The God bites his lip in chagrin

[Dissinger]

Closed. This thread involves only the Ixian Knights. I would prefer it if Sei is the first to post, then we can open the thread up to the rest of you guys.
A spoon scraped along the porcelain clay of the bowl, capturing within it a small amount of the liquid meal. Slowly it was brought to lips, which greedily slurped the offering up, before the spoon returned to the bowl from whence it came. This process continued in silence, as a few people watched the newcomer. They had watched him silently move into the mess hall, before seating himself proudly in the center of the halls, and began his meal. He was bold, coming into the Tomb before setting upon the kitchen. Before him was a bowl of soup, half a loaf of bread, and a flagon of ale.

Then he had the audacity to loudly proclaim the ale was more like water, and that he much preferred his own stock.

What truly astounded the viewers was that he then produced a bottle from the satchel that even now hung off the chair and set it next to the ale that he had nipped from the kitchen. His wild brown hair was even now hiding his eyes, as a soft grin lit up his face. His attire was befitting a commoner, yet his demeanor towards anyone who approached him was frightening. A baleful look from his eyes had stopped anyone who saw it in their tracks. Another spoonful of soup met his lips, something that astounded the others, who had only heard of the glory of this soup.

What was even more amazing was the way he had fed the ego of the cook, until the cook had proudly proclaimed he could have the soup. It didn’t hurt that this man had said he was nipping the bread only to clear his palette so he could enjoy the soup that much more. The comment that the soup was perfect without anything else was a further ego boost, to the point the fascist cook had proudly handed over the bowl.

The man finally lifted up the bowl, before aged boots rested on the table, and reclining in his chair he greedily continued to eat the soup. His shirt and vest showed him to be a more common main, if anything about the man could be called such. The people observing finally sent on of their number to find someone, anyone of the Nine or their direct subordinates to take care of the thief who had wandered so boldly into their midst.

Surely the Hero of Radasanth could clear out a thief.

Of course the thief remained in his chair, stoically eating his soup, and silently taking stock of the situation. He of course knew what would happen. He had been in the game far too long not to know that he would attract the attention of the biggest punks in the area, and that was precisely what he wanted. To flush out the Dranak Dragon, and in doing so get to talk to him, was precisely why he was here.

If he got to show off a little in the interim, so much the better…

[Silence Sei]

"Sei, there's a situation," the soft voice of Tobias Greenleaf seemed to echo in the immersive library. Lately, the mute had been finding all of the books in his tomb, and gathering them where they rightfully belonged. Of course, he was still a long ways off from being completed in his task, what with all of the tomes and texts scattered across so many rooms and hallways. The library itself was one of the largest areas in Sei's Tomb. It was very easy to get ones self lost in the inner chambers of ten foot high bookshelves that seemed to form a maze around the place.

"There's always a situation, Tobias," Sei replied bluntly, taking a book from the mobile book rack he was standing beside and placing it on a shelf, the spine showing outwards. Sei continued this with several other books until he realized that the green haired elf was still holding her ground five feet away from him. Sei turned his head towards the bandit and raised an eyebrow as if to ask if she needed something else.

"There's a strange person in the tomb," she said, causing Sei to go back to his previous activity. The mute appeared to have very little interest in what the girl was saying to him. Lately, Sei had done far too much baby sitting and not enough time with adult hobbies. The last thing the telepath needed was to break up another fight Jensen started with a newcomer.

"There's always a strange person in the tomb," Sei responded, picking up another book and thumbing through its pages. The text itself was a collection of fairy tales that the mute used to read to Anita when she was smaller. The memories of reading the bed time stories to the girl flooded Sei's mind, causing a warm feeling to tingle up in his heart. The tingling quickly went away when Sei once again realized that Tobias Greenleaf had not moved.

"He convinced TSN to let him have some soup."

"There's always someone who convinces TSN to ---wait, what?!" Sei's curiosity was piqued now. In all of the years he had known the man known as TSN (short for The Soup Nazi), the chef rarely gave his beloved soup out to anyone. Indeed, one minor mistake in being served the delicious liquidy substance would result in permanent denial of the food. Only Anita, Kyla, Sei, Andrew Octane and Tobias herself. The elven girl grinned upon realizing she now had Sei's attention.

The mute nodded his thanks to her and took off, the scythe portion of his Kusari-gama seeming to fall into his hands as if it were second nature. Sei did not understand why he had chosen the scythe chain known as the Dahlios out of all of his weapons, but his body had instinctively told him that he should be holding it upon encountering the stranger.

Naturally, many of the soldiers in the ranks of the Ixian Knights moved out of the mystic’s way as he made a bee line for the kitchen. He found the yellow double-doors to be wide opened, so he merely stepped through. All heads turned directly towards the leader of the knights. All save for one. When Sei had seen the man who was still eating the soup, he nearly dropped the Dahlios.

Several steps were taken before the mute reached the table. The eating 'stranger' quickly looked upwards towards the mystic, who was beaming with a smile. Behind him, Tobias Greenleaf shared an equally big stupid grin. She knew that Sei would not want to miss this opportunity for the world. Setting the weapon on the table, Sei opened his arms wide as he came at the man for a big hug.

"Seth Dahlios, my friend! I heard you had died! How have you been?!"

[Dissinger]

As soon as he heard the words the grin on his face widened to a genuine smile. The bowl of soup placed on the table even as the feet swung down, preparing the thief to rise up to his feet. Looking at the mystic he embraced the mute before he stepped back and looked around, “Apparently well enough to keep several trained warriors off me while I get some of that soup. I swear the people these days have no spine. Give them one stern glare and their spines snap like a twig…”

“Then again not everyday the Lavinian Demon walks into your hallways and takes soup,” Came the rather jovial reply. Seth looked upon the elf woman who was with Sei and an eyebrow rose before he looked back at the mystic.

“You got a wife now?” Seth asked genuine interest in his voice. The mute shook he head as he gestured to the woman.

“Tobias Greenleaf is a former member of the Bandit Brotherhood. I thought you would know at least of her if not recognize her outright,” Sei responded looking at Seth. The thief nodded his head before he scratched the top of it in thought before he shrugged.

“Sorry Tobias, you just don’t strike a chord with me. Either you were really good, or I just wasn’t around enough…” Seth said before he looked at Sei and gestured to the table, “Let’s have some more of that soup and talk. I haven’t been around awhile, and I’m sure you got a million questions for me in your head. Figure we can talk a bit, catch up, and maybe help each other too…”

Seth had conveniently glossed over Sei’s question about the thief’s death. It wasn’t that he wouldn’t confirm or deny it, it was just he didn’t like to talk about it. If Pressed, he wasn’t sure if he would tell him the basics he had given Liliana, or if he’d just tell him not to bother asking. It was rough for him, he hadn’t really known the mystic, and yet the man was certainly someone Seth was willing to trust, that was the entire reason he was here.

With a sigh he sat down heavily in the chair, feeling the full weight of his age, only a moment before he grinned and caught Tobias, reaching for his purse. The hand was snatched rather quickly before he spoke sternly, “Come on Ms. Greenleaf, you know better than that…”

“Just an innocent test, Though I’m surprised you caught it so quickly…” The elf said playfully as she quickly crossed to the other side of the table the only way she knew how, by leaping it quickly.

Seth smirked before he said firmly, “Now give me back the lung popper. I didn’t think you were into Akashiman stuff…”

“I didn’t think a Lavinian would be either. Crazy times eh?”

“Crazy times indeed,” Seth agreed, before he leaned back in the chair, and accepted the return of his knife from Tobias. Idly his hand began to play with the blade, brining it to life as he looked up at the mute expectantly. He then looked upon Sei before he said, “So, Ixian Knights eh?”

At this point the thread can open up, feel free to PM me and I'll try to respond ASAP if you need dialogue.

[Silence Sei]

"Indeed. There is no other rag tag group of heroes I would trust with my life more." Sei spoke with the utmost confidence in his words. Seth Dahlios would know that the statement was a lie, however, Sei already having risked his life in the hands of Dahlios and his friends many more times than he had with his newly born Ixian Knights. The mystic turned his back to his friend and gestured for him to follow, the telepath not finding it suitable to continue the conversation in the mess hall.

Sei could hear the light footsteps of Seth Dahlios behind him. The mute could feel the presence of the undead upon his friend, but it was more of a faint aura that oozed off of him rather than the feeling that he was a complete zombie. For Seth Dahlios to become such a thing would be the very meaning of the word 'ironic'.

"I don't suppose you've heard of any of our friends since our last meeting, eh?" Sei was making small talk, for he knew that when Yari Rafanas and the rest of the former Facade crew wanted to disappear, Adam Deus would make sure that they disappeared. Whether or not that was a good, or even legal thing, Sei didn't know, but something must have happened in order for his age-old friend to be wandering these halls behind him.

"I named one of my weapons in your honor, just so you know," Sei said, his smile never wiping from his features, "I've found it the most useful in my arsenal for ridding the world of undead, at least the less than righteous ones." Sei stopped and reached out towards a door, a lavish orange door with a blue frame over it. Opening the door, the mute threw his arm out in a welcoming gesture to his own chambers.

A large blue butterfly shaped rug lay on the ground of the massive room. A bed lined with orange and blue pillows, as well as a drab gray sheet, filled the furthest corner of the area. A large desk big enough for at least five people lay in the other corner, maps and various strategies in progress jotted down on the scrambled parchment upon it. A bright orange sofa was the closest thing to the entrance, a blue chair sitting adjacent to it as if Sei were playing the role of psychiatrist to his warriors. It made sense that some of the members would have to have psyche evaluations, who better than a telepath to test them?

Sei approached the sofa and sat, an action he hoped Seth would mean that the mute was not trying to probe his mind for answers. It was the thief and the hero here, alone and able to talk about whatever needed to be discussed. "To what do I owe the honor?"

[Dissinger]

Seth looked about the room, cataloguing and identifying various things. He saw the Gemini Blades resting on a wall, waiting for their owner to take control of them once more. He saw the comfy and cozy feel of the room, more of a lair to him than any resting spot. He could honestly see Sei spending days at a time in here if he so chose.

The couch and the chair offered up a few possibilities, as Sei seated himself upon it. They both knew the small talk was nothing more than that, they had bigger fish to fry, and this was just a part of many things. He was actually here for two reasons as he came to realize. The second only occurred to him recently. A hand went up to brush a few rogue strands of hair from his face before he spoke firmly, “I suppose I should get right to the point eh?”

He sat down in the chair before he hunched forward, letting sag the casual demeanor he had put on before. To very few people he would ever let his guard down, and he knew Sei was never one for a surprise assault. As his shoulders lowered he once again shouldered the burdens of being the Lavinian Demon in a noticeable fashion, much as he had before his imminent death.

“As you might remember, I fell in love with a woman who saw through the whole Demon act. She tried very hard to remind me I was who I wanted to be, and I was never stuck in any situation. Well, we started a family a long time ago. Time has a funny way of reminding you how fast it travels, because now my little girl is on the cusp of adulthood as far as the Lavinians are concerned. I have a very good feeling; she’s going to follow in daddy’s footsteps…”

He paused looking up at Sei pointedly before he spoke, “Much like your little girl, mine is…reaching that point that I can’t tell her ‘no’ anymore. She’s going to want to go out and do her own thing, and I really have no more reasons to stop her. When I go back to Lavinya, she’s testing to be considered a full thief, and at that point, she’s out of my hands.”

