The second course.

[Capella]

((ooc: You do not have to post in the first course before posting in here. Capella is accepting late arrivals up until the third course. ))



The empty platters were taken away, and only a few with assorted hors devoeurs remained. Capella's attendants were now bringing out sparkling white bowls, and she knew that the second course was ready to be brought out.

And it was time for her to change into her ball gown, now that the fun was really beginning. Quickly, she darted down into a corridor, disappearing into some changing rooms that had been set up for her ahead of time. Her own room was far too deep within the manor to make a quick change in respectable time! The changing room that had been set up for her was small and had previously been a long-forgotten anteroom, done up by the work of Maya and Sophie.

And there the marvelous gown from the master seamstress was, worn by a dress form as petite as the governess was. It was a dress that definitely screamed her personality, which Capella loved. She spent a good fifteen minutes getting into it, knowing that it would take about a good half an hour to get out. But, back to the ballroom she must go!

She emerged from one of the many corridors with a new aura about her. More dignified than ever, that aura may have been a bit menacing, but she did her best to put on a friendly smile. The atmosphere of the ballroom was changing, and she saw that the little band she hired had finally shown up.

The soup of the second course was out, too. Carrot ginger honey soup. She could see the savory bits of onion that had been simmered with the carrots, and the aroma was absolutely wonderful. She wanted to go and get some before everyone else, but that would've been rude! She smiled to herself and watched as people gathered around.

"Well, everyone, get some soup before I start tending to tedious matters!" She gave her fangy smile and chuckled.

[sirleonhart]

Robert set down his plate, now with only a small pile of crumbs upon it, and moved towards the soup. He picked up a bowl and spoon and started sipping the meal. The warm food slid down his throat, warming his body as if he were sitting in front of a fire place. It reminded him of home.

But now was no time to be reminiscent. He was here on watch. Already he had seen the diversity of people in this town, but he was surprised that the same diversity moved to the ballroom as well. He was fairly sure there would be mainly vampires, but there were indeed other creatures here, other humans, faeries, immortal beings such as Abelle, and probably shifters, if he knew any better. This alone signaled to him that something may very well start to change in this town. A shaking up of the normal order. But that's all that it was. A signal. If Robert was to find out more, he would have to observe more, and, of course, ask around. And no more perfect a person there was at this entire ball to ask questions to than the Governess herself, Capella. He wasn't about to waltz up to her and start ambushing her with questions. That was even rude to transients. He had to introduce himself in a humbling, even deigning way to this creature who was far more powerful and influential than he. And so he strolled over to the Governess, wearing a stunning white gown, no doubt designed and crafted by the talented Sophie. He stopped maybe four or five feet in front of her, took off his hat, and made a very low bow.

"It's an honor to be invited to your home, Governess." Robert said, then returning to his standing position. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Robert L. Senger, from the eastern land of Sangaria. It's a pleasure to meet you."

It was a bit of an optimistic mood, on Robert's part. He felt a welcoming air to the place as he entered, and was banking on the fact that the owner, too, was welcoming and open. He could very well have been wrong.

[Capella]

Capella saw that there was a man approaching her, a very nice looking man, looking as human as any human ever did, leading her to wonder if in fact he was human. He bowed low to her and introduced himself. Robert L. Senger. Sangaria. That land was far eastern, as far as she knew. Both names graced her gifted ears, and she made a friendly bow to the man in return.

"It is a great pleasure to meet you, Sir Robert. I feel sort of twitty for introducing myself when I'm sure most people already know, but it is a formality, after all! My name is Capella Darktide. I take it you're liking the surroundings?" she chirped, brushing aside a platinum bang.

She was a little nervous about making her important announcement, so she supposed that some conversation with this Robert character - who looked stunning in Sophie's wear - would shake out her butterflies. It seemed like it'd be harmless enough, unless he was one of those people who'd be firing accusations at her.

She expected this, but hoped that it would wait until later on in the night. Things couldn't very well start on a bad foot.

