The greatest balls of all [OPEN: Just try to be reasonable in how and why you're here]

The young man was huffing and puffing by the time he reached into his satchel and handed Shaku the invitation sealed with a scarlet wax stamp. "Urgent delivery sir. You have some very powerful friends" the boy said before chanting was seemed like a spell name and disappearing in a burst of speed. Curious, Shaku opened the letter and read it in his mind. Dearest chef, I would be very honored if you graced my family with your presence at the ball. Do not worry about transportation, as we have arranged for a carriage to pick you up at your current location. Do not be alarmed, a lacrima was within the wax seal which was broken when you opened the letter which alerted him of your whereabou-. So a ball? A social event for the high standing class? I almost have to go to this event now! he thought before looking up from the note, the sleek black carriage being pulled by four beautiful horses. A white horse, a red horse, a black horse, and a pale horse all whinnied and neighed, stomping in place for the man at the reigns to command them.

The man "behind the wheel" informed him that there would be a change of clothes inside the carriage and to just relax and enjoy the ride. Happily obliging, Shaku got into the carriage and saw the clothes hung up on a bar on the ceiling. As soon as he touched it, his clothes were instantly swapped with those on the hangar, and his white overcoat, black pants, and purple sash where just hanging there for his return. Tailor magic... that's neat he thought while he sat back in the black leather seat of the ride. With a jolt of force, the carriage was moving and he doze off, that would pass the time between the middle of Crocus and where the ball was situated, most likely Era.

When it finally came to a stop, the door was opened and a flash of light flooded the inside of the carriage, waking him up. He rubbed his eyes and stepped out, his sleek loafers shining in the light pollution. Shaku adjusted the collar of his black tuxedo, then fiddled with the wrist cuffs, and finally pulled down on his black tie. Taking a step onto the red carpet, he was greeted with the cameras of multiple press agencies that happened to be covering an event, this is the ball, then again, I can't expect any less from nobles he thought as he put a hand in front of his face. So bright... He arrived at the door and a burly man with a clipboard gruffly asked for his name. "Shaku Hitsumo." he said a bit impatiently before the man let him in.

He was finally inside and curious to see all of the fuss that was going on in here. People were either drunk off their ass on money, wine, or happiness, whatever it was, they were living the dream. Shaku was scoping the place out and saw one particular woman that stood out above the rest and was grabbing all the limelight to herself, a beautiful red head who didn't seem to be drunk at all. In fact, she had a determined step to her, she was here for something that wasn't recreational, which piqued his interest. It could just be my imagination... he thought while walking a bit hurriedly in her direction. It's nothing, stick to why you're here dammit! he thought, trying to talk himself out of greeting her.

He finally caught up to her and was now walking next to her. "You're looking particularly lovely at this ball. I'm Shaku" he said, introducing himself to the lady clad in red.

Mishi sat in his carriage waiting to arrive at this noblemen’s ball he had heard so much about.  He still couldn’t believe that one of Master’s old friends would appear out of the blue and contact him, let alone invite him to a fancy ball.  Then again it made sense from what he gathered this man and Master Vincent hadn’t talked for many years it would make sense that news of his death would only now reach him.  But Mishi didn’t expect to get an invite to such a fancy party as a way for making amends for not seeing his master in all these years to him this seemed a little…extreme would probably be the word for it. Never the less Mishi accepted after all a gentleman never turns down a man trying to make amends, even if he feels theres nothing to make amends for.

As they drew near Mishi took a deep sigh, he knew that while this was described as a party for gentlemen and ladies alike, of course from the stories he had heard that was not always the case. Oh well so long as I avoid any questionable activities I should be able to have a party like a proper gentleman he thought to himself.  

