Minor Plot: L'Agonie Grand Opening Party!

[Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake]

Timeline: The First Day of Spring, 2nd Year of Queen Sabrina's reign

I carefully adjusted the candles in their holders. They would be lit later, when the sun went down, but at the moment, they stood at attention, waiting like soldiers to receive their marching orders. My gaze swept over the table, laden with light refreshments, red tablecloth, elegant, refined.

"Good, good," I murmured, willing my hands to stop shaking like a Valerian just before their debut. I had been preparing for this since the papers had been signed allowing me to take possession of the building. Since early morning, my mind had been preoccupied: ordering the caterers about, seeing to the musicians, seeing to the pleasure chambers themselves. The large room set aside for showings was adjacent to this one. The stage had been prepared, tools in readiness.

A hand touched my shoulder, and I turned to regard my mother, her expression faintly amused.

"Relax, son," she said, running a hand through her luxurious red locks, one part of my inheritance. "Your salon is beautiful, who would fail to appreciate the effort you have expended?" She sat down in the chair I had set aside for her, as regal and dignified as a queen. Beside her, my father was her opposite, hunched over in full armor, sword at his side, his expression aptly communicating his displeasure, green eyes dark with anger. My father had scarcely spoken to me since my parents had arrived two days ago, other than the bare minimum that was required to maintain decorum.

I hoped that he would maintain that sense of decorum in front of my guests.

"You have invited all of Valerian and Mandrake House, correct?" My mother continued, gently patting my father's forearm with one gloved hand.

"Indeed, mother," I replied. "I do hope I will have the pleasure of introducing you to some of them." There were a couple of guests in particular who were most certainly going to be introduced, should they arrive, though I dreaded the thought of my parents disapproving of them.

My mother gave me a searching look. She could read my silences as easily as my spoken words. "Your father and I are looking forward to it."

"Victoire--" My father stirred from his quiescent state to fix my mother with his intense gaze.

"Behave yourself, Louvel," my mother all but snarled, turning to give my father a smoldering glare of her own. Not even a seasoned military man could withstand that gaze, and he quieted abruptly, whatever protest he had been meaning to say dead on his lips. My mother's word was Law, he would not gainsay it.

"I should attend to the door, no sense leaving Emile to the wolves," I grinned, sketching my parents a bow before retreating through the door to the receiving room, where my brother waited, clad in the livery of House Courcel, which I imagined would discourage anyone from misbehaving--unless, of course, they wanted to be punished.

I nodded to my younger brother, taking up my position on the other side of the door, there to await my guests.

[Gabriel Shahrizai]

It was impossible that I was going to miss the opening of a new salon, especially one thus dedicated. I stepped out of the carriage and settled my longcoat into place. I was dressed in black leather except for my sapphire silk shirt; why not have fun with my role?

I crossed the sidewalk and stepped up to the door, eyeing the two men there.

[Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake]

The first to arrive was familiar to me, or as familiar as one can be over the space of one assignation. I found myself slightly amused that he appeared not to recognize me, but I supposed he probably went through lovers the way worms went through apples.

"Messire Shahrizai, what a pleasant surprise." I nudged Emile. "He was my patron once, it seems like an eternity ago, but they say the body remembers what the mind has forgotten." I could see Emile's gaze moving over our visitor's body, not, of course, in a sexual sense, but with the keen eye of a warrior inspecting someone for concealed weapons.

"Welcome to L'Agonie, Messire," I continued, gesturing him inside. "Please avail yourself of the refreshments. The facilities may be toured at your leisure."

[Calista nó Valerian]

Excitement laced me, a different sort than I usually felt when I attended fetes and gatherings. First, it was my very first event as a fully marqued adept. I'd chosen a dress of velvety black, hugging my form and hanging straight in folds from my hips to the floor. The fabric was sewn together at the waist, and not at all along the length of my legs; I had to take care when I moved, especially when I sat, that I didn't accidentally show skin from my heel to my upper hip. The thought brought a stain of color to my cheeks already, but I tried to ignore it. The back, though, was open to the tip of my spine, displaying my marque without fail. It was still tender at the top where it'd been newly finished, and for all I worried about my legs showing, it was my back that continuously stole my attention. Never before had I been allowed to show my back in public before, and to feel the swirl of air upon my skin now was.. heady. I was proud of it, knowing just how beautiful Valerian marques were.

