Legend of Ransera

Posted: **Wed Aug 18, 2021 2:34 am**

Florian could see the tensing and quiet surprise whenever he came a bit too close. So far there had been no outward comments towards him or his attendance, but after the lost argument in the cab, he was at least trying to be on his best behavior. It was difficult, but not impossible, for Florian to hold his tongue. Anton's request that he be introduce rose some suspicions, though. Had the man not seen him, or was he an odd progressive Zaichaeri who happened to also be a rich asshole?

He took the champagne and with it, a little sip. It was a far cry from anything else he'd ever had, but bars in the Knob weren't known for their delicate drinks. With any luck, he could get just intoxicated enough that he didn't entirely regret coming to the party only to be quietly gawked at when they thought that neither Angevin nor Albrecht were looking. But, much like his first meeting with the Dornkirks, he felt some power in what his presence wrought. He was there, after all, and it would be impolite to outwardly imply he shouldn't be.

He wasn't surprised when the Dornkirks showed up. Brenner hadn't acknowledged him as far as he could see, but Stefan had gone so far as to acknowledge him directly. He was unsure of what sort of impression he had made on the brothers, but it must not have been too terrible on Stefan's part. He seemed curious, if anything. Florian briefly wondered if Stefan's behavior would influence anyone else's. He disliked the fact that he cared, but he also didn't want to be an embarrassment to Eitan, who it seemed had enough to compensate for. He wasn't sure how to acknowledge the Dornkirks, and so he simply inclined his head towards Stefan, and did the same for Brenner.

And then he noticed Thysbae. So it seemed he was not the only Lysanrin at the party, and the fact gave him some small comfort. Whether Thysbae would notice him or not, he made no effort to seek out the man. In their case, two was a crowd. His attention flashed back to their new arrival, Anton Michaelis. The reason for the party. Florian certainly had no idea how to address him, or how to respond to his own introduction to the man. He just had to wing it, he supposed.

"It's a wonderful party, sir. Congratulations." He spoke softly, and kept his speaking. He saw the smile that Eitan had on his face, and he had spent enough time around the man already to know it held more than it seemed. After he addressed Anton, however, he looked back at Angevin, searching for any semblance of approval.

Posted: **Fri Aug 20, 2021 5:52 am**

♅ 82nd of Searing, Year 121, A.o.S ♅
Company: Thysbae and others| Thoughts: Im glad he is doing well| Mood: Calm

♅ "It is always a pleasure to see you Anton, especially in such good health. I wish I could have come to see you sooner, but my work keeps me busy these days." he greeted, a smile on his face as he shook the young heir's hand. Dreyfus took a moment to appreciate his own good health, the frailness of Anton reminding him that his curse was the least of his problems.

Letting the young noble go, he smiled at the last comment made, the wolf only believing he was talking about Thysbae and his racial origin. Perhaps in a more intimate setting, he would be glad to tell Anton everything he wished to know, but as he saw it, there were too many people around to bother explaining it now. Unbeknownst to him, he was approached by a new guest, the voice reaching his ears and Dreyfus turning to realize the source was someone he was becoming used to seeing at these parties now.

To his own shock, Brenner Dornkirk was addressing him, and politely no doubt. He wasnt expecting such a cordial greeting from the younger Dornkirk, and it threw him off, if only for a moment, the wolf returning the kindness with a smile and nod as he passed them to reach Anton. Taking a step back, Dreyfus looked to see Stefan wasnt too far behind him, but the look on his face was one the Montileyet was used to seeing.

He didnt address it and decided to allow it to be as he made his way to the, leaning over into Natasha and whispering something to her. Looking to Thysbae he lifted the young Lysanrin's chin so that their eyes met. "I shall return momentarily, be on your best behavior you understand?" with that he went to make his way to the bar. On his way there he noticed Anton's parents and gave them an acknowledging nod.

"Three of your best whiskey." he ordered, a sneaking suspicion it was going to be one of those nights for him, especially given the current guest list. ♅

"Common Speech"
"Silandris Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"

Posted: **Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:15 pm**

Thysbae was not fully versed on the history of the old houses — his tutoring at the estate had been good, but that was a lesson he’d found himself daydreaming during — but from his understanding, the Monteliyets and House Michaelis were on fairly good standing. Friendly, even. The exchange he witnessed only seemed to solidify it.