As the carriage pulled up outside the mansion Mishi took a deep breath not entirely sure what to expect but worst came to worse he could sit at the bar and enjoy a nice drink until the party drew to an end.  Once the carriage came to a complete stop Mishi much to the drivers dismay opened the carriage door without waiting for it to be open he was a gentleman not a lord or noble he did not need or want to be served on especially by a man he had no knowledge of. Mishi stepped out of the carriage onto the red carpet fixing his tie one last time by habit before standing straight arms at his side head held high just like a proper gentleman. On both sides of the carpet were seas of people Mishi looked to his left and then to his right noticing people with cameras in the rather large crowds on both sides, being polite he smiled and waved at the cameras as he walked down the carpet. “Huh...so its that kind of party, the one where you show off your guests like a trophy...how about that” Mishi muttered to himself maintain his smile with his usually narrow eyes opening ever so slightly.

At the end of the carpet stood two guards one holding a clipboard it looked as if he was saying something but it was rather hard to understand with the crowd being as loud and noisy as they were. Mishi stopped once he was directly in front of the guards as he could finally understand what was being said “Name Please” the guard said in a tone that was both polite and stern. Without skipping a beat Mishi looked at the man in armor and replied “Mishi Gonyma”

After a moment of consulting the clipboard the guard looked at Mishi once again saying with a bow “Alright sir I’ve found you, we hope you enjoy yourself”.  Following his usually reaction Mishi quickly bowed in turn extending his left arm out and taking his hat in his right before holding it over his chest before saying “thank you hope your night is pleasant as well”.  Mishi stood up once again as he walked readjusted his hat and walked past a rather surprised looking guard “Thank you sir” he quickly stumbled out apparently a party goer being polite isn’t a common occurrence around here.  Why do I get the feeling that tonight won’t go as advertised? Mishi thought to himself as he walked inside and past a blue curtain.

Once inside Mishi saw gatherings of people all over the place some large some small, several of them were gathered around various tables with all sorts of foods and bars with every kind of drink. It also looked like there were some other smaller tables with games going on gambling most likely it also looked like under the balcony there would be a performance of some kind.  On the balcony was a different story right in front of a giant pair of doors stood a large group of rather…ungentlemanly looking men with some…unladylike looking women.

Mishi sighed thinking one guess where I’m not going my face showing how…disappointing this is turning out to be no longer looking at the balcony of disgrace.  Well maybe the food will be good Mishi thought walking over to one of the many tables covered in food, as he approached he saw a rather tall rather stunning looking women talking to a rather… gruff was close but not exact looking man.  All in all even though they were both dressed rather well both also looked out of place, Mishi considered talking to them to try and have a good time with some people other than the nobles that surrounded him.  However this thought was quickly dismissed and he decided to walk right past them and check out what they had to eat first…then maybe a drink.

"A pleasure... Mr. Shaku. I am Lady Redlocke"" she said, introducing herself to him. Looks like my introduction failed, I'll have to come back later in the conversation he thought as he looked past her for a second before looking back. She's definitely here for some reason, that's obvious. But what is it? Shaku thought again, frankly quite curious as to why the woman was here if not to enjoy the ball. As he sized her up, she did the same thing and no words were spoken at the time. It was a bit strange to meet someone else who found things out about a person just by looking at them. He knew because she had the same look that he did when he 'sized' somebody up after meeting them for the first time.

She didn't even acknowledge the compliment he made to her appearance at the event. The band changed their song to a more upbeat, fast feet kind of music. Lady Redlocke, is it? She seemed to be his age, if not a little older than him. Might as well just ask, the worst she can do to me is turn me down. "So, Lady Redlocke, why'd you decide to come to such a fancy event? It obviously isn't for entertainments sake" he said, passing the opportunity of beating around the bush, as that got people nowhere. Shaku wasn't really sure how he would react to his question, so he decided to take a quick glance around the room, unsure for what he was looking for. Chances were that she wouldn't just tell him, so it was up to him to figure out what it was.

Lady Redlocke didn't seemed to be armed, so chances were she was a mage of some sort. Then again, why would such a wealthy looking figure ruin the reputation with her associates... unless she wasn't really as well off as it seemed. No. She definitely has a different air about her than the others. It's almost intimidating even. Curious he thought as he marked different guards at their different positions around the ballroom. Seven... eight... nine... I'm going to have a bit more trouble than I thought. So many high powered guards will make it hard to simply walk out if I make a seen he continued switching the thoughts on his head to a plan he was concocting. As a safety precaution, he always had a few smoke lacrima on him, and at a place like this, who knows how many assassins were blending into the crowd.

