The Governor's Return

The Governor's Return

Postby Jirai » Mon Jun 24, 2013 5:15 am

It was a ball. A rather spectacular ball, as it happened, but how could it be otherwise with both Rhaena Olwak and Stephan Berdini planning, organizing and decorating things? Red and gold were the colors of the evening, from the draperies hanging from the walls to the clothes brightening tables full of all manner of food and drink. Skilled musicians had been brought in from outside the town and there was a wide dance floor, polished and glistening, while crystals hanging from the ceiling reflected the bright lights of lamps and candles. A few couples, clad in extensive finery had already begun to wheel about the dance floor while others clustered in small groups throughout the room, chatting happily.
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby channe » Mon Jun 24, 2013 5:32 am

And wouldn't you believe it -- Miss Nela Kaczmarek, clad in scandalous scarlet, enters without a man on her arm, and trailed by five of her teahouse girls. All of them are dressed spendidly in a different color each, one royal blue, one canary yellow, one dark forest green. They wear feathers dyed to match, brilliantly-painted headpieces, ladies' gloves -- and, oh, they all look so nice, don't they? Only Nela wears the tiara-and-vines brooch given to her so nicely by Rhaena Olwak, but all of them flutter and giggle and are just generally happy to be there.
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby catch » Mon Jun 24, 2013 5:50 am

Men had come. And at first, he had thrown his door shut, had slammed the bolt, and scraped his table across the earthen floor. He had told them all manner of things, that he was not here, that he had done nothing, nothing, and it was terribly unfair, and never did his tear-filled eyes leave the precious horn that lay upon his bed. It took time to calm a madman through the barrier of a door. But, eventually, he is comforted and coaxed. Longer than it usually takes, for the usual mixture of promised treats and soothing assurances are not as effective. Clothing is mentioned, pretty clothing, fine clothing, and a Ball for Ser Glenn, and he would be ever-so sad if Catch is not there.

And Cakes. There will be hundreds of cakes.

On the hundredth assurance that nothing would be taken, Catch would finally relent.

___________________________________________________

He is here, as miscast in the opulent Ball as a draft-horse in fancy trappings. Though, catch thinks they are very fine trappings, even better than the last, distant Ball, and he passes a nervous palm around his pants. No fancy-cuts, simply trousers and boots, a shirt and a vest, all done up in various shades of cream and gold, from dark saffron to the near-white of his own curls, which stood on end from the so-recent washing, leaving his scar free, the hideous thing neatly on display, rimmed as it was with little red trumpet-flowers.

That Ball was long ago. He was different, now. Why should he be afraid of the hole in his head? Because at his back, strapped to his body in makeshift-sashes, was his horn, his glory, his Light. With it, his simple clothing, his simpleness, somehow seemed to pulse all the bright, becoming something more, something fantastic and wonderful, just out of reach.

And he was unaware of it, but he was aware, at least, moving through finer people with a nervous edge, his head always twisting to gaze at some sight or another, until he came to the table of cakes and sandwiches and other, tiny fineries, meant to bolster and nibble.

Catch took handfuls of the dainty eats, and watched, the horn of twisted stone a comfortable weight against his back. The teahouse girls are a flutter of water-dragons, and Catch tries to grin at them past a crumble of cucumber sandwiches stuck between his teeth.
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby Suede » Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:49 am

Kals was again at a second ball in Myrken in recent weeks. The sort of festivities he tended to avoid if left to his own devices, but he had two motivations for coming to this one. The first being that it was hosted by his sister, one he'd had tentative interactions with of late. There were ill sentiments between the pair for quite some time, but urging by Kacela and his parents had him making small efforts at reaching out.

This ball was one such opportunity. One to show her a small measure of support, and a chance to talk with her in public, maybe before Glenn actually showed his scummy little face.

His second reason for coming was to again try to expose Kacela to more upper class affairs. The last ball had not gone as well as he'd hoped, and done little to prepare the woman for what she'd have to deal with at a Rain Wild wedding. His fingers were heavily crossed that the guest list for tonight would set a better example. One could only expect so much from farmers though, to each their own. He just needed a specific own, and he doubted he'd get her to go to many Rain Wild parties to practice.

