Minor Plot: L'Agonie Grand Opening Party!

[Olivia nó Valerian]

“Is that so?” I asked, feeling myself growing uncomfortable. I had more than enough pride for my House, but I didn’t know how to deal with adepts who so boastfully put themselves above their Housemates.

I looked around the room. “Have you heard if there’s to be a showing later?” I asked, indicating the stage in the other room.

[Kaden nó Gentian]

"Crispin," I said harshly. "Maybe you shoulda been sold to a different House." I turned back to Olivia. "Sorry about that. There are other well desired adepts in Gentian." Mayhap I was the most desired, but I don't like to boast about it all the time. I shook my head at the mention of a Showing. "No, I didn't."

[Olivia nó Valerian]

"It would be wonderful if there was," I said, sighing a little wistfully. I had yet to be part of showing and really wanted to know what it was like.

[Crispin nó Gentian]

"It would be." I couldn't remember the last time I was part of a Showing. Or if I was even in one to begin with. But considering this looked to be a Valerian or Mandrake styled salon, it most likely will not contain a Gentian adept. "If they do, would you like to be in it?"

[Olivia nó Valerian]

I glanced around the room, looking at the people who were here and who would be watching.

"Yes," I answered, feeling a thrill run through me at the idea.

[Kaden nó Gentian]

"If there is, I hope you're in it," I said. I wouldn't use my dromonde to see if there would be a Showing here and if she was in it.

[Asfandiyar Azarkevanejad]

My heart fluttered with a happy relief as Landis' smile reassured me that I was not forgotten. I could not help but hitch my breath a little as he leaned in to give the D'Angeline kiss of greeting. I was not yet used to such public affection when directed toward me, though I found myself wishing it were not something that even came to my mind.

Before I could open my mouth to offer reassurance for what was clearly - and explicitly - and exhausting new lifestyle, he was already presenting me to his …. His family, of all people. As an 'esteemed patron'. I looked at him sidelong, though his face was turned away. I felt a need to interject, or at least explain that I had only had the pleasure of his… services... once and that he gave rife flattery by saying such a thing. But the words fell cold on my tongue. The thought of suggesting the nature of what we had done -for surely they knew every detail of Landis' trade, if they attended the opening of his salon -to his brother, his parents… mortifying! I blushed darkly and instead made polite bows to Emile and Landis's parents in turn. I could sense the somewhat chilly, scrutinizing gazes of Emile and Lord D'Ames sizzling on the top of my head as I bowed to them. There was not just the familiar feeling that accompanied any examination of me, but also a new sort of judgment, as though I were tried and found wanting. I quietly expressed my pleasure in making their acquaintances regardless.

Lady D'Ames was entirely another matter, effusively taking my hands in hers. She was small, but there was great power in her delicate frame. A commanding presence. I realized as she spoke that I had instinctively tucked in my chin to address her, a subconscious obeisant gesture. Ah, so here was the source of Landis' inborn magnetism.

"It is a pleasure, Khanoome D'Ames," I said, eyes lowered. "I fear I have experienced little mystery where your son is concerned; he is quite indulgent of my foreign lack of cultivation." I chuckled self-deprecatingly, then nearly panicked when I realized how that could be interpreted, given the circumstances… But Landis had whirled me away before I had any chance to retort.

"Ah… that makes sense," I replied to him, shakily. I doubted he realized that I felt I had nearly tread much more dangerous ground than she. "You don’t need to apologize. Your family is… lovely. All of them." I wanted to ask why he would single me out to introduce so formally to them, but felt suddenly shy about it. Instead I reached up to finger a tousled lock of his hair back into place. "You are tense and exhausted from all this hosting business. Do not trouble yourself further worrying whether or not I, of all people, am comfortable." I laughed slightly. I had thought before that I was of little consequence to this man, just another patron. But now I had a strange feeling of curiosity toward Landis.