A man dressed in a suit came by quickly, offering his and the woman something small to eat, not even to merit his calling it a snack. It was a piece of cheese, sausage, and another piece of cheese impaled on a small wooden toothpick. He shrugged and took two, thanking the man for serving him something to eat, even if it was small. Shaku downed both by sticking the pick in his mouth, biting down, and sliding it out, taking everything on it into his mouth. Swallowing, he looked back to the back who was still waiting there and he told him, "Is there anything more to eat? I mean, not just these small things." he said, getting hungry.

"Please bear with us sir. There will be a feast at eight o'clock on the dot. Until then, please be patient" he said, getting slightly disappointed at the fact that there was not really much food around him. A feast at eight? I'd better set up my bombs ten minutes in advance if I really want to go through with this and get out with my life he thought, planning on potentially capitalizing on the opportunity to end phase one of his plan with a bang. Then again, if they found out it was him, he would be set back a bit, quite the trade off. There was a good chance he wouldn't do anything and let the ball play out as normal. Oh the choices and decisions, I shouldn't even bother with the bombs. Chances are that there will be something to happen on its own, whether it be the assassins I know are here or one of the members at the ball who isn't really a 'member of the ball', something will go down, and I can't wait he thought, a smile appearing on his face as he turned back to the woman in front of him.

Kyll hopped out of the carriage and landed clumsily. She regained her balance. It had been a long time since she was walking around on heels. Kyll picked up the dress she wore and walked forward. The mage moved forward. Her hair was up in a beautiful bun with a stick that had a star dangling from it. She walked along the pathway and sighed. She wasn't very happy about these events, but she received the letter from a messenger. The invitation was originally for Zeno, BUT he was away and Kyll was to go in his stead. Kyll sighed. She wasn't a fan of these things. Maybe there would be something worth while here. Kyll looked forward and noticed the uneven path way. "You have GOT to be KIDDING ME." Kyll said aloud. She held her dress with two hands. Her dress was a bright blue with stars all over it. She had no sleeves, but on her hands she wore a pair of white satin gloves that go all the way up her arms. Her dress rustled as she aimed her steps on to an even surface. Then she found her way to the stairs. "Oh my " Kyll exclaimed. She walked up the stairs and finally to the announcer at the door. She gave her invitation to the man and sighed.

Kyll looked down to see more stairs. "Up stairs... down stairs... all around the stairs..." Kyll walked down the stairs. A man with champagne walked by. "Thank you." She said grabbing the drink. She walked up to Mishi with her champagne and looked at him. "You look..." She thought of a word to say. "Exactly the same." Kyll's situated her ruffly dress so that the petitcoat was back in place form all of the walking. "It's been a loooong time since I have gone to one of these. I now feel so out of place, Mishi." Kyll said with a uniform smile to Mishi's.

As Mishi began to pass by the unusual duo he noticed for a quick moment that the gruff looking guy was looking not just at the beautiful giant of a woman in front of him but also at the guards throughout the party. Mishi decided to continue on walking by but to keep a close eye on them or at least on Mr. Gruff over here after all while there was a chance that they were working together he had no real proof. Then again he had only seen it for not even half a second as he passed by perhaps his brain was just trying to make up a reason for him to focus on something other than this unsettling party.
Just as Mishi had begun to completely pass the pair and draw closer to the table that he could now more clearly see covered in various hordorves…not really food but it would have to do. "So, Lady Redlocke, why'd you decide to come to such a fancy event? It obviously isn't for entertainments sake" Mishi suddenly heard Mr. Gruff say still closer to the pair then to the table for half a second Mishi stopped in his tracks before realizing how stupid and dangerous that was and continuing on his course to get something to eat. Hmm so maybe both were up to something either way I guess I sho- “You look…exactly the same” his thoughts interrupted Mishi quickly turned to see much to his surprise Kyll. But before he could even express his shock at seeing the mage from his guild she continued to speak with a smile "It's been a loooong time since I have gone to one of these. I now feel so out of place, Mishi."
Not wanting to be rude Mishi quickly returned the smile and began to speak “Of course I look the same a gentleman always looks his best or at least tries to, you on the other hand” pausing for a moment he quickly examined her, her usual combat wardrobe replaced with a pretty blue dress. “Look just like a lady at a party should” He said maintaining his smile “and at a party like the one we are in right now feeling out of place” Mishi looked back in the direction that he had seen the duo and then up to the barely dressed individuals on the balcony his eyes opening ever so slightly “is definitely a good thing in my book”

