The Deadly Dinner at the Citadel (Closed)

[Child Detective]

Focus: James

The Citadel, a location where battles are fought and won and disputes can be fought out without the fear of death. The perfect place for the Althanian Detective Borough to hold it's detective tests. Todays test is for ten year old Sylvester Corinth, a well known child from the Outlands. The test will occur during a ball held for the elites of Althanas. Many Aristocrats will be there to see if this boy would be worth hiring in the future. Bets have already been cast on whether the child would make it, but it seems that almost everyone bet against the poor child.

The setting has already been chosen and created in room 13. This three day event will occur in a grand mansion, guests will arrive on this beautiful autumn night to receive their accommodations. Tomorrow will be a grand ball, and in the evening, the sky would turn Black as a storm rolls in and the murder is discovered. Hopefully the child would be able to figure out the culprit by the end of the night for if not, he fails the test. The guests will then leave by the afternoon of the third day which will be sunny again.

The guest list includes aristocrats from all over Althanas from every species including monstrous ones just to make it more interesting. Though it seems that the Fallienians had once again declined their invitations. But what do you expect from xenophobic chauvinists like the people of Fallien.

Anyway, some of the better known guests are Grond the Zombie, King of the Seas Sorish and his Queen Korra, and most of the leaders of the great nations of the world will be their. There was even rumor of the some faun coming to this event. And of course, the hired killer would be there too. The leader of the Althanian Detective Borough can’t wait to see what this event will hold as it isn’t often that someone wants to be a detective. The clock on the front of the mansion strikes 6:00 PM. It is time for the guests to arrive.

The head of the Althanian Detective Borough steps out the door and is ready to greet and shake hands with every guest who comes, all 100 of them. This will be a long night for the Greatest Detective. But he knows that it will be worth it when he greets the guest of honor at the end of it. After all, he is excited to meet the youngest mystery solver of all time, Sylvester Corinth.

[Nosdyn]

The letter arrived at the safe house in Radasanth a day prior.

It read:

Dear Nosdyn Krotar,
We at the Althanian Detective Borough is in need of a killer for our Detective Test, if you accept, please come to the Citadel in room 13 on August 23 and whisper the words, "A great murderer is a careful murderer," to the man at the door. He will then have someone take you too a room where you will be briefed on the details of your contract. Hope to have your cooperation in this test.
Sincerely
The Greatest Detective, Grant Shelvar

P.S. hope you enjoy the ball.

It was addressed directly to Nosdyn. This is someone's idea of a joke and I'm not laughing... At first Nosdyn wanted to ignore the letter and it's invitation. However...there was something about it that didn't sit well with him. Dignitaries would be present...many of them. An idea opportunity to cause some chaos against more worthy opponents... Nosdyn looked up from his position in the safe house and looked at a nearby ally...temporary as it may be. His only true allegiance was to The Boss. Nosdyn stood up and looked at one of the nearby companions.

"I must go for a time. I shall return though." Nosdyn said calmly and began to walk out of the safe house.

One of the subordinates of The Boss raised an eyebrow and walked towards Nosdyn. "You can't just up and go...?"

Nosdyn stopped at that moment. He could already feel his rage seething.

Another of the subordinates walked up to the first and placed a hand on his companion. "He said he would be back. It's probably some personal matter. Let it sit my friend. I'll get you a drink when we're off work later."

The other subordinate thought about the situation at hand for a moment and nodded. "Agreed. Just be back soon okay, Nosdyn? There is plenty of work here for someone of your skill level."

***

The Citadel.

He stood in front of it with the invitation in his possession. The letter gave a specific chamber and a specific set of instructions. Nosdyn paused as a Monk of The Order walked up towards him. There was a serious expression on his face as if he were deep in thought about another matter. "Monk..." Nosdyn said it was the only greeting he would give.

The Monk nodded and looked at Nosdyn for a moment. "You're one of them sturdy types. Here to train are you not?"

