped into the arm of the white haired man near him.”oh my apologies I should have watched where I was going” he said as he bowed his head a bit to him before spotting a familier face. Heading over to Zaven Sol got a glass of whiskey from one of the servents moving around and he approached as he cleared his throat.”you seem like your not really enjoying yourself Captain Zaven” he said as he took a sip of whiskey before speaking again.”not a big fan of these kind of events either?” he asked his red eyed focused on the captain of the Golden Dawn hoping to strike up a conversation.
The seafood was delicious on many different levels. So delicious were the dishes that Vile's ravenous and somewhat abhorrent side would show to those watching him. It was not because he double dipped that would turn people off but rather his inability to control his intake. The vagabond did not by any means attempt to slow himself to chew. This meant that he had a piece of each platter in his mouth all at once. Sauce was splayed across the sides of his face and even down the front of his shirt. It was only when someone would approach him that he would realise what he had done. 'So much for the subtle approach. Perhaps I can find a way to talk myself out of this. Though that voice does sound somewhat familiar.' While thinking about how to act next he was somewhat hunched over the sauces in an animalistic fashion.
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Vile swiveled around on the balls of his feet in a jovial, yet fluid manner. The true horror of his actions would happen entirely unbeknownst to him. In this movement a loose shrimp at the end of his overflowing maw was sent into one of the near full platters of fish. Its form was somewhat graceful as the combination of both slimey saliva and spicy sauce would splash outwards before landing with a wet slap. When facing the one that had approached him sauce would dribble out either side of his mouth. His eyes widened and his mouth opened, chunks of sea flesh splattering across the ground in front of him. It would take a moment for him to gain his composure but by then he had already lost a sizable portion of deliciousness to a cruel, floor ridden fate.
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"I didn't dip more than once. You have no proof." Vile's hand extended from behind and towards the table. He used his muscle memory to search for the shrimp while using his body to shield his hand from view. His muscle memory was slightly off however as he guessed left and right smearing his dirty hands across the food until... Voila! His hands had reached the shrimp platter. By the time his two sentences finished he produced a sauceless piece of shrimp only to throw it up towards his mouth. That was when she asked about his jacket. He cringed visibly and with his composure lost once more he grimaced. The shrimp bounced lazily off his mouth and onto the floor just like the last. "N-Nothing. I just needed a way to carry it easily is all."
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Despite the way this was going the vagabond wasn't truly worried about the outcome. He knew it was free entry and the food itself was also free. He was however aware that it was socially unacceptable to take an entire platter. With a deep sigh he'd continue; "Look. I'm just here for some food so why don't you go bother someone else toots." Vile's hands reached up and gestured a brushing motion away from him. His jacket fell from the safety of his armpit only to gently flop downwards, the context of his being here with such a design would make it all to clear why he was here. He was going to take the whole platter. It would not matter to Vile whether or not he needed to make a scene to pull it off, as long he was able to just that - pull it off.