Kals appeared to have donned all black tonight, but at second glance his steps caused shimmers like stars and the northern lights dancing across the suit he'd put on. And the veil covering his face was patterned with startling detail in the image of a grinning wolf. All the man needed now was a moon plastered to the back of his coat to really sell the part. A little homage to the werewolf to encourage her presence.
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby Cherny » Mon Jun 24, 2013 1:02 pm

Compared to the finery on display the mill-boy is a rather shabby figure, but not for want of making an effort - his patch-coat has suffered another wash, dried and brushed and mended where necessary; he wears a good linen shirt too large for him by far, the sleeves beneath beneath his coat drawn back and tied with bits of string around his elbows; a length of muslin inexpertly swathed about his throat imitates a gentleman's neckcloth; his shoes are clean, the leather polished, the wooden soles diligently darkened with lamp-black until they shine. He is a proper young sir, down to the sword belted at his hip, and is enjoying this charade immensely. Particularly the little bits of pastry with... fish? It's pink, but it smells a bit like fish so it's probably fancy fish. Whatever it is, the tiny pastries with slices of pink fish stuff perched prettily atop.

Where Catch is glory in pale gold the boy is a drab little shadow trotting at his heels; nonetheless he does his best to be courtly - the shirt cuffs bunched around his thin wrists flourish and flap as he directs the addled man to this plate of dainties or that with expansive gestures; he offers a swooping bow each time he addresses his friend as Milord Ser Catch the Grand. As soon as anyone official-looking approaches, however, he skirts back into the glowing man's shadow - lest his presence be viewed as scruffing up the place and lead to his being escorted from the premises.
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby Treadwell » Mon Jun 24, 2013 7:16 pm

A ball honoring Governor Burnie's return?

Such isn't to be missed. Treadwell has traveled in wide, wide social circles ever since his infancy, when the Treadwells first came to Myrken Wood on vacation, his father nearly froze saving a boy and dog in the lake, and the family got to meet then-Governor Beauregard. That was close to seventy years ago, now, back in the mid-to-late-one-forties.

Granted, Aloisius Treadwell is hardly one for dancing, with his exorbitant girth, his advancing age, his overall clumsiness, and his cane propping himself up, but he does come toddling by to make an appearance--he and his beloved Alice, both. Their children are at home, all of them, left with the servants and all asleep. The pair of Treadwells are matched well enough, both being very much the same height and width, both wearing the same red for their clothes (he a suit, top hat, and cloak; she a great, flowing dress), and, admittedly, both making straight for the food and drink on entry.

However, they must be fair to all other parties present. Alice had the good sense to eat before she came and be full from it; her husband did the same, but, as his usual, he is ravenous all the same. Soon enough, the Councilor is pulled gently away before he can devastate the offered feast too much or end up much too tipsy to join the missus in a careful dance or two on the floor--at her insistence, of course.
"Looks like a table to me. Do you think it could hold up someone as bulbous as Treadwell?" -- Dr. Brennan, Myrken Wood Rememdium Edificium
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby Glenn » Tue Jun 25, 2013 12:45 am

There had been a small debate.

Elliot had thought that the most formal clothing he owned was his armor and that it would be most proper to wear that. The Lady Olwak had thought if that was the case, then he just needed more formal clothing. There is very little question on who won. Despite the friendly debate, he wore the suit as if he was born to. One would think that after so many years in the wilderness, he would be awkward in such a thing and truly, when it came to interacting with some people and in certain situations, he was awkward, relying first and foremost on his knightly code. When it came to dressing nicely, however, there was nothing more natural in the world. As always, he complimented his Lady, the colors of his suit subdued just so in order to accentuate her. It was a masterful thing. Even when they were a half dozen yards away from one another, mingling with other people, he somehow drew others' eyes to his Lady. Of course, nothing could have made him happier. People fulfilled their proper roles in life. That was the true path to harmony.