Nosdyn kept his same expression. He looked at the fellow and showed him the letter. "I was summoned to Chamber Number 13."

The Monk looked through the letter for a moment. And nodded. "Oh THAT matter. Follow me and I will show you the place."

***

As the letter foretold...there was a stranger already waiting for The Monk and Nosdyn.

The stranger whispered something to The Monk and the fellow nodded, and quickly vanished.

"You. Haidian. Speak the passcode." The fellow said carefully.

The accent was not familiar to Nosdyn...but that didn't mean much to him. Nosdyn remembered the passcode and whispered it to the man in question. "A great murderer is a careful murderer." Nosdyn was promptly escorted to where he was supposed to be...

[Philomel]

"What do you mean my name is not on the list?"

Folded arms, narrowed eyes, a stern look on that sublimely featured face.

Beneath the mighty gaze of this tall, irritated and powerful faun a man withered and suddenly wished it had not been he who had been given this task today. It had not been he who lost the drawing of lots and had ended up with the graveyard shift. That it had not been he who had to bear the brunt of facing off every angry aristocrat who thought they should be invited to this ostentacious party but actually wasn't.

"I - I ... Mmmm-Madam," he mumbled, his fingers anxiously working on the corner of the scrolled parchment in his hands, "I - I uh, well, that is."

At five foot two Gerard Hu was a short man and did not look impressive. With mousey features and even mousier brown hair he was not the usual type that one might consider for a valet. Yet, his temprement was kind and polite, and he had a good heart and a loud voice with which to annouce - when he chose to use it. Therefore, so long as there was a man of security with him Gerard often found himself on door duty in the grand Citadel's formal events, because people liked him.

Though apparently not this massive faun, all muscle and generous curves, dressed in ornate silver jewellry and fashionable silks, and looked very unimpressed. A massive explosion of violet hair was arranged around her shoulders, framing a grey-eyed face, one that was slowly turning more red.

Quickly he consulted his scroll again, his eyes glancing back to the others who stood in line, waiting to get into room 13. Currently they took up a large corridor within the Citadel, the birdsong and bright sunshine of a promising party spilling from the slight ajar door. That was where the true festivities would be held, that was where the danger was.

That was where the detective, a man of rumour more than realism, waited.

Swallowing, and still unable to see the name Gerard looked back up to the woman, hoping that she did not use the huge dagger on her hip. Or the massive green-hilted sword on her back. Were weapons even permitted here?

"I ... I am truly sorry madam, but I do not see 'Philomel the Great' on here anywhere. I - I can ask but I am so terribly sorry, I must -"

Suddenly the faun whipped out a hand and grabbed the scroll from him. He let out a small whimper and the minotaur who was on security and who had thus far been detained in confiscating contact poison from an elderly noble finally returned. As the woman read through the names Gerard looked pleadingly at the minotaur who arched an eyebrow.

There was silence for several moments.

"Ah." A pause and Philomel returned the scroll, her finger prodding the page. "I see, my name is down differently." As Gerard took the paper back he was surprised to find her much happier, and prodding hard at a name, "Matriarch. That will be me," she grinned and nodded at Gerard, then the minotaur. "So sorry for that," she said and then stalked through the doorway into the huge, ornate garden beyond.

Such it was with the Citadel.

Smiling, Philomel nodded at the next person in the line and strode past the minotaur. Pushing open the door she was met by the swathes of green lawn and neat hedgerows - a pattern laid out in a blanket before the grand beige manor house. She could see others, who had previously been able to gain entrance into the room, walking slowly up to the house, couples and individuals pausing at flowers and delighting in the glory. But they all were going one direction, and that was straight forwards.

Philomel picked up her hooves and long burgundy skirt and sauntered down the path. She gave ornate nods to those who needed, and smiles to those who didn't. Behind her tottered a small fox, looking rather like a pet dog than anything tonight as he was freshly bathed and combed, and together they ascended the short stairs to the mansion's main door. There, standing in all his glory and smartness was the legend him, Detective Borough, pride and grandeur in his poise. He extended a hand, greeting the faun with one word, and that was:

"Welcome."

