this is Salem, a land filled with magic and maladies. It is a place where witches and their elemental familiars gather, a home to legend and
lore that predates time itself. Yet of all the wicked and wonderful stories the past can tell us of, the most magical are the ones yet to happen.
This is Salem - this is the start of your very own journey. Welcome to starfall
Starfall is an animaga witch roleplay set in mostly modern times. Members play as witches in a world plagued by monsters, where the only safe spots are walled cities. Starfall strives to be a character-driven roleplay with expansive lore and a highly interactive plotline. We want to allow members to
create and look back on a magical journey, and mold the site and its plot as their characters grow.
uan nods at greeting as the other stated their name. Taylan Karga, observant while dutifully knowing his place. Xuan like these types, the more fun it was to play with those who set their own boundaries rigidly. His company, however, felt like a hassle. Eyes that sparkled too brightly, background that shone too blatantly, talons that were flaunted to obviously. He wanted nothing but to dig out those emeralds from their sockets and feed it back into that petty mouth.
The announcement rings through the crowd, sparking a new direction for those that were aimlessly chatting. He watches the others go, waving them off with a smile, and they slowly melting into a blur of faces. Turning back to his darling Kasimir, Xuan was greeted yet again with the stony face.
"Still the glum face, Kasi dear? Why don't we have some fun then? A little deal?" Xuan taps his chin thoughtfully, raising one eyebrow at him. He moved slowly with the crowd, scanning the main arena for anything 'fun'. He spots the lavish tables laden with chips and cards and other witches and smiles until his eyes disappear into thin lines and his mouth is curled at the corners.
"What about some 'free time'? Sit there and all you have to do is play the game. I'll just be there for one round and the rest of the night is all yours playing away at cards, no supervision, nothing except a little glance now and then to make sure you're all happy. Well, what would it be, dear Kasi?" He knows there's little that Kasi could do to refuse and delights in watching his reaction.
Post by kasimir burovski ✨ on Jul 28, 2017 13:21:33 GMT
blue moon
you saw me standing alone
a smile, a wink, a flirtatious wiggle of fingers - kasimir tenses inwardly at joshi's sugar-sweet words, all bright and glittering and poisonous to the core. he does not have to look at xuan jin to know that his blackmailer is displeased at this one-sided interaction; he does not have to look at xuan jin to know there is the desire for blood, for death writ in the irises of his dark dark eyes. but perhaps, perhaps if he does not look at the alchemist, if he does not bestow upon him the means by which he can be ordered, xuan jin will not act upon his desire for joshi's head.
perhaps it is his lucky day.
joshi, by intelligence or fortune or by a subconscious realisation of the threat to her continued wellbeing - decides to take her leave, head held proudly as she glides away from them and towards the high table, taking with her the dark haired female she had introduced as adeline. karga, too, drifts off towards the blackjack table, flashing them only a single brief, unreadable glance before leaving.
and it is just the two of them remaining - kasimir and xuan jin.
"still the glum face, kasi dear? why don't we have some fun then? a little deal?" xuan jin turns to him with a glasgow smile that has bitter hatred curling at the edges and glacial coldness in his eyes; the mockery of thoughtfulness that steals across his expression incites nothing but resigned trepidation within kasimir.
what follows is a string of orders dressed up in pretty words, a warning to behave, a promise - a threat - that xuan jin will be watching him closely tonight. kasimir has no doubt that he will close this night with a list of infractions no matter what he does - the length, he assumes, will likely depend on xuan jin's mood. mercy is not well known in their world.
"yes sir," he responds, inflectionless and stoic despite the wildfire that rages in his soul, the inferno that howls and shrieks and urges him to bury a dagger in his hated master's heart and reduce the world to cinders. kasimir clamps down fury, forces his fear and loathing back behind the iron walls of his self-control; he bows slightly to xuan jin in a display of submission that is mocking in its deference and says, "by your leave then, czcigodny," and turns and walks away.
he will be paying for his defiance with pain and bitter regret when the gala is over, but in this moment kasimir cannot bring himself to regret.
[attr="class","paige_lyrics"]all my life is wrapped up in today. No past or future here.[break]BUT THERE'S NO COMING HOME. THERE'S NO COMING HOME WITH A NAME LIKE MINE.
