☬-Thorn of The Rose-☬ 2x2 W/ Wolfrunner & Spiritstar3

[owl0430]

And now all unoccupied eyes were on them.

What else was to be expected?

Rigel had bared his fangs at the son of the first family afterall. Just their conversation alone was sure to draw attention, but presenting Orion with such a hostile display...it had been just the reaction he was hoping for. However-

" Miss Amaya, may I remind you that while my sister's affinity for you grants you some...priveleages...you are not without your limitations. Such remarks as you've just made could cause rumors you know." Not a direct threat per-say, but definitely a warning.

" Now come on. We've so much to discuss, and so little time. Oh- and do loosen up a little, Rigel. This is the night to remember. Let it be filled with joyous laughter and dancing that carries you away into dreamy melodies. "

The pureblood finally seperated himself from Rigel to guide them towards an empty table- the table reserved for the Rosenwald family. If anything, by keeping them in the public eye as he was, he was actively avoiding causing or seen- or rather perhaps he was seeing for how long the Reniers could keep from doing so.

Orion wasted no time in summoning a server over to their table, acquiring a glass of blood-wine for Rigel and sending the half-blood to fetch some refreshments for Amaya.

" So, how are you doing these days, Rigel? Obviously we all know how our ever-capable general is doing with his new promotion, but how are you fairing? Any luck in the world of romance?"

[owl0430]

"As we have missed yours. But-" Valentine draped his arm around Marilla's waist, affectionately embracing her from the side. " Convicing our sire to host a dinner party or the like shouldn't prove too burdensome. Be warned that you'll have to put in your meal request ahead of time for me to get the ingredients, 'else you shall have to makedo with whatever is in season." As he spoke, valentine discreetly patted the pocket of his trousers, an attempt to clue Lucas into his intentions with Marilla that night.

Akira caught on quickly enough, but said nothing. She had to school herself to keep the grin off of her face, yes, but thankfully she managed to keep her change in expression to a mere raise of an eyebrow.

It would appear this was going to be a splendid night for Marilla indeed.

" You are already 700 years yourself, correct? They have long since fulfilled any obligations they had in upholding the fourth family's legacy. 'Twould be impudent to presume anything less. At the very least perhaps you could convince them to visit some of the neighboring kingdoms and see the world a bit? Despite our longevity, there's a great many of us who can spend centuries without straying too far from here whatsoever. "

" Do you have any plans to travel outside of Runemeth, Lord Renier? If so then I'd likely to humbly suggest Elkridge as a possible destination. 'Tis quite far, I know, but if you can handle the winters there she's quite a beautiful kingdom. "

[wolfrunner]

"Centuries or not My Lord doesn't mean for sure you twill last longer then me when it comes to dancing. If anything it means you twill tire more easily then I, besides tis my first event like this.", replied the blond as she was twirled about again.

It seemed as though Al wanted to speak about their meeting with Ophelia as much as she wanted to bring it up. It also appeared that both of them were equally well aware that there would be no safe place among their current surroundings to have such a conversation. She had questions after all.

Why did the female Thorn want to meet with them, risk such a conversation with them?

Was she planning something? Possibly taking down Adrian?

If she was planning on taking down Adrian then why? And why did she need or want their help when surely she had more power and experiance then they both did combined?

Just why were Al and she so important to Adrian and his plans?

"Being around this many people isn't quite as much fun as when tis only us. An event like this or not. But I did enjoying meeting your aquantences and of course I do still have you to myself and myself alone. Twas one of my worries.", said Aralynn while trying to not dwell on her uneasiness and many questions. "As for the meal when we return twill be sorely missed I'm sure My Lord. But I believe you're right. The household can make do without one After Progenitor's Ball Meal this time around, especially with the reasoning as to why we twill be going without it for a change. I think everyone will be far too chatty and happy to complain or be sad."

[wolfrunner]

The gesture of Valentine wrapping his arm around wasn’t lost on the young Lord, as neither was its meaning. He had to stop himself from chuckling. He was willing to wager that the fox-masked Changeling would have a far easier time with his endeavour then he himself had with Akira in the same situation. Somehow the dark haired male didn’t see Marilla giving the chef such a hard time as his wife gave him before his proposal. “In that case we twill keep that in mind and be sure to follow your advice. Causing strife during such an occasion, least of all to your house, Twould be the last thing on our minds. We would be glad to receive an invitation.”