Stepping into the room, I paused and glanced about. I was among the first guests, a fact that didn't bother me overmuch. What appeared to be a Shahrizai and whom must be the host of the evening stood not too far from me, and I cast them both a demure smile before I made my way in further. I recognized them both from previous events, but I wouldn't linger where it may appear I was trying to overhear their conversation. Instead I looked around me, the decorations and the props, getting a feel of it, trying to decide how things would go tonight, the mood and feel of the place. With Valerian and Mandrake both invited...

Elua, things could be interesting.

[Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake]

I turned my attention away from Gabriel Shahrizai to offer a nod, a smile, and a murmured "Welcome..." to the demure Valerian who arrived next. We had but glimpsed one another at the showing and the Midwinter Masque, so I knew her by sight if not by name. I would have to rectify that this evening.

[Émile d’Ames]

The guests began to arrive, first, a Shahrizai whom my brother claimed as his patron, and then a Valerian who he favoured with a smile and a nod and nothing more. I tried not to scowl, instead adopting an expression of polite neutrality. My brother's ways were not mine.

I already felt out of place here. Were it not my brother who was hosting this gathering, I imagined I would be trailing Her Majesty through the halls of the Palace. Instead, I was here, feeling hopelessly awkward amongst the grace and beauty that the Night Court had to offer.

[Gabriel Shahrizai]

I moved inside after nodding to the host and what appeared to be quite possibly the most uncomfortable looking man in history. The host I knew, but not enough to shift my mood. I felt predatory, the itch of the darker edges of my soul insistent within me.

I took a glass of some cordial from a passing tray and had a sip while I looked around.

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

I'm not really sure what brought this about, Niamh and I's attending the grand opening together, but all the same I was content. Most of the time I was happy with gentleness, but every now and then something darker gnawed at me, something I'd never really let myself take part in before. Coming here alone would have been an.. experience, but with Niamh at my side, things only served to become crisper, more clear.

Rather than offering her my arm, I took her hand as we left the carriage and headed inside. The weather was warming, but the chill still held, and I didn't think either of us wanted to linger overlong. "Well," I said as we crossed the threshold of the salon, "if nothing else, tonight should be.. interesting." Glancing at her, I gave her a wicked smile before I bent to kiss her forehead, breathing in her scent as I did.

[Vivienne nó Camellia]

I hadn't been expressly invited, but the rumor was swirling over the opening of this new Salon. Having once considered opening a salon of my own, I was interested enough to make an appearance.

Once I arrived, I kept a low profile, recognizing the tell tale blue-black hair of a Shahrizai. That was no surprise, I assumed that I would be seeing quite a lot of them, actually. I had dressed all in black, not my most flattering color, but seeming somehow appropriate. I slipped in without being noticed, casting about for a drink or an interesting corner to watch the guests.

[Niamh mac Igrainne]

I had never been to a salon, or even to the Night Court, so when I heard about the opening of this one, I had been dying of curiosity. I did not want to attend alone, however, nor had I seen much of Fin lately, or Sandrine, my only D'angeline friend. I had mentioned it in passing to Decimus, hoping that he would be interested, and though nothing had been openly stated, here we were.

I was trying not to stare, not to look everywhere at once, not to wonder at what sort of things might go on behind these walls. I was perhaps somewhat naive, having had a total of two partners in my entire life, but what I did possess was a healthy dose of curiosity and a willingness to explore, not to mention a good imagination. I was just wondering what Decimus thought of all this when he spoke, echoing my thoughts.

"Mmm, I like interesting," I said, shivering slightly at the touch of his lips against my skin. "Of course, I am certain that the two of us can make any night interesting, don't you think?"

[Olivia nó Valerian]

After the stinging failure of attracting a patron at the last fete, I was hoping deeply to attract one today. Trinette had agreed to let me attend, though she’d reiterated the fact that I wasn’t under contract and so I must behave myself.

I dressed in the gown that my mother had given me for my last natal before she passed, applied a touch of kohl and carmine, and headed out.

The carriage drew to a stop and I stepped down. Looking at the door, I couldn’t help but smile when I saw Landis there.

