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Post by Charlie on Oct 6, 2017 14:56:27 GMT
Murmurs, cheering, clinking of glasses, maybe this was a party after all. All the major Familia’s had gathered in one spot for this grand event hosted by Diance. Some would see this as a flaunt of wealth, but most were to inebriated to care. The meeting had been called as a top priority among all the Familia’s of the area. So, while the people gossiped and drank the wine, most eyes were on the god’s round table where they appeared to be watching over it all. Diance the host could be seen talking with a few people making her rounds, and some of the more boastful gods like Groudon were showing off, most of them sat around a large table speaking among themselves and watching the party go on. After a few hours of rejoicing in the festivities, Diance stood and walked over to a stage near her table. All eyes went to her and the murmurs died down.
“Hello to all your wonderful faces of our Familia’s. It’s so good to see all of you in one spot. We have come together for this event not just to celebrate another good year, but to discuss the future of our Familia’s. Too long have we been divided by feuds and rivalries that we carried down from heaven. Myself and the other gods and goddesses here have been in contact for some time trying to figure out a solution to the mortality rate of adventurers. We yearn to conquer the unknown with you, but hate losing such valuable lives to the depths. That is why we have come to an arrangement, a test if you will. We will be forming and sending down a combined delving force of our Familia’s. There are currently four but I will have my comrades come stand next to be so that their chosen can be announced by them.” .
People immediately begin to usher hushed whispers among themselves. Surely this was madness, they Familia’s hardly ever worked together. Smith’s making weapons for a house is one thing, but this was crazy. Following Diance’s words five other gods begin to make their way to the stage. The sibling duo Latias and Latios are the first, beside them are Raikou, Ho-Oh, and to everyone’s surprise Giritina. The duo is the first to speak;
“For my chosen, I wanted someone of stout nature, undying loyalty, and vigor I know could lead the team to victory. My chosen is Darius Devereaux of course.” Before anyone could begin to applaud the next one chimed in.
“For her skillful playing, undeniable charm, and silver tongue I have chosen to send Isabella Devereaux to accompany him. I mean what’s a husband without his wife?”
This time the crowd waste not time applauding. But not before the next speaker booms over.
“Speed, accuracy, and quick wit, these make up the traits of my favorite youngster who will joining in on this. Rafe Sadler.” A roar erupts from the Raikou tables and tons of smacks on the back can be heard. Ho-Oh waits for the sound to die down before running his hand through his hair and smiling over the eager faces.
“I have chosen someone who I think can heal the ego of this bunch. His skills in and out of the dungeon are why I think he will make a great representative for me. Please welcome Raimundo Zauvir to the group.” The Ho-Oh table does not erupt but instead is met with envious eyes on one man.
With a crooked smile Giritina takes the forefront and is met with silence.
“My chosen is very special to me. I believe he will give his life for the mission at hand. I give to this Felix Faust. Thank you.” With that he steps back and everyone’s eyes go to the host herself. Diance smiles and looks to her gorgeous Familia.
“My chosen is of the highest breed, the rarest of people, and a personal favorite of mine. I am sending Noe. With that I am sure several other parties of Familia’s will arise up soon, but for now this was the only group we could decide on. The others are in deliberation and I’m sure will announce their pairings within the week. Good luck my chosen, the details will be given back home after the festivities. For now, rejoice and be merry.”
Music begins to fill the room as people are whirling around discussing the events that transpired. All that’s left is you. Everyone is crowding you with congratulations or petty envy.
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Post by drallore on Oct 6, 2017 22:02:20 GMT
Noe had spent most of the night playing the crowd with a fair amount of swagger, charisma, and straight up theft as he did his best to take an object or two to remember who it was he was talking to at the time. Well, he did all that and did his best to keep his little brother Noir from spiking the drinks with some sort of concoction he had. No idea what was in it, but it was bubbly, had a skull on the label, and did not seem like something you'd want to mix with. When Diancie had called out his name, he had Noir in a chokehold as they fought over the bottle. Noe smirked to himself.
