[WitchHazel]

Claire Darkmoor
|22|Female|Location - Banquet Hall|Tags - Jon, Lady Rose, Servants|

Claire accepted the offered wine, toasting to the Hellunds with Lady Rose. She laughed at Obsession's antics, and admittedly a bit at Jon's question about restaurants. "Well... I kinda grew up in a similar environment," she admitted. "Not quite as large or lavish as this, but... well, you get the idea." She shifted uncomfortably, stuffing a piece of exquisitely prepared steak in her mouth to save her from answering further. The flavour was incredible, as she'd predicted. She swallowed before answering Jon's other question. "I like to dabble in all kinds of magic," she chirped. "I know the most about the darker stuff, though. You know, shadow work, necromancy, curses, summoning rituals, those kinds of things." She took another bite from something random on her platter, taking a moment to chew before continuing. "Haven't cursed anyone, but I haven't come across anyone who really deserves it yet." She winked, indicating that she might be joking, yet it was quite unclear. For someone talking about such dark topics, Claire still sounded quite cheery and casual. "I've done a decent amount of astral projection, and spirit communication - I help them move on when I can. I've also studied offensive magic techniques; just in case I get into trouble." She smiles sunnily, seeming wholly comfortable with everything she'd just mentioned. "The magic I personally use most is shadow magic, though," Claire grinned. "You know, manipulating darkness, summoning shades, all that jazz." The bubbly young woman started eating once more, evidently done talking for now. Her stomach seemed like a bottomless pit.

[FateStoryteller]

((No problem. ))
The servants paused very briefly and gave Clair a look somewhere between poorly hidden surprise and impressed before bowing subtly and attending to her request. Rose gave a knowing smile and nod to Jon as she floated over to a particularly gilded chair at the head of the table, not far from where the two sat. Once she seated herself, a couple of servants brought over a couple plates full of the delicious desserts and placed them before her on the table. With a silent wave, she sent them off to tend to some other, unknown task, that was soon revealed as they returned with bottles of wine for her to choose from, each clearly wiped of dust. She regarded each for a few moments before choosing a tall, black bottle with a deep red label which was promptly opened and served to her before being offered to the other two.

Suddenly, every hellund in the room perked up at a sound before running to the other side of the ballroom banquet hall where a small table had been discretely laid out with a variety of treats and foods made specially for the hellunds.
"I do hope you don't mind that I prepared a special banquet for the hellunds. Rest assured everything is of the highest quality ingredients and all things guaranteed to be safe for their enjoyment."
Rose then raised her glass to the other two before standing with a wide, pleased grin and regarded each of her guests.
"A toast, if you don't mind, to good food, pleasurable company, and to the lovliest of summoned creatures and our reason for being here tonight, the lovely Flametail Hellunds."

Claire Darkmoor
|22|Female|Location - Banquet Hall|Tags - Jon, Lady Rose, Servants|

Claire accepted the offered wine, toasting to the Hellunds with Lady Rose. She laughed at Obsession's antics, and admittedly a bit at Jon's question about restaurants. "Well... I kinda grew up in a similar environment," she admitted. "Not quite as large or lavish as this, but... well, you get the idea." She shifted uncomfortably, stuffing a piece of exquisitely prepared steak in her mouth to save her from answering further. The flavour was incredible, as she'd predicted. She swallowed before answering Jon's other question. "I like to dabble in all kinds of magic," she chirped. "I know the most about the darker stuff, though. You know, shadow work, necromancy, curses, summoning rituals, those kinds of things." She took another bite from something random on her platter, taking a moment to chew before continuing. "Haven't cursed anyone, but I haven't come across anyone who really deserves it yet." She winked, indicating that she might be joking, yet it was quite unclear. For someone talking about such dark topics, Claire still sounded quite cheery and casual. "I've done a decent amount of astral projection, and spirit communication - I help them move on when I can. I've also studied offensive magic techniques; just in case I get into trouble." She smiles sunnily, seeming wholly comfortable with everything she'd just mentioned. "The magic I personally use most is shadow magic, though," Claire grinned. "You know, manipulating darkness, summoning shades, all that jazz." The bubbly young woman started eating once more, evidently done talking for now. Her stomach seemed like a bottomless pit.

