Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:43:39 GMT -6
It was a few days before, when the sphinx wandered over to the board to check up on any recent assignments. In so far the variety had been abundant - from tracking down items and creatures, to cleaning up yards and even solving a mystery or two. What she hadn’t quite expected.. was an invite. The sphinx leans in, squinting at the assignment strung up among all the others, tail slowly twitching behind her. She tries to find the ‘job’ part of the invite, but.. nothing. It seems to just be that - a request to attend a gathering.
Standing back again, her gaze passes over a few of the other jobs, but notices most already marked off a completed or claimed. Well.. That settles it, then. Guess there’s a party to go to.. For a job. The feeling of light-hearted joviality doesn’t get to last all too long, as she inspects the invite one more time for an address, and her heart skips a beat.
The Archmage’s tower.
Oh dear..
(1)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:44:25 GMT -6
The whole way back home, the mind’s buzzing with thoughts, so much so that each of the ribbon-linked trio has a chance to jump in one by one to ask what the matter is. None of them are given quite the full story, but all of them are full aware something happened at the tower last time. Perhaps the agate most of all has a sense, given poor Cèasadh returned half-cursed and it took some time to nurse him back to full health. All the more stranger, then, that the very same place which housed such a monster is now to house a gathering of people, especially people who might not be aware of being so close to danger.
But, then again, the creature had got loose when the mage had been away. The man who had requested assistance never specified how - perhaps negligence, perhaps accident - but surely if the mage themselves is in attendance, such an event couldn’t repeat again?
Surely..?
(2)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:44:50 GMT -6
It’s the agate who eventually settled her concerns, and likewise comes up with suggestions on an attire to wear. Her initial plan was to simply go as she was - full relmasuti regalia and all, as that would be exotic enough of a sight in these parts. The agate had to remind her the evening was intended for fun and socializing. Something done a great deal easier when one wasn’t dressed as a soldier ready to go to war.
So instead they settled on something.. a little more in-between. The desert folk didn’t really have a word for it, but she’d read plenty a fictional and historic story about sea-faring brigands, who would attack ships and make off with plunder. The costume for that was a great deal simpler to put together - she already had the sash and bandanna at a ready, some creative use of jackets and accessories and done.
As compromise, she could even carry with her a cutlass. It was made of wood and plastic, so hardly a weapon to be afraid of, but it gave a strange sense of comfort.
(3)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:45:20 GMT -6
Walking through town, the festivities had already begun elsewhere, as many a City folk ran to and fro in various groups. Most were children, though some older folks were also visible, taking part in the tradition that was Vai Min Mur here. A festivity that honoured the god of Dark, as the lore told it, and darkness with its various themes certainly seemed to reign supreme. The creatures akin to it back home, too, seemed more excited and alive during this time, and there was no shortage of spooky and scary wandering the streets.
The sphinx adjusted the cuff of her shirt, fiddling with the bracelet beneath. The cutlass was well and good, but previous experiences weren’t so easily tossed aside. If there was trouble to be had, she wanted to have an emergency back-up, just in case.
Winding through the streets, the outskirts of the City seemed even more desolate and frightening in the dim evening light and the chill of the breeze. But only a short distance off, little lights became visible along the road, guiding forward.
(4)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:45:49 GMT -6
The little will-o-wisps marked the path to the tower, flickering in warm orange hues, some alternating to a more spooky green every now and again. Other people followed the path ahead, as it seemed her timing was quite on point - the guests were still gathering.
A short while later, the Tower loomed overhead, it’s stony outside every bit as unassuming as its interior was imposing.. But where last time it had been a cold, dark tower, this time it brims with life and warmth - Even through the door, she can see the bright lights of the inside, the scent of food and drink mingling through the air, while the autumn cold is pushed back by glow of warmth.
Walking up to the door, she notices a familiar face greeting the guests, as the man from before (Perhaps the grounds-keeper of the place?) welcomes each party-goer as they pass inside. Where he had been a shuddering leaf in appearance last time, there’s a social grace and confidence now, making the sphinx feel that bit more secure.
At least if there was something wrong, he would most likely show it more clearly.
(5)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:46:19 GMT -6
It’s at her approach that a shadow of said previous state crossed his face a moment, as soon as he recognizes her. The face begins with a polite smile and a welcome, but falters that tiny bit into nervous stumbling for a fraction of a second, hiding it well. Ah, right.. The whole ordeal with the dungeon had been rather.. need to know last time.