“I am.”, Lucas nodded, “I suppose I am one of the few of our kind that still keep informed of their true age these days. Accurately at least. It Twould have been nice if they had given me until I had reached my thousandth year as I had thought they Twould. I twill have to advise them on such, currently now however they are taking a quieter holiday elsewhere. As you said they have been in society for quite a long time.”

“As for personal travels…….as a matter of fact we have and we do. Recently fortune smiled upon us and we had the opportunity to travel to the kingdom of Vretellas for a short time and during just the right time as they were in the midst of a festival. We Twould like to venture back some time, but I am sure we can manage a visit to Elkridge as well. Even colder months do have their areas of beauty. As long as My Lady can handle the weather I see no reason it should not be in our books to pay a visit. Thank you Miss Marilla. Perhaps you could convince Valentine to allow you to visit Vretellas at some point, Tis relatively hotter then Elkridge I am sure but still…”

[owl0430]

"'If that 'tis what you claim, then alas- 'twould seem we've entered another stalemate then. " It was amusement that had graced his features, the smallest of grins tugging at his nervous frown.

Of course that only lasted until he went to scout out where the others of their household had scattered to. Most everyone was keeping to themselves; interacting mostly with each other, though a few were mingling with some of the few other changelings in attendance. Al hoped that at future events, there would be a higher turnout of changelings. But, time would tell.

The fact of the matter was that it had not been Perseus' bold antics that had Al hangign his head in defeat. It was Valentine and Marilla, who had struck conversation with the new renier patriarch and the human he had perched on his arm.

" In the near future, we really must opt for some time away from the manor. 'Tis stressful watching over all of them; particularly when they all insist on tempting fate at any given moment. "

Al understood that Valentine and Lucas usually got along quite well. In fact, their households usually got along to the best of his knowledge; even with the human staff. And last time they'd seen each other (Valentine, Lucas and he), it was not under the best of circumstances. Call it self-centered, self-preserving, whatever you'd like; but he rather wished Valentine would've mingled with someone...less risky. He was certain it was Akira on Lucas's arm- there was, genuinely, no other possibility. And he didn't wish to risk any incidents or unneccesary questioning about Aralynn's fate.

Especially when he doubted Lucas had told anything to the heirs- particularly Aralynn's younger sister, as attached to her as he was. Al doubted the pureblood would risk doing anything that may scare or otherwise deter her from him.

Al bit his cheek-

He ought to be happy for his old friend.

He ought to congratulate Lucas for finding someone. Yet- no. There was no point in worrying about it now.

" Any thoughts as to where you may like to go?" Al eventually continued.

[wolfrunner]

"We don't see each other for a century if not longer and the first thing you make inquiries into tis if I have found a suitor or not."

Of course thats all that mattered. These Balls were just large scale betrothel parties all held together after all, every knew it and expected nothing else. This was how the most powerful of their society played their games and managed to keep their society as powerful and orderly as it was since....well....a certain someone for whom this Ball was meant to be for.

The blond accepted the bloodwine swirling it about in the fine glass which was certainly centuries old since it had been first crafted by unknown unimportant hands. The male taking a seat beside his human companion being sure to keep said companion near him and away from Orion as possible. Leading them to sit opposite each other accross the Rosenwold table, though Rigel turned his seat to a bit of an angle. Better view of his surroundings while conversing with the other Pureblood. Even though being around the Rosenwold was less then ideal and prevented him from following his duty this was admittedly, in a way, almost better. Yes Rigel had to suffer the male's presence. But doing so meant easier and clear reach for the member of the First Family in exchange, as well as eyes directly on him.

"I should be asking you that same question." , the blond continued before taking a sip of his drink savoring it for a second. Then, "Surely your response twould be more interesting. The son of the First Family having disappeared along with his exquisite sister for years, only to re-emerge and join our society once more after so long. You are much more desirable then I and have a far better story to your name. Just how many marriage proposals have you had since you and Esmerelda have rejoined us?"