[Nosdyn]

And then there was one in their numbers...

One who was not there for festivities despite the act he played.

Nosdyn had not been so uncomfortable in a long time standing in the party with the group of people singing and dancing. Some consuming food of all sorts, drink and ale of all sorts. Nosdyn hated every moment of it. But his seething rage was contained behind his golden eyes. Only those who knew of The Demon Folks from Tular Plains would even be able to tell that he was pissed off. The night proceeded with the usual festivities that any such party would be expected to have.

Nosdyn stood in a corner of one of the larger ball room areas. His visage clearly sticking out like a sore thumb. He stared out of a window as he waited for whatever was supposed to be the trigger to the night's true act. The true play. As Nosdyn's thoughts became ever darker as he heard what passed for Hume entertainment...the music did not help. It was all pomp and flare and he did not like the pretentious air about it. Why did I agree to do this...? Nosdyn admitted the initial invitation had intrigued him quite a bit. He sighed. I'm not sure who the target is... Nosdyn held a drink in a fancy goblet in his hand. He periodically took a sip from it. The taste of the drink was rather strong and it had a surprising amount of flavor.

Being surrounded by so many enemies made Nosdyn extremely uncomfortable.

Nosdyn was a member of the denizens of Tular Plains. They were a war like species and conqueror by nature. But even folks like Nosdyn were capable of at least acting sociably "tolerable." A woman walked up towards Nosdyn at that point as he stood there deep in thought. She was a Hume (Human) in relatively good physical shape and condition. But what Nosdyn noticed most was her eyes...they seemed to sparkle with a glow.

"My Lord. How does the party treat you?" She asked.

Nosdyn blinked for a moment. He sighed after taking a deep pull of his drink. "Well enough." Nosdyn said with a surprising degree of calm.

"Do you think that you would like some company for the 'eve?" She asked.

Nosdyn blinked. She must have a death wish... He thought to himself.

"What are you doing Wendy?" Came a different voice from behind the girl.

Nosdyn looked at the secondary voice. It belonged to a burly Hume. He might be the target...it surely can't be this simple? But Demons knew...The Thayne played their games all the time. Sometimes it would cause a little bit of a ripple on the web. Nosdyn looked at the strange pair of Humes.

The music continued...folks were too enthralled by alcohol and other opiate like substances...

Nosdyn looked at the Humes.

"You lot would best be on your way if you don't want any trouble." Nosdyn said calmly. Something triggered in the back of Nosdyn's mind...something dangerous.

Nosdyn stood up straight and placed his position in between Wendy and the man that was standing nearby.

The fellow looked at Nosdyn. "I've seen your kind before. My Father used to tell stories...spin tales about the 'deadly Tular folks.' Used to think it was all a bunch of bullshit." The man said calmly. "Here I so happen to find one of your kind at a party that is meant to celebrate life and it's finer points and all that bullshit too." The man continued. "You sully this party, Demon." The man said loudly and nearby folks stopped dancing and put their attention on the rapidly escalating argument.

"Don't act so surprised." Nosdyn said to the accusatory gazes from the gathered party goers. "I was summoned to this place just the same as all of you were." Nosdyn did not have to reveal his reason. At that point, the girl, Wendy, leaned against the man.

"Please, calm yourself. It looks deadly and very very clearly disgusting." There was that sparkle in her eyes again.

Nosdyn narrowed his eyes at that point. She is playing both sides...or attempting to level the playing field. At that point, Nosdyn's hand went instinctively to his fabled weapon. He prepared to unlatch it from it's straps that held it against his side. The large handle style weapon sat silent for the time being, ominous and waiting.

"You beast!" Wendy suddenly cried out. She spotted where his hand went.

Nosdyn took a step backwards making sure he stood by one of the windows of the old building. Always prepare an emergency escape route. The Demon thought to himself. Then he looked at the man and Wendy. The man suddenly smacked Wendy hard across the face.