[attr="class","paige_post"]They wave for her to sit and Amelia does with a smile and a "thank you." She watches the table as cards are dealt and the games properly begin. It's difficult to see exactly what cards each player is holding, but their body language tells her what the cards don't. The slight dropping of shoulders, the excited shift of position. Hit, double, stand, though few surrenders yet. She wondered how many would take losing nicely. How many would lose their arrogance in money's weight? Would they try to argue the dealer? Call it rigged or claim someone cheated? A smile spread on her lips. She enjoyed watching things go south. She couldn't watch all night, though, so she turned her attention to the others at the table. A man with long blond hair whose sharp eyes she thought could cut anything, and then a man with an eyepatch (how did he lose his eye? Would he tell her if she asked? Probably not), and a lovely woman with flowers in her hair. She guessed they were all powerful witches from the size of the table and the way they held themselves. She wanted to get to know them. In her life, she'd only met truly powerful witches a couple of times and they were always only naval officers. Other powerful witches existed in her home country, sure, but magic didn't have as much importance there as it did seem to have here. If you could fill the sails, light the coal, and keep the food cold, well that was really all they needed. These three, though? She wondered what they looked like in a fight.
She began to make the effort of small talk, maybe learn who these people are and make some deals, but someone strode up and greeted them. The niece of the man with the long blonde hair, apparently. "Good evening." She said, "I believe I saw you at the betting table. Who did you put money on?" She looked to the other three at the table, extending the question to them as well if they wished.
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Not a player or better. Chills at Dmitri and co's table and tries to chit chat with dahlia joshi.
Post by kasumi akamatsu on Jul 28, 2017 22:19:02 GMT
❧
The champagne had lost its luster by the time Kasumi had glided over to the table, glass dripping with sweat and pooling between her fingers; red eyes wandered over to a masked woman who had approached the people she had been eyeing for the night, slowing her strides as she tilted her head to unravel what the woman was so clearly hiding. Her elegantly styled locks caught across the smooth of her cheek as she did so, brushing against her before she cast them away with a flick of her hand. Pressing the cool rim of the champagne flute to her painted lips, Kasumi let the slightly sweetened taint of alcohol run down her throat, leaving her mark on the glass as she did. [break] Whilst Kasumi was busying herself to close the distance from her target, Vasilios was caught unawares as the familiar he had peeked nimbly positioned itself onto his slender back; irises widening, with his lean bodice tensing at the weight, he took a glance backward to eye the creature the best he could. [break] While he wasn’t particularly certain as to what the familiar wanted with him, Kasumi’s sultry tones echoed in his mind. I’m thinking it wants a trip. [break] Pausing for a beat and filling his lungs with air to bottle any frustration, the cheetah broke his gaze back over to see in front of him, before commenting in his characteristic drawl, “I take it you want a bit of a ride?” [break] He was about to move on to acquiesce the likely wants of the creature before another witch approached, and, turning his head to regard her, his gaze darkened, seeing her as a liability. [break] Calm yourself. If anything, it’s another asset we can work with, his witch’s voice rang out again, and Vasilios quickly dropped what seemed to others to be a protective stance. [break] She’s… complimenting one of us. Or both of us. Either way, I’d suggest moving in now— this is our opening. [break] Kasumi made her way rather quickly toward the group, molding herself into a girl who seemed almost sheepish and apologetic. “Sorry about him— the cheetah, I mean,” she sighed, motioning toward her familiar. “Although it seems he’s made a friend.” She let out a small, airy laugh at her last comment, adopting a serene smile. “I’m assuming the well-dressed rider is one of yours?” [break] She looked between the masked woman and the man she had been talking to— the same man she’d noticed the creature perched on before Vasilios caught its attention.
basil was still reeling after the previous bet, and angry ofcourse that dmitri hadn't even participated. he looked down upon the playing tables and turned to dmitri. "what is with your luck? are you paying the dealer?" he asked, tone gruff and informal and one eye accusatory. dmitri only snickered in response, frustrating the man further. [break][break] however, when the pretty redheaded girl approached, he cast the blonde a look scanning for approval. dmitri responded by hiding his face behind the glass as he took another sip. the girl at the other side of the high priest raised her lips in a pout and seemed ready to object the idea of anyone ruining her night, but then the other woman came along. [break][break] far less formal but still polite, the woman seemed either cool and confident or somewhat disoriented. and then the last one came in and called dmitri uncle--and basil nearly spit his drink. [break][break] dmitri chuckled at his friend's reaction and the girl sitting beside him gasped. "you have a niece! why, dmeee-tree, you never told me!" her expression changed from annoyance to childish excitement as she slapped the seat next to her. "sit down right here darling, we have some talking to do." [break][break] dmitri leaned his chin into his palm in a labored gesture of mock dismay as if to say, now i'm you're uncle, aren't i? what he really said was directed towards the flower-wearing girl and not dahlia at all- "oh she's no niece. just another mercenary, aren't you, dollie?" the last part, however, was said with an infuriating smile towards the pinkette. [break][break] he gestured, then, in the spirit of equality, to the seat before him for the redhead dressed in black. by his side, basil sighed and gestured in front of him towards the woman who approached first. "go ahead." [break][break]
[attr="class","paige_lyrics"]all my life is wrapped up in today. No past or future here.[break]BUT THERE'S NO COMING HOME. THERE'S NO COMING HOME WITH A NAME LIKE MINE.