[Spiritstar3]

Isabella- f- Renier- blue eyed blonde- golden light and dog shift (mix of powers)- married- Lucas is her son, Rigel is adopted- Tags: Roland and the girls, and Estella

The blonde woman

Haruna- Haru- male- Embere Heir- homosexual; Rigel- Ai and Nina- Demon (reverse leopard) and Angel (red blanket) Appy, plus new mare Angelic Song)- kitten Dream (white with black forehead streak and tail)- Tags: Rigel, Orion

The disguised one rolled his eyes a bit, though lowered his head to do so. That way no one, Orion or otherwise, could see him doing so. He shook his head a couple times, and brushed at the long hair. He honestly liked this long hair, but he wasn’t actually a girl. Then again, some of the male vampires here seemed to have hair like this. Most had medium length or shorter hair. He’d thought he’d seen a couple of them with longer hair. It wasn’t as many of them, but he’d seen a few, he thought.

He glanced over to Rigel, or rather up at him since they were together again. They’d only been separated a moment because of Orion. That moment had been a moment too long for his liking. It had seemed to be too long for Rigel’s liking as well. He watched Orion lead the way to a table, and the two followed. He realized it was the Rosenwald table. The table he would have likely ended up sitting at at some point anyway. He glanced around a moment, as if trying to see if Esmeralda was still with that guy.

He glanced to Rigel again after a moment, seeing he had a glass of blood…or was it wine? Was it blood…wine, was that a thing? He supposed that could be a thing, that must be a thing vampires had invented. That or a human had been asked to create such a thing. Shaking the thought from his mind, because that didn’t matter too much, he hummed. He smiled up at Rigel. Asking “Does that taste good?” Of course, he knew it must because most everyone here was vampires and they liked blood. He noted how the other put him in a chair away from Orion. As far away from Orion as was possible while still being at the same table. He smirked a bit over the protective seeming action. He then glanced over, as another vampire soon approached.

They’d brought some juice for him, and he noticed it was red. Rather than an orange juice or peach juice, he noticed the juice was red. There seemed to be two types of juice, and he wondered what they were. A glass of water had also been brought, just in case. He took the glasses, and thanked the vampire. They nodded to him and bowed a little, then headed back off. He sniffed the first glass, which seemed to be tomato juice. He’d never actually drank tomato juice, since he thought it might be too acidic, but he knew some people liked it. He decided now was the time to try it. If he didn’t like it, he didn’t have to finish it. The other glass seemed to be a cherry raspberry mixed juice. He smiled over this fact, then glanced to the two vampires.

Aiya- Ai- f- 4 y- July 12- human- bi when old enough; no crush- sister Nina- Ebony pony (black with white socks and blaze)- wants a pet- Tags: Nina, Roland, Isabella, Estella

The reddish brown haired little one

[owl0430]

"" Indeed. The snow glitters every so brilliantly in a lantern's golden light, a thousand tiny stars captured in each snowflake. On some nights the sky will even light up in a brilliant display of colors. It really does look like an artist took their paintbrush to the sky. " There was something in the way she described Elkridge with such familiarity. She talked of the mountainous kingdom as if she'd grown up there.

" Elkridge sounds lovely, Ms. Marilla. I'm sure the cold shall be no problem with the right attire for the occasion. I shall ensure Lucas here does not forget your suggestion. "

That got small laugh from Marilla.

" There are a great many materials for keeping warm in the northern regions. Wool tends to be the most common, but
if you can make do with it until you get there, our seamstresses have some of the warmest attire you can imagine. 'Twil be as if 'tis spring then. Though if you are unaccustomed to extreme cold, 'twould be best for you to visit in the summer months. 'Tis the warmest then."

" Vretellas sounds quite nice as well. 'Tis not I she shall have to gain permission from to go. It is only now, after all these years, that our sire has granted us the chance to leave the manor behind and find a place of our own. We shall still visit, of course, I don't think Marilla wishes to move too far away either. Marilla's smile now didn't seem quite so genuine, but a shadow of what it had been prior to.

"But Al, generous as he is, is still rather protective. It will...scare him, to have us so far away for any length of time. On our own, anyways. 'Tis one thing when he leaves for his 'assignments', but at least we all have each other at the manor then. We could hold our own. But without our strength in numbers..." he sighed, taking a step away from Marilla so she could grab some refreshments.