At the very least, he had been glad to know that there was one person he could be friendly with, even if interaction would be limited. Or maybe not. They seemed on a collision course as several parties gathered together and Thysbae was looking up at two faces he didn’t quite recognize and two he did. He turned to seek permission for something — he wasn’t sure what yet, but it was there on the tip of his tongue — when Dreyfus was making him look further up with instructions to be on his best behavior. Which, he always was. Bae would have made it a point to say as much, if not for them being in the midst of company. All he could do was nod in response and hope the other would not be gone for long.

If there was anyone he might have been able to speak with, it would be the commander. “Commander Dornkirk! This One is pleased to see you again.” He gave a salute to the commander, as he was sure was expected of him, before his attention turned to the man beside him. The half-breed glanced between the two before some sort of realization came to him that they might be related. There was a similarity in features that must have meant they were family.

Before he could ask to confirm if he was right, their host appeared. Thysbae had not really taken the time to look at the man before, but that had been partly out of respect and partly out of the fear that he wasn’t supposed to look at him. There were a lot of odd things that went into socializing with humans, he’d found. But now, looking at him outright, there was something. An air about him that Thysbae had grown accustomed to seeing with mages. Alarm bells rang in his ears as his gaze darted over to Florian. Was he seeing this as well? There was the chance, though, that everyone already knew of the magic being employed and they simply didn’t care. Or didn’t want to show outward...disagreement with it.

But it was the matter of introductions that truly did him in. From what Bae understood, he ought not introduce himself. It would have been Dreyfus’ duty to do so, but he had walked off...somewhere. The half-breed looked to Natasha; she probably wasn’t all that acquainted with Anton either. Which meant she would need to be introduced as well, right? He swallowed, stepping closer to the woman. Should he do this himself? Was that allowed?

“This One is Thysbae Ashtlin. He accompanied Dreyfus Monteliyet this evening. Congratulations!” A shaky introduction at best, but he had tried. And it would have been…bad if he hadn’t complied with what the host had wanted.

Posted: **Fri Aug 20, 2021 1:58 pm**

Brenner chuckled, nodding at Eitan's characterisation of the evening. It wasn't as though they could have their own well-attended fête to celebrate their impending expedition. It was, after all, top secret by order of the First Minister of Zaichaer.

"Ah." A sidelong glance to Stefan's cordial bow drew Brenner's attention to Florian. "Private Albrecht." He acknowledged with pursed lips and a perfunctory nod. It wasn't that he bore any particular ill will toward the Lysanrin, now that he was aware of his usefulness and commitment to the State. But he was keenly aware that they were in public, and he didn't want to make a show of being overly familiar with such a creature in present company. Perhaps families with a longer history of prominence in Zaichaer could get away with such brazenness, but Brenner had been raised not to push the envelope in public- least of all in the company of so many figures of note. Just as he committed himself to this discretionary endeavour, his name pierced the air in a familiar voice. In point of fact, Brenner would have recognised the source of the declaration even if he hadn't recalled the voice itself, just based on the syntax. Thysbae was prone to refer to himself, after all, in almost aggressively passive voice. He cleared his throat and regarded the creature, whom he still presumed to be Rathari as per their prior introduction, with a faint, genial albeit indifferent smile.

"...And Thysbae. I hadn't noticed that was you." That much was true enough, he'd been more focused on the lad of the hour and had sort of scanned lightly over the rest of the surrounding crowd that he didn't know intimately. For the benefit of those nearby, and to excuse the situation, he raised his voice to explain:

"I helped this poor creature back to the Order, after the Reconciliator charged as handler had a medical emergency..." He straightened his back as the young Michaelis approached their little congregation, and stepped aside to open up a bit more space for the young aristocrat to occupy.

Anton had come, it seemed, in search of introductions. As Brenner had none to offer, he stood by and allowed the others to make their excuses and identify those who hadn't been announced by the herald. His eyes snapped to Thysbae at his self-introduction. He hadn't put two and two together that he'd arrived with Dreyfus, until it was verbalised, at which point the Air Commander blinked in unconcealed surprise. But it was no more than a blink, so in less than the span of a second his expression had flattened out to stoical indifference.