There were many people to meet and he did so with grace and the proper manners. For those he knew, like young Cherny and Miss Kaczmarek, there was an honest smile full of warmth and friendship. After mingling a bit, he would double back towards Mister Catch and Cherny, offering more formal greetings and thanking them for their presence at his Lady's ball. There should have been some level of tension between the knight and the madman for his strange gift which was then consecrated as if a holy item. From Elliot though, there was none. "We are very glad you could come. I think the Governor will be pleased to find his citizens of all statures and positions here to greet him home." It was said so innocently, not meant to be a slight at all. There were the rich and politically powerful here as well. The inclusion of those such as Cherny and Catch certainly added another layer to the proceedings.
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby catch » Tue Jun 25, 2013 2:19 am

With each bow, with each introduction, Catch could not help himself, but uttered a shy, little giggle, so entranced by Ser Catch the Grand that he could not act the part at all. Most times he leaves these introductions with flushed cheeks and breathless lungs, half-mortified and half-amused, his hands clapped to his burning cheeks and his throat still giggling, as if he himself were nothing more than a finely-dressed teagirl, a goosegirl overawed at being in such fine company.

"Ser Eater, I'm n-n-not a Ser!" he protests after the last well-dressed couple, who had once been intrigued by the gold-bred man (and no longer), but only weakly, his fingers fluttering over his lips, his eyes wide and sparkling at Cherny's sheer daring. If he had his way, of course, he would have remained nervous and full of finger-foods, but Cherny had his ideas. The addled man, scars shining in freshly-scrubbed hands, plucks up one of the pink pastries the boy so recommends, and nibbles on it, more out of politeness than interest. Fish were one of those not-food items, so bizarre that Catch hadn't any idea what to do with them, and the smell, with no visible fish apparent, confused him.

"It is rather g-g-good," he stammers, brushing crumbs from the curls of his moustache. And that is when Elliot comes, his suit a subdued copy, a mimicry, and Catch goes silent, his eyes pools of black and blue, pupils pinpricked from excitement and nerves. Catch looks at Elliot, studies him, his face like that of a dull animal's than anything human, and his reply takes a shade too long to scramble together in his head. The precious horn had everything locked away, but it didn't make anything easier.

"Ser Glenn is m-m-m-my friend," he tells Elliot, with a wistful edge.

That fine suit, those fine colors, and
all Catch can smell is burnt feathers and flowers and bone. A squirrel in secret.


The addled man picks out another peach-fish pastry, and he holds it out to Elliot, doing his damndest to be cheerful.

He would not ruin this Ball.
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby Dulcie » Tue Jun 25, 2013 3:49 am

The wild woman's reasons for attending the ball weren't much different than her mates. Although Kals had little knowledge of it, Kacela had made an effort to try to at least establish some form of civil relationship with Rhaena, despite her feelings about Glenn.

Her last ball had been confusing, with a brawl spilling out across the middle of the dance floor while people grinned and flirted and spun about. She half expected such a thing to occur again, despite Kals's assurances that the last event had been an anomaly.

Her companion would feel her sense of pleasure at his homage to her and her wolf, the hint of amber about her eyes indicating that the beast was indeed aware and interested in the strange set of events that was occurring. As her mate paid her tribute so did she to him, having selected a dress that was the same color as the outfit that he had made for her last visit to the Rain Wilds. Her dark yellow dress was made of fabric and style that is common to the Rain Wilds, and she had even done her best not to alter it too horribly. Long sleeves had been exchanged for wide straps, the dress fitted closely to her body, the yellow a bright contrast to her dark brown skin. While she had made some changes to the skirt she had left it long as it was supposed to be, though she'd encouraged the seamstress to make alterations, the skirt had been cut into many thick ribbons, that when all layered together made the skirt appear whole, while in truth each strip was cut high, allowing her easy movement if she decided she wanted to run. She had pulled some of her braided hair back and adorned it with yellow feathers.

Nothing could convince her to wear shoes.