"You harlot! Socializing with a Demon. How dare you...do you not remember the lives lost in the Demon's War?" The man spoke with an authoritative tone of voice. He looked at Nosdyn at that point. "You. Demon. Why are you really here?"

"You make our case for us." Nosdyn suddenly said. "My ancestors launched a Crusade against your kind before...you barely won." Nosydn continued. "You should keep your righteous nonsense in check before you attempt to aggravate someone like me."

"Demon. Mark my words. I am going to end you." The man fumed, his face turning an angry red. The man walked with an angry step towards Nosdyn and prepared to engage him. He swung the first swing of a right handed strike towards Nosdyn's face.

Nosdyn caught the Hume's fist. More eyes stared...Nosdyn was holding back for a reason he did not know at the time. The Thayne play their games... Nosdyn thought to himself. He held the man's fist with his own sinewy, and powerful hand. He gripped and broke the man's wrist with a quick counter movement. The man screamed in anger and frustration.

He clutched at his injured wrist. "This isn't the end. You have not won..." The man looked at Wendy with a sneer on his face. "Keep her." The man spat out and began to walk away...

Nosdyn looked at Wendy, shaking his head.

Then when the argument had escalated...he proceeded to slowly follow the fellow that started the argument...but kept a relatively fair distance away from him.

[Child Detective]

Focus: James

The first person to arrive was the hired killer, Nosdyn, a soldier of Haidia, A demon of the plains, and the son of a demon overlord, reason enough for him to be here.

The next to arrive was a man who he knew was trouble, Sir Izra II, the son of an old general of the United Althanian Army, a burly man with a hatred of all species that looked entirely different from humans, especially demons. He was sure to cause trouble with Nosdyn as soon as he saw him. He would probably cause trouble for Grond, Sorish and Korra as well when they arrived.

A few other aristocrats arrived before the second non-humanlike guest arrived, or should he say guests, Sorish and Korra was dressed in their Royal Robes, Sorish’s the lights shined brightly off Sorish’s white fish scale robe and Korra’s rainbowfish dress reflected many colors James couldn’t help but to admire the beautiful garments that the sea folk could create using the scales of fish they hunt. The golden crowns that adorned their heads only made them even more regal. James bowed before the royal couple as he said, “Your highness, I am Detective James, head of the Althanian Detective Borough. I welcome you to the Althanian Detective Borough’s Annual Dinner. I hope that you enjoy your food as well as find our employees to be well experienced. Today we have a special treat. A new detective shall be tested. I hope you will find his test enlightening.”

Sorish smiled at the kind man and said, “Raise your head detective James, I am mortal just like you and hate to be bowed to. My wife Korra and I look forward to seeing what kind of work your borough does for we do not have detectives under the sea. Who knows, I might send some of my men to train under you if I feel that it will be beneficial.”

James raised his head and said, “I would be honored to train some detectives for you your highness. Please, enjoy the event.” With that, Sorish and Korra entered the hall. It was 6:30 already and many have already entered but many were still due to enter.

At about 7:00, the one known as Wendy came. A woman who loved to stir the pot when it came to a situation, Wendy was known to try to play both sides to cause conflict. She is also the Gossip Queen and daughter of one of the richest men in all Althanas. She seems to have dirt on everyone who is anyone, there is even rumor that she has dirt on Sorish and Korra, but what that is James had no clue. He is a detective, not a gossip.

At about 7:30 the first undead had arrived. Grond the Zombie, leader of the Zombie Hoard on Hope Island, ironic how an island called Hope has become overrun with the undead. Zombies and Vampires roam the place without a care in the world. The humans are practically livestock to them. However, Grond is civil when dealing with other nations, so he was invited anyway. His suit covered his rotting skin fully and by the smell of it, has been enchanted to keep the smell from escaping.

“Welcome Commander Grond of the Hope Island Zombie Hoard,” James said as Grond came up to him. “I hope will enjoy your stay and the festivities that we have prepared.”