"Well..." Brenner clasped his hands behind his back and scanned the surrounding company with an arched brow, before filling the silence that pursued the introductions with an observation:

"It seems quite an... eclectic cadre of guests has come to call to celebrate your debut, Master Anton. I had not expected such modish company in so ancient an household." He glanced askance with relief as a tray of sparkling wine passed close enough for the Air Commander to snag a flute.

"At any rate, here's to the man of the hour." He said, raising the vessel and hazarding a warmer smile.

Posted: **Sun Aug 22, 2021 11:55 pm**

Anton regarded his assembled guests in turn, the role of host already beginning to drain him. And not merely in the social sense, the illegal mage already testing his limit from such an extended use of Semblance. Luckily, the night was almost over, the young man merely needing to attend to the last of the formalities before he would be able to 'retire for his health' and let his arcane sight lapse. At least entertaining his guests had proven even more interesting a task than he had anticipated.

Reacquainting himself with the first set, he noted with a professional satisfaction that they had already been served champagne - soft harps teasing the highest of notes. Noble Gambit rang a bell, the debutante inclining his head in thought as Eitan explained his companion's inclusion. His father had ranted about the ship one morning at breakfast, decrying the notion that the aid of the Air Defense Corp was necessary to defend an outpost, but he had done so in that half-hearted sort of manner and with the soft tones piercing his aura that betrayed the fact he was grateful for such assistance. The butcher's bill at least was much reduced for it. His smile, already softened to its natural state by the good humor Stefan had put him in, widened further at the realization - and then froze.

Semblance expanded the senses a great deal, far greater than Anton needed or even used. Almost unavoidable for how he used his 'gift' however was the capability to notice emotions - stronger greater than weaker, simple easier than complex, a talent impeccably useful to someone unable to examine facial expression. Which made the sudden interjection of.... something in Eitan's aura not just a curiosity, but a concern. Had he missed some cue? Something that everyone should know at a glance? The terror of being found out subsided as he focused, determining that whatever it was, it was at least directed at Private Albrecht and not himself. A question to be answered later, then, but hopefully not one that concerned himself. The list of questions surrounding Private Albrecht only grew when he spoke, the voice sounding.... young. Perilously so for one who had apparently been engaged in the line of combat. But such could, and should, wait as the host realized he had been silent for perhaps a touch too long for proper decorum.

"It sounds as if I should be congratulating you," he said warmly to Florian, hoping that the compliment would sooth over any awkwardness from his long silence. Turning to Eitan, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper as he continued. "Keep this a secret between just three of us, would you, but my father was most grateful for the Noble Gambit's valiant assistance. He would rather die than admit that it was required though." With that conveyed, his voice returned to normal, Anton inclining his head towards the Dornkirks. "I had just told the Air Commander and Lord Stefan, our doors are always open to those such as yourselves. This is first and foremost, a soldier's house."

With his completely unintentional - and for the moment, quite unknown - endorsement of the idea that nonhumans serving in the armed forces were accorded similar respect to their human peers done, he at last turned his attention to Dreyfus and his companions. Or rather, simply the companions, the man himself having gone off to acquire the droning horn of whisky. It was somewhat of a relief that at least one of his guests was entertaining themselves, even if he supposed Dreyfus was the best equipped to do so. The soft-spoken creature, so similar to and yet so different from Albrecht, that addressed him in the man's stead seemed at first blush weak and subdued. But such could be deceiving.

A flash in Thysbae's aura put him on his guard, and further deepened his confusion at Dreyfus and Eitan's choice of company for the evening. Aether moved about within him, alive and active in a background hum of strings, but following no cardinal rune that Anton could find. Such concerns were reduced only by the fact that whoever, whatever, this person was, they seemed to have Dreyfus' trust. Ultimately, he spent more time wondering what he was addressing than actually addressing him.

"But of course. Anyone trusted by a Monteliyet may find the same from a Michaelis to the same degree," he said before giving a nod of thanks. That at least he knew to be a safe statement, a public declaration of the pact that had bound the two since at least the day of his accursed blessing. Finally, he faced the Dornkirks, the brothers a comforting presence to him despite - or perhaps because - of their technical social positions.