He then leaned against one of the arms o the chair before he said softly, “I know I can’t be everywhere at once, and I know Liliana is going to try to stop me from doing so as well. We had such little time together as is, and now we can’t afford to be the globe trotters we once were. That’s when I decided to call in any and all favors, and make a few more. I can’t say you owe me anything Sei, if anything it’s the exact opposite, but any help you could give my little girl if she wanders into Corone I would appreciate. I’ll reimburse any costs she accrues and I’ll do anything to make up for any inconvenience she causes.”

His eyes darkened slightly before he spoke, “This part, doesn’t go outside this room though…” His demeanor shifted to a more angry form before he rubbed his eye tiredly and he spoke, “Also awhile ago, my bloodline caught up to me. The assholes forced me to have a couple of kids with them to enrich their blood, stop the inbreeding from destroying their “pure blood”. One of those kids ended up dead at the hands of the Midnight Mistress. She was headstrong and I tried to get her to ignore what her mother told her, but she decided to follow that crap. She’s dead and buried, and I’m now looking for the bitch. Last I heard she was seen briefly in Radasanth. If you can tell me where my other daughter’s killer is, I’ll make sure she doesn’t grace your doorstep anymore…”

[Requiem of Insanity]

Cassandra felt a dark aura coming from inside the tomb as she lifted the ladle up to her lips and gingerly sipped at the soup. The Soup Nazi was stuck in a corner of the room, a cold wave of dread gushing over him like a gusting tornado as her dark companion hissed and laughed inside his ears.

“It’s mediocre at best,” Cassandra mentioned in passing as she took the bowl with her across the kitchen. “Needs spices.” She continued to add ingredients to the pot and TSN’s went wide. Whatever fear he had was temporarily washed aside as his pride in cooking soup was being tainted. That little glimmer of hope he clung to, making his way slowly over to her where he stood in front of the cabinet.

“You have the pallet of a corpse!” He chided. “If you do not like my cooking, then get out!” Cassandra looked to him, giving him a charming smile, similar to the popular high school girl being nice to the class nerd as she sipped the soup out of the bowl. The power of her cold aura washed over the soup cook and once again he felt powerless as she tasted the food again.

“Ever make a crass comment like that again, and your body will be a corpse,” she teased a slender finger along his cheek as she walked by the cook, slamming the bowl into his gut as she walked into the corridor leading to the Nine’s chambers.

She licked her lips again and noticed she also had a droplet on her finger, raising it quickly and tasting the soup once again. In all honesty, TSN’s soup was to die for. But she would never get the egotist his due. Slurping it up greedily she found the chambers to the man she wanted to see. A mission she had finished recently still hadn’t caught the newspapers and she felt it was a dishonor to let a victim die and not let her lord know of it.

As she entered the portal to Sei’s corridor where his family slept she felt the cold chilling presence of darkness yet again. This time however the feeling was concentrated, wholesome and filled with conflicting emotions of morality, love, and hatred and mindless insanity. It seemed this presence was very much conflicted in the way it presented itself; at times a large demon with a bloodthirsty demeanor, and other times a calm, quiet observer who wishes no ill will.

Her companion went ahead, observing the distortion with curiosity akin to a kitten’s, peaking into the room through the wood and observing the feeling she got. When he reported back her mind began to race. Seth Dahlios, the Lavinian Demon. Not only was here for Sei, but he apparently had some vendetta against Cassandra for some slight against his family name.

She hastened her steps, feeling the warmth of floor when compared to the two conflicting manifestations of darkness around Seth and herself. She would not be intimidated by the man, and if he sought her out, she would meet him head on.

She was also oblivious to her Dark Companion’s constant warnings not to charge forwards.

“Lord Orlouge,” Cassandra said opening the door without bothering to knock. “I have come to report on the death of Serenity Da-” she let the name slip on purpose. With a cruel smile she turned towards the guest. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had company. Perhaps this is a bad time for me to report on the mission you assigned me, my lord,” Cassandra retreated into the doorway where she bowed in an over exaggerated fashion, letting the words linger before excusing herself.

“Ouu, a celebrity,” Cassandra muttered loudly. “And a big one at that. I dare say Mr. Dhalios I am a fan of your works. I have all the manuscripts to your plays even!” She looked to him with a giggle, biting her finger as she sheepishly looked away. “I dare say I even a Seth Dahlios doll in my room.” Unable to contain herself she began laughing, leaning on the door and pulling it shut before wandering off to her room.

Now there’s a body I’d love to sink knives into…

[Enigmatic Immortal]

Jensen carried his little girl in the grip of her fingers, her face looking as if recently frightened. The immortal was clothed only in his sweatpants, his chest bare to the whole world as he looked rather irritated. Azza had insisted the boogeyman was out to get her. Shaking his head at the notion he asked her to go to bed. Then softly encouraged her. Soon he began to demand her. Then he ordered her. One sniffle of fear and the immortal gave up trying to sleeping with Stephanie and fluidly rolled his pants back on in a smooth fashion.

When he stepped into the halls he heard some soldiers talking about Seth Dahlios being in the building. Suddenly Azza’s fears became more real than he first would admit, and so he turned to the girl, told her get dressed and left instantly for Sei’s quarters. The mystic would undoubtedly make his way to the bedroom, as that was where the mute always took older men.

He let that thought die then and there with a cruel chuckle.

Azza moved swiftly behind him, her little feet barely keeping up with his long strides. Jensen gave her a reassuring smile. With her father’s confidence she felt a slimmer of courage warm her heart and she walked on. At last they entered the corridors where Sei and his family slept. It was funny to the immortal how he normally always got lost in the tomb, but he always knew where Sei’s room was, because Kyla’s room was next door and he had one point tried everything in his power to sleep with her.

A rush of cold dread came over him and he looked to see the irresistible body of Cassandra Remi sauntering down the walkways with a complacent smile on her features. Azza gripped his fingers tightly and hid behind his legs, and like a good father Jensen stepped wider to protect his daughter from the Akashiman Moon Demon. Cassandra stood before Jensen, her gaze taking in his form as she licked her lips in intent. She let her eyes fall to his legs, looking at the little girl.

Before she could speak the immortal lifted one finger to her. “Say anything to my daughter and there wouldn’t be a ninth general anymore.” Jensen spoke, his tone dark and deadly. He hated the serial killer, despised her, going so far as to actually hit her. Her methods, her style, her cruel charm and dark aura all made him uneasy. The only difference was HE didn’t fear her. What could she do to the immortal that had not already been done to him? Sure, he could scream, but nothing was as bad as the day he was betrayed by his own idols. Cassandra was nothing more than a bitch who played with fire, and Jensen was holding the kerosene just waiting for the kill command.

“I have nothing to say to that little creature,” Cassandra flipped her head to the side indignantly, her hair falling into place in a swishing pattern. She began to walk off, her tone whimsical. “Besides, I would worry more about what happens to her when she plays in the shadows…” She turned a corner, and Jensen pondered whether he should follow her. Every ounce of his blood demanded it, but one fearful tug on his pants set the world back into perspective, his blood chilling quickly as he looked at Azza. Nodding to her he stooped low and picked her up, cradling her in his arms as he walked to Sei’s room. With a soft tap, a moment of pause, and the general ‘come in’ greeting from Sei, the immortal stepped in.

“Oh good!” Jensen said looking to the man he had not but fought a few weeks ago. Now there was a fight the immortal wouldn’t forget. Everything in the battle was perfect, everything was amazing. They fought like jackals over piece of meat, neither letting up in their defiance to the other. Jensen felt his blood simmer to a ready point, but with Azza gripping him tighter he sat her on Sei’s bed. The mute immediately moved his handout to ruffle her hair, saying something only she could hear as she smiled. Sei lifted himself up to his dresser, pulling out a small candy for her. Greedily she snatched it up.

“Alright Sei, enough sugar before bed,” Jensen muttered as he ran one hand through the back of his hair. He rubbed the same spot he usually did when debating how to proceed, but with a nod of confidence he turned to Seth.

“I hate to interupt, gentlemen, but I have a situation that needs fixing. It will take a moment of your time,” Jensen assured. “See him Azza,” he pointed to Seth. The girl ndded. “That’s the boogeyman! Is he under your bed?”

“No…” She whispered.

“Is he in your closet?”

“No…”

“Is he eating you alive?”

“No…”

“Did he offer you candy? Touch you in naughty places? Ask you to be his alter bearer for a special church sermon?”

“I think she gets the idea, Jensen,” Sei said quickly before Jensen could move on. Seth merely chuckled.

“No…” Azza admitted looking to Seth. He winked ot her, and instantly she popped off the bed to Jensen’s leg. Jensen ran one hand through her white hair laughing lightly.

“See, the boogeyman is just a guy who hangs out with Uncle Sei. He’s not going to hurt you. Besides, nobody can touch you, cause Daddy’s here. Okay kiddo?” Azza looked up to him, and nodded smiling. “Now it’s time for bed. I have kept Stephanie waiting long enough,” Jensen said with a soft shrug. He turned to Seth and Sei. “Well, thank you gents, but I must be on my way. Come on Azza!” Jensen ushered her to the door and out she went as Jensen stopped looking at Seth with serious, intent filled eyes.

“While I appreciate you playing ball there, I want a rematch. I can take you, Demon. I’m stronger now…” Jensen spoke more to himself than to Seth, but all the Lavinian did was lean back in his chair, looking to Jensen with a sly smile.

“Still look like a boy to me,” Seth said mocking him. Jensen lifted one finger out as his goodbye and moved with Azza back to their room. He passed by the kitchen, listening to TSN argue with Tobias about how she was once again trying to steal all his food and lucky soup ladle. She merely listened, pocketing all kinds of stuff while he ranted.

When he got inside the door he lifted up Azza and carried her to bed, tucking her in and kissing her softly on the forehead goodnight before shutting her door. He went back to his room where he found Stephanie looking at him, her eyes low and her outfit not what it was once before.

“I love a family man,” she purred. Jensen didn’t even respond before she pounced him.

[Silence Sei]

Seth's requests were hard on the warrior, Sei could tell that much. Being able to admit that one's little girl was no longer that was one of the toughest things a father could do. Furthermore, Seth vowed to paint the town red with Cassandra Remi's blood. Sei assumed through the use of her nickname that the thief did not know the true identity of the Midnight Mistress as of yet. Just as Sei began to open his mouth, he felt a chill run down his spine. The Tomb was often drafty at this time of night, but the telepath knew that this chill was different. It was the chill he always got when Cassandra Remi's dark companion was present. For some reason, the companion had some sort of 'feedback' on Sei's telepathy that gave him the shudders.

As soon as he felt its presence leave, Sei brought a finger to his mouth to hush Seth Dahlios. He didn't want Cassandra to know that Sei knew she would be here soon. Cassandra Remi was never the type to just kill without a little background on her target. She knew who Seth Dahlios was the father of, and her egotistical nature would not allow her to -not- make an appearance, probably to try and ruin Sei's day.

Of course, the mute was right, and Cass tried to pin the death of Seth's daughter on him. The Mystic knew that Seth Dahlios would not buy such a lie, not after all the two had been through. As she left, satisfied with her self and probably off to satisfy herself, Sei locked eyes with Seth once more, unnerved by the 'slip-up' of Cassandra Remi's tongue. As Sei began to open his mouth to 'talk' once more, Jensen walked in with Azza. Sei had done his regular routine of spoiling the girl while remaining mostly silent during Jensen's fatherly rant to his daughter. He did, however, pick up the sense that Seth and Jensen had fought each other before.