She moved into the ball on the arm of her mate and immediately steered him towards the appetizers set out, taking more than what was probably polite. But as Kals knew, she was much more sociable when well fed.
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby Cherny » Tue Jun 25, 2013 3:58 am

The addled man's giddy reaction is a large part of why the boy makes such flowery introductions on his behalf; he has a hunger for levity, for smile and laughter after weeks of miserable brooding. The ball is an escape, a place apart from the day-to-day, with resplendent costumes and dainty foodstuffs and narrow glasses of pale wine that bubbles. That last is probably another good part of why he is throwing himself into the role of young sir with such delight.

"Y-you're a M-milord Ser, Ser C-catch. Milord S-ser Catch th-the Grand, P-prince of, of Prancing." He grins, most pleased with this extension to the man's title, and resolves to use it on the next opportunity that presents itself. In the meantime he avails himself of a little biscuit heaped with what he presumes to be blackberry jam, but which turns out to also taste vaguely fishy. Most peculiar.

Opportunity presents itself with the approach of Elliot Brown, and the mill-boy insists on making proper introductions between S-ser Elliot G-gahald, Knight of, of M-myrken W-wood and M-milord Ser C-catch the, the G-grandest, Prince of F-fancy Prancing, the latter taking a couple of attempts to complete between hoarse chuckles at his own cleverness.

"We are b-both good and, and t-trusted friends of S-ser Gov- Ser G-glenn Burnie." he affirms Catch's assertion with as solemn and serious a manner as he can manage, for all that the purpose of the Ball to welcome Ser Glenn home is news to him; he'd tagged along on the addled man's coat-tails, an excuse to dress up as a well-to-do member of society and pillage the buffet table. "He g-gifted Milord S-ser Catch with, with a f-fine house and g-grand estate in, in honour of h-his G-good Citizensh-ship."
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby Glenn » Tue Jun 25, 2013 4:50 am

Cherny was pleased with himself. Catch was uncomfortable. Elliot, in his advanced had seen some other very interesting people. One of which was almost certainly the Lady Olwak's brother and thus to be treated with respect. Another was Miss Kacela who he had met and had a bit of an uncomfortable time with but he still offered her the same blatantly honest and kind smile the various and sundry teahouse girls all received.

Having stayed at the Dagger for a couple of weeks now, Elliot knew a thing or two about that shack located not far behind it. Moreover, the Lady Olwak had provided quite a few details when her knight had come requesting a pleasant tea meeting with the gangling man. Cherny may have been clever but the person who spoke to was armed with too much pertinent information to have the wool pulled over.

That did not stop him from smiling. "It is an amazing thing to return home after a journey and find yourself immediately within the company of friends," his tone a little wistful, having not experienced that himself. He did share one thing with the Governor, though. He returned home to the succor of the Lady Olwak, her support and even affection. Governor Burnie would, of course, have that on a very different level, and he was glad for this fine man that tried so hard for the people of Myrken. Some of that gladness came through in his smile to Cherny. "You, lad, are undoubtedly a good friend to have. I've known you but a short time but it is a truth that I would defend against even the darkest of enemies. It is a truth that makes all of Myrken Wood better off for it."

There was no hint of irony in his voice, no hint of mocking. He saw what Cherny did for Catch in the here and now and he valued it greatly. That the boy also knew his proper place with the Lady Olwak, went to school, and was dutiful, gracious, and well-intended to offer to run errands for Elliot himself all went a great way in creating a lasting regard from the knight.

When Catch held out the pastry, Elliot would take it, politely, with a smile. He spent years in the wilderness after all. Still, he was careful to get nothing on his fine clothes. "Thank you, Mister Catch. I am glad to see you are friends with young Cherny. I've met no lad finer since my return to Myrken."
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby Jirai » Tue Jun 25, 2013 5:40 am

She was there, of course, gowned as she always was but for this event the governor's lady had dressed even more extravagantly than was her custom. It had taken three girls hours to to do her hair alone!