Brenner seemed to be speaking for the pair, and immediately sent Anton's concerns and suspicions roaring back into life. Anxiety rent through his body at what the man could've possibly meant, the first to voice the possibility that perhaps he had miscalculated. The Air Commander could surely be referring to none other than Private Albrecht and Thysbae, for everyone else he had taken the time to personally entertain were known entities from famed families. True, Eitan was baseborn and both he as well as Dreyfus were Reconcilators, but he doubted Brenner would be so bold as to imply that their presence was unduly modern. He would have to go over the mistakes he had made this night another time, but now he had to defuse this conversation and escape it as well as the party as swiftly as possible. While jokes were far from his strong suit, it seemed his best approach for the mess he had stumbled into.

"Oh come now Brenner, there's no need to be so self effacing. The name Dornkirk might not be as old as Angevin or Michaelis or Monteliyet, but the Throne has been empty long enough for you and your brother to be welcome here," he said with a soft laugh. He did not stay long enough to see if his joke landed. Glancing at the clock, he gave a soft bow to the group and then took his leave.

Standing in the center of the room, the young heir took in the full scape of the evening. A tableau of impossible sensation and sound erupted as he opened his senses up to the room, swirling bands of drunken contentment and suppressed frustration emanating from an overwhelming medley of string and brass and pipe and drum. And for a single moment, Anton Michaelis did not feel cursed. It ended as swiftly as it began, cut short as he sounded a knife against his glass. The notes of that chime rang out in a fabulous ring of shifting color that filled the entire room before slowly fading away.

"Citizens and friends of Zaichaer. I wish I could say that I was surrounded by fond and familiar faces, and that this day was spent among old and dear friends. I shall not dwell upon why that is not so, for this is a day I hope that both you and I may remember fondly for years to come. I am grateful beyond words for your attendance, and will make no trite attempts to convey it. Instead I shall simply share this wish that one day soon, I will be able to truthfully say that I am indeed among old and dear friends." Raising his glass in a toast, he spoke in the way that sons do when emulating their fathers.

"Hail Zaichaer! Hail Victory!"

Toast given and obligations fulfilled, the young Lord Michaelis turned upon his heel to leave the center stage. He made the last round of pleasantries as he approached the back of the room, bowing to the great and the good who had deigned attend, with the lowest reserved for his own parents. They knew as well as he that he was at his limit, his mother and father giving him a nod in return as he made for the door. He released his grip upon his aether as soon as he exited the grand ballroom and entered the relative safety of the estate's corridors, for such trickery would not be needed among these fond and familiar halls.

Posted: **Mon Aug 23, 2021 12:47 am**

Eitan's smile didn't waver at Albrecht's greeting to the young debutant.

He was more concerned by the creature who had infiltrated the little knot of people he had curated for himself. By the time it was speaking, he had placed a monocle over his eye, giving it an exacting look. Hearing that it was Monteliyet's creature, he glanced at Albrecht with an upraised brow. Strange things were afoot, and he hadn't expected this to be anything more than a social event. By the time young Anton was bringing things around to him again, he slipped the little eyeglass back into his pocket.

"Most gracious, sir, thank you," he said. It was perhaps a bit formal but they were hardly on familiar terms yet. Curious that so secretive a family would have connections to the absent agent, but not surprising. He smiled ruefully. "All of us were caught by surprise, unfortunately. But we did turn the night around. But I appreciate you sharing what your father might not. A little friendly competition between the branches of the military is all well and good for urging each other to be better, but I don't have any animosity for our brothers in arms, earthbound or otherwise."

And soon enough the scion of Michaelis had quit their little group and gone to make a formal toast to his guests. Eitan raised his glass and drank along with everyone else, but then he tracked the young man beating a hasty retreat and disappearing into the house.

"If you'll excuse me, gentlemen," he said with a smile. "I won't be a moment."

He gave Albrecht a look, but it was merely to check in, not to will any silent orders into his head. The last one he glanced at before he was away was Monteliyet's creature. Curious.