[attr="class","paige_post"]Dmitri? Dmitri. Dmitri. All of a sudden the name clicked in her head and she almost felt embarrassed for how casually she'd shown up. Surely she could've added a little more flair to her introduction had she known just how important they were. A little more bounce in her step or maybe she might've brought them drinks. She wasn't sure of the customs here, but home, alcohol was the quickest way to get on someone's good side. Maybe just approaching them was enough, though, considering how most people were keeping their distance, herself and the couple others being the obvious exceptions. The others still remained unknown to her, though, and considering how high up the ladder Dmitri was, she wanted to know about these other faces.
"I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet." She said, "I'm Amelia Penrose. I take it that you are High Priest Dmitri. I'm only vaguely familiar with your achievements, I'll be honest, but nonetheless it's an honor to meet you. How about you lovelies, though?" She smiled to the unknown faces around the table, "What are your names?" Her eyes floated to Dmitri and then back to the rest of the table. She wondered if he was the type of leader who knew every little thing that happened under him or the kind to maybe not micromanage that much. She wondered if he knew who she was or if giving wanted criminals asylum was simply too common a thing or otherwise not important enough of a thing to reach his attention. She looked back at the man with the eyepatch, still wondering how he lost it. Was it illness or a fight? Oh, if it was a fight she'd love to hear the details. And the woman? Well, she was beautiful and so she already had some degree of Amelia's interest.
she wants to flaunt it, she got that look in her eye
Part of her keeps an eye on Taylan, as though he's the one that needs to be watched and not the other way around. But then the beautiful woman is speaking to her and there's a demure smile on her lips, and her eyes lower.
Then her uncle ruins it, but she doesn't....feel wounded?
Instead, she sits smoothly next to the beautiful woman with a forlorn expression, raising a hand and leaning closer to her in a mock whisper.
"He doesn't like to be associated with me. Finds me embarrassing I'm sure."
She sighs then, slightly sad, but smiles anyway. She scans the table, relaxed and snatching another glass of champagne from a passing waiter and sips it slowly.
Ah.
Basil, she recognizes the face and the name clicks in her head quickly. Proficient augment and atheneum expert, and details start swimming in her head. Instead of focusing on them she focuses on the bubble sensation on her tongue, on smiling sweetly at the woman next to her.
"My name is actually Dahlia. Dahlia Joshi. Over there-"
She points to an almost literal mass of people who look similar to her, her parents and nine older siblings all mingling and looking stunning like a proper SilverTongue family should be.
"-is my father, Aditya, my mother, Aisha, and then my nine siblings. Aditi, the eldest, the twins Bishan and Brijesh, Chandra, Chetana, Devika, and the triplets Gita, Hassan, and Isha. I don't expect you to remember any of that."
She laughed, especially as her father sent her a wink and a nod, and she wiggled her fingers back to them as he pulled her mother closer to his side. She relaxed her shoulders, secure in her position at the table, and wondered if one day she'd find someone to love as much as her parents loved each other. she had a slightly dreamy look on her face as she watched them, before blinking and snapping back to reality.
Tossing the woman next to her a roguish grin, she tilted her head.
"May I ask who you are sundari?"
Notes: sundari means beautiful in hindi (praying it's right bcuz fuck google translate sometimes) also continues to bet on Taylan
[attr="class","paige_lyrics"]all my life is wrapped up in today. No past or future here.[break]BUT THERE'S NO COMING HOME. THERE'S NO COMING HOME WITH A NAME LIKE MINE.
[attr="class","paige_post"]Well, Dahlia certainly had a family to list off, much more than she did herself. Was that a nice thing to be able to do? Or was all the extra noise more a nuisance. They certainly looked like they came from money, though. She didn't even know where her own family was. She'd signed up on a merchant ship when she was maybe thirteen. Good for the menial work and stuff and a good age to be apprenticed into the sea trade. They were attacked by pirates and she was one of the few given a choice: Join them or die. They taught her harshly, carved everything about sailing and killing into her bones. She supposed they were her family.
As Dahlia grabbed another champagne, Amelia grabbed a whiskey and took a tasting sip. Expensive was the quickest way to put it. Good, though, very good. Dahlia could drink all the champagne she wanted, Amelia would stick to the whiskey. Not that she had any intention of getting drunk, she just didn't care for champagne. It was too bubbly and the flavour too light for her taste.