"I'm not terribly certain I understand you, if you're being lewd I'm afraid you'll be better off trying that on someone else." the woman in front of his said, blushing a bit in response in what she believed to be a move on her. Shaku simply responded with a smirk, it was an obvious deflection regardless of her body language. It only fueled his curiosity, now that he was sure she was here for another reason. The thing that really raised mental flags was how quickly she responded to his question and breaking off to go to the table that had quite an assortment of food sitting on it. His stomach was grumbling, as the tiny toothpicks hadn't quite satisfied him, so he walked there next, right next to Lady Redlocke again.

Redlocke seemed like the paranoid kind of individual. She would also probably think he was following her when in reality, he was just hungry and she happened to walk over to the table of food. Oh wonderful. Well, if she really does belong at this party, I'll be kicked out in minutes for harassing a guest. But if she doesn't... then we'll see he thought, taking a piece of turkey onto one of the many hand crafted glass plates that were for the guests to use. Maybe he was wrong, maybe she was just a regular noble that he was thinking was something special for no reason, but he wouldn't let it go. Not yet, not until he was absolutely sure that he'd misjudged her.

He looked over, and it seemed as though she was 'trying' to attract the attention of somebody, either that, or she's never tasted high quality food before, only adding to his suspicions. Setting the plate down on the table, he cut a piece of the glazed bird off and stuck it in his mouth, chewing it a couple of times before swallowing, delicious. Shaku turned his head to the women in red and continued the conversation that she so desperately tried to end. "You know, if you're going to accuse me of being lewd, you shouldn't literally turn around and do something like that." he said, a bit peeved at the kind of hypocrisy she'd shown. That was definitely something he'd expect of someone in the high class, but she just didn't seem like that kind of person to him. Then he took another bite of the marvelous bird he had at his plate, he'd never tasted something so grand.

[i]She's probably turn that around on him, saying that it wasn't intended and seeing it as such would further solidify the insult she threw at him earlier. That, and the fact that it almost seemed like he'd followed her to the table. He would stop talking to her unless it was warranted, for now, he would just keep his eye on her. But now, his mind was on the food in front of him. All of it sitting there, chances were that he wasn't going to make it to the banquet he was holding. Shaku brought his plate up and turned around, getting the entire room in his view. He had to be very, very careful in this situation, as he was a dark mage in a party full of rich people and their mercenaries.

Then again, Divine Torment was pretty much a dead guild and hadn't done anything major in quite a while, so unless anyone in here was a mage capable of reading minds, he was safe. Another song began, it was completely orchestral from the sound of it, slow too, for the more romantic types to dance to. It was so crowded down here, and if he wanted to hurry the process of his plans, he'd need to make a good name for himself with the host of the party, who was no doubt sitting up in the balcony. Stealing the limelight through dance would probably do it, but he needed to find an available female, like the one standing right next to him. "Look, I'm sorry for prying you for information, I'm just a tad paranoid and new to this whole 'noble scene'. Let me make it up to you through dance" he said to her genuinely. Those words and feelings were true, though, it would be great if they danced well enough to get the attention of the one's at the top. If she denied him, he's movd on, as she wasn't worth any more time, and find another way to get to the balcony.

