Parties, Pompadours and Prime Suspects (Brenner)

[Tobias]

There was a moment where Tobias felt a sigh of relief as those irritating banshees had almost ruined the night for him. However, he felt bad for Brenner who had to deal with them in his presence. The women were following him all night, but it was the first time Tobias had come across such an incident like this. There was awkwardness after the women had left the situation. He felt bad for Brenner for the damage that they had caused, especially when he was the reason why they were following him around. It was obvious, Brenner ended up in the crossfire of the situation "Well, I hope that did knock some common sense into her bloody skull." He sighed out, completely embarrassed by the ruckus they had caused.

The situation brought him so much anxiety that he turned in the direction of the barkeep and placed down a few gold avens for the barkeep "On the house, think of it for compensation for the inconvenience caused" He said. The public opinion was something not on Tobias' side that often, he felt the need to prove a lot of people wrong as both sides of the true story had not been shown to Zaichaer fully. That was what Tobias was trying to prove and so far, it was like looking through a needle in a haystack, yet he tried to feign his feelings of uncertainty and anxiety as he smiled over at Eitan; he appeared to be enjoying his time with his wife, they were happy as any couple should be.

The question is, was his happiness also secured?

[Brenner Dornkirk]

"Hopefully..." Brenner agreed coolly- his eyes still glaring in the direction through which the pair of insufferable shrews had left. Now that Brenner fancied himself a politician, he was all the more confounded by people who shirked even the most basic etiquette expected of them in society. He'd have been embarrassed to have seen such a display in some slummy dive in the Grungeworks, let alone amongst the elites of the city. He would see them ostracised...

He turned his attention back to Tobias and inclined his head in an approving nod when he put down money for the barkeep. He pursed his lips, before saying:

"Good man." He offered a light pat to the fellow's shoulder, before withdrawing his hand and grasping the handle of his ale tankard to knock back a hefty swig. Placing it down on the bar top with a heavy thud, he arched an eyebrow and regarded Tobias once more.

"Well?" He prompted, pursing his lips. "You were telling me my brother taught you fisticuffs, aye? Is that a particular interest of yours, or did you just pay him an insult?" He was sort of joking. Tobias probably wouldn't have referred to it as a lesson if he'd merely been beaten up by Stefan over an insult, but the Air Commander was just trying to make conversation at this point. The man of the hour was obviously preoccupied as was Stefan, so he had no one in particular to orbit for the moment. It might as well be Tobias.

"What other pastimes do you enjoy, apart from pugilism and being objectified by abysmal she devils at wedding receptions?" He smirked to himself, arching his eyebrow toward his current companion.

[Tobias]

Tobias turned his gaze, before stiffening at the question about Stefan "Oh, erm... Well..." He paused as he looked at Brenner for a moment, thinking of a way to ruse what truely happened. He didn't want to create a reputation for himself, nor did he not want to misrepresent himself to an aspiring politician. He sighed and looked back "Lets just say, it was more of preparation for training." He paused for a moment, knowing that he had to be careful with his words, or possibly face judgement.

"My father knew Stefan and he thought he would be a great teacher for me which he is right, he does spark me as someone with a high intelligence capacity, unlike some of the other people in Zaichaer." He said, rolling his eyes as he stumbled over hurdles of words. It was clear the man was somewhat nervous, perhaps lacking confidence in social situations. He had no reason to be. He was good looking and a center of Zaichaeri male beauty, although his Siltori heritage either blessed or cursed him with the silver hair he had, but there was something that Tobias was clearly uncomfortable about.

Maybe it was the ridicule he experienced, even though he was trying his best to fulfill his loyalty; the incident that occurred did leave a scar on his reputation, one which he was seeking to make amends without much further ado. Times like this were difficult and when someone has few friends or allies at their disposal, it can be a lonely place for someone who was trying their best, at least he was glad he met Eitan and was given a second chance, despite the situation he had continued to bravely endorse in the other man's conversation as he turned to his endeavours and hobbies "Oh please, that was an accident, I'm sure they would've done the same to you if they saw you; they would probably have described you as the perfect stud for their hellish endeavours" He smirked as he made the teasing remark, shifting his posture as he appeared to enjoy the conversation, knowing that they had experienced quite a dramatic turnover. It was now the calm, party-like atmosphere he needed "As for my pastimes, I'm more of a studious lad myself, I take some interest in music, but I never really learnt how to play anything" He said in a self-depreciating way "What about you?"

[Brenner Dornkirk]

Brenner narrowed his eyes, casting a discerning glare toward Tobias. He seemed to be holding something back. Perhaps his jest had been closer to the truth than he'd intended and the man's so called lesson had, in fact, been just deserts for stirring Stefan's ire. His brother was rather unflappable in public, so it would have had to have been quite the incident to bring things to blows. Still and all, his expression softened and he said:

"I'm glad you were able to learn something." And left it at that. Though he was vaguely curious, he wasn't keen to pry.