“Congratulations,” I told him as I drew close.

[Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake]

I exchanged smiles and nods with a few more attendees before another familiar face came into view.

"Well met, Olivia!" I said, giving her the kiss of greeting before looking her up and down. "It has been too long, my dear. How have you been?" I gestured to Emile. "My brother, Emile d'Ames. Emile, this is Olivia no Valerian--you are still at Valerian House, are you not?" She had seemed to be on the verge of leaving the House when our dowaynes had arranged our assignation.

[Émile d’Ames]

Yet another familiar face had arrived, it seemed, and the first to receive a kiss from my brother--another of his patrons, perhaps?

I gave her a polite nod as Landis made the introductions, struggling to maintain a neutral expression. It was difficult to imagine my brother bedding--no, actually it was more difficult to imagine him not bedding such a lovely woman, but I did not want to imagine it in the first place.

[Olivia nó Valerian]

“I am, yes,” I said, giving him a smile after I had returned his kiss of greeting. I looked at his brother next.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, my lord,” I said, smiling and curtseying. I glanced at him through my lashes, unable to help but wonder if his sexual tastes ran the same as Landis’s.

[Émile d’Ames]

I gave her a slightly more formal bow. "The pleasure is mine," I murmured before leaning over to hiss in my brother's ear. "Are you going to greet everyone so enthusiastically, dear brother?"

[Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake]

I frowned. "I think it would be safe to assume that some of the guests who arrive will know me...more intimately. What was the matter with him? Nowadays a woman could not seem to come within three feet of him without making him wary.

"Please excuse my brother, Olivia." I continued. "He thinks all women are vile temptresses who will swoop down from the sky and ravish him at the slightest provocation." I grinned, winking at her before turning to my brother. "Would you mind serving as an escort for Olivia, Emile? Perhaps she would like to tour the salon."

I watched my brother's expression change to a deep scowl. It was clear he did not relish the idea, not at all.

"Think of it as penance for being impolite," I continued, gently pushing him towards her. It would give him something to do besides stand in the doorway intimidating everyone.

[Laurent de Rocaille]

I was informed of the opening of a new salon and of course the other me had to check it out. At the moment however, as I walked in and took a look around, I was my right, and extreamly polite self. This was mainly because I had seen no women whi--

Nevermind.

[Karina Mikhailova nó Valerian]

I didn't know Landis all that well, only in passing really. But I wanted to support his new salon, knowing how difficult it was for adepts to open shop on their own. So I arrived early, knowing I was probably walking into shark-infested waters and therefor dressing the part. My former patron had really intended that I wear the deep purple corset without any other adornment, but I added black skirts to be decent. I did however tie my hair up in a simple knot to bare my neck and shoulders.

I stepped inside to find Landis urging Olivia towards a reluctant-looking man, and my lips quirked in amusement.

[Decimus mab Halcyone]

If there were any hesitation in Niamh at all, I couldn't see it. She was free and light, excitement shining in her eyes, but she contained herself well as she looked around us. My lips found her forehead again, and I found myself already wanting her, wanting to feel her hot skin against my fingertips.

"I'm fairly certain you're correct," I murmured, chuckling. My eyes cast out over the room again, but I kept her close to my side, like she'd blow away otherwise. "Are you thirsty, my lady?" I asked with a slight tease, abruptly switching to our native tongue. "Shall I procure us some drinks?"

[Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake]

I could feel more eyes on me and spun around, drawing my attention away from my brother and Olivia for a moment.

"Karina," I had not expected the Second of Valerian to make an appearance at this gathering, but on the other hand, I had said that the whole house was invited, whether I personally knew them or not.

"You look ravishing, if I may say so." I continued, gesturing for her to proceed through the room into the common area, where my other guests were no doubt milling about. "I do hope you and your housemates find that everything is to your...satisfaction."

[Kaden nó Gentian]

Word had gotten around about a former adept opening a salon. I decided to attend since I couldn't remember the last time I had gone out. Dressing in a simple looking dress, I grabbed my Tsingano cloak and went in search for Crispin before even thinking about leaving.