Kyll kept her smile and nodded. She took a curtsy to Mishi as if he was a king. "I remember the last time I went to one of these I had to do this every time I met a man." Kyll giggled. She felt a little awkward curtsying to a younger man. "Oh Mishi," Kyll said with a smile. "How are you with ballroom dancing. I could show you a bit if you want. I got my balance back in these heels." Kyll raised the skirt to her ballroom gown revealing a pair of 4 inch heels. They were Kyll's signature heels that showed her personality through and through. The base to Kyll's heels were a sandal design with a black base. The straps around the front of her foot were in the pattern of a rainbow. Then on the side where the clasp was there was a heart.

Kyll leaned forward and put her hand on the side of her cheek as if to seem like she was whispering something. "Shh... these are actually tango shoes, but I always wore them when I went to fancy outtings like this before." Kyll smiled happily. Hopefully tonight Mishi would get the clue that she was wanting to talk to him alone outside or during the dance. She could probably let him in on a little plan of her's that she wanted to include him in. In fact, it was super important she included Mishi in on her journey.

"How are you with ballroom dancing. I could show you a bit if you want. I got my balance back in these heels." The question’s answer was obvious he was good enough at dancing his master had made sure of, after all what kind of gentleman can’t dance with a lady. But as usual Kyll decided to continue speaking before he could get a word in this time however it seems like she wanted to catch him off guard suddenly leaning in closely and saying "Shh... these are actually tango shoes, but I always wore them when I went to fancy outings like this before."
Mishi began to chuckle “Don’t worry I won’t tell if you don’t and of course a gentleman always learns how to dance” and with a quick bow added “Shall we?” Mishi figured that this would be the best chance to act like just a normal party guest, just in case those two were suspecting him, not to mention it also gave him a chance to talk to Kyll about them and of course dancing with a friend was always fun even at a disgustingly ungentlemanly party like this.

"Well, I'm sorry if I offended. But I suppose it is no harm. I am here less for the party as I am in finding suitors. I've been alone for a long time now since my husband passed away. This seemed the best place to go to find someone interested, so you caught me. I'm not here for the party" she said, revealing her true intentions of being at the party, squashing almost all the doubt he had in his head about the matter. All those dancing lessons I was forced to take as a child were about to pay off he thought, thinking back on those times his mom wanted him to learn how to dance to impress the ladies. He was sure that it would never come in handy and even argued about it, but now he was eating those words. As soon as they hit the dance floor, Shaky began leading, swaying from side to side with his left hand on her hip and his right extended to the side clasped with hers. People began moving away and focusing on his showy display, even the men and women at the balcony, at this rate, I'll be behind the scenes in no time he thought with a smile before swaying backwards.

Kyll looked at Mishi. She smiled. "Lets do a dance then go out to a cheap restaurant." The champagne definitely was getting to her head. She never would talk about going to a cheap restaurant. Normally Kyll would cook the food on her own. However she did know of a good place to hide at dressed in her attire. Kyll grabbed Mishi by the hand and rushed out the dance floor and set up his frame to match her's. Kyll began to twirl around with Mishi taking the lead. When she got the pattern down, she gave the lead up to Mishi. She then began talking at a level of vocal range that only Mishi and herself could hear, "This is my home town you know..." Kyll said in a somber voice. "My father and mother lived near by..." Her voice trailed off. "I really shouldn't be in this town. There are those who wish to speak with me." Kyll gave a nostalgic smile. "This is also the town my ex husband lived in. Though he was almost always gone... We may need to leave after all though.." Kyll looked up at the balconies to see people looking down at the two dancing. "I don't feel right in here..."