The sphinx returns a smile, hoping to be as disarming as possible, “Good evening, sir.”
“Ah, yes, good evening, ma’am. Happy Vai Min Mur!” he replied back, the mask perched atop his forehead slipping slightly with the bow of the head. “I, uh, please come in and enjoy the festivities!”
“Thank you, kindly,” the sphinx replies, glancing in through the doorway, pausing before adding, “I, ah.. Hope the festivities tonight are quite tame? Vai Min Mur can be a pretty spooky holiday, it helps to be prepared in case of any.. scariness?” The tone of her voice was casual, but laced with a hopefulness.
(6)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:46:47 GMT -6
A silent look passed between the two, and understanding was quick to form. Some things were very need to know, so there was no need to talk about them openly. The man adjusts his posture, calming as he catches the meaning, “Ah! Yes, yes, quite right. Not to worry, ma’am, the celebration is frightful in theme only, but there is nothing to be worried about at the party itself. Perhaps.. aside some children playing tricks when denied treats.” A chuckle follows and both are able to relax.
“Oh, quite understandable,” the sphinx nods in agreement, “It’s part of tradition, the way I understand it. But it is good to know, thank you. I wish you a pleasant Vai Min Mur as well.” And with that, the two part as she entered the Tower properly, while he remains at the door to welcome the guests just behind her.
So.. It seems that for all intents and purposes, they really are here to simply enjoy the evening. A smile creeps onto her face as her shoulders settled.
Good, might be nice to have a relaxing evening for a change.
(7)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:47:29 GMT -6
The inside of the Tower is certainly a far cry from last time, though that part she’s not all too surprised about - Last time the ‘basement’ stretched the length and width of a labyrinth, so the rest of the Tower wasn’t as likely to be constrained by mere physics and proportions. After all, which self-respecting Archmage wouldn’t wish to impress their guests?
No, the fact the inside, a grand circular ball room with some alcoves to the side and a few sets of stairs to balconies here and there, stretched nearly triple the Tower’s outward appearance, wasn’t quite so shocking a sight. When she walked towards one of the walls and peered out of the tall, grand windows, however, realizing the view to the outside seemed to place them on a much higher floor than they were, was.
Leaning closer to the glass, she could see the road snaking up to the tower some three floors below them, and the grounds-keeper standing at the front steps greeting the guests, much smaller in this perspective.
(8)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:48:03 GMT -6
Standing back from the wall, she took steps backwards until the entrance was in view again, and sure enough - there was the grounds-keeper, greeting guests just the same as before, as if they were still on the first floor. Weird.. But perhaps to be expected in a magical tower. To the back of the room there was another set of open arches that seemed to lead to what she thought to be an outdoor balcony at first, but discovered to be a garden. Looking through the windows, the garden didn’t even seem to be visible at all on the outside.
Looking through the arches, it stretched a good distance behind the tower, with finely trimmed hedges, plants and even a large dragon-looking statue in the middle. A part of her mind knew it to be illusion, but all the same, as she stepped out to the garden, the first step was tentative, filled with a brief fear of sudden vertigo, as the mind wasn’t sure which of the two visions would be true.
Grass met her foot, and she walked out into the moonlight, taking in the fresh smell of dried leaves and pumpkin-based foods.
(9)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:49:36 GMT -6
It was nice outside, quieter than within, but few enough people wandered around there - most of the gathering was still within the ball room, and incidentally, so was the food. So, she stepped back inside, to the warmth and the mingling of people dressed in all manner of costumes.
Up above, lights and lanterns floated under the ceiling, basking warm light below them. To the sides of the room were large candelabras as well, more thematic to the ‘spooky’ theme. Food was mostly set to the sides, on tables and trays, carrying all sorts of cakes, hors d'oeuvre, finger food, snacks, even candies and pies. Each of them looked more finely made than the next, and the sphinx almost felt bad about trying any, for it would ruin such perfect presentation.
Somewhere invisible, faint music played and it brought some of the guests to dance in the middle of the ball room, while others mingled and huddled together on the sides. It was evident it wasn’t exactly a very well-knit group of guests, as the cliques were far too varied and displaced.