[Crispin nó Gentian]

Hearing about a new salon opening was news, and I planned on going. I dressed in subtle bright clothes and was about to head down the hall to find Kaden when I spotted her just steps from my door. "I see you're planning on going as well."

[Demetrius nó Mandrake]

Ahhh, Landis, the Fox, as it were, finally up and out of the House, striking his mark in theworld, so to speak. And I would not miss it for the world and heavens combined. I dressed myself from head to toe in tones of black and grey - black breeches, black boots, a black waistecoat and grey tunic, finely cut, suiting my form perfectly. I was not seeking to steal the night away from Landis, not that I could. This was his event, and I was merely an attendee, showing my support, and the support of our House.

The carriage let me out outside of the building and I made my way to the top of teh step s and the opened door, watching as people entered, some with looks of awe, some with looks of terror, some with looks of utter intrigue and merriment, and myself, with a wolfish grin, my dark locks whisping over my brow and against the nape of my neck in the cool spring breeze. I stood in the entrance, waiting my turn, though my eyes found Landis instantly, as though the connection we had as Housemates, and as patron and adept, hinged us on a whole other dimension. Ours was the sort of friendship that would last through time.

The box in my hand, covered in shiny bklack paper with a crimson ribbon, reminded me of this. I could not show up to my friend's opening night without a gift. It was a leather steel tipped flogger. The leather was black and red, much like my whip - the red fox and the black wolf intertwined. I was certain he would see the imagery.

[Gabriel Shahrizai]

I found a doorway that needed leaning against and obliged, positioned where I could still watch the room as I sipped my cordial. A couple possibilities for a toy caught my eye, but I wanted to see if any were brave enough to approach me.

[Olivia nó Valerian]

My smile faded as I looked at Landis’s back. “I didn’t realize I was penance,” I said softly. Shaking my head, I managed a smile again and looked at Emile.

“Please, there is no need for you to feel obligated to escort me or give me a tour,” I told him. “I have a feeling you would rather do anything else, and I did not come here so that your brother could use me as a means to punish you.”

[Émile d’Ames]

"My brother," I said tersely "is doubtless going to be acting this way all day and all night and all of the day after." I sighed. "It is no trouble, and I could use a walk. I'm sure he will be fine attending to his...guests..." I met her gaze. "But I suppose you would rather indulge in the food and drink."

[Laurent de Rocaille]

I wasn't sure just yet who was the actual host of this little party, nor did I particularly care at the moment. There were far too many lovelies for me to feast my eye on. The Valerian dressed in nothing but a corset and skirt was simply ravishing, though of course she was Valerian. The blonde...Camellia I think, gods she was gorgeous. I licked my lips a little, watching them. And in my watching I noticed one man garnering the majority of the attention. It was him, I assumed, that owned the place and I made my way in his direction, smiling and nodding to any whom I made eye contact with on the way.

[Olivia nó Valerian]

“Not at all,” I said, smiling. Then, boldly, I stepped closer and took his arm. “I would love a tour if you are sure you don’t mind.”

[Émile d’Ames]

I flinched as she took my arm, fighting back the urge to tear away from her, instead giving her a smile which I hoped was sincere. "I have not had much of a chance to see the salon myself, to tell you the truth, but I do not think it will be difficult to figure out what goes on in each room." I led her through the door and into the room where the other guests milled about. Mother was conversing animatedly with a man, while father slouched in his chair, no doubt disapproving of the entire gathering.

"This is the main room. There is the refreshment table, and there are the musicians, stubbornly refusing to play." I indicated said things with a nod in their direction. "The room adjacent to us contains a stage for..." I waved my hand in a vague gesture. What was it the adepts called them?
"...showings," I finished. From here, I could see that no one occupied the stage, but objects littered it, some which seemed more like torture devices than anything I imagined any sane person using in the bedroom.

[Olivia nó Valerian]

I had been hoping once we moved away from Landis that Emile would relax, but if anything he seemed to grow more uncomfortable. Letting my arm slip from his, I took a step into the doorway where the showings would be held, glancing at the items inside. I felt a rush of heat move through me, then turned back towards Emile.

“Thank you,” I said, nodding and giving him a soft smile. I knew there was more of the Salon to see, but I wasn’t going to force him to be around me. “I am certain there are other things you would rather be attending to. I appreciate the tour.”