Kyll suggesting that they go to a restaurant? That was definitely something new, not really super suspicious but it would probably be best to keep an eye on Kyll now instead maybe she wasn’t feeling well. His train off thought quickly ended as Kyll dragged him by the hand onto the dance floor. She quickly positioned his body to match her and quickly took the lead, which was a relief in a way as he hadn’t really danced in a while, though Kyll eventually gave him the lead but by that point he had gotten back into the swing of things.
Kyll then began to talk in a very low but somber voice "This is my home town you know... My father and mother lived nearby...”. Something was wrong Kyll was talking about things that usually would show a level of nostalgia or happiness when being spoken about but when she said it, she only sounded…sad. Kyll then said with a smile "This is also the town my ex husband lived in. Though he was almost always gone... We may need to leave after all though.." Mishi then saw Kyll look upward at the balcony causing him himself to look up and see several individuals looking down. "I don't feel right in here..." she added and suddenly Mishi realized why talking about this place seemed to make her feel down instead of happy it was because this place only contained bad memories not happy ones.
Quickly realizing what needed to be done quickly grabbing hold of her hand and beginning to walk towards the exit “I’m getting a little hungry not to mention this party is one of the most ungentlemanly things ever…why don’t we go hit one of those cheap restaurants you were talking about?” me said beginning to smile and deciding not to mention the two suspicious characters until they were outside.

Kyll giggled and was lead out of the ballroom floor. However right before she left she grabbed another glass of champagne. She chugged the crystal glass and then left it on the next waiter's plate. Coming clean to anyone was a little hard for her, but she knew she could trust Mishi a lot. Perhaps she would find more friends in the guild other than Zeno. As they flew past the guards out front Kyll waved to them. "Thank you for your hospitality..." Then she quietly spoke. "This place is just too ritzy for me... Mishi I know the perfect spot." Kyll stuck out her tongue as the two left the manor.

[Mishi and Kyll Exit]

Slowly, but confidently  She approached the knight positioned in front of the entry way before her. She then brushed her  well combed brown hair apart from her sky blue eyes "Name." the guard demanded sternly clearly drained of patience.
She then shifted her eyes downward feeling allot less confident then they were moments before. "Like they would let a kid like me in such a big event" She thought to herself."Name" The guard said repeating himself even louder then before. She was quick to reply realizing that she had kept him waiting. "Rita Stebern" Rita replied still looking away trying to regain her confidence. He then consulted his clipboard skimming through the guests names before he looked back to her, "You may enter" He told her as he stepped out of the way.

Rita hurriedly and nervously slipped in the ball room past him not returning his gaze. She looked around at the open ball room practically bursting with activity. Everyone gathered around in separate crowds and circles enjoying one another's company. Rita felt misplaced in this scene. Everyone paraded around joyfully while she seemed to have her own unique air. Rita wore a long silk black dress that gently wrapped it's self around her light skin. She felt like a drop of ink splatted in the center of a grand painting "I don't belong here. I shouldn't be here, I am a mistake!" Rita thought to herself..She soon once again had become nervous,she then began feeling afraid.

Rita then realized some of the upper class guests have narrowed their eyes at her in a predatory like glare. Rita felt centered out standing in the center of the ball room all alone. Rita looked around as some of the guests began whispering among themselves. She silently panicked. Rita proceeded to cut her way right through the center of the ball room In a quick sprint where couples were waltzing to the music. As the symphony came to a pause She bumped into a woman dressed in the most beautiful of red. "She is much more elegant and flawless then I could ever be. I'm such an idiot!" Rita though to herself. "I'm sorry!" She then said nervously as she stopped briefly trembling before she continued her run to some dark unoccupied spot in the corner of the ballroom.

It seemed like she was much quicker to the step than he was, but his goal was to put on a nice display, and so they did. She's a good liar, a good dancer, an excellent linguist, but she's so young. Is she some sort of prodigy? he thought as he was swung across the dance floor at a pace that was a bit difficult to keep up. But his motivation gave him the strength to follow the leader, not missing a single step with her. This woman seemed like she was good at everything, but how? Was she naturally talented? She didn't look to be anywhere higher than her mid twenties. Just doesn't make sense. Oh well, I've already pried way past my limit, any suspicions floating around in here will just have to stay suspicions he thought, disappointed that some of those small doubts that he couldn't quite get rid of resurfaced. "Likewise" he said with a crooked smile and a wink that told that he didn't mind her taking over the dance. He was just as calm as she was, but he was a murderous psychopath on his bad days, so what was her excuse?

OOC: