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[color=278723][indent][B][sup][sub][h3]The Ball[/h3][/sub][/sup][/B][/indent][/color]
[hr][indent][sup][color=silver] August 25th, Evening | Auleili Foa’i, Aruna Shirazi, Edgar Sarohardt[/color][/sup][/indent]

Talia gave another smile, resembling a grimace more than anything, before she unsubtly extricated herself from the clutches of the Thelian nobles who surrounded her. After she had created a towering pile of rich, foreign food on her plate, she retreated to a small table caged by empty seats. Appearing absorbed in her dinner, she took that time to assess the people in the room, easily identifying the warriors from the nobles. Her six fellow Nantegans were clearly distinguishable from the rest, with their bare skin and colorful festive dress. But saddled with the responsibility of leadership, and with a contingent of all-male and mostly unfamiliar warriors— with the unfortunate exception of Tama— Talia felt a great divide between herself and the rest of the Nantegan warriors. And she was sure Tama, one of the boys in her village who, to this day, disliked her growing role in the warrior class, would do his utmost best to further widen that divide. 

Taking advantage of her momentary lapse in concentration,  a pack of nobles descended on her, darting questions at her in an unsteady rhythm. Feeling very much like prey, and her attackers the predators, she tried to answer the increasingly catty and snide comments as diplomatically as possible. However, her patience soon ran out, quickly replaced by mounting disgust. Unlike the twisted Thelian and Alovians, lies did that lend themselves well to the tongues of Nantegans. Within her society, words meant what they said. They weren’t layered with fake compliments and hidden meaning. Unable to take it anymore, she abandoned her food and stood up, a quick excuse falling from her lips as she scanned the room for the escape route she had noted earlier. A skilled strategist, and an awkward guest at these foreign parties, she had already noted the pair of doors that appeared to lead to a balcony that currently was not teeming with people. Although she wasn’t sure if there would be anyone there, now that she was standing, she had to make a decision fast. Darting towards those double doors, she burst through them.

 Although more polluted than her home, at least here the sight of the distant trees and the twinkling stars, the same ones that shone over her family that night, washed away the last of her disgust. Her attention shifted, after the fraction of a second it had taken her to look at the night sky, towards the lone figure standing at the balcony. 

[color=278723] “Oh sorry! I hope I’m not disturbing you. ” [/color] She smiled a bit uncomfortable, as she took the measure of the person in front of her. She hadn’t really planned, nor wanted much company. Her companion, with an androgynous figure, seemed from the back as either male or female. The only thing Talia was certain was that they were from the  Baldori tribe, distinguishable through the particular style of dress. 

Aruna leaned against the balcony’s stone railing instead of sitting upon it as she had been earlier, taking a moment to mentally prepare for her return to the party. In all honesty, she would have preferred to stay out here for the rest of the evening but instead, here she was, trying to convince herself to at least give the festivities another try since there could be decent company somewhere. It was simply a matter of finding the few in the sea of unpleasant people. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of the double doors behind her bursting open, the music and noise louder for just a moment before the rattling of doors slamming shut reached her ears. She gripped the stem of her empty glass a bit tighter and slowly turned to take in the appearance of the other woman that had unknowingly joined her. 

Her dark hair was in a spiral of curls, slightly pulled up with flower accents tucked into each side which almost created a crown effect with the dangling shells between both sides. The woman’s face held a natural beauty that didn’t need much to enhance it but the most noticeable and striking feature was the swirl of tattoos along her chin. If all of that wasn’t an indication that the woman was here on behalf of the Nantegan people then the tribal style of her dress would have been a dead give away. Aruna took notice that she was probably one of the few she had been admiring earlier for being themselves while also trying to appease the others in the ballroom. 

Aruna gave a small bow of her head to show respect and gave a light smile,[color=C60A35]”Not at all, I was simply taking a moment to enjoy the view.”[/color] she answered, deciding it was better not to add in the reason for enjoying view was to avoid everyone else. It would not make the young woman feel better about being on the balcony too and Aruna didn’t want to hurt the woman’s feelings. [color=C60A35]”Would you care to join me? Or would you rather be left to your own devices?”[/color] she asked politely, ready to remove herself if needed.

For a moment, the music of the party grew louder again, and then subsided with a faint [i]click[/i] to reveal a quiet, satisfied chuckling as the door out to the balcony closed.  A man wearing a Thelannian Captain’s dress uniform,  with a five o’clock shadow and a broad, stupid  grin on his face was looking down at a very large, very full glass of wine in each hand. He was  like a cat who’d just got the cream. Then, he looked up, and his face fell. His mouth opened as if to speak, he looked back over his shoulder for a moment like he could still escape, but decided against it and turned  back to them, and then - sheepishly - he smiled.

[color=3CB371]“Erm. Sorry. These aren’t both for me.”[/color] Edgar said, a little too specific a denial to be true. [color=3CB371]“I wasn’t expecting anyone to be out here. Not that I mind, of course, you both seem…”[/color] his speech wandered off for a moment as he took a better look at the pair of them, and his smile became more genuine,[color=3CB371] “well, you both seem perfectly charming. If you don’t mind the company yourselves, of course.”[/color] Edgar finished, taking a sip of the chill, sweet, white wine in the left glass.

Her attention turned away from the woman before her to the man that had decided to join them on the balcony. The large goofy grin of satisfaction on his ruggedly handsome face almost made her want to smile in return. Instead, her gaze locked on the two large glasses of wine in each of his hands and inwardly cursed herself. Why in the heavens had she not thought of that!?! Oh right, she had been dealing with that unpleasant woman. It just made her more frustrated with the situation that had befallen her earlier. She didn’t have to wait long for that frustration to fall away though and she actually had to place a hand on her lips not to laugh. The second his gaze landed on the two of them, his expression was simply priceless. It seems he had thought he was alone or was hoping for such. 

Aruna felt her lips curve into a small smile as she watched him glance over his shoulder for a moment. It made her curious if he planned to flee from them but when he turned to focus on them once more with a sheepish smile instead of the full blown one as earlier, she figured he had made a choice. It was his first statement that had her raising a brow, it had come to quick which meant that it was most likely the exact opposite. Not that she would ever blame him, it was pretty genius if she said so herself. It was the genuine smile and smooth flattery that made her oh so tempted to tease him a bit and if her plan worked then how was she supposed to resist. [color=C60A35]”I wouldn’t mind pleasant company such as you. I have to say though, if one of those glasses really isn’t for yourself and hasn’t been claimed by another, I would be happy to take the other off of your hands.”[/color]

Edgar’s grin widened, in that stiff, frustrated, adorable sort of way that a smile might tighten when someone realised they’ve been caught doing something they ought not to have been. For another moment, he looked back at the party - less like he was considering an option and more like faux regret - before slowly striding into the conversation proper.

Internally; [color=3CB371][i]Fuck. My wine.[/i][/color]

[color=3CB371]”Of course, my good,”[/color] there was a slight pause and a faint wrinkle crossing Edgar brow as he tried to find some confidence in ascertaining his new drinking partner’s sex, and completely failed to, [color=3CB371]“sir.”[/color] He finished with no more than half a second’s delay. Baldori [i]women[/i] usually wore less. He pressed the glass deftly into his- her? His? - hand, their calloused skin meeting for a brief moment. Whoever he was, he had delicate hands, even if his skin was rough.

[color=3CB371]”Please forgive my manners, my name is Edgar.”[/color] The smile relaxed again, no more obvious than a microexpression but a world of difference to the landscape of his face. 

Talia pre-emptively raised her arms as she noticed the man in front of her shift to leave. [color=278723] “Oh no no no! You don’t have to leave. If anything I can go if you want some peace. But otherwise, I’d love to join you!” [/color] After taking stock of the clothing she realised that the person she was talking to was, in fact, a man, despite his feminine features. While none of the Nantegan men had this build, she had seen some Alovian men resemble him in build and stature. She made her way towards the balcony, and pressed her palms towards the balcony rail as she took in the view. Just as she angled her head towards her companion, prepared to try her best at [i] small talk [/i] the doors banged open again. 

Silhouetted against the light from the ball was a tall, well-built man dressed in what, Talia guessed, was a uniform of some kind. It differed from what she’d seen Alovian uniforms while pointed at the fact that he was probably Thelian. He was clutching two glasses of wine and looking, for all intents, like he was running away from the ball. Talia suppressed a smirk. The three of them were warriors, uncomfortable and unused to the gilded life at court. And she was sure that the two people in her company were volunteers for the quest as well. [color=278723] “By all means, join us. We are all escaping from the party I presume.” [/color] She watched the Thelian relinquish his wine glass to the Baldori with a slight sense of mourning, although he cheerfully bounced back into the conversation. [color=278723]“Pleased to meet you Edgar. I’m Talia. Are you joining the Royal Plea as well?” [/color]

The man’s reaction to her teasing almost made her feel a bit guilty, [i]almost[/i]. She couldn’t feel completely horrible about it since there was that glimmer of hope if he agreed to the offer. In all honesty, she was actually doubtful it would work but a woman could dream at least. It was that thought process that had her pleasantly surprised when the words ‘of course’ left his lips and from there, admittedly, she hadn’t been paying much attention to the rest of his words. She usually might have smirked or been amused by the hesitation at trying to be polite about her ‘gender’ but that was all lost. Instead, her features lit up into a dazzling smile and her eyes glittered with happiness as she looked to the deliciously beautiful wine being offered.

The feel of large calloused hands against her own brought her focus back to the man before her, a fleeting thought of how dainty and delicate her hand felt against his fluttered mind before smiled warmly at him. She appreciated the fact he had relinquished such a treasure even when he had been regretful to do so. He could have easily refused and that said a lot about his character in her eyes. [color=C60A35] “Thank you.”[/color], she said softly, taking a sip and humming in delight at the sweet taste. She listened to both of her new companions introduce themselves as she drank. She was not one to be rude, so she decided to introduce herself before they dug into the discussion of the journey they all may be taking together. [color=C60A35] “It  is a pleasure to meet you both. My name is Arun.” [/color]

Edgar smiled at them both, a warm kind of smile, coloured a little - no doubt - by the wine he had already drank.

[color=3CB371]”Talia, one of the Nantego if I’m not incorrect? It is a profound honour to finally meet a representative of your people in person, and an even greater pleasure that it should be you in particular.”[/color] Edgar said, his voice smooth and low, like whisky and smoke.[color=3CB371] “I will be joining the Plea, yes. I must say, the company is turning out better than expected.”[/color] He grinned, turning to look between Arun and Talia.

[color=3CB371]”Ah, so that’s where I know you from. Arun, the Blade Dancer. I’ve heard a great many stories, [i]sir[/i].”[/color] Edgar’s grin became lascivious. 

[color=3CB371]”It is almost difficult to imagine that you could be so dominant a force on the field, with hands so delicate and gentle. It’s a good thing I [i]have[/i] heard stories, or I might have required a demonstration of your skills.”[/color]

Aruna absentmindedly dragged her finger along the rim of her glass as she drifted into thought, letting it pleasantly hum the only note it could produce until she decided to take another sip or when the rim became too dry to do so. It was nice to know that at least two of her companions on this possibly long journey were decent company and seemed to have good heads on their shoulders. She was curious to how their actions would speak for them.  Personality showed a lot about a person but it was choices that ultimately gave you true insight to who they were. You can charm people with all the flattery in the world, have pretty words but at the end of the day still not be able to put actions to match. She had no doubts in their fighting skills, it would be suicide to volunteer otherwise but it would be interesting to know more about the two of them.

Her finger stilled as Edgar spoke her name, stopping the noise she had unknowingly been making and glanced over at him through hood lashes, the corner of her lip curling into a soft smirk that could almost be a tease of a smile. [color=C60A35] “Oh?” [/color], she questioned before taking a sip and waiting to see if he would either elaborate if the the stories had been worth hearing or false as often some are. Instead, she was pleasantly surprised by receiving flirtatious flattery and by the gods if it wasn’t tempting to have some fun and dish it right back. [color=C60A35]”Hmm, a pity that you took the stories for their word. It would have been a [i]pleasure[/i] to demonstrate [i]exactly[/i] how [i]skilled[/i] my hands are, no matter how delicate and gentle they may be. Perhaps when there is a moment’s rest in our journey you might demonstrate what those hands of yours can do.”[/color] Aruna practically purred before turning her attention onto Talia.

[color=3CB371]”Hm. Delicious.”[/color] Edgar murmured in return as he took a sip of wine - ostensibly remarking on the flavour, but making direct eye contact with Arun nonetheless.

[color=C60A35]”Though I must say, I am most curious to see your fighting in action, Talia. I have never been able to meet a Nantego tribe member until now. I have heard stories of the warriors that grace your lands and I greatly admire them.”[/color], she added gently. 

She hid the smile that threatened to appear on her face through sheer force of will as she watched Edgar and Aruna flirt with each other. The Nantegans were very direct people, with very little time spent on coded flirted messages. In fact, listening to the two of them made Talia feel like she was intruding on a [i] very [/i] private moment. After a moment, the two of them shifted their attention back onto her and she jumped in to fill the silence. [color=278723] “It’s a pleasure to meet you both! I’m very surprised you’ve heard of me” [/color] she exclaimed as she directed her incredulity at Edgar. Her people were notoriously quite private, rarely sharing information and stories with foreigners unprompted. [color=278723]“What type of work do you do Edgar? I can’t place the uniform. And I can’t wait to learn from you as well,” she said as she turned towards Aruna. [color=278723] “I’d love to exchange some fighting styles as I’ve always been curious of the Baldori. They are so graceful with their swords, a feat I have never been able to master unfortunately, ” [/color] she added ruefully as she shook her head slightly.

[color=3CB371]”My work? Well, I command a sort of-”[/color]

 Just as Talia went to add more, the sounds of screams shattered the bubble the three of them had found themselves in. Instinctively, Talia went for the 2 pins placed in her hair. As she pulled them out, her hair unfurled from the large bun in the back and revealed two stiletto daggers. All of this was done in seconds as she crossed the balcony and threw open the doors to the ballroom. 

The Ballroom was in utter chaos. The previously calm, uptight atmosphere was transformed as blood stained the gleaming marble floors and the nobles pushed against the walls, screams and yells crashing together. In seconds, Talia had taken stock of the room; noting the clear division between the warriors. A guard came up to her, handing her back her atlatl. Talia suppressed a laugh that bubbled in her chest, in part at that fact that she had essentially been handed a stick to defend herself with, although it was a nicely decorated stick, but also due to panic. How had she managed to wade into the middle of a civil war? She hadn’t even really wanted to go on this quest in the first place! She was just supposed to lead her people, not die on this pointless quest, come back and lead her people. Not fall in the middle of a civil war where she didn’t care what happened to either side! Well, if she was going to survive now, she might as well pick a side. And she picked the side of the guard who gave her back her atlatl because why not.

Shoving her atlatl roughly into the waistband of her skirt, she crouched down slightly as she got behind a soldier who had a decent sword. Like a viper, she thrust her dagger into his neck and grabbed his sword with her other hand. Twisting it from his grip, she pulled it out of his hands just as he slid to the ground, gurgling blood. With 3 blades, and only two hands she hastily used one of the daggers to pin a portion of her hair back from her face before she spied one of her new friends about to get a very rude surprise.

Edgar had been somewhat less subtle in his approach. He followed Talia, the hairs on the back of his neck gradually raising up like the heckles of a dog’s back, and his face gradually morphed from mild confusion to suspicion an anger - until the doors were thrown open, and it was at last confirmed.

The blood, the violence, the weapons drawn and ready, it was more than enough for Edgar - but most of all, more than anything, it was the [i]sheer fucking treason[/i].

[color=3CB371]”Traitors!”[/color] He roared, exploding in anger, throwing the wine out of the glass and swashing the delicate crystal on a table as he passed, leaving naught but a brutal spike of transparent razor in his hand as he shifted his grip on it and charged into the fray, seeing red.

They didn’t have time to finish their conversation, screams and cries of distress cutting them off. Aruna followed swiftly after the two, her body slipping into a defensive posture as they moved just in case they were attacked upon entrance. The sight she was greeted with didn’t please her, in fact, anger coursed through her veins at the actions taken within the ballroom. She hadn’t needed to see the events as they unfolded to understand exactly what had happened and she could only guess that the Alovians that had attended would be in trouble if not defended. Her eyes hardened, narrowing into a glare as she scanned the room as if a hawk searching for its prey while her hand slide to the dinner knife on the table beside her. She had been calculating on who would be the best one to attack and extract a sword from when movement near her side made her snap, ready to shed their blood when the sight of her own sword made her pause. She took the offering, nodding her head in thanks before dashing forward without hesitation. 

She no longer needed to pick and choose her enemy which meant that the first to meet her gaze and dared to challenge her would be her target. The guard a ways before her took stance, ready for her to attack and to have the shield take the assumed oncoming blow. She didn’t let that deter her or slow her pace as she took up more speed. Instead of attacking up front, she used the polished marble to her advantage and slid at the last moment  right between her opponents legs, making sure to dig her sword into their inner thigh as she went. Aruna rolled up onto her shoulder, using the momentum to spring up onto her feet and just in time to block another sword as another guard had come to defend their comrade. She went to jab at him with the dinner knife in her free hand, forcing the defending guard to jump back to avoid it. He went in for another swing of his sword which she avoid by moving into a hook kick, slamming her foot to his face and taking the disorienting moment to stab straight through his chest. 

Her original target had not been forgotten though and she quickly removed herself from the corpse, moving into a back bend as she heard the heavy steps behind her. Aruna barely dodged a stab to the back by doing so but now she was in a bit of an awkward position. She was about to pull her feet off the ground as if she was going to do a handstand but with her knees so she could push her feet back as to shove her attacker away but she found that wasn’t necessary. 

Talia noticed a Aruna fighting with two different soldiers, and made her way closer just as she saw two things simultaneously happen. Firstly, Aruna defeated her opponent with some of the most incredible moves Talia had ever seen, and secondly, the other soldier was attempting to literally stab her in the back. Before the soldier could make that thought a reality, Talia quickly thrust her sword through his right side. He turned shocked eyes towards her, clearly not expecting the attack. She grimaced as she pulled the sword out and turned to face Aruna as the soldier staggered back a few steps before sinking to the ground. 

[color=278723] “Those are some killer moves, Arun. Literally.” [/color] She grinned at her new team member as, unbeknownst to her, blood dripped from the dagger pinned to her hair and onto the left side of her face. 

Aruna flipped back onto her hands, a small smile on her lips. [color=C60A35]”You haven’t seen anything yet but that aside, thank you for saving me from that sticky situation, Talia. Let’s stay close, watch each other’s backs.”[/color] she said, wiping the blood on her face but seeming to only to cause it to smear instead.