Grond just looked at the man then nodded before he walked into the building, as soon as he did a few people screamed and ran away from him but other than that, not much occurred, at least at that point.

James just sighed then went back to watching the door as well as keeping an eye on the guests. It wasn’t long after that that the Stunning faun, Matriarch, came, though she called herself “Philomel the Great”. He didn’t get to talk to her but he did see that she had caused trouble for their bouncer. After she entered she headed straight for the food table.

At about 7:55 Wendy and Sir Izra started trouble with Nosdyn. And it looked like Sir Izra’s next target would be Sorish.

Focus Change: Sorish & Korra

Sorish was enjoying himself at the party when a man walked up to him. “What kind of monster are you?” he asked as his face contorted into a confused hatred. Korra took a step forward but Sorish held up his hand to stop her.

Sorish then turned to the man and said, “My name is Sorish Mon Larsh, I am King of the Seas and leader of the Coralians.”

The man looked at Sorish then said, “Huh Creatures of the seas should stay in the sea. Especially since only monsters live there.”

Korra again took a step forward but again Sorish held her back. “He is not worth fighting my dear,” he said with a faint smile, “especially since this is the first time we are meeting the highest people in all of Althanas. We don’t want to prove him right by attacking him.” Sorish then dropped his voice to just high enough for Korra and the man to here, “Besides, he wouldn’t last a minute in a fight with our five year old son let alone you or me.”

When the man heard this he snapped and went to punch Sorish, but Sorish just grabbed the man’s neck and held him off the ground but not choking him. “Let me go!” The man cried as he hung from his neck, “Do you know who I am.”

Sorish glared at the man and said, “No idea, after all you never introduced yourself before insulting and attacking me.”

The man that Sorish had ahold of then said, “I am Sir Izra II, the son of General Izra, one of the best of the United Althanian Army, a man who saved the human race from the demon hoard. I am true royalty while you are nothing but a leader of monsters.”

Sorish looked at him and then said, “You are nothing more than a brat in my eyes. A person should not be considered great just because of the achievements of their parents; it should be based on their own achievements. Be gone from my sights you worthless creature.” Then Sorish THREW Sir Izra away and turned back to his wife. “Would you like to dance My Queen?”

Korra just giggle and said, “After a show like that, I would be honored My King.” They then went to the dance floor to enjoy themselves.

[Nosdyn]

Nosdyn was left in a state of confusion...

I can't ever tell what they are thinking...I'm not a damned Orlouge. Nosdyn sighed as he thought of the Human pyschic and his family. What was the man's name? Sei Orlouge of The Ixian Knights. Finder of The Tablet that would create The Ixian Knights... The doomed Tablet. It was a mortal folk that destroyed the very same Tablet that Sei had found. Nosdyn reminded himself how much he hated the mortal surface dwellers. Nosdyn found himself calming down after the initial encounter with the loud-mouthed braggard.

Nosdyn watched as Sir Izra insulted a fellow that seemed Inhuman...almost like Nosdyn himself. Nosdyn eyed Sorish from his position in the ball room. And decided to nod at the sea-folk with some respect. After that, Nosdyn went to gather a drink and perhaps some food for himself. The party was becoming dreadful and Nosdyn wanted to go back home. Nosdyn thought back to the initial invitation of the party and sighed. Damned Humes and their games. Nosdyn thought to himself. He felt the weight of his weapon at his side...but he would not use it just yet. He wanted to see how The Game would play out.

Nosdyn was not terribly familiar with all of the social customs of Humes, but he was learning quickly. The Soldier just needed a moment or two to calm down and think clearly. He wanted to snap the neck of that one Hume, Sir Izra, that much he knew for certain. The man bragged about how he'd killed Nosdyn's people during the historic Demon's War.