((Aaaagh, I'm sorry guys, I'm terrible... Honestly, if it takes me more than a day to post, feel free to send me a pm poke. ^^"))

Jon
|32|Male|Location - Banquet Hall|Tags - Claire, Rose, aaaaalll the hellunds!|

Jon didn't entirely get the idea, but he did understand that she didn't really want to talk about it. He listened to her descriptions of the different magics, frowning in slight concern (though not fear or disapproval) as she mentioned the darker magical aspects. His expression cleared as she talked about what she preferred to practice.
"Shadow magic sounds cool!" he said, his smile fully returning, "And you help spirits move on too? That's awesome. Its really cool to be able to help people even after they've passed away. Really fullfilling."
His expression faded into a vaguely distant look for a moment, a slight smile remaining as he seemed to reminisce certain instances of the above.
He was snapped out of it as the hellund's meal appeared. Immediately all of his own hellunds dashed towards the feast as well. He chuckled.
"Of course its no trouble." he assured Rose, with another grateful look, "I'll speak for my friends and say that we're extremely thankful."
As she raised her glass, Jon quickly filled his own with water from a nearby pitcher as he'd forgotten to request something else earlier and joined her.
"Hear hear!" he said grinning wide and speaking with enthusiasm.

[Inkeyu]

Claire Darkmoor
|22|Female|Location - Banquet Hall|Tags - Jon, Lady Rose, Servants|

Claire accepted the offered wine, toasting to the Hellunds with Lady Rose. She laughed at Obsession's antics, and admittedly a bit at Jon's question about restaurants. "Well... I kinda grew up in a similar environment," she admitted. "Not quite as large or lavish as this, but... well, you get the idea." She shifted uncomfortably, stuffing a piece of exquisitely prepared steak in her mouth to save her from answering further. The flavour was incredible, as she'd predicted. She swallowed before answering Jon's other question. "I like to dabble in all kinds of magic," she chirped. "I know the most about the darker stuff, though. You know, shadow work, necromancy, curses, summoning rituals, those kinds of things." She took another bite from something random on her platter, taking a moment to chew before continuing. "Haven't cursed anyone, but I haven't come across anyone who really deserves it yet." She winked, indicating that she might be joking, yet it was quite unclear. For someone talking about such dark topics, Claire still sounded quite cheery and casual. "I've done a decent amount of astral projection, and spirit communication - I help them move on when I can. I've also studied offensive magic techniques; just in case I get into trouble." She smiles sunnily, seeming wholly comfortable with everything she'd just mentioned. "The magic I personally use most is shadow magic, though," Claire grinned. "You know, manipulating darkness, summoning shades, all that jazz." The bubbly young woman started eating once more, evidently done talking for now. Her stomach seemed like a bottomless pit.

((Aaaagh, I'm sorry guys, I'm terrible... Honestly, if it takes me more than a day to post, feel free to send me a pm poke. ^^"))

Jon
|32|Male|Location - Banquet Hall|Tags - Claire, Rose, aaaaalll the hellunds!|

Jon didn't entirely get the idea, but he did understand that she didn't really want to talk about it. He listened to her descriptions of the different magics, frowning in slight concern (though not fear or disapproval) as she mentioned the darker magical aspects. His expression cleared as she talked about what she preferred to practice.
"Shadow magic sounds cool!" he said, his smile fully returning, "And you help spirits move on too? That's awesome. Its really cool to be able to help people even after they've passed away. Really fullfilling."
His expression faded into a vaguely distant look for a moment, a slight smile remaining as he seemed to reminisce certain instances of the above.
He was snapped out of it as the hellund's meal appeared. Immediately all of his own hellunds dashed towards the feast as well. He chuckled.
"Of course its no trouble." he assured Rose, with another grateful look, "I'll speak for my friends and say that we're extremely thankful."
As she raised her glass, Jon quickly filled his own with water from a nearby pitcher as he'd forgotten to request something else earlier and joined her.
"Hear hear!" he said grinning wide and speaking with enthusiasm.