[sirleonhart]

Looks like Robert invested in the right assumption. She was indeed kind enough to address her guests, whether it was out of pure, honest-to-goodness interest in them or out of custom. Now that the introductions were aside, it was time for pleasantries. Investigating basics dictate that the ambush is almost always a bad move in the area of information gathering. You as the investigator should be in the back of your head. What you show to your subject is you. Normal conversation is the best way to learn things from people, strangers in particular, for no matter what is said, you are bound to learn at least one thing from them, whether it be from verbal or non-verbal cues, or even how they present themselves to you.

"I am indeed!" Robert said gleefully, which he honestly was. "It's a big change from every other place I've ever visited. For more than the obvious solar reasons." Robert chuckled. "I've seen diverse cities before, but this certainly takes it up a notch. I didn't even know half the creatures in this haven of yours actually existed! For a curious soul as I am, this is a sort of dream come true, I suppose."

[Capella]

Capella scratched the side of her face, a little embarrassed. She should have known that he was going to bring something up about the town. It could never be on random little things like how nice the moon looked, or what a fine Vaskian wine was on the table, or even how orange the soup was.

Nope. Questions went straight to the town. At least he was nice about them, she thought. But she had been around for quite awhile - she knew how the game went.

"Truth be told, Sir Robert, this isn't quite what I hoped for. I wanted peaceful creatures here, not... well, I guess I should wait until I'm not in an aristocratic setting to use the particular adjective I'm thinking of. The last thing I want to happen is a species war, which I'm really afraid might happen. Gods know that there are enough things in this town harboring hate enough for small countries. One wrong little thing, and boom! We have ourselves more havok."

She sighed and picked up a champagne flute, picking up no wine in particular and filling it as full as she could without sploshing over onto her white gown.

"So... yes, while diverse and prettily of night it is, I'm not entirely happy with it. Still trying to find a course of action, you see."

[sirleonhart]

Robert was a bit startled. He expected mere conversational banter back from her, but she data dumped him. This was all well and good, but he was even more startled by the fact that she was openly discussing a possible war in the town. This was great information. Disturbing, too. The great Capella was worrying about the state of the town? Looks like he had to watch his back.

In any case, this changed what Robert's next response was going to be. He had struck a point close to Capella. She seemed nervous, even a slight bit jittery. Such symptoms weren't good for extracting information. Besides, he got enough from her response to him to ponder about. He might inquire about it later in the evening. And, if Robert played it right, She might inquire his investigative services. Now was the time to show one of his cards.

"It seems I've upset you, miss. My apologies. However undesirable the town may be to you now, I would advise that you enjoy the evening you've created for all the pleasant creatures here. And what an evening it is, Governess." Robert picked up a glass of wine and took a sip before continuing. "Since, like many others, I'll be in town for a while, I just want to let you know that if you need anything, you can call for my assistance. I'm not a totally helpless human." Robert laughed as he continued to drink the wine, a nice Chianti.

[Capella]

Capella sighed frumpily and took another sip of her wine. Why did people always wiggle themselves out of conversations like that? It seemed that no one wanted to stay and talk to her tonight.

"You don't... have to go, you know... I mean, I was enjoying the conversation, I just usually don't like to admit so."

She masterfully hid a pout and went to dish herself some soup, taking a little taste at a time to savor the savory and relish the relieving warmth. What a nice little thing the chef had made!

"I'm sorry, I don't get to complain very often. I didn't mean to just come at you like that!" She chuckled, building up her veneer all over again, and taking another taste. "This is good, isn't it?"

[ratci]

Ratci simply remains upon Natalia's shoulder and watches the hustle and bustle going on about herself, still in a quiet mood. "Might pull a stunt later. Not sure what. It has to be something good...." she murmurs into Natalia's ear, nowhere near loud enough for anyone else to hear: strange to be trusted with such delicate information! But perhaps the fairy had just taken a very quick liking to the quirky experimentalist. It probably had to do with watching one of her products make someone throw up.

"...and not necessarily tasteful," she adds with a grin. She might've been worried Capella would get mad if she played a practical joke, but she was far too cute not to get out of it.

[sirleonhart]

Robert was about to leave, but the Governess had yet again fooled him. This one was certainly not your normal subject. Far from it. She was, apparently, enjoying the conversation, although she didn't want to admit it. Robert stopped after she spoke, confused, and thought about what she had said, pondering about Capella and what he might say or do next. The he realized what was wrong. Too much pondering.