"O-ho? Did Diancie finally acknowledge me as her favorite? See that Noir? Perseverance. 217 gold printed letters on her desk later, and she's finally started to recognize my value~. I think I even recognize some of these names. That Felix fellow. I met him once. Far more tame than I had expected from Giritina's soldiers. That man Darius is quite a character as well. He once tried to throw me out of a window . . . or at least that's what I tell people~. Seriously, the guy has the charisma of a boiling toad. That means not a lot. Should I say hi to them? I should say hi to them right?"
Noir gurgled undecipherable words through Noir's chokehold
"Eeyup. That sounds like a good idea. Stay nearby, Don't do anything stupid. Or at least if you do, find a way to make me look good when I take care of it."
Noe walked around until he could find Felix and/or Darius, eager to get on their good side. Well either that, or get them to remember him~.
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Post by Infynis on Oct 6, 2017 22:34:41 GMT
Darius was decidedly unfazed by the people crowding around Isabella and himself. The members of their Familias seemed to have a disposition towards the highly expressive. The reserved air of the nobility did not lend well to becoming a champion of the Eon Duo. Of course it happened on occasion, as he himself was proof of, but for the most part, he was surrounded by passionate, commoner youths. It could be obnoxious at times, but it was worth the trouble, as it meant he had to spend little time considering whether they were plotting anything.
Putting down his drink, he leaned over to where Isabella sat next to him, and muttered, so as to be inaudible over the babble of conversation around them, "I know the Raikou boy; hired him a while back. He should be useful." He had no reason to be secretive, but equally he had no reason to let everyone know what he was saying, and in general, he preferred private conversations. "We should meet the others. Giritina's chosen will be one to look out for. But let's start with Diancie's. I believe I saw the coxcomb wandering about earlier."
Standing up from the table, Darius buttons his jacket, and then offers Isabella his arm.
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Post by drallore on Oct 6, 2017 23:25:41 GMT
Noe makes a quick beeline to Darius and Isabella. The two were pretty notorious members of their respective familias, and not only that, they were married. They had peeked Noe's interest a long time ago. He had always done his best to keep tabs on their exploits and successes, in secret of course Some people seem to consider it stalking, but now was a perfect opportunity to get to know the pair firsthand. Brother still in arm, Noe manages to grab 3 drinks as he approaches the two.
"Well if it isn't the cutest pair of divers this side of the dungeon. Isabella is it? How do you handle having such the bundle of laughs that is your husband~? Are you two enjoying yourselves? Do you need anything? Drink? Snack? A half mask of a smile to make Darius more approachable?"
Noe hands over the two drinks.
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Post by TheFluorescentDodo on Oct 7, 2017 0:17:31 GMT
Felix looked and felt decidedly out of place for a party such as this. While his parents weren't dirt poor, there still wasn't a lot of excess money to be spent on the kinds of frivolity this party seemed to evoke. He'd never had the money for the kind of clothes Giratina supplied him with, nor had he ever partaken of such lavish food and drink. It was extremely surreal to him and perhaps a little foreboding. Felix wasn't sure what Giratina expected out of this arrangement. All he knew was that he was expendable to the god, and thus he had little to lose in this venture. Sure, Felix had been trained in the first floor of the dungeon a little bit by this point, but surely they were expected to go much farther in than that. He just hoped he could accomplish enough in Giratina's name to be rid of his predicament once and for all. Giratina always remained silent about just what that would entail however.
Felix stood and gave a sort of awkward nod as his name was called out. There seemed to be a lot more whispering than cheering from the crowd over the god's pick. After the announcements and formalities the crowds gave way to clusters of people mobbing the chosen for various reasons. Not too many seemed interested in Felix, but as an eighteen year old commoner with little to his name it really was to be expected. The few people that did approach him seemed far more interested in finding out what Giratina could be scheming than congratulating him. Obviously Felix had no answer for them and simply just brushed them off. His focus was now more upon the other chosen. After all they would be venturing into dangerous territory together and needed to be able to rely on each other. It was certainly prudent that they all meet.