((No worries haha. So...there are always consequences to actions. So you are aware, in a few cultures, toasting with water is bad luck. MUAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!))

Rose paused, looking at the glass of water with a little concern, but said nothing, finished her toast and sat back down with a sip of her wine. As she sits, another howl erupts from the hellunds outside, echoing through the halls and the ballroom, but barely audible over the music played by the band. The lights in the room flicker faintly for a few moments as everyone was eating, and Rose looked around the room subtly, searching for something unknown to anyone but herself.
As the hellunds finished eating their fill of the delectable treats set out for them, they rejoined the people sitting at the table and contentedly laid under the table. In what seemed like a blink of magic, Rose's plates of sweets were emptied and already being cleared from in front of her by a couple servants, while one of them poured a cup of steaming tea for her.
"Unfortunately, it would seem that the entities I invited you here to help me with have decided not to let our festivities continue at this time. And so, I must ask for your assistance. Once we have finished, we may resume our meal and party games."
She waived her hand and two servants placed teacups in front of each guest, as the purple and gold hellund entered the room with an oddly quiet bark. The hellunds in the room already gathered up behind them and sat, seeming to wait for something as the potent smelling tea was poured for each human guest. It smelled strongly of cinnamon, licorice and a few other warm, unidentifiable spices. It was dark red in color, likely a black tea base. Before any other words could be spoken by anyone else, Rose spoke again.
"This is a ritual tea that will allow us to communicate over distance without interference, and will enhance any abilities you already have. It is also possible that it may awaken abilities you do not know you possess, so do not be alarmed should it do so. Unfortunately it must be drank as is, without sugar or milk, in order for it to work fully and properly. Duchess will be guiding your hellunds in further rituals, should we need them. She and your hellunds will follow you two so as to assist you if you need it. I assure you Duchess will know what to do for whatever you request of them."
Rose stood once again and began gracefully waving her hands in circular motions towards each of the teacups, her own included, and chanted something in an unknown language. The teacup rims began to glow as she chanted and the hot tea bubbled subtly, as if it were carbonated. After a few moments, the glow and bubbling dissipated and Rose picked up her cup of tea and drank deeply, until her cup was empty, then set it down and gestured to the others to do the same.

<<Roll a d 100>>

[WitchHazel]

Claire Darkmoor
|22|Female|Location - Banquet Hall|Tags - Jon, Lady Rose|
Roll - 35

Claire looked unfazed by the commotion outside, though her curiosity was piqued. She was itching to get a look at whatever was causing all of that ruckus... Lady Rose's voice pulled her out of her thoughts, and she listened intently. Enhance our abilities... she mused. Sounds great. I wonder how long it lasts. Without a second thought, Claire downed the entire cup of tea, barely stopping to breathe. As the first drops touched her tongue, she instantly made a face. Yeugh. The flavour was... well, not her cup of tea, so to speak. She forced herself to swallow, holding her breath so she wouldn't taste the warm liquid as it went down. She made a disgusted face as she finished. Tastes like something my father would drink. Her eyes grew dark momentarily at the thought of her father, but she quickly regained her cheery composure.
"Well, that was... interesting," she declared. "Not as bad as some of the potions I've had, but still... yeesh."