Robert felt like a fool. He decided then to throw out any tactics he had for information gathering, investigation, and the like and just have a conversation with her. Theory and his job had distracted him from his other obligation this night: being an a worthwhile guest and person. She sincerely wanted the attendees to enjoy her gathering and speak with her on an equal level. A good guest must oblige those wishes and do so.

"Yes, yes it is a good soup," Robert smiled, setting down his glass and picking up the bowl of soup. "I...I must apologize." Robert scratched his head, looking embarrassed. "I suppose I have envisioned you over the time I've been here as an imposing presence, and so I thought of you as an unapproachable figure. And I didn't think you'd give me the time of day. So I'm sorry if I seemed a bit flighty."

[akachishiokarasu]

Kaihn was a little confused by all of this. To be honest this wasn't the kind of thing that he normally did. His suit was itchy, his wings where cramped and uncomfortable. All in all it wasn't a very pleasant experience for him and he didn't wish to just let his wings rip out of his jacket. So he sat down trying to stop himself from leaning upon his wings so that he didn't do more damage to himself. He thought to himself as he looked at the soup. He gave it a curious look and again he wasn't used to such things. A Daemons metabolism was different to a humans he could go three days without food before feeling the effects and a good while after before it became debilitating. So he felt out of place. Taking a spoon he slowly stirred the soup wondering whether to try some. He looked around and then tried a little. Then the one thing he didn't want to happen happened.

From the shadows an all be it small Sion could be seen strolling across the table. Kaihn buried his face in his hand as he watched the small cretin move about then he thought to himself. why is that thing allowed out Standing up he walked over to Capella and smiled at her slightly nervous and yet again Sion with his impeccable timing disappeared and formed on his shoulder with a roll of bread and he was chewing on it. Well more breaking it up and leaving a small pile of crumbs on Kaihns shoulder. Kaihn then decided to speak hoping Sion wouldn't open his mouth. "This is a fine spread you have put on I see, and we have some music as well one thing is for sure, you know how to put a part on" He said smiling and waiting for her response.

[Capella]

Capella gave an equal glance to both Robert and Kaihn, and then realized that there was a tingling feeling in the small armlet she was wearing. The armlet was hardly noticable at first glance, because it was made mostly out of quartz, glass, and other clear substances. It was laced together with silver, and though it made Capella's skin burn a little each time they came in contact, she knew the purpose of the garment was very important.

It tingled with the sense of a magical presence, and one that wasn't supposed to be here. The armlet's purpose, other than being decorative and pretty, was actually a well-prepared conjuration item that Capella had made before the ball. So, in essence, she'd be able to conjure whatever it was that she needed. Perhaps she needed a guardian spirit if some trouble broke out. That wouldn't be a problem, thanks to some preparation.

The garment's sensed presence was the thing on Kaihn's shoulder. The governess's smile had begun to noticably fade.

"Kaihn, who is your... friend?" she asked, tight-lipped. "I don't believe we were aware that you'd be bringing one. Why don't you introduce me?"

[akachishiokarasu]

Kaihn slightly blushed at this notion. He wasn't good in high society any more as it had been centuries and Sion was definitely an addition to his nervousness. He scratched the back of his head and then glanced at Sion. "Heh heh, this is urr" He was a little flustered not knowing how to react at the small carbon copy of Kaihn munching on his shoulders its eyes glowing a nice shade of ruby. "Well, this is urrmmm. Well I can't remember if its raven daemon exclusive but most daemons have a kind of spirit thats inside of them. Its almost like there daemon soul. This mischievous piece of shadow just happens to be mine" He said looking at Sion. Taking him off his shoulder and taking a Napkin from the table he quickly wiped the broken up pieces of bread from his shoulder into the napkin and put it on his side plate. "I can't exactly get rid of him, so I thought if i just left him be he wouldn't cause any trouble" He was really going red now and Sion let out a small giggle as he did.