Felix knew, or at least knew of, some of the other chosen. He had a chance meeting with the Diance chosen, Noe, once at least while he was training. He was quite exuberant, but despite this seemed to be a decent fellow. There was Raimundo, who Felix knew to be a healer within the Ho-oh familia, which seemed odd at first since most of them were smiths. The Eon duo were a par that Felix knew little about other than their statuses as high ranking nobles. Finally there was Rafe. Felix and Rafe had gotten to catch up and rekindled their friendship in the past few months as they were both training. Though Felix expected him to be a member of this group, it was still a relief to have it formally declared. He would have one good friend in the party at least.
Scanning the crowd Felix first noticed Noe heading this way, but he seemed to divert his attention toward the Devereaux couple when he spied them instead. Felix could go over as well he supposed, but decided he'd rather just find Rafe first. Rafe seemed to know just about everyone anyway thanks to his family's courier business, so hopefully that would ease the tension and general awkwardness Felix felt from being in such a foreign social environment. He scanned and moved about the crowd, seeking his friend.
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Post by seraphflonne on Oct 7, 2017 0:38:02 GMT
Isabella takes a moment to collect herself, she listens to her husbands remark about the gaggle of delvers that they had just been appointed to. She nodded along at his words, taking his arm as she spotted the sight of Noe rushing towards them. She had never really approached him, but she had certainly seen the man at one or two of her parties, and a few where she had been asked to play as well. She was about to make a comment but then Noe had arrived quite fast, this man certainly didn't waste any time.
"Well, if it isn't Noe, how good to see you again" Isabella greeted him with a curtsy, a small smile gracing her lips as her eyes remain half-lidded. She held out her hand for the man, knowing that he wouldn't do anything untoward in front of Darius. If he tried he would have to deal with not just her, but her husband as well.
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Post by drallore on Oct 7, 2017 1:44:07 GMT
Noe handed her the glass and shook at the same time. Efficiency!
"My word, you are just as lovely as the first time I saw you. Though I'll admit, I wish we could be honored with your musical gifts instead of this babble we hired. Belle's convinced they're part of some new aged romanticism. If they're romantic, then I'm content with dying alone. So what do you think of this whole arrangement? Personally, I love everyone, but even I'm a bit cautious of working with someone from giritina's familia. Surly bunch they are. I'm sure you're not worried though, having the clown prince of melancholy on your arm~"
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Post by seraphflonne on Oct 7, 2017 3:25:10 GMT
Isabella let out a slight chuckle, taking the proffered drink and taking a small sip. She waited one beat before answering his question. "Indeed, but make sure to curb your insults a bit more skilfully, the subtler they are the more impressed I'll become. And of course this band is below me, but alas, I shall save my songs for the dungeon. You will be around to see just what I can do, after all." She let out another laugh, this one sounding far more real than the last, though it was certainly haughty.
After her laughter came to an end, she let her eye wander the room, Giratina's boy certainly looked normal enough, but they were known for subterfuge. "As for this Felix, We shall see, it won't hurt to be weary of them, but I feel we don't have much to worry. The ones named Rafe and Raimundo seem interesting, it does seem we are split upon common and noble birth, not necessarily a bad thing, perspective is useful, after all." She took another sip of her drink as she finished her opinion.
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Post by Infynis on Oct 7, 2017 4:31:15 GMT
Darius deposited his whiskey on a nearby table, replacing it with the ridiculously fruity drink that Noe had offered him. He did not partake, before saying, "A pleasure to meet you, I'm sure, Noe." From his tone, the pleasure is not particularly evident, though he couldn't fairly be described as hostile. "If you don't mind my asking, what lead to you being chosen for this group? Other than being Diancie's favourite of course."
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Post by eltrou on Oct 7, 2017 6:30:18 GMT
Raimundo had honestly been enjoying the night's festivities. It was a rare night-off he could spend chatting around with his friends for once and not have to deal with sudden interruptions due to yet another medical emergency... which usually happened in bars more often than not if Xavier had a little more than normal to drink or the rarer or far more dangerous occurence of one of the blacksmiths -especially Salvador- overindulding. Here, people actually had to behave since more than one god -actually, a disqueiting amount of gods- was in attendance, forcing most to at least try be on their best behavior.
Then Ho-Oh made that announcement and Raimundo had frozen, cup half-way to his mouth. He could feel everyone's burning stares on him and it took a very long moment and a shitton of willpower to force his arm to continue upwards so he could drink his wine once more. And this time, he didn't sip but gulp it down, savouring the bitter taste and what little burn there was. He was going to need the booze.