[FateStoryteller]

Claire Darkmoor
|22|Female|Location - Banquet Hall|Tags - Jon, Lady Rose|
Roll - 35

Claire looked unfazed by the commotion outside, though her curiosity was piqued. She was itching to get a look at whatever was causing all of that ruckus... Lady Rose's voice pulled her out of her thoughts, and she listened intently. Enhance our abilities... she mused. Sounds great. I wonder how long it lasts. Without a second thought, Claire downed the entire cup of tea, barely stopping to breathe. As the first drops touched her tongue, she instantly made a face. Yeugh. The flavour was... well, not her cup of tea, so to speak. She forced herself to swallow, holding her breath so she wouldn't taste the warm liquid as it went down. She made a disgusted face as she finished. Tastes like something my father would drink. Her eyes grew dark momentarily at the thought of her father, but she quickly regained her cheery composure.
"Well, that was... interesting," she declared. "Not as bad as some of the potions I've had, but still... yeesh."

((No worries haha. So...there are always consequences to actions. So you are aware, in a few cultures, toasting with water is bad luck. MUAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!))

Rose paused, looking at the glass of water with a little concern, but said nothing, finished her toast and sat back down with a sip of her wine. As she sits, another howl erupts from the hellunds outside, echoing through the halls and the ballroom, but barely audible over the music played by the band. The lights in the room flicker faintly for a few moments as everyone was eating, and Rose looked around the room subtly, searching for something unknown to anyone but herself.
As the hellunds finished eating their fill of the delectable treats set out for them, they rejoined the people sitting at the table and contentedly laid under the table. In what seemed like a blink of magic, Rose's plates of sweets were emptied and already being cleared from in front of her by a couple servants, while one of them poured a cup of steaming tea for her.
"Unfortunately, it would seem that the entities I invited you here to help me with have decided not to let our festivities continue at this time. And so, I must ask for your assistance. Once we have finished, we may resume our meal and party games."
She waived her hand and two servants placed teacups in front of each guest, as the purple and gold hellund entered the room with an oddly quiet bark. The hellunds in the room already gathered up behind them and sat, seeming to wait for something as the potent smelling tea was poured for each human guest. It smelled strongly of cinnamon, licorice and a few other warm, unidentifiable spices. It was dark red in color, likely a black tea base. Before any other words could be spoken by anyone else, Rose spoke again.
"This is a ritual tea that will allow us to communicate over distance without interference, and will enhance any abilities you already have. It is also possible that it may awaken abilities you do not know you possess, so do not be alarmed should it do so. Unfortunately it must be drank as is, without sugar or milk, in order for it to work fully and properly. Duchess will be guiding your hellunds in further rituals, should we need them. She and your hellunds will follow you two so as to assist you if you need it. I assure you Duchess will know what to do for whatever you request of them."
Rose stood once again and began gracefully waving her hands in circular motions towards each of the teacups, her own included, and chanted something in an unknown language. The teacup rims began to glow as she chanted and the hot tea bubbled subtly, as if it were carbonated. After a few moments, the glow and bubbling dissipated and Rose picked up her cup of tea and drank deeply, until her cup was empty, then set it down and gestured to the others to do the same.

<<Roll a d 100>>

((0-0' I am concern... Also, thank you Inkeyu! I really appreciate the reminder... I've been meaning to write again and then I got all self conscious about how long it took me and stupid, unhelpful thoughts happened and it really helped to have the reminder. ^^' I appreciate it! ^^))

"O-oh..?" Jon replied, half as a question, "Ok, well I guess it would be better to get the work out of the way sooner rather than later anyways."
He looked at the tea with some slight concern, especially as the rims began to glow.
"Aaalrighty..." he said slowly, almost as if he were talking to the tea itself.
He gingerly picked up the cup and drank as directed, momentarily making a face at the taste but making it through the brew and finishing off the cup.
"Ok," he said, looking back up at Rose expectantly, "what do you need us to do and where do you need us to go?"