"Oh, hardly." The Air Commander demurred. "I am far from the summit of Zaichaeri comeliness, and if that protects me from such rabid assaults as that which you just endured, I shall dwell happily in mediocrity." He didn't truly think so little of his looks. He knew he was attractive after a fashion, but growing up beside Stefan was an education in itself. If he'd have been an only child, perhaps he might have shone more brightly but, such as things were, at least he figured out how to garner attention all his own.

"Hm..." He considered the question, "Music," He could agree on that front, "Theatre," he added, "Spirits," He lifted his ale and took a clarifying sip, "And self improvement. I'm not certain one can properly call that a pastime per se, but I enjoy personal evolution- Even if the act of it can be taxing to the extreme." He leaned back and peered out across the crowd. Nights like these could feel unending, sometimes. It was one of the reasons he tended to remain close to the bar.

[Tobias]

Tobias would pause for a moment of silence as he thought about self improvement. That was one thing that Tobias was working towards and he seemed to be getting better every day. He had flaws, but that was part of life. From a rough childhood to successfully securing a 'family' who cared for him, only to be manipulated amongst the chains of some random coven. Was it a coven? Maybe. The road to redemption appeared to be a hard one for him, yet even more troubling that he was given the very rune that he was manipulated with. Mesmer.

Knowing he was also at the point in his magical development where he could passively listen to symphonies was a problem in crowded locations. Particularly when in a room full of crowds of people. The earshot could be almost unbearable as he looked disgusted at the man standing next to him I'd love to shag her. The very thought that left him slightly disgusted for a moment as he was staring at Eitan's wife when his thoughts were disturbingly traced amongst her complexion. Sometimes he wondered what Eitan was thinking truely, knowing he was masked by the importance of his job. He cared for him, but at what level?

Gerald from the incident a couple of weeks ago approached Toby and Brenner "Ahh, Toby... Glad to see you." He said. Tobias appeared defensive for a moment, knowing how much he had heard. He chose to remain quiet about the situation and took a deep breath, knowing the anxiety had taken him to fight or flight. He held his nerve and remained cool, yet his nerves left him somewhat shaking slightly "I wanted to apologise, for the other day, I shouldn't had lashed out like that." His gaze turned in surprise, knowing perhaps he was overthinking about the whole situation. Tobias' had a tendency to judge situations with an pessmistic outcome "Infact, if it weren't for you. My son would've been initiated with dubious consent, if it wasn't for you." He said.

Tobias' nerves shook further as he mentioned the situation "If you'd excuse me..." He said as the silver haired male ran to the restroom, before Gerald blinked for a moment "Oh... Strange fellow..." There was clearly trauma that broke out after that situation, but this appeared to be a bad time to talk about a situation that happened when there was a reoccurrence of trauma that he was recovering from. These moments of time out was better than having Tobias lash out in front of everyone. He knew fully well he would've been displaying foul behaviour to the Fatherland if he did cause drama at a party

[Brenner Dornkirk]

"Mm." Brenner was unacquainted with the man who approached Tobias, and so he leaned his back on the bar and turned his face away though his ear remained attentive to their exchange. Their discourse was clearly referring to some incident to which Brenner had not been party, and so the words felt nebulous. The only clarity came when Tobias seemed to storm away- Suggesting some sort of distress or annoyance about whatever was being broached.

Brenner shifted his vantage to watch the man slip away. They hadn't spoken much, nor had the Air Commander been afforded the opportunity to glean much more from the youth than that he was acquainted with Stefan, he was a member of the Order, and he was rather a magnet for chaos. First in the form of the wenches who fought over him like apes, and more recently in the form of this strange gentleman who'd spoken of sons and saviours. To him, Brenner merely shrugged, and excused himself.

Delia was being summoned into a clutch of maidens, and that left Stefan flowing the wall, so Brenner resolved to join him. There would be much to discuss and unpack on such a momentous night. Especially seeing as the guests seemed to be indulging to the point of making scenes- Some clownish, like the wenches, others verging on the carnal.

Brenner knew very well that Stefan would be as uncomfortable as he should the atmosphere tend toward lewdness, but such things were easier to manage in pairs.

Fin

[Hikami]

Parties, Pompadours and Prime Suspects

---

Points awarded:

• Tobias - 10
  Brenner - 10

Lores:

Tobias

Ettiquette -
Enforcing etiquette
Chiding indecorous party guests
Talking small
Resisting the urge to binge
Standing up for decency
Donning formal attire
Seeking connections
Controlled outbursts
Attentive listening
Finding common ground
Staving off stains with club soda
Overlooking interruptions

Brenner

Tobias:
Etiquette -
Enforcing etiquette
Chiding indecorous party guests
Talking small
Resisting the urge to binge
Standing up for decency
Donning formal attire
Seeking connections
Controlled outbursts
Attentive listening
Finding common ground
Overlooking interruptions

Psychology -
Staving Anxiety during crowded environments.

Loot:

• N/A

Injuries:

• N/A

Notes:

• Great thread!
  If you feel I missed anything contact me and we will make adjustments!
  enjoy your rewards!