About the only congratulations were from the two friends sitting next to him and a scattered few others. The rest were simply staring still, eyes brimming over with envy and irritation when he'd chanced a look and he forced himself to look away with a slight grimace. Even worse, when he stood up to try and get some fresh air, the others decided to see that as a chance to crowd him and demand for answers... up until Xavier, bless his drunken heart, pulled the attention on him while forcing them to leave him alone.
Thank the gods for that minor thing. And speaking of the gods, it looked like he had a long talk with Ho-Oh in the future for springing this to him out of nowhere, completely out of thin air. But first, he had to get away from the Ho-Oh table, and looking for one of the few faces he knew - Rafe - was a damned good excuse to do so.
Now where was that young man... and where could he get another glass of wine?
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Post by drallore on Oct 7, 2017 20:33:23 GMT
"Oh who's to say? Milady Diancie has always had good taste in recruits, perhaps she was just recognizing my abilities~? Ugh, to say some so conceited, it's garish. Hardly befitting of a true gentleman. You'll have to forgive me."
Off in the distance Noe saw that fellow Raimundo get swarmed by party guests. Seems like life would be hard without a circle of guards to keep the rabble away, like He, Darius, and Isabella had.
"Isn't that Ho-oh's boy over there? Poor thing. The depths of the dungeon is hardly as horrifying as being escorted at a galla. Unfortunately, he's not one I've kept many tabs on. Do you two know anything about him?"
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Post by Infynis on Oct 7, 2017 22:46:35 GMT
"Unfortunately," Darius says, placing Noe's drink on a server's tray as it passed by, and recovering his whiskey, "I have spent little time among the various Familia. My intelligence in this area is dearly lacking." He offers no reaction to the superfluous padding Noe had given the conversation, except for saying, "And you shouldn't fear appearing garish. I would think that must be crippling," before taking a sip of his drink.
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Post by ninaether on Oct 7, 2017 23:37:31 GMT
Rafe filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension for the gala. Raikou had previously filled him in on the events of the evening and appropriate clothes to wear. I wish she had something I could ride in, getting here took forever on two legs. As the gods walked on the stage for their announcement, everything became tangible. There was no backing out after a proclamation from the deities. Once the attention turned to Raikou, the anxiety hit him. He stood when his name was called and put on the grin he relies on for difficult customers. After his name was called, the excitement and love from his familia brought a sense of hope. If this is my life now, I guess I should try and enjoy it. Hell, I could have sworn I saw almost a smile out of Darius as he stood.
As Raimundo and Felix were announced, Rafe took a mental note of where they were seated. He planned on retreating to them as an escape. In the meantime, Rafe was engaged in the task of receiving compliments from his friends and convincing regular clients that their shipments would still be delivered. It was a dance going between pretty much the same two phrases: "Thank you, its a great honor. Hopefully I'll come out better for it!" "The other staff at the will make sure everything is still delivered as requested. Mark is almost as quick as I am now!"
After the umpteenth time he reassured an anxious customer, Rafe decided that was enough and ducked out towards Felix.
"Hey, how's it goin? It looks like we have a pretty good group going on here. I know Raimundo and Darius. I'm not too familiar with the wife or the Diancie fellow though."
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Post by TheFluorescentDodo on Oct 8, 2017 16:31:27 GMT
After a bit wandering through the hoard of party-goers, Felix was relieved to see Rafe emerge from the crowd. He smiled and replied, "About as well as can be expected, but yeah, I'm liking the makeup of our group as well. I did meet the Diance member once while training. He's certainly very.... dapper?" Felix struggled with trying to think of a word that more accurately described the man. "Anyway, he seemed nice enough. The others I only know about through hearsay, but I'm sure we'll mesh well enough."
Felix scanned the crowd again to get a sense of just where the rest of their group was. It looked like Noe was gabbing with the Eon duo. As for Raimundo... "It looks like Raimundo is headed this way. You say you know him?" Felix wasn't sure if Rafe would be able to answer before the man arrived or not. At any rate,he supposed it didn't matter since they would all be getting to know each other quite well soon enough.