"eh heh heh heh, Is little Kaihn getting flustered now?" Sion stood up and looked at the young vampiress and then took a bow. Forming a small tuxedo and making his skin the same color as Kaihns he smiled. "Good evening young lady I'm Sion this good for nothing extremely large lump of daemon's weapon. Nice to make your aqauntence and may I remark your wearing a particularly lovely dress today" Kaihn looked at Sion for a minute and then mumbled to him out of any one else's hearing. "Why aren't you playing up", Then Sion went true to his nature. He jumped off of Kaihns Shoulder and sat on Capella's shoulder and whispered in her ear ever so gently so only Kaihn and she could hear. "He like you y'know, I can tell cos he gets all flustered when he see's you and constantly remarks in his head how pretty you look or how kind you are" A big grin forming on Sions mouth.

Kaihn's heart sank for a moment as Sion said this and he looked at Capella with a sheepish smile. "Heh...urmmm Heh" In an instant he thought of changing the subject or he thought about just snatching Sion but alas he did nothing. He just sort of....froze Sion you....you Sion constantly giggling as Kaihn made his last thought.


Sion....I hate you

You love me really Kaihn

[Capella]

Capella's tight lipped frown was catching attention by now as her frustration filled the room. But, her head was ticking with ideas, and a corner of her mouth went up to form a smirk. She put her adorned hand up beside her and made like she was examining her nails, in a very stuffy manor.

"Nice to meet you little Kaihn," she said, glancing to it sitting on her shoulder. "I appreciate the compliments to the dress. I'd be careful not to mistake big Kaihn's feelings, though. What he feels for me is probably no different from many others. I am definitely not new to admirers."

She then snapped her armlet-adorned fingers, and a smaller version of herself appeared, all in spirit glory.

"Now please, entertain yourself. This is Lyra."

In truth, it was just a quick conjuration of something that Capella had created hundreds of years ago when she was first fooling around with her abilities, and it was relatively harmless. Lyra could giggle and snark and flutter around, but Capella realized that there was little she could do to make the thing talk.

It sat on the governess's opposite shoulder, grinning and giggling and trying to hide her face from Sion, behaving much like an immature little girl. Capella did her best to give Kaihn an apologetic, understanding smile, and wound up sighing.

[akachishiokarasu]

Kaihn watched as the miniature Capella formed on her other shoulder and he watched her sigh. Sion you little shit, you just made her hate me He said as he buried his face in his hand once more hating the fact that Sion was part of him. Sion was elated at this little creation "My aren't we a skilled conjuress my dear lady. Well if you insist" Sion being as mischievous as all ways took hold of the small Capella and flew onto the table with a newly formed pair of wings. Then he took a bow and looked at her clearing his small throat he smiled. "Care to dance" He said as he took her hand and her hip and started to dance with her humming. "Hmm, hmm ,hmm humm hee humm da da la la la da da do de da da da da"

Kaihn looked at the young vampire after he managed to pluck up the courage to look at her. "I'm very sorry about this he is a little bit of a child because I haven't used him in centuries. He is a part of my past I would be happy to forget about, except he wont let me" Sion could hear all of this because he could also hear Kaihns thoughts and he yelled up to Kaihn and Capella, "Kaihn your a daemon accept that fact and you will be much happier, oh I remember the good ol days in hell in the hell of murder, When you used to be more....palatable" a more sinister tone took over Sion's voice. "I can get rid of him if you like, I could just pick him up and stuff him in my pocket or throw him out a window or something. I'm sure that he could entertain himself for a few hours-" Kaihn glanced down at Sion and gritted his teeth, "Couldn't you..." he mumbled as he took a sip of orange juice and smiled at Capella his emerald eyes finding it hard to look at her eyes.

Sion you...you-

Hmmm he haaa dooo daa de da de la la la laaaaaa

[Sophie]

Sophie entered.

Her black dress strode behind her just a bit and she scratched her head. She was late.

She had rushed here as fast as she could, but alas, when she entered the building, she knew she was late. Clearing her throat a little, she began to walk further in, looking for people that she knew. She saw the woman, in all of her elegance, who had asked her to make the garments for this occasion, and walked up to her. "Lady Capella, the night is beautiful, as are you." She said, studying her dress. It was breathtaking. Somewhat menacing. She bit her lip. "How are you this evening?" She asked, smiling.

Now, where was Cassus?