Nosdyn looked as Sorish suddenly TOSSED Izra away like so much trash... The fellow landed several feet away and the gathered dancers suddenly stopped at the showing of supernatural strength. There were excited whispers from the gathered dancers and guests. Nosdyn felt an entirely different vibe in the building. He shook his head once more. Then he decided the party was a bust for him. He went to walk out towards a balcony area and get some fresh air. He needed it. His eyes were still twitching from the initial interaction with that supposed noble, Izra. But judging by how the fellow carried himself...Nosdyn wondered if it was true. I got to find a reason of why I'm even here. I hate social gatherings...reminds me of the time in that Tavern. Where that little kid stole Madison Freebird's item. Suicidal thieves...they don't know their place.

Nosdyn stepped out on the balcony where things were decidedly quieter. Nosdyn took a deep breath of fresh air and looked out at towards the quiet sleeping form of Concordia Forest that was visible ahead, just barely.

[Philomel]

Philomel watched the happenings with a smirk of amusement on her face. All around her people were moving, bustling to and fro as the party got into the full swing.

Though it was different to a mere party. 'Party' as a word had the air of celebration around it, this was more determined and formal. People wore their finest dresses, with Philomel herself clothed in gorgeous silks from abroad. It suited her well - this corseted, many-layered number, a thing she could twirl and pronounce herself in, giving much pleasure to eyes. Some of those eyes were, indeed, somewhat less friendly, but as Philomel moved around she found herself looking at people of more familiarity. An ambassdor, for instance, whom she herself had bribed once. A tall pair of strangely elegant sea-goign creatures whom she heard confess they were 'King and Queen of the Sea'. This latter description made her particular curious.

The entire sea? she thought, wondering with a rather large amount of astonishment, Or just a particular sea?

One that is close, and full of creatures like them, I suppose.

She glanced down and saw the lithe form of Veridian come skidding at her heel. With a soft smile she welcomed the return of the fox, after he had run off to find whath e described as 'fresh food'. A ring of red blood still scarred his maw.

Or perhaps I mis-heard, Philomel concluded. Maybe they specifically mentioned a sea.

Perhaps, the earth-spirit agreed, Now look there.

His nose pointed towards where a fantasically mustached and uniformed man interracted with the pair of sea-glories. He seemed confused, and then disgusted, and his look then went to shock as the two of them drifted off to dance to some elegant stringed music. Tilting her head, Philomel observed the pair, then the man who looked utterly broken and it made her laugh a little. Lightly.

What a dear shame, she said, her eyes resting on him for just a moment.

And then she was scanning the room again, looking for that elegant famous information-seeker. The very one who had greeted them at the door.

The detective.

[Child Detective]

Focus: James
As time moved on James was starting to get tired of greeting the people. However it wasn’t long before the next confrontation would happen. He had seen Sorish’s display of strength as well as seen that he had tossed Sir Izra II to right in front of Grond. Something he was sure that Sir Izra would probably take notice. However, before James could see more he noticed a young boy walking down the path towards the mansion. Their guest of honor had arrived.

Focus Shift: Grond the Zombie
The looked at the man on the ground in front of him then looked at his Island’s underwater inhabitant. The coralian was known by all who lived near him as a gentle being. For him to pick up and throw someone was relatively unheard of. That just meant that the man on the ground was a piece of junk that didn’t deserve any respect.

It wasn’t long before Grond understood why the Coralian had thrown the man. The man took one look at Grond and said, “I can’t believe it, a creature my Grandfather destroyed years ago in the corpse war. What are you doing here and how did any of your kind survive?”

Grond just looked at the man then grabbed him and brought him close. It would have been easy to bite the idiot’s neck but the monks had a way to cure his disease with that magic of theirs so it would be pointless. Instead he just licked the neck before he put the man down and gave his best zombie glair. The man gulped and said, “I think I’ll leave you be,” and ran away. Grond then took notice the demon that had left the room and decided to follow him. At least he was someone who he could talk too since he learned how to speak his language.

Focus Shift: Tyson and Korra
Tyson and Korra had just left finished on the dance floor when a woman approached them. “Well hello there,” she said with a smile.