Wending his way through the crowd, he offered the occasional smile, bow, or word of greeting to certain people, until he found himself at the doors where Anton Michaelis had disappeared. Pulling aside a servant, he handed him a sealed envelope along with a silver coin.

"See that young Anton gets this, won't you?" he asked. "Good man."

If the man was as good as his word, the debutant would receive a short note that read as follows:

Good Master Anton,

I wrote this prepared to not have enough of your company tonight. How could I when everyone came to see you? I am certain that I was pleased to make your acquaintance and I would like to invite you to call upon me either at my father's house or, if you would like the tour of an airship, aboard the Noble Gambit. Come to think of it, we could meet anywhere you like. Send word at your leisure.

Yours,
Eitan Angevin

It wasn't every day someone like Anton Michaelis emerged into the world, and Eitan would be only too glad to know him better. He was glad he had had the foresight to prepare the note. With a smile, he moved to return to his friends.

Posted: **Tue Aug 24, 2021 9:40 pm**

Anton's response was...odd. Florian was no fool, and he felt like he was missing something. Any recognition, fear, or curiosity was absent from his expression, and for a moment, he could have almost thought him blind or stupid. Clearly he saw him for what he was, and it was unduly progressive for him to act like that towards him. It wasn't unwelcome, but from his years of being Lysanrin, it felt like a mistake.

Florian was still entirely out of his element, and he had barely remembered to even look at Brenner after he'd been noticed. And then, once Anton had departed and done the toast, and Eitan fled after him, Florian was left alone for a brief period. Alone was a strong word to use as he recognized a few of the people around him, but he was not quite prepared to exist at this party without Eitan scrutinizing him the entire time. He'd early on decided not to drink any more.

He stood, quietly, but Thysbae was still around and without his escort. Or, at least, his main escort, as who he assumed to be Dreyfus had departed as quickly as he had arrived. He'd been friendly enough when they met, friendlier than the Dornkirks, at least, and so he turned to the other short Lysanrin.

"You've yet to invite me to the Monteliyet estate, Thysbae." He said, accompanied by a nervous laugh. It wasn't intended as an accusation, or even a request — really just a way for him to say something to anyone so as to stop appearing so awkward. Even if it were to one of the few other nonhumans at the party. If an offer were to be extended then and there, however, he didn't think he would decline.

Posted: **Sat Sep 04, 2021 8:25 pm**

♅ 82nd of Searing, Year 121, A.o.S ♅
Company: Thysbae and others| Thoughts: Im glad he is doing well| Mood: Calm

♅ After grabbing the drinks for himself and his small entourage, Dreyfus turned to make his way back to them. Wading through the crowd he couldn't help but hear the many whispers that circulated the venue. Many spoke to how frail Anton was, despite him looking well and in good health. They gossiped how even the best doctors couldn't help him, and that he should have been put out of his misery.

Dreyfus knew that sentiment well, as many believed the same for him when he was born. How could you think that, for a parent to kill their only child? Anyone willing to ask that of a parent didn't deserve to be in the same room as them, let alone breath the same air. Despite his rising anger at the complete and utter disrespect some of the guests had, Dreyfus contained his anger, finally joining Natasha and Thysbae.

As he arrived he could see someone conversing with Thybae, after watching Anton move on and addressing other guests. This new person was obviously non-human and given the horns on his head, Dreyfus could only guess the man to be Lysanrin as well like Thysbae. Hearing the other Lysanrin infer that he had yet to be invited to the estate put the wolf's eyes on the man.

"That's because it's not his estate to invite you to." he interjected, his eyes still locked on the ebon-skinned male as he drank from his tumbler of brown liquor. His gaze was discerning, gauging whether or not it would be wise to invite this unknown element into the Den of Wolves. When he glanced over at Thysbae however he couldn't bring himself to kill the happiness in the deer horned male.

Dreyfus knew he had suffered much already, and he needed to make the Lysanrin feel as comfortable as possible. With a smile he nodded at Thysbae, Natasha chuckling as she knew Dreyfus would be no match against Thysbae's innocence. "That being said, any friend of his is a friend of mine. You are more than welcome to come to the estate. The name is Dreyfus by the way, it's a pleasure to meet you, Sir?" he clarified, waiting for the other to introduce themselves.

It seemed Anton had also spoken with them, Natasha informing him that Thysbae did well. With a smile, he handed the Lysanrin the glass of liquor. Placing a hand on his head patted the Lysanrin "I see you did well not to make a mistake when talking to important people. It seems our lessons are showing fruit Thys." he affirmed, whispering the praise in Thysbae's ear. ♅

"Common Speech"
"Silandris Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"

Posted: **Sun Sep 05, 2021 6:24 pm**

“Oh, well —” He hadn’t expected to be acknowledged much. Thysbae may have been playing the part of a rathari on a leash (even if he didn’t quite understand how those words fit), he knew to some extent that interaction would be fairly limited. At the very least, he’d not messed up his introduction — but the greeting of a friend. Of whom he assumed was a friend. The half-breed’s response was cut short by his chaperone himself, Dreyfus cutting in smoothly before he could stumble over a reason for not having invited the other Lysanrin yet.

He had meant to ask for permission. It was just — nerves. He was nervous; he’d admit it. The thought that someone would be coming to visit him and not Dreyfus at the estate left him with a few fears. That, and he’d never had the chance to invite anyone anywhere before. A rare chance to do so had to be done right and carefully. But, even without asking, permission had been granted. The deflation of his joy at having been spoken to past a surface greeting was nullified as his grin reappeared.

“This One will be sure to send your invitation, posthaste.” That was how that word was used, wasn’t it? He hoped so. Bae tipped his head back as Dreyfus pat his head, leaning back into the touch. Good; he’d done good. Praise was always nice. Nicer still with a reward as he cradled the glass given to him.

Drinking was not something he did much of, somewhere between disliking the taste of most drink and simply seeing it as an ill-advised activity for him, but he welcomed the pop of taste on his tongue all the same. He sipped for a moment, one hand wrapped around the stem while his fingers just skirted the bowl. Like a guiding hand to an aging lady. Like if he held it with one hand it would surely tip and spill, and all that praise would have been for nothing.

The pleasant hum of liquor hitting his system and the continued touch prompted a soft, “Thank you.” An acknowledgment of praise as his gaze dipped down to the floor to poorly conceal the pink of his cheeks. The half-breed raised his head as a toast was made, eyes sweeping over the people in front of him that blocked his view of the speaker.

Posted: **Wed Sep 08, 2021 5:44 pm**

Brenner's easy smile did not fall away at the gentle ribbing of Anton's retort to his comment, though his neck and jaw tensed slightly. In his attempts to distance himself from the socially aberrant elements at hand, it seemed he may have cast aspersions upon his host, which hadn't been his intent. He took a slow breath and parted his lips slightly. The burgeoning diplomat in him wanted to let the insult slide, but Brenner lived up to his given name at times such as these.

"Oh, I-..." Before he was able to form his reply, however, the man of the hour slipped away from their circle to attend to his social duties. Perhaps it was for the best. It would grant Brenner the last word on the matter with no need to brook cross-examination.

"Honestly, I do commend him on keeping up with the Zeitgeist in regard to upward mobility amongst humans. I've always thought the Grand Marshal wise to recognise that a peasant population is far more agreeable when it is under the impression that it might ascend to such ranks as these..." Brenner trailed off and gestured to the present company and their lavish surroundings.

"I hope my comment did not offend him." He said inclining his head with an affect of deference and lifted it to lock eyes with Eitan, as his subsequent thought was really for the other Air Commander's benefit. "As the evening wears on, I shall make a concerted effort not to step on anyone's tail." He punctuated the quip with an impish wink to his old chum, before seeking out a libation to help ease into the event better than he seemed to have started it out.

With a sparkling wine in hand, Brenner was able to join in the young debutante's toast echoing his sentiments:

"Hail Zaichaer! Hail Victory!" He barked, swapping the flute of white wine into his left hand so he could execute the corresponding salute with his right. He took a contented sip of his libation and turned to see out the members of his forthcoming expedition who were in attendance. They had much to drink to beyond the health and social ascension of their present host. With his fellow dauntless patriots assembled, he raised his glass once more.

"Eat, drink and be merry, Kamaraden, for tomorrow? Well..." He chuckled, "You know the rest."

The End

Legend of Ransera

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