That didn't surprise him one bit, the two men were both major hotheads at times.

After the second distraction left, Sei finally had some time to speak to Seth. "I promise I will look after your daughter. In fact, if she would like to join the Ixian Knights, she is more than welcome to. We accept all types,. as you can clearly see." Sei's words struck a nerve with Seth, Sei picking up a slight twitch in the thief’s facial features. It appeared that a seed of distrust may have been sown by Cassandra, however small it was.

"As for you second request. The girl who was just in here, the one who was dressed like someone you'd find in the red district late at night, is the one you seek. Her name is Cassandra Remi, and she is the Gisela Reaper, the Midnight Mistress, and the murderer of your daughter."

"So it's true then?" Seth's words had a hostile tone to them that stung Sei. The mute shook his head calmly and continued.

"It's true that she probably took your daughter's life. I did not tell her to, however. She has only been under my care in a few weeks, you see. You know how I am, I'm a severe believer that rehabilitation is possible with anybody. Cassandra, however, is the exception to the rule, it seems. Therefore, I will make you a deal, if you so wish Seth Dahlios."

"A deal?"

"I require Cassandra's services until a certain war against Radasanth is over. I've already been strategizing dividing my high generals, eight of them to be exact, to be leaders of smaller divisions of my soldiers once said war resolves itself. Cassandra is the leader of an assassin's team. While I've already recruited one person to that team to keep her in check, I feel you will be an asset to her group."

"I am -not- working for her!" Seth's outburst did not surprise Sei, neither did the shaking fist by his side. It seemed the telepath's friend was becoming quite impatient with this game.

"I was actually going to tell you that whatever happens after that war between you to is out of my hands. If you kill her, that's fine by me, but do so after my war is finished. Furthermore, I would ask that you stay out of certain....shall we say shady businesses... for a bit. It would behoove you to do so." Sei knew that Seth could get the gist of what he was saying. There was a group the former ghoul had associated himself with that Sei was not so fond of, a group that needed to be put in its place eventually.

A hand stretched forth, Sei's eyes noticing that the trembling in Seth's fist had steadied a bit. "Are my terms acceptable?"

[Dissinger]

Seth looked at the hand for a long time, before his gaze rose up to its owner. He looked between the two for the longest time, even as his hand casually twitched, longing for a knife to be in it. Part of him was yelling to go after the bitch before she got away, the other half, was contemplating just waiting, and getting his vengeance on her piece meal.

A long sigh crossed his face before he finally spoke, his voice tired, “I don’t own my life Orlouge. I can’t make that call so callously. As a younger man, I could have said ‘yes’ in a heartbeat. Hell as a younger man I might have thrown a knife at Remi. Despite what you said, yes, I knew who she was. Hard not to when said daughter used to gush over the bitch…”

He stopped himself, knowing that he was fast moving down a path that would see him only angrier than normal. His hands stayed on his hips now before he finally settled on crossing them over his chest, “I have to talk this over with my wife. Obviously I need to tell her a few more things than I would have been comfortable with, and atop that I should probably bring Sam by so you two can meet. I suppose this’ll have to wait till tomorrow then, when I can bring Sam by, and also get permission. I don’t think she’s going to like the whole wet works job…”

He turned to go, before he remembered the last bit. It wasn’t much, after all things had slowed down much in his life. He was old and tired, even if his body was young; the amount of stress he had put it under was taking its toll. Even now he could feel the aches that started up with his excessive standing. Made him feel far older than he was comfortable admitting.

“I haven’t spoken with Godhand in years Sei. I doubt that the New World Order has anything going for it other than nostalgia and fear. If you decide to pick a fight with the oaf, it’s on you, I’m not going to turn traitor anymore than I already have. I’m just tired, and old man, I don’t have the youth I used to,” He then gave a casual salute as he moved to the door, and saw Tobias Greenleaf standing there.

Her eyes opened widely as she saw Seth standing there, a look of non-amusement upon his face. He then raised an eyebrow before he saw her hands going, and grabbed both before spinning her and depositing her in the leader of the Ixian Knight’s room, “Might want to get your clepto checked out, I usually knife them if they get too greedy…”

His steps took him slowly through the tombs, moving people out of his way with mere glances, or the aura of fear he seemed to create about him. Finally he was out in the Radasanth air, his hat firmly in place as he moved. He would go home and rest for the night, before coming back with the answers Sei would probably have.

[Enigmatic Immortal]

The autumn wind slammed throughout the Radansath park, swirling leaves and shuffling dirt as the children played in the fields beyond. The tomb of Sei Orlouge was filled with activity and excitement, the first major event for the Ixian Knights about to take place. The season was drawing near for good spirits, and good fun and a party of epic proportions was quickly being rumored.

Days alter Kyla and Anita both handed out fliers, both putting the rumors to rest. Indeed a costume gala was about to be held within the many halls of Sei’s home, and everyone was invited. The guard shifts were shortened, the smithies and the training halls were shut down . Every facet of the army designed towards war was redirected towards setting up Anita’s grand vision, wanting the event to be a spectacular fun time to forget about the worries of the war coming.

Sei had impressed to his warriors the need to relieve stress and have fun, and encouraged all the members of his Nine generals to attended. Naturally Lord Bracken and the Tantalus agreed to put on a small show, a series of comedic one acts as well as a few dramatic monologues by Lady LaRoux. Taka had agreed to show up for a few hours, no doubt peer pressured by Anita to attend.

Ta’gaz and Hotouri took the event with good spirit, both collaborating on showing up in separate fighting Gi’s. Hoturi wore a White colored Gi with a black belt tied around his head and waist. Ta’gaz showed up with a red colored Gi with a black belt tied in similar stations. For show, he patched one of his eyes.

The soup Nazi declared at this event he would reveal his award winning pumpkin flavored soup as well as turkey basted marinated soup. Whether or not he would let anyone taste said soup was a call all upon itself. Tobias Greenleaf had set up the decorations, “procuring” most of the effects with a hushed grin whenever someone demanded where she got the decorations from. For the party she had revealed she would dress up as Jensen. She managed to find a similar shaped coat, cut the sleeves, ripped the waist tie, and she died the tips of her hair red. Then for added flavor she walked around the halls cursing to everyone and flipping them off in good nature, spouting out obscenities about elves and what they could do with their fairy elf magic.

Several soldiers showed up, some dressing as skeletons, some as legendary warriors. A few clever ones managed to scrounge up weapons and parts to make an outfit to look like the hero of Corone, Letho Ravenheart, while others managed to find long trench coats and duster caps and lined their eyes to look like Seth Dahlios. The cavern was in incredibly high spirits, and even rumors of Cassandra Remi’s mirth the air of the tunnels.

Jensen looked at his invitation and pondered what the hell he would be. Stephanie looked to the card and smiled as she left him with a parting kiss to tell Azza they would go shopping for the girls outfit. She seemed rather excited by the idea and she left with mommy to find their outfits. That left Jensen to ponder what he would wear, and after days of thinking he came up with the perfect solution.

He dressed into his suit, making sure everything was perfect before heading out Stephanie. Azza ran off with Kyla to get ready, and she would show up later to the party. This gave the two time to be alone before, and Anita volunteered to watch the kid get to bed and check up on her every so often while Jensen and Stephanie stayed out late. Of course that wasn’t for free. Anita made a deal with Jensen to lay off Taka for a week. Jensen felt particularly proud of that accomplishment; he talked her down from two weeks.

Stephanie called his name out and Jensen finished the last touches on his outfit, feeling the weight of his warhammer in his hands, and smiling to himself with pride. When he stepped out he looked to Stephanie. She was gorgeous. She wore a tight miniskirt and a front tunic that was tied to tastefully around her curves that Jensen felt his blood going. She smiled to him doing a polite twirl, laughing as he swooned for her holding her hand. She let one leg hang out for him to grab, noting how smooth and silky her skin was. The perfume she wore was to die for and he brought her in for a deep kiss.

“So, what did we dress up as?” He asked her. Stephanie’s face turned slightly red.

“Since I was a little girl I always wanted to be a fairy princess,” She whispered. Jensen nearly dropped her, but caught her before she fell, both laughing. “Now as for you…did you always want to look like a Pe-” Jensen hushed her with his clothed finger.

“Don’t ruin the surprise, the wall has ears ya know.” Jensen gave her a mischievous smile. The two took each others arms and went to the party, hearing the festivities and the bands play their songs. They smiled, feeling rather excited about the idea of a good time. They both hadn’t had a night out since the Karaoke disaster of last year.

A sentry stood at the door, dressed up like a jester who bowed to them, lifted a trumpet and blew twice. Small little coils of confetti fell out and the crowd laughed as Jensen and Stephanie smiled to them, waving to people they know.

“Now introducing,” The jester bellowed with exaggeration and a high pitch. “Lord and Lady of the evening Ambrose!” He bowed again. “Sir Jensen has dressed up as…a penguin it seems.”

“NO!” Jensen shouted cutting him off. “I AM KING DIDI, LORD OF PENGUINDON, AND RULER OF THE PENGUIN KIND!” Jensen lifted his huge hammer. “All who deny my right to rule penguins will fear the wrath of my hammer!” The audience burst into laughter as Jensen walked forward.

“And…to the lady of the evening, Madam Stephanie, she has dressed as a Fairy Princess,” the audience clapped for her and she curtsied politely before taking her place with a few girls she knew. They all began instantly chatting it up. Jensen turned to the boys of the guard and made small talk. Eventually he made his way to Ta’gaz, looking at his get up and laughing with him as they made sport of the fact he was a penguin.

He eyed Aislinn sitting in a corner with a few of her medical students, seemingly enjoying herself enough to have a few drinks. She was dressed up as a witch, every detail just right from the comics of old. She had the pointy hat, the long draped robes of pure black, but she let her red hair shine along the sides and kept her face spotless of taint. She looked even hotter than Jensen ever would admit in a room that had his girlfriend in it. She waved to him politely and he turned feeling something brush up against his leg.

At his feet he noticed Felicity, seemingly smiling at him with her cute kitten nose. She had an outfit of her own, a pair of black wings attached to her back. Jensen smiled to her and patted his padded arm, and up she went, draping her tail around his neck. They both walked around the party, greeting others and avoiding some who were a bit drunk. Jensen found Tobias doing comedy acts with Duffy at the immortal’s expense, but he let it slide as the audience laughed.

They both turned and found Ta’gaz again, mingling over with his face contorted in complete confusion. Jensen turned and felt his jaw drop. What he saw was just plain wrong in this atmosphere of good nature. Cassandra Remi was dressed up and…and laughing. She was talking with some of the soldiers, making sport of their fabled attempts to made a pass at her. She wasn’t doing so in her normal crass mood either. She, for lack of a better word, was being fun.

“That outfit,” Jensen said looking to the cat ears that rested upon her died blond hair. It made her hazel eyes stand out like a shining beacon of glory. She had a cute cat tail that extended out the back of her rear, positioned just right to not detract from her curvy beauty. Her outfit was a dress with two slits for her legs, wearing a pair of high black heels that had a long curve to them. The top of her dress was sleeveless and Jensen looked to her and felt something stir within him.

“That outfit,” Ta’gaz repeated.

“It’s…It’s doing something for me,” Felicity whispered to their minds. Jensen looked to them both and realized they were really acting like a bunch of prepubescent teens. Shaking his head and remembering she was a foul demon he turned, offered to grab a drink with Ta’gaz, and they both made way to the table.