Sorish and Korra looked at her and then said, “Hello there madam, I am Sorish Mon Larsh, King of the Seas and this is my wife Korra Jeannine Relt, Queens of the Seas. May I ask who you might be?”

She just laughed and said, “My name is Wendy Sue Gosspite and I am the wife of a great company here in Corone. I also heard a little bit of information about you two.” The two Coralians looked at each other with a bi of worry. But they turned back to her. “Oh don’t worry it’s nothing much, just that you two had a child before marriage and that you had to abandon him when he was only one.” The two of them looked at her with indifference as every coralian new about that. It was what was said next that got to them. “Oh, is that a common occurrence in our culture. Well then let me tell you something. If most other species were to learn about that, they would be up in arms against you and consider you heartless. Leaving a defenseless one year old alone without anyone to take care of him, they would attack you and probably try to arrest you.”

Sorish and Korra were shocked. True the pair had left their one year old alone but at that age they were able to practically take care of themselves as it used to be that was the age that coralian children would leave their parents before they started creating their tribes. However, no other species’ children were that capable so they would definitely believe that they left a defenseless baby alone and it would cause trouble for their people. However, killing her was not in Sorish’s nature and Korra had started to break down as she was reminded about what Alexander had to go through. Sorish comforted Korra as a foxlike grin spread across Wendy’s face.

Sorish so wanted to behead the woman but he knew he couldn’t so he said, “Leave us and don’t speak with us. Also know that I rule over all the Coralians across the world from the Northern Seas, Central Seas, and the Southern Seas, seas that your ships have never sailed. My people could easily overrun the ‘Kings of Above’ now that we know how to use magic to breath outside the water. You do anything and you will wish you were never born.” He then turned towards Korra and said, “Come Korra, let’s head up to our room where we can rest and escape this pufferfish.” Korra just nodded as Sorish dragged her away.

Focus Shift: Wendy
Wendy laughed as she watched the King and Queen of the Seas leave the party then she went off to find her next victim, a faun prostitute who had no right being at a party for the high class.

[Nosdyn]

At that point...

Nosdyn was relaxing on balcony for some time.

He was thinking of home...The Tular Plains. It was not the fanciest place on Althanas. But still...it was home. Visions of The Tular Plains scorched his mind, a place where the strong survived. Nosdyn was strongly considering taking his leave from the silly party and it's royalty that were present. Nosdyn was a soldier fighting for the other side. That was all that mattered to him. I don't like Humans. My Ancestors waged war against their kind before...perhaps...that is why I am here. Nosdyn considered the possibility for a moment or two.

No...things are rarely that simple...I will wait as long as needed until the true situation presents itself. My strength is needed here. At that point Nosdyn took a sip from his goblet and carefully placed the goblet on the balcony itself. He was someone who normally caused great change to occur in all events he was involved with. History was forged by the strength of his people. Nosdyn considered where his place was with the gathered folks at the party. He felt uncomfortable, and would be the first to admit he was out of his place there. His mind wandered, always back to The Tular Plains and how he'd missed the simpler life there. There were designated squads that worked as part of a larger platoon. Siege Tactics. It was a constant way of life on The Tular Plains. Nosdyn carefully pondered life back home. The squad was law, there was no room for politics, or bullshit.

The man on the field always got the job done.

"What are you thinking about?" Wendy suddenly asked of Nosdyn.

"Oh...you." Nosdyn blinked for a moment but did not turn to face her. The party was becoming dreadful and he wanted to be gone from there. "Why would you care?" Nosdyn asked. It was in his nature to be in a constant state of hostility.

Wendy walked up towards Nosdyn and stood next to him on the balcony. "Just curious."

"Curiosity can be dangerous sometimes." Nosdyn said, he was studying Wendy at that point..."I'm thinking about Home."

"You mean The Tular Plains?" She asked.

"Ettermire." Nosdyn was revealing only half truths to her, and remaining on his guard.

"That's where you are from?" She raised an eyebrow.

"...No." Nosdyn said calmly. "But it is Home. I've got an Employer there that has an agreeable contract with me." Nosdyn looked away from Wendy at that point. "I'm a soldier, if you must know. He said carefully. Fighting for the other side, but a soldier none the less.

Wendy was generally interested at that point. "Sorry about earlier. That stuff between me and Izra goes back a time."

"...You would not last long on The Tular Plains." Nosdyn observed.

"Perhaps." She said calmly. "But I am more interested in you at this point."

Nosdyn became serious at that point and turned his attention towards Wendy. "What do you want?"

[Philomel]

Philomel had made her way past the balcony and onwards to a benched area upon the roof - one which opened onto a rooftop garden, harbouring a glorious view of the night sky. The path of the balcony curved around the side of a tower, and then expanded dramatically. It was necessary to pass by some other intriguing people who had decided to also escape from the roving madness of the main ball area - such as a blue-skinned demon watching the stars. Walking over slowly to a reclining wooden seat, the faun found herself smiling.

"There is no lack of wonder for what they can do in the Citadel," she found herself openly commenting.

When no answer came she looked down, frowning as she saw the lithe form of Veridian running from far away, his white tail and black nose signs of his presence as he bounded towards her over the balcony. Immediately her smile creased into a frown and she folded her arms over the satin of her corset, furrowing her brow low over silver eyes.

"Where did you go off to?" she asked.

Zombie, Veridian explained with a pant of breath, He stank, so I told him. He did not understand me, obviously. He twitched his nose and swung his tail back and forth. So I tried to explain it slowly by writing on water vapour I made through my breath ... well. He became annoyed. The fox shrugged and leapt up onto the seat before Philomel could make her move. He ran off somewhere, shouting revenge or some such. I do not recognise his barbarous tongue.

"Watch what you say," Philomel laughed a little, the cheer back in her eyes. "Indeed, there is a woman approaching ..."

She gestured elegantly over to the door that led onto the balcony from the main ballroom. Loud, melodic music was blasting out as well as a bright light. Laughter, merriment, drunken voices could be heard, telling tales of far to reach lands and dull lives. It was the same place that faun and fox had emerged, to escape from, and it was the same place that a woman was now striding out of. Her expression seemed determined, her purpose set. A focus had she on where she was going, and what she was doing. Veridian and Philomel watched as the woman - Wendy - scanned the area, searching for ... someone in particular, but then her features were stunned. Looking straight at the demon she went over and began to address him.

What was that about? Veridian asked, looking up at Philomel.

The Matriarch shrugged. "I have little idea, my darling, but she seems to have found someone to talk to. Perhaps she was looking for bathroom?"

The fox agreed, Likely. Unless she was looking for us?

"Why would she ever want to look for us?" Philomel looked confused, "... Do you recognise her? Do we know her at all?"

Veridian looked for a while at Wendy and then shook his small head left to right in a manner fitting a noble beast.

I do not.

And thus they watched. Until the woman became bored with the demon and began to look around again, this time seeing them and marching over. Philomel by this time was seated on the reclining chair alongside Veridian, moving between watching the move of the galaxy's clouds over head, the twinkling of the sky ... and the foul-faced woman.

"Can we ... help you?" she asked as Wendy came closer.

Veridian fixed her with a golden-eyed stare.

Wendy paused and nodded. "Yes. You can leave. No prostitute belongs in such a high society place as this."

Blinking slowly, Philomel straightened her back and raised her brows. "Oh, so darling she does know a little of us then." Then she placed a genuine smile on her face and clasped her hands on her lap. "I think you are mistaking me with a person from ... ten years ago about. Now I am a business woman and warrior." She lifted her chin, her eyes glowing with glory. "Besides, why shouldn't a whore be here. Do you have a problem with some people's choices of how to make their money, hmmm? Do you have the same problem with members of the military? Why they kill for a living. Is that not worse?"