((Ugh, and I'm sorry for how short a reply it is considering how long its taken... e-0"))

[Inkeyu]

Claire Darkmoor
|22|Female|Location - Banquet Hall|Tags - Jon, Lady Rose|
Roll - 35

Claire looked unfazed by the commotion outside, though her curiosity was piqued. She was itching to get a look at whatever was causing all of that ruckus... Lady Rose's voice pulled her out of her thoughts, and she listened intently. Enhance our abilities... she mused. Sounds great. I wonder how long it lasts. Without a second thought, Claire downed the entire cup of tea, barely stopping to breathe. As the first drops touched her tongue, she instantly made a face. Yeugh. The flavour was... well, not her cup of tea, so to speak. She forced herself to swallow, holding her breath so she wouldn't taste the warm liquid as it went down. She made a disgusted face as she finished. Tastes like something my father would drink. Her eyes grew dark momentarily at the thought of her father, but she quickly regained her cheery composure.
"Well, that was... interesting," she declared. "Not as bad as some of the potions I've had, but still... yeesh."

((0-0' I am concern... Also, thank you Inkeyu! I really appreciate the reminder... I've been meaning to write again and then I got all self conscious about how long it took me and stupid, unhelpful thoughts happened and it really helped to have the reminder. ^^' I appreciate it! ^^))

"O-oh..?" Jon replied, half as a question, "Ok, well I guess it would be better to get the work out of the way sooner rather than later anyways."
He looked at the tea with some slight concern, especially as the rims began to glow.
"Aaalrighty..." he said slowly, almost as if he were talking to the tea itself.
He gingerly picked up the cup and drank as directed, momentarily making a face at the taste but making it through the brew and finishing off the cup.
"Ok," he said, looking back up at Rose expectantly, "what do you need us to do and where do you need us to go?"

((Ugh, and I'm sorry for how short a reply it is considering how long its taken... e-0"))

((No problem. I completely understand. ^w^ Please don't forget your roll though. XD))
"I know it's not the most pleasant flavor. You're welcome to take a moment to wash it down with whatever you'd like. Dessert, wine, anything else just let me know.
Rose looked sympathetically to her guests at them downing their tea and making her offer. She turned to Duchess and the hellund trotted over to her, sitting at her feet obediently, even though no order was issued to them.
"Duchess, my sweetheart, you know what to do. Take the hellunds to scout ahead of our guests and guide them to where they need to go. Please be careful my heart."

She bent down to be face to face with her large hellund and gave them a tender kiss on their head before Duchess turned and barked to the other hellunds, and ran out a door that seemed to lead to the back of the manor. Only the hellunds that had come with the guests stayed behind. Another long, loud howl echoed across the grounds as Duchess called all the others to her side. Rose stood and walked back over to the table, finishing her wine delicately but quickly, and accepting a moderately sized éclair from a servant that brought it to her, devouring it in one graceful bite, one could only describe as like a snake swallowing a mouse.
"I recommend an éclair to help with the taste. It's the best at cleansing the pallet of the flavors without accentuating them."
Two other servants bring an éclair to offer to each guest, while Rose waits patiently for them to mitigate the poor flavor of the tea however they choose. Once the two finish with what they choose to remove the tea flavor from their mouths, Rose turns towards the door the hellunds ran out and beckoned to the two with a delicate finger, before walking out the back door and stopping at the railing of an enormous elegant patio. In a moment, Duchess ran up alone to the bottom of the stairs and looked to Rose for instruction. Her words echo in your heads in an odd way, but seems very clear to you.
"Follow Duchess. She will get you where you need to go. Don't worry, the other hellunds and herself are here to hel you and keep you safe in whatever way they can."

<<Roll a d20 and add your Spirit score.>>

[FateStoryteller]

((Aaagh! Yes! Sorry, here's the roll: 25. 3: I'll make a proper response to the above after WitchHazel ^^"))

[WitchHazel]

Claire Darkmoor
|22|Female|Location - Banquet Hall|Tags - Jon, Lady Rose|
Roll - 96

Claire gladly accepted the éclair, shoving most of the sweet treat into her mouth. The flavour was decadent, and completely washed the bitter taste of the tea from her tongue. She finished the pastry in a few bites, licking her fingers in a rather unladylike fashion. When Lady Rose's voice floated through her mind, she didn't seem surprised in the least. She was used to spirits speaking directly into her mind when she worked with them; it was nothing new to her. Claire glanced over at Jon, feeling adrenaline start to course through her veins as she steeled herself. She was practically bursting at the seams with curiosity. "You ready?" she inquired with a lopsided smile.

[FateStoryteller]

Claire Darkmoor
|22|Female|Location - Banquet Hall|Tags - Jon, Lady Rose|
Roll - 96

Claire gladly accepted the éclair, shoving most of the sweet treat into her mouth. The flavour was decadent, and completely washed the bitter taste of the tea from her tongue. She finished the pastry in a few bites, licking her fingers in a rather unladylike fashion. When Lady Rose's voice floated through her mind, she didn't seem surprised in the least. She was used to spirits speaking directly into her mind when she worked with them; it was nothing new to her. Claire glanced over at Jon, feeling adrenaline start to course through her veins as she steeled herself. She was practically bursting at the seams with curiosity. "You ready?" she inquired with a lopsided smile.

((No problem. I completely understand. ^w^ Please don't forget your roll though. XD))
"I know it's not the most pleasant flavor. You're welcome to take a moment to wash it down with whatever you'd like. Dessert, wine, anything else just let me know.
Rose looked sympathetically to her guests at them downing their tea and making her offer. She turned to Duchess and the hellund trotted over to her, sitting at her feet obediently, even though no order was issued to them.
"Duchess, my sweetheart, you know what to do. Take the hellunds to scout ahead of our guests and guide them to where they need to go. Please be careful my heart."

She bent down to be face to face with her large hellund and gave them a tender kiss on their head before Duchess turned and barked to the other hellunds, and ran out a door that seemed to lead to the back of the manor. Only the hellunds that had come with the guests stayed behind. Another long, loud howl echoed across the grounds as Duchess called all the others to her side. Rose stood and walked back over to the table, finishing her wine delicately but quickly, and accepting a moderately sized éclair from a servant that brought it to her, devouring it in one graceful bite, one could only describe as like a snake swallowing a mouse.
"I recommend an éclair to help with the taste. It's the best at cleansing the pallet of the flavors without accentuating them."
Two other servants bring an éclair to offer to each guest, while Rose waits patiently for them to mitigate the poor flavor of the tea however they choose. Once the two finish with what they choose to remove the tea flavor from their mouths, Rose turns towards the door the hellunds ran out and beckoned to the two with a delicate finger, before walking out the back door and stopping at the railing of an enormous elegant patio. In a moment, Duchess ran up alone to the bottom of the stairs and looked to Rose for instruction. Her words echo in your heads in an odd way, but seems very clear to you.
"Follow Duchess. She will get you where you need to go. Don't worry, the other hellunds and herself are here to hel you and keep you safe in whatever way they can."

<<Roll a d20 and add your Spirit score.>>

Jon
|32|Male|Location - Banquet Hall|Tags - Claire, Duchess, Rose|

Roll - 58 (17+41[spirit score])

Jon politely took the éclair offered to him and bit into it experimentally. He'd had "eclairs" before... but they were the tiny, cream filled frozen ones you can get a box of at the store. This seemed much more homemade and luxurious. It was... and it was delicious! Jon ate the rest in a few bites and glanced around the tables involuntarily to see if he could spot some more. Then he snapped back to attention. He didn't even notice that her words were spoken directly in his head.
"Rrrright, yeah!" he said, feeling a bit silly for getting distracted by good food.
He nodded at Claire, still looking a bit sheepish, but smiling confidently, "Yes, definitely ready."
He turned to Duchess, excitement beginning to bubble inside. He still looked rather calm on the outside, but there was a spark of the anticipation in his eyes and smile.
"Following your lead, friend."

[Inkeyu]

((Thank you for your patience guys. Things are a little crazy, but should hopefully settle down soon.))