“Well if it isn’t the faggot bush humping, leaf licking human cock sucker, Jensen ‘I’m a fat ass penguin with a stupid hammer’ Ambrose; Lord of the Douchebags!” Tobias said in one go as she made a mock bow to him.

“Tobias ‘I have no purpose in life but to stay in the kitchen and make sandwiches for Sei the Faggot Fairy King,’ Greenleaf!” He responded sipping his drink. They looked to each other, and for once Jensen let his hate go as they laughed.

“That one was rather tame, Ambrose,” Tobias teased as she paraded for his pleasure, showing off all the details including the boots. He looked to the boots and his smile faded.

“Raided my closet?” Jensen asked. Tobias shrugged darting away.

“Run run!” She teased entering the crowd again, pulling out a toy gunblade and running off to Kyla screaming at how fine an ass the woman had. He had to admit that the filthy elf had a good enthusiasm for his style, but lacked the grace of being a bonafide Jensen Ambrose. He felt a tug on his free shoulder as Stephanie appeared next to him, Felicty jumping to Ta’gaz’s shoulder for a ride. They all chatted peacefully about nothing, before they all excused themselves.

Both Jensen and Stephanie hit the dance floor, moving in rhythm with the music in its upbeat tempos. Despite wearing a ridiculous looking penguin outfit Jensen moved with the grace of a dancer. They both moved side by side, cutting one off with their foot and moving around each others bodies like they were made of water, laughing, smiling, and having a great time.

“So, I wanted to talk to you about an idea that I am just crazy about,” Jensen twirled her. “You see, this topic is kinda strange considering I’m a penguin, but, oh what the hell,” Jensen laughed as he dipped her. “I want to talk to you about sex, my lady. I love it, I love it all the time!”

Stephanie laughed as she removed the penguin hood and kissed her love on the lips fully to shut him up. “Where did you steal that line from?”

"A book called Super Smash Kingdom… (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ptw1jbf-0g&feature=related)” Jensen admitted with a sly smile. They continued their dance as she moved up against him. “Please tell me you aren’t wearing that thing all night?” Jensen shook his head.

“I got a nice suit and vest underneath. I wanted to really be the Smarmy Snake Charmer from Redraze! I even died my hair green for the event…” Stephanie smiled to him with an approving nod.

“Good, cause I don’t think I could stomach sleeping with a penguin…”

[orphans]

The party was still in full swing by the time Azza found her way to the entrance of the party. It wasn’t exactly hard as she just had to walk towards where the commotion was the loudest. That and the hallways themselves were more festive the closer she got, and if she went off track, there would be a sudden stop of colorful things to look at. Pretty posters of costumes and pumpkins and juice lead the way for Azza.

She wanted juice.

Anita was supposed to be chaperoning the small girl, but the split second she stopped to talk to someone, Azza wandered off. Not wanting Jensen to use this as an excuse to forgo their agreement, Anita figured Azza would be able to find the party quickly and decided to lie in wait at the entrance.

Her gamble paid off as she spotted Azza wandering closer in her costume. As if the small girl sensed Anita’s motive, she gravitated closer and stared up at her with a smile. “Little devil you, sneaking off like that.”

Azza frowned. “I’m not a devil. I’m a sheep! Anita is just a bad shepherd.” The sheep costume was full body and looked rather fluffy. Had the ground been carpeted, the child could easily have been a dispenser of static shocks. A pair of velvet horns rested on the sides of her head, held on by a white hair band to blend into her natural hair color. To complete the look, Azza had a brass sheep bell loosely buckled around her neck.

Anita laughed and rested a hand on her hips. Her costume consisted of a skirt that rested above the knees, a form fitting blouse adorned with ribbons and a shepherd’s crook made of oak. What she wore on her feet were more akin to a cross between slippers and shoes, finished off by thigh-high white stockings. “Are you sure you don’t want to have your hair braided with ribbons?” Anita asked while waving to the pair of pigtails.

Azza pondered the question and rocked back and forth on the soles of her padded feet. “I’m a sheep. We don’t have braids.”

Anita snickered and ruffled the girl’s hair. “Fair enough.” She straitened up and offered her hand to the girl. Azza held on and the two proceeded through to the entrance of the event.

The jester that stood sentry greeted both with another spray of confetti from his horn. “What’s this? Anita is dressed as a Shepherdess!”

Anita giggled at her introduction, stepped forward and did a slow twirl, enough just to give her skirt a brief lift. Someone in pretended to faint and the crowd laughed.

The sentry tugged at his collar in an exaggerated motion before clearing his throat. “And her faithful sheep, Azza!”

Confused, and a little thirsty, Azza blinked her large maroon eyes and looked about the room. “Baa!” she suddenly exclaimed as she threw both her arms into the air. A few snickered and laughed while the women mostly awed. Not waiting for Anita to keep up Azza b-lined for the refreshments table, intent on claiming a cup of apple juice.

[Silence Sei]

Sei placed the green cap over the blonde wig. Looking at himself in the mirror, the mute was mystified with what he had become. Though the telepath was typically very bad at disguises, Tobias Greenleaf had concocted the outfit, calling it 'The Ungayest Fairy Of All Time'. reaching behind him, the mute took out a steel sword, and an intricately designed steel shield. A quiver and bow also lay dormant at the Mystic's back. Tied around the brown belt were a brown pouch on one side, and a boomerang on the other.

The brown leggings felt tight, especially considering how big the brown boots (which reached to the bottom of his knee) were. His pouch was filled with several GP, and Tobias had promised to procure some items to use as makeshift 'bombs', should Sei require any. Placing his hands on his hips and admiring his job on the pointy ears and green shirt, Sei began to leave his room and approach the party.

Everything had been going well underway when Sei arrived. Of course, when he walked through the door, the doorman was quick to introduce him. "Rink! He Come To Town! Come To Save! The Princess Hilda! Grayson Took Her Away! And Now The Children Don't Play! But They Will! When Rink Saves The Day! Praise The Thayne!"

Sei had heard the song referring to the hero of old. The elven warrior had been so legendary, even Jensen Ambrose had a respect for the 'leaf-licker'. He had saved the Princess Hilda on several occasions from an ancient being known as Grayson Lane. To make a flashy entrance, the mute swung his 'Expert Sword' around, the crowd pandering to the act and wowing the crowd.

The irony of the costume was that nobody had ever heard Rink talk either.

Sei went around silently nodding to the part goers. He had wished to remain in character for as long as he could. This act was almost broken when Azza quickly approached her 'Uncle Sei' with the words 'HEY! RISTEN!', the catchphrase of the fairy that used to accompany Rink in the stories. Kneeling down and smiling, Sei reached into his pocket, taking out a peppermint and feeding it to the girl. The former orphan replied with some useful information.

"Did you know Daddy didn't know who you were going to be? Mommy is a Fairy Princess!" Sei raised an eyebrow to the girl, and stood up with a smile.

After saying his silent goodbyes to the child, Sei quickly found Jensen and Stephanie, dancing close to one another. Tapping his immortal bodyguard on the shoulder, Se moved his arms intricately, asking the knight if he could cut in. Stephanie took the cue, and nodded with a giggle, grabbing onto the telepath (though not as intimately as she had done to her beau) and the two began to sweep across the dance floor.

Let's see Jensen call Sei a faggot fairy king in this costume.

[Dissinger]

The Dahlios family moved through the caves with a close knit grace. While before Seth had been sneaky in his attempts at entering the cave, today he was far less hostile about it. He followed orders and directions, he had even been polite enough to ask directions to the party. The fact though was, he hadn’t been told what kind of party it would be. His daughter let out a whiney pout as she noticed a few costumes and he hugged her consolingly before he kissed her cheek and said, “I’m sorry, if I knew, I would have told you. Hell I might have dressed up…”

Moving o the entrance with Liliana in tow the Dahlios family showed up to the guard dressed as a Jester. He looked upon the Demon and his family before he raised and eyebrow and turned to the room counting the supposed Seth Dahlios’ in the room. Finally he turned back to Seth, and noticed the man looked a little too much like Seth Dahlios. He nervously smiled as he turned to the two women and politely asked names. Liliana looked upon Seth with a firm smirk before she spoke up, “Liliana Dahlios, with Samantha Dahlios and Seth.”

Sam turned to Seth as she sighed before she said firmly, “I guess I can still enjoy myself right dad?”

Seth pondered the question, but knew most men would be too scared of father to pull a fast one on his daughter. He stroked his chin in a dramatic act before he nodded thoughtfully and gave her a pat on the back, “Play nice with the boys, I don’t want to hear about you scaring them to death.”

Her smile lit up his face as he turned to the Jester who was already announcing them as the Dahlios Family, then proceeding to look upon them and speaking up, “As themselves.”

The room grew quiet as Seth moved into the room slowly, looking about the area and nodding surely. His stride held no hint of fear, only a trained confidence before he carefully took off his coat and hat. Moving to the coat rack he placed the items upon it before he turned, and saw the first Seth Dahlios look alike of the night. He moved carefully up to the man looking him up and down before he nodded once more. He then looked at the man’s waist before he spoke up, “Hey Seth, you forgot your daggers…”

Reaching down in a practiced motion the dagger belt he usually wore fell loose from his waist before he wrapped it about the imposter Seth. He then tightened it properly so it sat upon the hips just as Seth would wear it before he patted the man on the shoulder and said, “I wouldn’t try any knife tricks, they tend to get a little jealous…” He then turned to his daughter before he gestured to the room and spoke plainly, “Well Sam, go ahead, enjoy yourself.”

The room seemed to break the tension at those words as people began to talk again and the man sheepishly grinned. He moved off into the party with Seth’s daggers, and the Lavinian Demon knew that man would probably try something stupid. Even then he hadn’t a care in the world, for the man who had seen everything, he certainly didn’t need to keep his eye on a green as grass warrior wearing his belt. It’d turn up later, just like anything else. Moving back to his wife he saw her only hake her head as they moved through the throng, and he gave her a kind smile before he whispered to her, “What? I thought he’d enjoy a little dress up…”

“Leave it to you to be the show stealer…” Liliana muttered before she shook her head. Her eyes still held a genuine mirth as she leaned into Seth, even as he looked about the area. Seth merely kissed the top f her head before he looked about once more, and finally caught sight of his target.

Moving through the crowd with his wife in tow he said softly, “And now the real reason for us to even be here. Sam can try to flirt with the boys a bit while we figure out just how this is going to work with Sei…”

“You know, one of these days when she finds out just how many favors you pulled in for her, she is going to be upset,” Liliana warned.

“I don’t see why, I did it all for her.”

“That’s the point dear husband, she may see it as you being oppressively her parent.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing…” Seth chided before he saw the green garbed elvin hero moving through the area. Finally He managed to get in view of the mute before he spoke up a smile on his face, “Sei, there you are! Sorry we showed up so late to the party!”

[Enigmatic Immortal]

Jensen and Stephanie sat at the large oak tables in the corner of the room, his arms draping over his girlfriend’s shoulders as she leaned into him, the other draped over the back of the chair his daughter Azza sat in as she ate a slice of pumpkin pie and enjoyed the juice the party offered. He had gotten out of the penguin outfit and was dressed in his new stylish vest and long coat ensemble as his homage to the Snake Charmer of his favorite card game. He tilted his fedora hat upwards so he could see the life of the party before running his fingers through Azza’s hair.