"It's nice to meet you Miss Dahlia." It felt weird having to be civil like this. It wasn't the civility itself, but the obligation of it that made her feel so out of place. Dockside bars really were more her jam, but business contracts didn't get drafted in places that smelled of stale alcohol. She doubted she was going to get any work from this table, but hell she was making herself known and that was probably just as good, right? Make her face and name known to the higher ups and they'll see how hard she works. Or so was the idea. By no means was she looking to cozy her way to a higher position, because really, that was boring. Bloodied knuckles, broken noses, and bleeding callouses? That was how she'd like to ascend.
Post by kasumi akamatsu on Jul 29, 2017 2:37:23 GMT
❧
Kasumi noticed the glance the man took toward who she assumed to be Dmitri— coven leader and high priest, of course. Her eyes roamed over to the pouting woman, though it seemed her attention was then caught by another individual who had braved the balcony, and yet another approached. Kasumi would have nearly thought the situation was caught on the border of being rather ridiculous before she remembered that she was not as different as them… she, too, approached the table after all. [break] Despite her thoughts, Kasumi remained poised and in control, though there was an almost amused glint in her eye before the man she had spoken to allowed her a seat— however, she did note what seemed to be reluctance, and it did put her out slightly despite not showing it, but Kasumi was never a woman who gave up. [break] She worked every day of her life. [break] Sending the man a smile — and the others, for propriety's sake — she murmured a “Thank you, sir,” toward him, taking up the seat in question and sliding her leg over the other as she took yet another sip of her now long-settled champagne, having downed about three-quarters of the mild drink as she’d nursed it for the night. Kasumi wasn’t fond of being too tipsy when she was after something, though champagne was certainly light enough for her to drink. Once the other women spoke up, Kasumi’s interest piqued— it seemed they were doing introductions. How convenient, Kasumi mused, though not in a way where her familiar could hear her. [break] Oh how absolutely delighted he’d be if he knew exactly where she was. [break] Kasumi glanced between the girl to initiate the conversation— Amelia, was her name— and the others, though her gaze settled on High Priest Dmitri for a moment when she addressed him in particular before returning to Penrose. Kasumi would be lying if she said she wasn’t interested to find out more of everyone seated there— in fact, she was now actually having fun. Like a widow winding prey into its web, Kasumi felt just as much of a rush, though she showed no sign of this part of her; controlling her emotions and demeanor to fit situations was something she’d done all her life to get where she was, and this was no different despite the power and influence the people she had surrounded herself with had. [break] Where exactly are you? She heard Vasilios’ purr echo through her mind, though it sounded a bit far away; likely because her attention was split so she could remain present during introductions as well as communicate with him. [break] I suggest you look up. [break] Merlin; you actually got a seat. [break] Kasumi didn’t respond, her attention now fixed to the next guest who had arrived just like she did— the one who referred to Dmitri as her uncle; this girl in particular piqued Kasumi’s interest, and she made a note to try to… get closer to her in the future. Dahlia, was her name, though it was rather hard to follow the string of her words as she listed off a rather extensive list of her immediate family. Kasumi’s brows raised and an amused smile played on her lips while she turned to eye the people— she wasn’t foreign to a big family; the Akamatsu clan itself was rather large, and her immediate family was hard to list off of the top of her head at times, but she was herself an only child. [break] “That’s quite a family,” she murmured with a dip of her head, taking another sip of her drink; her tone was by no means harsh or malicious, simply plain— friendly at best. “I can only imagine what it must be like to have nine siblings… I’m just the one.” [break] Eventually her own turn came, and she figured simply her first name would do unless she was pressed to think of another name quickly; she did have many at her disposal, so she doubted it’d be hard if implored. “I go by Kasumi, pleasure to meet you all,” she murmured silkily, bloodied eyes roaming over her table-mates as she spoke. [break] As the introductions and conversation carried on, a waiter doing his rounds happened upon them, and he graciously took Kasumi’s now empty flask and returned to her a new, filled flute of champagne instead, for which she thanked the man politely. She still had manners, after all.
[attr="class","gearcore"] The cheetah does not seem keen on having a monkey on its back, but if Spock wanted to risk getting her face bitten off, that was her own prerogative.
Zephyr, meanwhile, is approached by a stunning pinkette. "That's a high compliment comin' from someone with an' eye for fashion sharp as yours," he replies, "But you'll be disappointed t' learn she considers just 'bout any human clothes t' be a joke."