(10)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:50:12 GMT -6
More likely it seemed anyone and everyone were simply invited, and most showed up to attend. Some in groups, others alone, more similar to the sphinx herself. She didn’t really have a purpose or plan in mind when she intended to come (A part of her had actually been worried the party itself was simply a ruse to solve another monster-related issued, really) but all the same, there were opportunities a-plenty to chat and converse with a wide range of people.
None whom she knew, alas, but it made for all the more interesting conversation. Some of the children, in fact, found her to be quite entertaining, as none of the other adults seemed to have chosen a costume quite as ‘campy’ as hers. Admittedly the toy sword probably helped quite a bit, each wanting to hold and play with it more than the next. A part of her worried she might not even see it again after the night was over and done.
Darky had some candied stored away for just such an occasion, however. In short order, she was able to barter the sword back in exchange for one or two sweets.
(11)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:52:06 GMT -6
As the evening wore on, the ball room’s appearance changed bit by bit. For some hours it was brighter, at another hour it was dimmer. Streamers of bright orange, white, black, green and yellow would appear and float through the air in between the lights under the ceiling, then disappear to be replaced by small confetti butterflies the fluttered around the room. The lanterns themselves would shift and change, sometimes being more simpler in design, then intricate, then spooky, then back to normal again.
As much as she enjoyed finding people to talk to and partaking in the good food, it was also a bit of a fun puzzle for her to figure out which hour was meant to portray what effect. The agate wasn’t there with her, and he certainly couldn’t see through her eyes, but she and him spend a lot of thought-time on betting and guessing where the next hour would go, as she described each new change.
(12)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:52:33 GMT -6
The evening became closer to night, and still the party continued onward. Most of the guests began to leave after a while, those with younger children first and foremost. Darky had managed to get so caught up in the guessing game with the agate that each hour seemed to pass in more of a blink of an eye than the last. Plenty enough people still remained, but it wasn’t until she took to one of the in-door balconies that the much more vacant state of the party was more evident from above.
The invitation didn’t specify for how long the party would go for, so she eventually wandered her way back down and began to search for the one familiar face again among the remaining crowd. Most wore masks, everyone had a costume, so it wasn’t easy to find someone by face.
But it was easier to locate them by mask.
Standing in the open archways, the grounds-keeper seemed to be giving some instructions to an attendant, regarding some food, if the conversation was any indication upon approach.
(13)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:53:01 GMT -6
The attendant eventually nodded and rushed off, platter under arm, and the sphinx walked up to him “Ah, excuse me..”
The man turns, “Yes?” startled for a moment at the sight of her and settles again. It seemed his nerves had a tendency to be on edge. “Oh, sorry.. Yes, how may I help you, ma’am?”
“I was just wondering how long the party would last for? Nothing pressing as such,” she assured him, “Just passing curiosity.” The ear flicks at a noise.
“Oh! Ah, let me see..” the man fumbled and brought up a pocket watch, “Let’s see, let’s see.. What time is it?” A silvery pocket watch clicked open and he inspected it, lifting the mask. “Oh dear.. We have been dragging this on for quite a while now, haven’t we?” There was a blink of surprise, as the clock showed past three in the morning.
Darky smiled, sheepish, “Perhaps just a little bit.” Her ear flicked at a noise again.
(14)
|
|
Darky
Flea Market Artist
Veritas et Aequitas
Posts: 1,268
|
Post by Darky on Oct 31, 2020 10:53:48 GMT -6
“Not to worry, ma’am, if you wish to return home, one of the wisps on the road can guide you back safely. You’re welcome to stay for as long as you wish, though I do feel as though the general fervour might be dying down some.” He sighs wiping his brow, adding in lower tones, “A right good as well, we’re staring to run a little low on the hors d'oeuvre..”
She listens to him with a continued smile, but her ear flicks again, involuntary. A part of her brain doesn’t let it go this time and the smile fades when she turns to look around them. Both ears moving to track the noise. “Sorry.. Do you hear that?”
“What?” he asks, blinking. “The music?”
“No, something else..” There it is again. The ears pin-point in on a direction and she walked out into the garden, brow furrowing. “It’s like.. Faint blips. Like..” Like pebbles falling, her mind finishes, drawing up memories from the Mines. She stops, freezing as more noises register, this time loud enough to cause the man beside her to stop as well.
“What is..?” he begins, as they both stare up at the stone dragon statue before them.
(15)
|
|