Taka and Stephanie did an awkward dance of sorts, the ronin having no clue what he was doing while Ta’gaz and Hotouri were participating in many games and contests with other members of the order for tacky prizes. He even noted that Cassandra was with a flock of girls, all giggling as they pointed to a few men and spoke in excited hush whispers like school girls. Though Jensen could tell she was just acting the part of the wolf in sheep’s clothing.

“Are you getting sleepy, kiddo?” Jensen looked down to his daughter and she looked up, nodding as her hand rubbed her eyes. He smiled and ruffled her hair one last time before looking to Anita. “Alright then, kiddo, I’ll get Anita to take you home.” Azza nodded as she drank her juice. With a yawn and a groan the immortal stood, Stephanie letting her arm trail off his chest before patting him on the stomach twice as he made his way to Taka and the Sei’s daughter.

Without even asking he bumped his hip into Anita, pushing her aside with a loud ‘Wahh!’ sound escaping her lips and he grabbed Taka by the hand and began to spin with him wildly around the dance floor; much to the ronin’s annoyance. He kept up his high pace dance and spun the warrior around in circles, laughing gleefully as he dipped the ronin backwards in front of a table where Aislinn sat with some of her medics. Jensen reached a hand out and plucked a flower from a vase, placing the tender rose between his teeth and picking up Taka twirling him back to the floor.

“Oie!” Jensen grunted to Duffy, who saw the rose and the dancing immortal and caught on quickly tuning the band to pick up a melodic pace befitting two saucy dancers. The lights dimmed and Anita became enraged as she stormed forwards to interrupt Jensen, but it was Stephanie who grabbed her arm and tossed the girl to the center of the floor.

“Anybody else?” She called out to the room. There was a muffled silence, but then a few chair scraped the ground as Duffy and Ruby joined the floor, followed by Tobias and Ta’gaz. Sei and his daughter Kyla quickly joined the floor as well, both with giddy faces. There was a brief moment before Samantha Dahlios hit the floor with a very nervous boy, and Jensen stifled the laugh he was trying not to let out. She was dragging poor Pell, the night guard of the unknown areas in Sei’s tomb. He wasn’t to keen however to note Cassandra joined with the a red head girl that was about a head shorter than she and dressed like an uniformed schoolgirl “Are we all in accord?” Stephanie shouted again. They all looked to each other, then nodded once, save for poor Taka, who looked absolutely uncomfortable. “Rules are simple, one and all, dance until you drop!”

The music picked up a new beat and quickly Jensen swirled Taka under one arm and then tugged him back as he moved in a rapid tango, making sure he kept the ronin’s feet moving. He would be damned if he lost to the filthy elf and the faggot fairy king and the midnight monster. The more he thought about it, the more he realized he didn’t like the idea of losing to anyone of these people. He let out a joyful laugh as they all moved in a flowing circle, the leaders of the dance twirling their partners and making sure each nobody faltered in their steps.

As Taka came back in Jensen felt the tempo change and he ducked low lifting his arm upwards as Adolph Gretzel, his comrade in arms, called for a change. Everyone relinquished control of their partners as the leaders switched to new prospects. Kyla joined with Stephanie, Taka joined with Sei, Jensen was with Ta’gaz, Duffy managed to snag the red head who accompanied Cassandra, and Cassandra found her arms linked with Anita. Samantha and Pell quickly faltered as the larger guard tripped, no small dubious motion from Tobias who grabbed Samantha’s arm and spun her to keep them both in the running. Ruby dashed as fast as she could towards Pell to make a save, but a combined effort of Duffy and Jensen saw her eliminated with Pell, much to everyone’s laughter.

The Tatalum lady merely lifted herself to a regal height, fixed her dress and bowed out as Pell goofily looked to her. She passed him without even giving him a word and the knight shrugged his shoulders as he left the dance floor. Jensen looked up to see Ta’gaz and without even thinking it he let the bigger man dictate his moves as he used his powerful arms to toss Jensen around him. Stephanie and Kyla kept their dance close knit as Sei and Taka had trouble keeping things moving. Cassandra and her mysterious accomplice had no issues with their partners as they danced merrily along, smiling wildly to the world.

“Change Places!” Arden Janelle called next, standing beside Adolph. Ta’gaz lifted Jensen up and powerfully tossed the immortal overhead towards the wall in an attempt to eliminate him. Using his agile skills he slid to his feet and tripped up Sei, using all his force to lock their legs together and spin until they rotated back to their feet and into a flowing pattern. Cassandra quickly tossed Anita to Taka, twirling into Ta’gaz’s arms as Duffy broke off to meet hands with Kyla. Tobias easily found her hands meeting with Stephanie’s stomach as the two did a rather saucy dance, the elf looking to Jensen in a ‘come and do something about it’ manner.

“So light on your feet, Mr. Ambrose,” Sei said. Jensen merely took the roll as leader as he moved swiftly over to Ta’gaz. The red head and Samantha eyed each other and spun towards the other in an attmept to keep their dance going, and Cassandra intended to interrupt as Ta’gaz moved her up and over to stand before Samantha. Not to be deterred however the child of Seth Dahlios merely moved between them without touching the other, finding her hand touching the red head’s as she twirled her into a dance routine. Taka managed to find some form of dancing legs as he moved with Anita, letting the girl lead him in a proper dance, but soon Adolph grinned.

“One more!” Sei and Jensen turned abruptly, Jensen taking Kyla’s hand as the mute took his daughter Anita‘s. Ta’gaz had once again attempted foul play but Cassandra darted to the side as his hands moved for her, grabbing Duffy by the waist much to his surprise. The Tantalum Troupe Leader didn’t give the man a chance to toss him as he locked legs and then spun so they were facing each other. The red head and Samantha turned, Samantha holding Stephanie’s hand as Tobias held the red head’s. Cassandra made a line to grab a hold of Taka but the ronin flinched away. Cassandra quickly turned to Ta’gaz and Duffy, joined hands with the legendary fighter and carefully and cunningly orchestrated both men around her body. Taka looked to find he had no partner, and with a sigh of relief retreated from the dance floor to Hotorui.

Jensen and Kyla laughed as they danced, moving as slaves to the beat as it picked up again, a more obnoxious, heavier beat with a heavy tone on the drums. Both felt right at home as they danced, rubbing their backs against each other as Jensen moved. Anita and Sei made a move towards the trio of dancers and Samantha had no troubles moving around Stephanie. The red head and Tobias continued their saucy dance, moving towards the immortal and Kyla. When the tempo dropped back into a simple dance routine Arden called for the change.

“Change again!” Duffy and Cassandra twirled away from Ta’gaz, Tobias moving in on the immortal. Anita relinquished her control of Sei to Cassandra as she took Ta’gaz for herself. The red head and Samantha once again made a move to reach other as Stephanie darted forwards, scooping up Samantha and twirling her away from the Dahlios prodigy. Duffy barged forward to make a save for the red head, but his attempts were thwarted as Kyla grabbed Duffy, the nearest dancer, and left the red head in the cold. With a huff and a pout she crossed her arms and turned her head to walk away.

Jensen and Tobias were fiends as they danced, both trying to cut the other off and trip the other in their insane dance. They rubbed against each other, a feral grin on both faces as they did whatever it took to break the others concentration. Stephanie and Samantha carried each other away as Ta’gaz moved Anita around in a dainty way. Sei and Cassandra kept their dance to a very formal one, both moving as graceful ballroom artists. The tempo changed once again.

“Up and at em! Move it again!” Adolph called out. Jensen and Tobias broke off each other, snaking their bodies around their new partners. Tobias found herself in Cassandra’s embrace, and Jensen was in the loving arms of his soul mate, Stephanie. Ta’gaz lifted Anita up and spun, her feet fanning the top of everyone’s head. She grew concerned for her short dress suddenly and moved to cover herself but the act left her no time as Kyla moved on the legendary warrior. Duffy and Sei made to break for each other, but they all closed ranks as they danced around Sei, blocking him from Duffy’s attempts.

The leader of the Tantalum attempted to break in on Stephanie and Jensen, but the immortal twirled his lover so her feet hit the man’s shins, doubling him over. With a curse he rolled to the side. Kyla made room for Sei, allowing him to dance with her and Ta’gaz as they all continued their three way production. Duffy indignantly rose, lifted a thump to his nose and jerked it at the immortal, who let Stephanie twirl his body so he was a scant few inches from Duffy’s face.

“S’rry ‘ol Chap!” The knight teased bringing one finger up and tapping Duffy on the nose. Duffy gave him a vengeful grin, but tossed him off calling him a sod as he made way to Ruby. With his love in his hands he moved her around the floor, making her body his personal hula hoop as he kept her off her feet. She laughed with him, and when he lifted her up before his body she leaned in and kissed his forehead.

“Change places!” Ruby called out. Jensen dropped Stephanie in a heart beat, unceremoniously on the floor, and turned to Samantha as he let out a riotous laugh. She huffed, gaped her mouth, and blew steam. She shook her head, rose to her feet, and swore revenge as she made her way to Duffy and Ruby.

Ta’gaz and Sei moved forwards as Cassandra claimed the Mute once again. Tobias and the Legendary warrior made to dance again, but in a fast artful dodge, Tobias twirled herself, kept her foot planted, and hip bumped Ta’gaz so he lost his balance for a fraction of a second as the elf’s hands grasped Jensen’s torso and joined Samantha and the immortal. Ta’gaz righted himself, made a quick dart to dance in with Cassandra and Sei, but they closed ranks and shut him out. With a snap of his fingers he turned and walked away from the floor.

Jensen and the elf moved with Samantha as they continued to try and off the other, the girl getting trapped between them but not at a loss. She moved just as expertly as they did, her movements precise and careful. The immortal looked to her, then to Tobias and they both nodded. With a half turn they lifted one arm under the girl’s armpit and lifted her up in the. They turned and tossed her towards her family where she bounced into the edge of the table, turned and looked to them as they both waved a whimsical goodbye, and continued to go at it. She sighed, propped herself on the edge of the table so her feet dangled, and watched the rest of the dance competition.

“Change it up!” Cassandra and Sei broke off as Kyla made a line for Tobias, but the immortal was there first, gripping her hand and pulling last second so she blocked access to Sei. Tobias turned and let out a grunt as she flipped over the two dancers, her hands landing outwards as Sei quickly grabbed her, taking her away. Cassandra looked to intervene and make herself into Jensen’s circle, but he took Kyla in one arm so she had her back to his chest, and both lifted a finger up and wagged it to her to close her off from them. Cassandra let out a cruel chuckle and a sly grin lifting her hands and clapping for them as they moved as one away from her. She bowed to Sei and Tobias and excused herself as she made her way to her red headed friend.

The beat became even faster and Ruby and Duffy stood forwards as one, both talking at the same time. “Change it up now!” Jensen took Kyla by the hand, twirled her away, and she let herself go as she moved, trusting the immortal’s actions completely. In her hand was the rose he picked earlier, and a sorrowful grin on his face as she realized he twirled her into the seats, away from the dance. Sei and Jensen moved around Tobias, letting the elf direct traffic. Jensen and Tobias once again nodded, but it was Sei was quickly moving to avoid their double team. He darted past both, pushed them playfully on their backs causing them to roll to their feet. But in doing so they came up and did a fast paced waltz. Sei looked to himself, and the around him. He was alone. The audience laughed as Jensen and Tobias continued to dance, the mute moving away waving to the crowd like a champion.

“Hey Sei!” Tobias said quickly. She pointed to Jensen, and the immortal twirled himself and gripped Tobias by the hand tightly so she couldn’t let him go.

“You may by the coolest fairy in the world, but you’ll always be a faggot to me!” He lifted up his middle finger, laughing hysterically as Tobias dragged him in. Sei looked to the immortal, and he smiled as he watched him and Tobias go at it. The dance they did was at this point vulgar, both doing anything to break the other. Jensen let his hands run down the elf, and she easily grinded herself back into him. As they moved they tried to trip the other, effectively accomplishing nothing as when one went down they turned the fall into a trip, using the falling momentum to right themselves and try to trip the other.

Jensen and Tobias twirled in circles with their feet locked, both trying to dump off the other. The music hit a crashing crescendo as they moved, and when Jensen broke the lock he came up in a violent flash kick. Had Tobias not been gifted with her skill in agility, she wouldn’t have foreseen the attack, but she had and merrily giggled as she bent backwards. She rolled sideways to her knees and jumped upwards, and dressed like Jensen Ambrose the whole world knew exactly what she was doing.

“SHORYUKEN!” She bellowed, her fist slamming into his jaw. His tongue was slammed between his teeth and his eyes rolled in the back of his head. He arched his back as he flew upwards a foot or so in the air, before he landed in a heap on the ground. When she landed she did so in a pretty bow, just like the immortal had done and lifted herself up grabbing a coin purse.

“Here’s twenty gold you filthy leaf licker!” She teased. “Go clean yourself up and learn some dance moves!” The audience cheered as Tobias breathed heavily, looking down upon the immortal. He looked up to her and saw that trademark Jensen image in her, and he let out a laugh as he rose his hand. Tobias took his hand and lifted him up to her level where they shook hands.

The immortal pocketed the gold and moved towards Stephanie, who was balling in tears as she laughed, pointing to him and making fun of him as she mimicked the moments where his face looked silly. Jensen gripped her in his arms and held her tightly, kissing her with his bloody mouth as they embraced.

“I made twenty gold!” Jensen said cheerfully. He patted his vest. “Correction,” He turned a baleful eye to Tobias as she lifted her toy gunblade and made a show. “The klepto gave me back my twenty gold!”

“Oh those dirty tree fuckers,” Stephanie teased.

[Silence Sei]

As Seth had approached the mute, Jensen's impromptu dance party seemed to kick in to high gear. Not normally a dancer himself, Sei had tried his best to stay in with the rest of the group. He actually had done a pretty good job not being eliminated until the last few competitors were on the floor. Seeing himself get eliminated was not a big surprise to the Mystic. One could not win them all, after all.

As the festivities kicked up again, and Tobias prided herself on winning the competition, Sei located Seth once again. The mute did not have to read the man's mind to know what he wanted to discuss. Sei had prepared for his questions before he had even left the caverns of his Tomb the first time. Smiling, Sei gestured that they should take a seat at a table, and quickly did so.

"I imagine your first question would be why Cassandra would accept you on the team." Sei said, motioning for somebody to bring him a punch, unspiked if they had it. "The answer is simple; She doesn't have a choice. I'm pulling rank and telling her you’re on the team, to do any missions you wish to pick up unless I say otherwise. As far as any questions about your daughter, she will be in good company. My daughters, Kyla and Anita, will make sure they do whatever they can to make her feel at home."

Sei's drink arrived by the time he had finished the explanation. Pulling the pink umbrella out, Sei removed his green cap and set it upon the table. He wiped the sweat from his brow as he leaned into the straw and took a sip. The mute was not dumb enough to not look at the straw directly when drinking, because otherwise, the luxury item would make him look like a fool.

"Your entire family is welcomed to stay here, if you so like. We have enough rooms to house a whole nation all our own. That's completely up to you, however. It is good that I have your word to stay out of my affair with Striker. Now I must ask, will you join me in the oncoming war?" Sei was sure Seth had heard tell of what Sei had been planning. Every nation was planning on declaring war against Corone, and the whole reason behind amassing such a huge force was to try and stop the catastrophe before it could grow to apocalyptic proportions.

Sei eyed the room, making sure Cassandra Remi or her Dark Companion was not sneaking around, trying to pry in on their conversation.

[Dissinger]

The dance competition kicked into full beat as Liliana looked to Seth, who was carefully watching his little girl. She sighed whimsically as she leaned into him, feeling his arm instinctively wrap about her waist. They watched their daughter deal with the underhanded tactics of the other dancers, even as they fought as dirty as possible to oust the littlest Dahlios at the party. Still she seemed to be having fun, as she kept up, and realizing the more nefarious nature of her fellow competitors took to avoiding their game fairly well. That was until Tobias and Jensen Ambrose had double teamed to poor girl and deposited her right next to her parents.

When she sat on the table in a huff Seth could feel her wounded pride and smirked. He knew better than to say anything of the like of her placing in the nefarious game. Instead he asked the obvious question, “Have fun kiddo?”

She turned to look at him her face flush either from embarrassment or exertion as she nodded softly, “Yeah, we don’t do stuff like that in Berevar or Lavinya.”

Liliana took the opportunity to pounce at her husband’s expense, “If it helps darling, you’re a far more talented dancer than your Father. The man may be able to fight with an efficiency I would have given only a demon; he has two left feet when it comes to the dance floor.”

“I would like to go on the record as saying I dance well enough,” Seth countered. Samantha giggled at the obvious retort for his wounded pride before she slipped off the table and went back into the crowd, possibly to find the man she had joined with at the beginning of the amazing farce. Seth could tell she had already forgotten the lost event and breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at Liliana he gave her a peck on the cheek before he said firmly, “That was a low blow there darling…”

“I didn’t see you drag me onto the dance floor,” Liliana said smirking. Before any further argument could come from the Lavinian however, Sei was promptly ejected and found the waiting at the table. Ordering from one of his subordinates, Seth waited courteously before Liliana frowned and Looked at Seth, “What is he talking about darling?”

“I have unfinished business with one of his subordinates, and I can’t let it go,” Seth said cutting off the obvious question. He didn’t even bother looking at her, but could already feel her shift subtly, the irritation at the secrets growing in her. He looked at Sei before he spoke, “That’s fair enough. I’m not sure if I should help you for your little war, but, I doubt I could stay out if I wanted. If everything is getting drawn into this conflict, that means that undoubtedly I’m being hunted down, better to throw my lot into the good guys, than get conscripted into the bad I guess…”

He looked about the area, his eyes darting from one warrior to the next. While the samurai had been drawn into the competition, Seth could recognize what he was seeing well enough. The ronin had been trying his damndest to compete, despite misgivings, and yet Seth knew the truth, they were alike, rotten to the core. He had eyed a few others much like him, Cassandra in particular. His closed his eyes and leaned back before he opened them, looking up at the Ceiling, “I will say one thing however Orlouge, you got a lot of monsters under your roof. You can’t tame them, and you sure as hell shouldn’t keep them. Had a friend named Thomas, tried to keep a wolf as a pet…”

I think I see where this is going Seth, and I assure you, they are all like you… Sei replied in turn.

“He woke up one morning, and the wolf was trying to fight for dominance, damn near tore his forearm apart. It was in doubt if the man could fire his bow ever again. My point is this Sei, yes, they’re exactly like me, which means they made the conscious decision that killing was okay. They may have chosen their paths, but that choice was made willingly, and not a single one of us regrets it. You took people who accepted that they are killers, and you brought them into your home. You can try all you want, but you cannot change who they are. They will invariably corrupt everything about them, until all is as thoroughly evil and tainted as they are. We don’t play by your rules Orlouge, we pretend we do, then do whatever the hell we want.”

A cautionary tale to be sure-

“I’ll figure out living arrangements. I already know my wife isn’t going to be keen on living in a cave anymore than she was keen on living in a sewer. After we get back from Lavinya, Sam can choose where she wants to live, not our place to tell her what to do anymore. She may not even stick around; though I have a feeling she’s starting to want to,” Seth replied before he closed his eyes. Liliana looked to him and then to sei and back again before she spoke, softly;

“I’m sorry for how rude he gets. It must be bed time, because he certainly isn’t this rude normally.”

[Revenant]

William was not one for parties, dances, or anything other social gathering. Even as a human he had lived a relatively solitary life in the woods with only his father when he was young and his wife when he got older. He hadn’t been completely anti-social in those days, but that was before he had been soul bound with a demonic essence. Sei had made great leaps in cultivating the humanity within William, and had done much to help the Revenant control the destructive, bloody urges which reverberated in his molten core, but he hadn’t done much to make William a more open, outgoing person.

“And how shall I announce you, Lord Arcus,” the party’s doorman inquired as the Ixian Captain made his way into the gathering. It was well past time when even the fashionably late partygoers had arrived, but William, with his lumpy and bloodstained sack, wasn’t here for the party.

“Announce me?” William frowned, watching the doorman flinch beneath the burning coals that were his eyes.

“Th … this is a costume party Lord Arcus.” The doorman gestured to the gaily dressed crowd prancing about on the dance floor. “I’m supposed to announce everyone’s entrance and what costume they are wearing.”

William looked down at the stained, rough travelling clothes that he always wore and then back at the doorman. “I’m not in a costume.”

“Everyone needs to be dressed up as someone else to be allowed into the party,” the doorman whimpered. William eyed the man coldly but, much to his credit, the doorman refused to back down. “It’s the rules. If you’re not in costume you can’t enter, I’m sorry.”

Sighing in frustration William closed his eyes and let his power flow through him. His body swelled and his flesh blackened and cracked as the demonic essence poured into him. He fleshed his free hand, hearing the blackened bone claws of his gauntleted arm click. The transformation took only a few seconds, but when it was done William had completely changed.

Tremendously annoyed, William pushed past the doorman, not waiting for a formal announcement. Though the dance floor and surrounding area were packed with partygoers, the intense aura of heat that William exuded quickly cleared a path between the Revenant and Sei. Making his way to his leader as quickly as the parting crowd allowed, William tossed his sodden sack on the table. No sooner had the sack hit the table than a trio of bloody, mangled heads rolled out, oozing a trail of mucous and gore.

“The Cerberus-beast is dead,” William said, referring to his last assignment. “Though if you’d waited for more information on it rather than just sending us in all flashy heroic-like then maybe we’d have had a better idea what we were facing and both Jerrick and Sergei wouldn’t have to be rushed to Aislinn's clinic." William grabbed a nearby chair and dragged it over, ignoring the protests of the people at the table who were saving it for their friend. "They'll make it, by the way. Everyone else came back more or less battered, and as it was I nearly lost an arm to the creature myself.” William held up his left claw, flexed it, and then shrugged. “It grew back.”

As he settled back in his stolen chair a quizzical look came over William’s face, as if seeing the middle-aged couple keeping attendance with Sei for the first time. “Aren’t you supposed to be Seth Dahlios?” he asked, taking a good measure of the Lavinian thief. “Your sterling reputation made me think that you'd have more knives or something. From one so-called demonc to another, you look like a pretty easy mark.”

William settled back in his chair, lazily kicking one of the cerberus heads off the table to land wetly on the dance floor as he propped he clawed feet on the table. "I bet I could take you."