Rhaena Olwak drifted about the room, greeting everyone in turn, making sure that everything would be just perfect.
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby breeevil » Tue Jun 25, 2013 8:43 am

He was there, lingering in the background. To him, it was sheer convenience, this ball. This opportunity.
He brought no date on purpose. He dressed in all black on purpose. He had gotten his hair trimmed and his beard shaved.. on purpose. The reason for attending this ball was not to dance, it was not to make a friend or to impress a woman. It was to watch, and learn. It was to make simple introductions.. to learn faces. To hone in on a target.

Clayton would not ruin this ball, either.

So he stood against a wall, brandy held lightly in his hand and swirled around in the snifter glass.. brought occasionally to his lips to be sipped.
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby catch » Tue Jun 25, 2013 8:49 am

Cherny was too much, too much, and Catch's composure quickly melts, his burning face hiding in his rough palms, unable to look at Ser Elliot, or Lady - Miss Rhaena, or Kals, and certainly not his Dreamlady, though they were right there, and the Dreamlady and Ser Kals were stunning, and somehow, that made it all worse. What was the Dreamlady doing here, anyway? She was Wild. She was not meant for polished floors and genteel music. He hid himself, and his ridiculous, elfin ears burned red under the wild, violet-and-red strewn curls.

"Ser Eater," Catch says, absolutely mortified even as giggles squeezed out past his fingers, his broad, gold-strewn shoulders shaking form sheer effort. It was simply awful, that title, awful and wonderful, and Catch was not deserving of it. It was Elliot's words that finally sobered him, his mirth-wet eyes peering over the cage of silver-scarred fingers, wide and not-so humored.

"You've known Ser Eater f-f-f-for some time," the addled man puts forth, timidly, for while others have learned, he has not. He is slow. His shattered confidence can be anchored by the tapered horn-sword on his back, but that could not bring back addled worm-path strewn brains.

He did not mention that they had rather disliked each-other.

"F-f-for some time," he adds, with somewhat more confidence. His eyes, now, were upon Miss Rhaena, and he, he was a ship's prow. Without any further word or apologies, Catch struck forth from the comfort of the food-tables, his long arms swinging free, plowing through the dance floor and crowds of people with little regard or apology. As he went, his mind scratched about for some words to say, among Gloria's accusation, among Whelp's promise and Nova's confusion. Did he not have any words of his own? he asked himself, but the worm-paths were dry, the blood-pools still. So that, before he even comes face-to-face with Rhaena, he has a jumble of words that are ready to spill out, but they are entirely the wrong ones, taken from Gloria's answer to his timid questions about taste.

"Why are you sleeping with Ser Elliot, Miss Rhaena?" And it comes forth loud, loud, much too loud, because of the music and the gossip.
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Re: The Governor's Return

Postby Suede » Tue Jun 25, 2013 9:09 am

It had been an anomaly, the brawl and the chaos. Kals was quite content to wander towards the food and away from his sister just now. There was no bother about that. He may be willing to make effort to interact with his sister, but he wasn't going to do any such thing with gusto. So long as Kacela was focused on the food then he could stall for a while.

Catch was there, as well. And the boy who had been asking after him with the other child outside the tavern. The one he'd talked to about werewolves. Well, there was one dressed to the nines on his arm now. It could have been tens, but the shoes were a hopeless cause, as her bare toes appearing from beneath her dress attested to. Still, it was certainly a step in the right direction and the trader didn't hide his approval of how she looked in it at all.

Elliot, Elliot he knew vaguely as a jackass on a level below Glenn. A brat of a boy, and their small pleasantries just convinced him he was a jackass of a different sort now. Too proud by measures, but he didn't know him well enough to see anything particularly out of the norm with his behavior.

Kals had intended to trying to speak with Catch, to talk with the man and he how he was doing but the chance didn't came. Brief words with Elliot and he'd wandered away. He'd sighed and turned to inspect the food, perhaps introduce Cherny to the wolf he so feared when he heard Catch's words. He was torn, torn between dropping his head into his hands because of Catch's strange leaps in logic or shaking Elliot violently to check the truth of it. They may not get along well these days, but he was still protective of his sister.

He gave Elliot a -look.- One hidden by veils, but there were a pair of faintly glowing bronze points staring at him from behind the cloth.
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