"There is much we could discuss on that matter. Yet I fear we may night have enough time when there are many vying for your attention tonight. How is your brother fairing these day?

[owl0430]

" Ah- yes, we were gone for quite some time, weren't we? Just how long has it been again? Two, no, three hundred years? Give or take of course. "

Orion leaned back in his chair, arms drapped across the back- completely relaxed. " I just figured you'd prefer to converse about the trivial matters first, something a bit more fun before we truly dig into the events of the past few centuries. Forgive me for trying to keep the atmosphere light during such an occasion. " Taking another sip of blood-wine, he wiped away a scarlet streak as it dribbled down the corner of his mouth.

" Our dissapearance was nothing more than a family matter." Orion continued, staring out at the crowd. " A series of events that, unofrtunate as they were, took up most of our time and focus. There wasn't really time for any serious marriage considerations for me, and Esmerelda only had eyes for Lucas- even being so far from him for centuries. Don't go telling her I told you, but she was quite ecstatic getting to see him again. Such a shame he has chosen to parade a human around on his arm. They would have made a lovely couple." A pause, and then, " 'Tis only a fleeting thing, I'm sure, so it's not worth fretting over too much. The life of a human is ever so fragile."

A slightly warped story, of course, seeing as it was that day in the Renier's garden that Esmerelda and Lucas had seen each other for the first time in centuries. She was ecstatic, of course- but his story made it sound as if they'd just reunited this night.

Casting his gaze around the room, he observed the superficial frivolity. So many games at play, chessmasters carefulling moving their pieces around the board. But tonight, only one game would truly matter; and they were getting close to checkmate.

" But to answer your question properly, I have received four marriage proposals so far, and counting. Though they really should know better- to settle down so quickly after rejoining society? Where would be the fun in that?" Finally his wandering eyes settled on Esmerelda, the playfullness falling from his expression. " As for dear Esme...there are many who wish for her hand. For someone so set on finding 'true love', she barely even gives her potential suitors the time of day." Sharp nails dug into the challice he held, the crisp and clear crunch of the crystal clear over the music's gentle melody.

It wasn't until tiny shards of crystal had dug into his fingertips that the Rosenwold regained control of himself, staring down at the tiny bleeding pinpricks. In a jaded fashion he brushed the clear shards from his skin- any indication of having been wounded dissapearing along with them.

" I've heard that after Runemeth took over our old ally's kingdom, your family was charged with monitoring the heirs. " Another sip of bloodwine, watching the dancing figures of Lucas and AKira through their reflection in the challice. " Have you any clue what the king intends to do with them now? I mean, they were just pawns after all- prisoners in a gilded cage in case anything went wrong with our takeover. Impossible to begin with anyways, but even more so now. The Queen as we knew her is dead, and with Angel's Hollow gone, the last of the festering human rebellions seemed to have simmered out. " He turned to grin at the duo across the table, accompanied by an innocent head tilt.

" In short, they've served their purpose. I would wonder, then, what fate awaits them now, wouldn't you?"

[wolfrunner]

“Have they really been so difficult. I know they’re loud and full of energy but you’ve managed how long by now somehow? I think they’ve taken it upon themselves to keep you fresh on your feet and whits sharp Tis more like it, trying to help keep you alert.” A look of one in thought sparked in the eyes from behind the lace mask.

“But I do suppose that they could search for ways to keep you so without taking so many risks. I’m sure they are out there if searched for, though you’ve done well keeping up with them you know. Maybe that’s why they test you so? Because they all know you are capable?”

The blond had fought sight of a few of their house otherwise being engaged during the festivities. Most were keeping to themselves or in groups with each other, though a few she noticed were interacting outside familiar faces. “I….wasn’t expecting so many others here. I thought we’d be the only ones.”, she spoke of the other Changelings she’d noticed. The female Changeling seemed surprised by their presences about.

Surprise ended up turning to thoughtfulness, however, when Al proposed his question. “After everyone is settled and are sure to be okay without us for a short period of time.”, Aralynn paused for a moment before adding lightly, “And we assure them we will return promptly least they hunt us down should we end up late returning. We don’t even have to go all that far. Just someplace quiet. Maybe where we can see a lovely night sky with our eyes instead of through some sort of object in the Observatory. Where we can watch the moonrise and sunrises without being bothered by someone else.”