[Dissinger]

“I got more than enough knives for you,” Seth returned smarmily. Liliana tensed feeling the two predators size each other up. If Seth was afraid of the Revenant’s demonic appearance, he didn’t show it. After all he had tangled with Dragons, and the Heralds of the Gods themselves. Some punk that happens to look a little demonic didn’t seem to faze him in the least. Looking upon the Revenant he turned and gave a pointed look to Sei as if to say Told you so. He then looked upon Revenant one last time before he said, “Well, it’s getting late, and this thief has to get to bed. I think we made all the arrangements we need. M’lady?”

Liliana could tell he was putting on a show for more than just Sei. Seth extended his hand to his wife who took it gracefully and rose. The two looked upon the occupants of the table, the head of the beast in the bloody bag seeming to fit in with the rather macabre fittings, if a bit too authentic. She nodded softly to Seth accepting that they would go, and they made their way through the throng. Seth looked upon his daughter and stopped her only a moment to speak, “When the party’s over, come back to the room. You got the key right?” Samantha looked startled by the trust her father was showing in her and nodded quickly holding up the piece of metal. Seth smiled before tussling her hair and said softly, “Take care now, don’t break too many hearts. Don’t do anything your mother wouldn’t do.”

Liliana slapped him on the shoulder even as his daughter pouted, “You know that severely limits my options, right?”

“Well I can’t say anything I wouldn’t do, there’s very little I haven’t done,” Seth retorted. Liliana merely pushed her father along before giving her daughter a kiss on the forehead. She said a quick goodbye with the motherly stay out of trouble before Seth directed them through the crowd to the last person he needed to say goodbye to. There she stood in a costume so provocative that had Seth noth known her and been married, he might have tried to pick up. Instead he leaned in close, almost disturbingly as he said firmly, “See you around General. I’ll be back in two months to start work, don’t wait up for me. I’m sure you got a lot of reading to do…”

He then reached out and patted Cassandra on the cheek before he moved through the crowd. Liliana looked upon him for a moment before she spoke, her tone stern, and unforgiving, “What was that about Seth? You don’t usually harass people unless they did something to you. Now that man that threw the heads on the table, I can understand, he wounded your pride, what was the woman about?”

“It’s a long story, and I suppose you’d have gotten it out of me eventually. Let’s at least get back to the room before I explain everything, from the beginning…”

“What do you mean the beginning?”

They stopped in the cave before Seth looked up; almost pleading to the gods he had given the finger more often than not, for strength. He then leveled his gaze with hers, the stormy grey eyes she had grown to love locked with the caring brown orbs that had come to define his world. He then Sighed softly before he began, “This isn’t the only war I signed us up for. I…was claimed before you found me. I did a lot of stuff I’m not proud of, and further, have tried to forget. However, that woman was linked to some of it, and it hurt me in a way that few people could appreciate. That’s all I’ll explain here, like I said, I’ll start from the beginning, and from there, you can ask questions while we determine how we’re going to fix some of those acts I guess, because you’re going to want me to. Of that I’m almost certain.”

Liliana sighed before she rubbed her temples, to relieve the strain. She then looked up into his eyes and said firmly, “We’ll talk about this later, for now lets get back to our room.”

“No argument out of me.”

Closing posts gentlemen!

[Silence Sei]

Sei sat in his seat throughout the sudden turn of events. Just as he had finished telling Seth Dahlios that there were shreds of humanity in all of his soldiers, William Arcus HAD to come strolling up and destroy the mute's point. Sei waved off the holier than thou sneer Seth Dahlios gave him, and watched the man attempt to agitate even more of his soldiers into brawls.

It was just like old times at Facade Incorporated.

Other than these events, the party was going swimmingly. Everybody was still having fun with one another, and it seemed as though Tobias, still pretending to be Jensen, was off telling people blatant lies about his/her/its profession.

"Yeah, I'm not only a doctor, a lawyer, and a man of the sword, but I'm Letho Ravenheart's brother, and on the run from the law of those dirty leaf lickers!" Tobias proclaimed proudly to a group of men. Soon, the elven woman had her ear being pulled by Sei, who was merely sighing at the level of intoxication the girl had reached. He never even noticed Seth leaving the Tomb.

As Sei's eyes scanned the area for Anita (and by proxy, her holy water), he began to notice something. Cassandra Remi, Jensen Ambrose, Taka, and William Arcus. They were all beings people had given up on, and perhaps Seth was right about Sei. Maybe one day, they would indeed turn on him and be his end, but from what he saw now, that would wait a long time.

He saw Arcus, looking towards the exit with a sadistic grin. Sure, the Revenant loved the heat of battle, but as it had proven through his duels with Jensen, it brought the man closer to friendly rivalries the more he did it. He slay the monsters Sei told him to slay, and did so with extreme proficiency. Such things would keep his inner demon sated for years to com.

He noticed Jensen, his arm around a drunken Stephanie's shoulders. Sure, most people saw the immortal as a total jerk, but Sei had seen him for what he truly had been; somebody who was lonely. The Mystic could relate to the man who could not die at least on some level, and now here he was with his own family, something worth fighting for. Sei had given him what he had needed all along.

The telepath caught glimpse of Taka, the tainted samurai, with his daughter Anita. They were awkwardly slow dancing with one another, careful to try and respect Taka's touching issues, but at the same time trying to allow Anita some emotional connection with the man. Sei was not the one who had discovered Taka, it had been Anita. In her finding and hiring the ronin, she had been teaching him that he wasn't quite the monster everyone made him out to be. Of all the 'demons' in the room, Sei just couldn't see it in Taka.

Finally, he rested his sights upon Cassandra Remi. Everybody told Sei that she was pure evil, no good down to the core. Yet, she was found when she had rescued Anita from almost being hurt, or possibly even worse. Furthermore, the Gisela Reaper also seemed to be developing a kind of bond with the Daughter of the Dragon, as Sei noticed when Cassandra shifted her eyes to the dancing couple, and then back to the group she was chatting with.

Sei smiled as he thought of how wrong Seth Dahlios was about his people. They just needed a proper hand to guide him. Of course, Sei was so lost in his thoughts; he had not noticed Tobias retching over his feet until just now, when the disgusting goo slipped inside his boot. Sei looked to the green haired elf and sighed.

The only demon here tonight is the one that comes from a bottle. Sei thought quietly to himself as he shuffled Tobias to the crowd towards Anita.


((I'm outie.

No spoils requested))

[Enigmatic Immortal]

Jensen watched the scene unfold with William’s display of power. He had always wanted to see William get beat up. There was a good chance right there. But Seth merely chuckled and shuffled his wife out as Sei moved towards Tobias. He looked to his drunken love, and she smiled nodding her head to the music. He kissed her on the top of her head, lifting himself up and, with somewhat slippery feet, managed to get to Sei in time to hook arms with Tobias.

“You can’t have her!” Jensen shouted to Sei, flipping the man off. Tobias giggled in a drunken fashion as he pulled her towards his partner. Stephanie smiled to see Tobias, scooting her chair over. By scooting her chair over, she actually almost collapsed instead of moving the wooden seating apparatus. Jensen helped his love out and Tobias stole his seat next to Stephanie making the immortal smirk in anger.

“So…I gotta hand it…‘ta me,” Tobias slurred lifting one hand up to Stephanie’s hair and stroking. “I bagged a hottie, I did. Letho would be sooo jealous. He’s my brother ya know!” Tobias looked to Jensen with pleading eyes and the immortal nodded.

“And I found, a pretty hot guy,” Stephanie joked, with a hiccup, and a slight grin as she leaned into Tobias. Though by lean it was more like face plant into her crotch. Tobias lifted an eyebrow to Stephanie, then looked to Jensen stupidly.

“Still think I’m a faggot elf?” She teased, placing her hand on top of Stephanie’s head.

“You do have a fairy in your lap,” Jensen countered sipping more booze. The elf shrugged, lacing her fingers through Stephanie’s hair as Jensen continued to sip his booze, glancing at the two of them with rosy cheeks.

“What’s on your mind, cock sucker?” Tobias asked sipping more ale with a wink.

“If you were me,” Jensen said with a sly smile. “And you had a hot chick in your lap, probably as we are speaking trying to undo your pants,” Tobias looked to Stephanie, and grinned wide.

“Then I’d probably want to take her home with me…” Tobias finished the thought. She looked around the room, saw Sei giving her a shake of dissaproval. Saw how Cassandra eyed Anita from across the room, and noticed Ta’gaz was dancing with Seth’s little red head. The party was a huge success, and when she looked back to Jensen she chugged the last of her ale. “Come on, cock sucker, let’s go.” Tobias said plainly.

Jensen’s eyes went wide.

“You mean?”

“Yup, let’s do this!” Tobias grinned picking up Stephanie as her fingers clawed at Tobias’ pants.

“I want my prize!” Stephanie mumbled. Very drunk, she was. Jensen clapped his hands in triumph as he moved up behind Tobias and helped her escort Stephanie towards the hallway where Jensen’s home was. Stephanie looked up to her love and smiled.

“Are we sleeping with the bush humper?” Stephanie mused, a goofy smile on her face. Tobias shushed her with a gentle pat making Stephanie blush and grin. When they entered the doorway they were careful not to awaken Azza as they tiptoed into the bedroom, but Jensen wasn’t totally off the hook as he spotted Azza tiredly rubbing her eyes. He looked back and noticed the trio were not as silent as he was hoping. Overturned chairs, a few broken picture frames. Discrete, they were not.

“What’s wrong with mommy?” She asked sleepily.

“Mommy had a lot to drink, so Tobias is gonna stay the night to help her out.” Jensen said honestly. Azza smiled, waved to Tobias, and turned to her room, shutting the door. Jensen rubbed his hands greedily over the other as he charged into his room, stripping off his jacket and shirt. When he looked to his bed he smiled, unable to believe his luck. Tobias and Stephanie, at the same time. Legends were made of this very thing! He grew excited just thinking of all the naughty things they would be doing.

He turned to the closet, kicking his boots in as he heard the shuffling of the bed sheets, Tobias and Stephanie giggling. Jensen couldn’t contain himself any longer as he began to unfasten his pants. Turning around he saw the elf lying next to Stephanie, his loves face neatly resting on the green haired woman’s chest. Tobias cradled her lovingly, but something was way off about the look.

“Ah man, come on!” Jensen whispered as listened carefully. The silent breaths of both woman came out in a soft wind, and Jensen knew fully well the tale tell signs of sleep. Both woman passed out. Jensen looked to them, sighed again, and took off his pants getting into his sweats before crawling into bed. He pushed both woman apart, sleeping in the middle, determined to have SOME fun when the two awoke.

Neatly both moved as one, Tobias nuzzling his arm as Stephanie crawled onto his chest, kissing his cheek as they all slept peacefully. Jensen thought about his times in the Ixian caves, and just what the arrival of Seth Dahlios meant before his eyes grew hazy and he slumbered.

Should have asked Kyla… Jensen thought.

Never going to happen…ever. Sei thought back.

(Outro)

[Breaker]

Music: Old World Underground, Where Are You Now by Metric
Mood: Content

I'm not going to use great detail, simply because of how many of you there are to provide commentary for. Please feel free to contact me via PM or AIM for clarification on criticisms or further commentary, as I have fairly extensive notes on most of this thread.

I've written some general commentary in each category after the score, and then gone into specifics on an individual basis after. For Orphans and Revenant I put a paragraph each at the top, since they didn't have as much of an influence over the story or the score.

Notice: During my last stint as a judge I was considered one of the harsher critics on Althanas, and I believe that still holds true. Please understand that everything that follows is meant to help improve writing quality.

Orphans - please specifically read the comments in clarity and mechanics sections, as they apply to you as well. Overall I enjoyed your post but felt you missed an opportunity to represent the unique perspective of a child. Since Azza doesn't engage other characters as often as an adult might, you could have really helped to describe the setting and give the festivities a magical feel. Another thing to consider would be how the children feel about the way their guardians behave when they... party.

Revenant - You might get something out of my comments in story and continuity, and you're not immune to the wrath of mechanics or clarity either. But overall your post was a highlight of the thread. Mostly I wanted more from you. A specific example is the doorman. He was a talking head which served a purpose then disappeared. His reaction to William and the transformation would have aided greatly in establishing your character. A general example is storyline. You generalised, made references which didn't necessarily interrupt the flow of the thread but also told me nothing about William's backstory.

Story ~ 6/10
This story was about the characters more than anything else, and how they bounce off of each other. While some elements of a storyline were present, it lacked any real hook/rising action, and while certain parts could be termed "climax" I would challenge your definition of the word. It seemed odd that so many important members of IK just happened to be in the tomb with nothing better to do than notice Seth Dahlios. Dare I say convenient? The idea of it being a holiday could have functioned as an explanation but if it was there, I missed it. I initially scored this lower but then realized I was letting other categories bleed through and amended my decision.

Diss - You drove the story with your character. Seth catalysed many of the interesting events. You handled his storyline well but as with everyone else, a few more details would have helped.

Sei - Your posts kept the story rolling and showed an effort to add structure. One of the main storyline elements of this thread (from a reader’s perspective) was looking forward to your posts.

EI - You represented your characters’ unique backstories well, but failed to develop them further. Considering the amount of hatred between Cass and Jensen I anticipated something explosive between them and was disappointed.

Continuity ~ 3/10
I felt the violations to Althanas continuity which occurred in this thread were the only monumental thing about it. There weren't many references to Canon I recognised, mostly to your own stories, which would be fine if you'd provide enough information for it to be meaningful.

Diss - You handled this category well for the most part but there were several instances where I failed to understand all the references you were making. Best example I found of this was your last paragraph in post #5. Some of the references you made there I did not understand till later on, and others I never fully understood. In this example the problem was compounded by a string of syntax and grammar errors. I believe you were attempting to use foreshadowing here, but the sudden unexplained references to your character’s history threw me off.

Sei - I’m going to wait till “Creativity” to get in to Allusions, but the Soup Nazi thing hurt your contribution here, and the thread overall. I feel like you should know better than to use the proper name of a character which is trademarked by NBC. I should mention though that the majority of your writing is what kept this score from falling even lower.

EI - You are not the only one who fell prey to this, but I noticed it most in your writing. Modern earth slang such as “flipping them off” or “epic proportions,” or even Sei’s “holier than thou” not only take the reader out of the context of the thread, they’re also lazy. You have the capacity to think of more original things for your characters to say, things which are based on their unique background and not the silly turns of phrase you have known since you were a child. And your constant references to Super Smash Bros hurt this thread more than anything else. Citing a link at the bottom of the post changes nothing - if I see a ripoff like that again expect much more severe penalties.

Setting ~ 5/10
Since you're all experienced writers and nothing about the setting popped out or lingered in my memory, an average score seems most appropriate here.

Diss - You kept the setting present, but missed most opportunities to make it your own or bring it to life. I’d like to see you approach more of Seth’s setting interaction the way you did the bowl of soup in post 1. That post also failed to properly situate the reader though, so keep that in mind when you’re balancing intrigue with info.

Sei - You handled the setting adeptly and fluently, as I would expect from a thread in your HQ. Diss’ comments apply to you as well though. There were places you could have impressed me, but you chose not to.

EI - I believe you kept the setting in mind more than anyone else, but your choice of words and devices fails at times to build a mental image. I’ll grab one quick example to show you what I mean.


Jensen carried his little girl in the grip of her fingers, her face looking as if recently frightened. The immortal was clothed only in his sweatpants, his chest bare to the whole world as he looked rather irritated.What does carrying the girl by the grip of her fingers look like? I honestly have no idea, maybe that’s a colloquialism where you live but I’m not familiar with it. What does a face that’s been recently frightened look like? Lip quivering? Wet eyes? What about sweatpants? Presumably they aren’t MIC from a synthetic cotton-poly blend. The last sentence is phrased very awkwardly (you jump from describing his chest to his mood without so much as a segue) and once again, "looking irritated" does not build a mental image. Use verbs to describe these things rather than empty adjectives and you’ll breathe life into the setting.

Creativity ~ 3/10
The fact that most of the "creative" parts of this were based on a videogame I also play made it seem absolutely careless. The literary device I believe you are chasing is called allusion. The only proper example of allusion in this thread (that I caught - it's possible something flew over my head) was Sei's portrayal of his "Rink" costume. When I first realised it was going to be about an autumn-themed party I hoped for some insight from a few of Althanas' top writers into the harvest time customs of Coronian peoples. What occurred was a disappointment

Diss - You had some strong creative moments, impressive use of literary devices, and you kept things fresh in spite of everything I said in all my other comments. But there’s plenty of room for improvement. You’re at the stage where it may be difficult to get better without paying careful attention to what you write. As usual, I’ll pull one example.


He looked between the two for the longest time, even as his hand casually twitched, longing for a knife to be in it. This is a fairly standard but solid example of personification. But the presence of a literary device is not the only thing about it that matters. The way you sew your metaphors into the story is equally as important. The first sentence is a little awkward, and would have built tension better as one smoother sentence or two separate ones. In most instances when you’re describing a verb with an adjective the verb should go first (twitched casually, not casually twitched). The biggest thing you could have done to improve this line though, is just remove the last three words. Humour me and read the above quoted sentence out loud, then read this one:

“He looked between them for the longest time as his hand twitched casually, longing for a knife.”

All I did was remove unnecessary words, and suddenly the metaphor is clearer and grabs your attention. Indeed, saying that his hand longed for a knife “to be in it” could be misconstrued.

Sei - As I mentioned before, your “Rink” costume was the only properly executed Allusion I spotted. The song was a bit much, but I’m not sure if it was a parody or what because I’m not that familiar with LoZ series. You created intrigue around the costume, then slowly built it until I figured out who you were alluding to. The fact that you called the character “Rink” seemed like unnecessarily blunt, but still within the confines of a proper allusion. On the other hand, I don’t feel you handled TSN properly, and if you think you did then we should dispute this in the mod forum so we have some hard and fast rules about it. A proper way of alluding to the soup nazi would have been to create an original cook-character who shared some of TSN’s mannerisms or said things which are similar to what he says. Even without getting into copyright violation this would be a subtler, more entertaining method of allusion.

EI - Many of your posts seemed like you were just speed-writing the first thing that came to mind. I don’t recall any special creative flair from you, although that could be because you chose to copy ideas blatantly rather than create your own. But pay attention to what I said to Diss as well, and here’s an example of your very own to help you improve.


Her companion went ahead, observing the distortion with curiosity akin to a kitten’s, peaking into the room through the wood and observing the feeling she got. When he reported back her mind began to race. What ruined this simile most was the lack of a clear visual. The purpose of likening something to an animal is to build a three dimensional image in the reader’s head. But since you used generic language like “went ahead”, “observing the feeling she got” and “her mind began to race” I could not see this scene, I could only understand what was happening in it. You also dragged attention away from the simile by framing it on either side with the word “observing”. Not only is that generic language and tells me nothing special, it breaks suspended disbelief to have a word like that repeated.

Character ~ 6/10
The portrayal of PCs and NPCs alike was mostly consistent if not overly impressive. I got the sense you felt comfortable with your characters, enough to settle for a few nice touches rather than consistent immersion.

Diss - Your character work is very good. What stops it from being excellent is consistency, and also the same kind of thick writing I pointed out in creativity. Best example of this which I took note of is post #5 line 2, “He could honestly see Sei spending...” That’s both modern and conversational, and it gets in the way of the character you worked hard to establish. Rather than say that Seth “could honestly” see something, find a way to have him react to it, or make it internal dialogue.

Sei - Your character and NPC work was the glue which held this thread together. You can go further, but I feel like it’s more a matter of effort. I’m having trouble putting it into words right now but I’d be more than willing to chat about character work sometime.

EI - As I think I mentioned before, your characters were well represented and described. Please read Dissinger’s comments as again, they also apply to you. Also I recommend being more careful when you choose words to describe a character. For example, when you described Cass as “sauntering” it did not correspond with previous descriptions of her and her actions, and degraded the character respectively.

Interaction ~ 6.5/10
Due to the subject matter this story was often concentrated interaction. While Sei and Seth had some nice moments and (like character) it was mostly consistent, a lack of real flair or originality coupled with several instances of poor interaction brought this score down. You could all use a reminder to watch your dialogue forms, too. Every time a new person speaks, new paragraph - no reason for exceptions to this rule. All caps is never an effective way of writing dialogue unless the character is a child throwing a tantrum, and even then it’s not the most effective way. Use strong verbs to describe interaction between characters and the world and your posts will read so much sweeter.

Strategy ~ 5.5/10
While there was certainly "action" in this thread it rarely served to draw me further in to the story. The long, list-like descriptions of costumes and dance partners hurt this score, whereas individual efforts brought it up. General advice to you all: show, don’t tell.

Diss - I felt you left a lot unexplored with the Greenleaf character. While the moments surrounding her were all clever and nifty, they could have taught me more about the characters. You also created several “red herrings” in the plot, elements which were not relevant in the end. This is really only effective when implemented in thrillers or mysteries. In a story like this, characters should be introduced if they’re going to assist with the plot and stay in the background, making occasional cameos if that is the purpose they serve.

Sei - I think you’re one of the best interaction writers on the site. Your characters all interact fluidly both verbally and non-verbally. You need to watch some of your longer bits of dialogue though - at times you lose the feel of Sei’s character when you’re cramming so much information into a single paragraph. I’d recommend exploring methods other than dialogue for advancing the plot, so you can leave more room for advanced character work in the interaction.

EI - Some of your work with your characters (Cass especially) was natural enough that I really enjoyed parts of certain posts. The last paragraph of post #6 (the dialogue, not the stabby thoughts) made me laugh out loud. I feel like you could have really excelled here if you’d focused more on developing your characters as the story progressed.

Clarity ~ 7/10
There were places where I had to stop and go back, or figure things out a bit, which muddied up the flow. Overall I understood the thread but not without some effort.

Mechanics ~ 4/10
Finding multiple instances of every kind of grammatical infraction in nearly every post merits a below average score, especially for you guys. You know how to edit, you know how to proofread, and when you actually do it you'll score better in mechanics.

Wildcard ~ 4/10
Final note: you should edit out all unnecessary OOC chatter before submitting a thread for judging. Unless it’s telling me something I need to know (like bunnying approved) about the thread, it distracts from the story. It’s fine to communicate that it’s your last post OOCly, but you can edit those things out once the thread is complete. This did not affect your score, I just had to put it somewhere.

Total ~ 50/100

Dissinger receives 900 EXP
Silence Sei receives 800 EXP
Requiem of Insanity receives 150 EXP
Enigmatic Immortal receives 200 EXP
Orphans receives 85 EXP
Revenant receives 150 EXP

The Ixian Knights receive a seasonal donation of 100 GP to their treasury.

[Silence Sei]

gp-exp added