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Post by Charlie on Oct 8, 2017 17:21:19 GMT
Diance stands once more and calls for silence over the crowd.
"I see everyone is handling the news well enough. After some more deliberation we have decided to show a sign of good will since it would seem our decision came into question. We will be hosting a friendly bout if you will tomorrow morning. A chance for people who think they are more up to the task to try and show themselves from our familia. We will bear no ill will towards them, but maybe it will solidfy our choices in the minds of the masses. Thank you all and please have a few more rounds ya louts." She chuckles and sits back once more with her fellow gods.
This news is met with more excitement than the last piece. Several of the Raikou and Ho-Oh members eye Rafe and Raimundo with a fire of rivalry. Meanwhile on the duo side the other couples seem to be eyeing Darius warily as if they aren't too keen on the idea of standing against his sword. A few proud members do seem be locking eyes with him though. On the Giritina side the others seem to chuckle and one peer even comes and puts his hand on Felix's shoulder.
"Better you than us small fry." With another laugh he walks off with a majority of Giritina's men. Diance's other royals eye Noe with a suspicion but simply mutter among themselves their distaste. The air surrounding them is unsure.
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Post by ninaether on Oct 8, 2017 18:26:28 GMT
"Huh, dapper. He sure does know how to dress I suppose. Those nobles are always trying to out do each other. Raimundo is a great guy! Definitely someone you want around in case things go south," Rafe said as he waved over Raimundo. "His god gave him a Skrelp, which should go nicely with Hasili and Lucky."
Diancie's new announcement shocked Rafe. I guess I shouldn't have thought Raikou told me everything.
"So it looks like we might have a little more competition, hopefully it will stay friendly though. I don't expect any Raikous to try to finish any of us off. And by the 'small fry' comment, it doesn't seem like your familia will be shooting for our heads either." Rafe made a sigh of relief. "This should hopefully be fun!"
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Post by drallore on Oct 8, 2017 19:26:33 GMT
Noe's cat ears perk up at Diancie's announcent.
"Nya~? Well, seems we'll be having some fun sooner than anticipated. I'm sure I'll be fine though. I'm absolutely adored by my familia"
Noe gives a pleasant wave to the eyes glaring at him. Noir has decided to start biting down hard on Noe's arm
"Down boy, this is a elegant party. Well Darius, Isabella, it seems that you two will have your fair share of contenders to your position. Do you have a plan in mind?"
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Post by seraphflonne on Oct 8, 2017 20:05:34 GMT
Isabella eyes Noe with vague interest, she didn't look concerned at all. "It depends, assuming we do it the way I expect me and Darius will be quite fine, if they mix the status quo, I might be a bit unprepared, but I am certain I can power through, my songs are perfect for the way I fight~" She let out a loud laugh "O-hohohoho" the back of her hand hiding her mouth as it reverberated through the room. She unfortunately had to let go of Darius for it. Despite her apparent mirth at the situation, her laugh did come to a stop, though rather slow it was. "Isn't that right, Darius?" She fluttered her eyelashes at him, her arm sliding back into his. She swirled the drink in her other hand, letting the liquid barely reach the rim.
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Post by Infynis on Oct 8, 2017 21:29:55 GMT
Darius smiles in response to Isabella's question, looking down into her eyes. "Well, if they are anything like that Lorium fool, they don't stand a chance." He turns then, letting his gaze drift over those watching them. His face returns to the cold stone that is more familiar to anyone he has met. Drawing his dress sword an inch or two from its scabbard, he states, using his battlefield tone, so the audience can hear easily, "But then, they would have to be fools to challenge you, knowing that the bout that comes after won't be so friendly."
He faces the crowd for a moment more, daring any of them to lock his eyes, then pivots back to the conversation, sheathing his sword, and taking a casual sip of his whiskey. "And what of you, Noe. How do you expect to fair, should you face a challenger?"
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Post by drallore on Oct 8, 2017 21:47:45 GMT
"Why with honor of course! So many vulgar guerrilla fighters out there, making a mockery of the art of combat. It should be an art. A dance almost, with nothing but respect between the two fighters~"
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