"Look… everyone seems to be having a good time," I said, gesturing to the room. I would not let myself linger on that curiosity, let alone trouble him with such thoughts, when it was his night and his alone. "It is you who should now relax in the knowledge of a job well-done."

[Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake]

"Relax!?" I exclaimed. "Ah, no! I will forgive you for being ignorant of D'Angeline social conventions, my friend." I leaned forward, adopting a conspiratorial tone. "You see, some doddering ninny long ago decided that a host of a fete must needs tend to his guests at all times. Gods forbid, I should come across as a lazy wastrel, for that is how society shall see me." I did spare a moment to glance around, however. Olivia appeared to be speaking to a couple who I did not recognize. The sight of Idaeus was a welcome surprise. I would not soon forget the assignation we had had together.

Anixiel.

I focused on her, eyes sliding over her form briefly. She was alone. Good, I thought, before banishing that thought to my own mental abyss. The gracious host was incompatible with the possessive Mandrake this evening.

It took me a moment before I recognized that feeling as jealousy. I wanted to go to her, to mark her as my own before my housemates, to make it clear that she was mine and no other was going to lay their hands on her tonight without my leave. The thought of anyone else touching her at my gathering was unimaginable.

I felt my rage, the ancestral battle-rage that slept in my blood, well up for an instant before I shook myself, tearing my gaze away from the object of my attention. "Will you not have something to eat?" I asked 'Fand, cringing inwardly at how forced my cheerfulness sounded. I was already moving towards the table that held the refreshments. Mercifully, no one decided to block my path at that moment.

"What is a party without food, hm?" I asked, unsure whether I was addressing him or merely keeping the rage leashed with idle chatter as--against all rules of engagement, I reached out and stuffed the first thing I touched into my mouth.

[Émile d’Ames]

I watched my brother as he conversed with the strange man-woman, eyes narrowing as I saw him tear his gaze away from his friend and focus on the other woman I had seen before. I recognized the look he had on his face, I could not see how anyone would fail to recognize that hungry look.

It was then that I saw the rage in his eyes, and I knew then that his simple hunger had yielded to something more primal.

"Damn it all," I muttered as I drew one of my daggers and started towards them. Fortunately, Landis seemed to come to his senses, for he started towards the table with the food and drink.

Good, I thought as I neared them, but then Landis did something that almost made me choke with laughter.

"Brother," I hissed in his ear as I sidled up next to him, casually moving so that--I hoped--I blocked the view of the guests. I cared not if his friend complained about it.

"You have stuffed a serviette into your mouth," I finished, praying to whichever god would hear me that I would not burst out laughing.

[Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake]

"You have stuffed a serviette into your mouth."

The words did not make any sense to me, and for a moment I entertained the thought that Emile was mad. What an absurd thing to say...

It was then that I realized that I did, indeed, have a serviette in my mouth. My teeth were clamped down on the cloth as if I was a particularly tough piece of meat.

I did not think I had ever been so mortified in my entire life.

"Just remove the cloth," Emile prompted me gently, and it was his words that spurred me into action. I hastily removed the cloth from between my teeth and disposed of it.

"Oh gods, everyone saw that..." I whispered, resisting the urge to burst into tears or violently upend the table.

"No, no one saw," Emile said soothingly, and I wondered if he was just saying that appease my ego, which was currently floundering.

"I need to go upstairs for a moment," I said carefully, already beginning to shuffle forward, Emile supporting me as if my bones had been taken from my legs and thighs. Never had I been so grateful for his presence, intimidating as he was to most. "If anyone stops us, pray tell them I am feeling a little overwhelmed by all the stress of organizing the fete..." I wanted to apologize to 'Fand, but I found I could not bear to meet my friend's eyes and see that he had seen me do something so...humiliating.

Emile took the lead in conducting me across the room and up the stairs, where my private quarters were. One room was specifically set aside for the effigies of Camael and Kushiel, and it was to this place that I directed Emile to take me.

I knelt before the statue of Kushiel, lighting the candles before the image with shaking hands. I sat back on my heels, taking a few deep breaths as I focused on pushing those feelings away, making of my mind an empty place where tranquility would reign.

"I need a moment," I said softly to myself, inhaling and exhaling. "One moment and then...I will return..."

[Karina Mikhailova nó Valerian]

His words of warning gave me pause, despite how the touch of his tongue made me shiver with want. "I shall wait then. Though I do hope that you don't keep me waiting too much longer. You're not the only one with fantasies," I whispered with a smile. I leaned in and kissed the corner of his mouth before retreating once more. "Enjoy yourself tonight."

[Gabriel Shahrizai]

Before she pulled away completely, my fingers tightened on her waist keeping her from leaving me.

“Perhaps we should find a toy both of us could play with,” I suggested. “Then once my darker needs have been filled I can be with you.”

[Olivia nó Valerian]

“Thank you,” I said, smiling at her. I took another sip of my wine. “Is there anything special you two are hoping for today?”

[Karina Mikhailova nó Valerian]

His arm tightened at my waist, and it was as if it had become steel. It gave me a thrill to know how strong he was. "I would rather have you all to myself. And for that, I'll wait," I murmured in reply, my hand coming up to caress over his shoulder.

[Kaden nó Gentian]

"You're welcome." I thought about the question then smiled. "A blue sky, birds chirping, and not a care in the world." Gods, I sounded like someone who had nothing in material procession, but everything in carelessness.

[Gabriel Shahrizai]

My free hand captured hears. “You won’t have to wait long, I promise,” I murmured before turning my head and kissing the inside of her wrist.

Then I released her completely, letting her draw away.

[Olivia nó Valerian]

“I am not sure you are going to find any of that here,” I said, chuckling albeit uncomfortably.

[Karina Mikhailova nó Valerian]

His lips pressed against my skin and the breath caught in my throat. Oh yes I wanted him again, but not enough to risk spoiling it. "I'll look forward to it," I replied, my voice breathy. I pulled away slowly and smiled at him one last time before I made myself turn away and move to start mingling.

[Gabriel Shahrizai]

I watched her walk away, knowing I had done right by warning her and yet feeling more worked up for having been denied.

My eyes left her lucious behind and moved around the room, looking for someone to spend my desires on.

[Crispin nó Gentian]

"Relax, Olivia," I said, a smile on my face. "You asked a question and it was fairly answered. You never specified what Kaden hoped to find here." Some of my Eglantine personality came out.

[Olivia nó Valerian]

I stiffened at being told to relax. I was not the one acting oddly. I caught sight of Karina walking alone.

"I see my Second, I should go say hello," I said. "It was nice meeting you both." I inclined my head and then crossed the distance to intercept Karina's path.

"Good day," I said, smiling and curtseying. I had great respect for those who led my House.

[Kaden nó Gentian]

"As it was with you," I said. I watched her walk towards her Second. I then turned towards Crispin. "Should we leave? You've had your fun."

[Crispin nó Gentian]

"Why? This is your dream, isn't it? Running your own salon?"

[Karina Mikhailova nó Valerian]

"Olivia, hello," I said with a warm smile. "Enjoying your evening so far?"

[Émile d’Ames]

I descended the stairs into the main hall, leaving my brother to his private devotions. Landis had assured me that he would be down in a moment, and besides, I did have a job to do.

I kept one eye on the stairs, but I kept the brunt of my attention on the guests. Fortunately, everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves.

I circled the room once, pausing to snatch up a sweet pastry before making another circuit of the room. I had to keep reminding myself that this was not like the fetes at the palace. Still, I had imagined that a party with so many adepts in attendance would be a little more exciting.

[Olivia nó Valerian]

“Somewhat, yes,” I said, unable to keep from sighing softly just a little. “And you, how have you found the party so far?”

[Asfandiyar Azarkevanejad]

I agreed with Landis politely, though slightly strained, for I could see the tension in his carriage and his facial features as clearly as I could see the room around us. Like a catgut wound too tight, close to snapping. I tried to ease him by eating one of the meticulously arranged canapes that were pyramiding the table.

Emile had reassured Landis that no one was looking. That no one had noticed his… interesting choice of victuals. But that wasn't precisely true. My eyes fell and I brought a knuckle up to my lips as I watched him turn sharply on his heel and flee up the stairs. Oh, he was absolutely overwrought! Terrified, in a strange way that I had never seen in any man, let alone in him. I stood and looked up the stairs blankly for a moment, unable to reconcile the Landis I knew with that level of nervousness.

But somehow, it coalesced. There weren't precisely words for it. But his extremes of emotion were beginning to make a sort of warped sense. The man had intrigued me from the first moment I met him in the streets outside the artisan's district, but something deeper than curiosity and the affection I possessed for him as Master pushed me forward up the staircase, once Emile had descended and moved back into the crowd. I went swiftly but quietly so as not to attract too much attention, least of all that of his brother, who I thought at that moment might have prevented me from following.

At the head of the stairs I searched to and fro along the hallway before catching a glimpse of a door not entirely shut. I knew he would be beyond it, and a knot tightened in my stomach to think of trespassing where I was not wanted. And yet, my body was impelled forward, strangely self-assured. I did not think to knock, only opened the door a little more and slipped through.

"Ratu," I said softly. The room was heavy with the low light of only a few candles. "Are you alright?"

[Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake]

I had told my brother to leave me be and see to the guests. I was about to snap at him for being a worrier, but then I realized that it was Asfandiyar who was speaking.

"I am supposed to be downstairs being a gracious host," I said, surprised at the evenness of my tone. "I thought I would be able to handle managing my own salon. I suddenly have a new respect for my dowayne." I tried to smile, but I had a feeling that the expression was coloured by bitterness.

"Do you know I have not received a single offer for a future assignation?" I stood, dusting off my breeches. "They toast to my success, but I cannot live on good intentions!" I crossed the room in a couple long strides. "Is it unfair of me to make such an assertion, my pet?"

[Asfandiyar Azarkevanejad]

I frowned slightly as he criticized himself, delivering it with a dose of sour humour. That, I could expect… I even expected to be hurled out of the room violently. But I could not expect such a creature as he to have insecurities! I knew then that I had not erred in following him. I slid the door shut behind me and moved closer to him as he stood up, resting a hand on his chest. His heartbeat was agitated under my palm, the force of it a sweet counterpoint to the soft texture of his dark shirt. At the very least I could offer him the calm of one who cared much for him.

"It is not unfair," I replied. "I know that is the very purpose of an opening. I should offer, except Ratu has insisted that my coin is no longer any good to him." I smiled wryly. "But whatever my observations are worth, I will say this much: Many here are visibly marqued, and likely ineligible for patronage. Those who are not have, I am guessing, no conception of the flavour of your gift. Perhaps it is only that they are future patrons not yet aware of your ...talents. But they are gathered en masse in that room downstairs. It is your domain. You can do as you wish within it, and they a captive audience. You could show them, could you not? It's an opening. Give them art."

[Landis d'Ames nó Mandrake]

I sighed. "You are right, of course. Perhaps in future I should send out invitations to more...receptive...sectors of the City. I reached out to stroke his cheek. "Art, hm? Shall I chain you to the wall and let you rub up against the guests like an exotic cat?" I had a selection of animal masks, and while I was not in the habit of dehumanizing my patrons, a beautiful mask did add a certain exotic flavour to a Mandrake's particular form of service.

"Hm, no, that would not be fair, to ask such of you. I suppose a brief demonstration of my skill with the whip would be enough. You may of course wear your smallclothes," I paused, grinning suddenly. "Well, that is, if you are wearing any. It seems no one wears them anymore in this country, but I imagined you would wish to preserve your...uniqueness..."