The young woman almost seems familiar, as if Zeph might have spotted her in passing once or twice. The mask, though it had plenty of holes, didn't help his recognition. She approached him as a stranger, so he'd treat her the same. "Looks like I've lost my partner, so feel free t' take a seat in 'er place," he offers to the woman, motioning to the one empty seat beside him which wasn't occupied by Erin.
As the big cat asks if Spock wants a ride, her eyes become filled with a mischievous glint before she nods enthusiastically, hooking her arms around the other familiar's neck in preparation for the burst of speed she was searching for (though it doesn't come, not yet). Instead, a second woman appears, sho again compliments Sproket's attire. The monkey supposes she should be flattered, and decides to wink and blow the stranger a quick kiss.
"That she is," Zeph offers to confirm Kasumi's assumption, "But no need for apologies. I'm baffled he's managed t' put up with her for so long already." As if on cue, the little primate impatiently papped the predator's cheeks when they didn't quickly start moving.
Post by kasimir burovski ✨ on Jul 29, 2017 4:57:14 GMT
blue moon
you saw me standing alone
blackjack. kasimir slips through the crowd making his way towards the den of gamblers, a hive of snakes and greed and indulgence soaked turned to the nines and soaked in alcohol, not allowing the distaste he feels from showing on his expression. he is not one to enjoy gambling, not with the experiences and memories he has associated with it, not with what is represents, but one cannot spend half one's childhood entrenched in the underworld and not learn to hold one's own. but... the games themselves he has fonder feelings for.
nodding a greeting at kiki ( it is desirable to stay in her favourable graces, kirjava whispers ), a familiar face catches his eye. dark-haired and dark-eyed and dark-skinned - so this is where taylan karga had vanished to. impulse flares up - he is being particularly reckless tonight, he realises, but he does not care, not yet - and kasimir slips into a seat opposite his fellow silvertongue witch. "karga," he says quietly, all but drowned out by the noise around them.
he reaches out, does not bother to even attempt to cheat ( a skill he has learned and honed over the years out of necessity more than anything ), and flips over two cards, leaving everything hinging on luck. fire burns molten in his veins tonight.
it would be easier had he been a lizard -- an eye on the table, and the other on dahlia. he is glad of his choice of seat, a perfect vantage point from which he can squint suspiciously up at dahlia. a secondary sweep of the room grants him fleeting glimpses of her extensive family; from a distance, he nods in acknowledgement, receives the barest hints of one in response.
when he turns his attention back to the table, another has slid into the seat next to him, just in time for the second round. he scarcely blinks -- it would seem it is not in his nature to appear anything more than stoic -- but, he is, somewhat, surprised by the development. "didn't take you for the gambling type," is his own version of a greeting, now lacking the bite with which he had spoken earlier. perhaps the game took the edge off. perhaps there's something about the red-haired boy that reminds him of thea.
he's survived the first round, somehow. without ceremony, he draws again, and wonders idly about the chances of a game being rigged in a setting such as this.
he look on Kasi's face allows Xuan to relish at the power within his grasp. There was surely hatred burning within him, what with the life of his sister on the line. At a certain time in his life, Xuan himself had been like that, at the mercy of others but he learned. He learned patience, to hide what is best kept secrets, to strike at the opportune moment, to climb from the lowest of the food chain slowly to the top.
"Yes sir." Xuan smile stretches even wider as Kasi bows to him. It's not out of respect, no one would bow to someone like him out of respect, Xuan knows this, he doesn't take pride in the bow nor any ounce of joy but he would call it 'fun' nonetheless, if only to spite the red-haired man. A turn, and Kasi leaves with the pride of a mighty lion and Xuan feels his eyebrows arch. A waning sign of disobedience, he'll have to deal with that after the gala. His gaze turns cold and he stalks after the man, the air around him chilling slightly.
He stands behind the chair that Kasi sits in, giving a polite smile at the dealer and the people sitting at the table. "Good luck, Kasi dear." He breaths run along Kasimir's neck, chilled delightfully by his ice affinity. Don't overdo it. Xue Mei warning echoes in his head. He sighs and steps back, crossing his elbows with the smile still glued to his face and waits for the game to continue.
Post by kasumi akamatsu on Jul 29, 2017 5:54:53 GMT
❧
Kasumi’s brows rise at the monkey’s behavior, and a genuine titter passes her lips. “Well, she’s certainly a charmer as well,” Kasumi remarked off-handedly, supporting her one arm — with the champagne — with one hand tucked against her elbow as she spoke, taking a small sip as her eyes broke from the man and to the familiars in question. [break] “To be fair, I’m just as surprised,” she murmured, a smirk ebbing into her cheeks as she regarded Vasilios. “Not usually the friendliest cat this side of Salem, you see.” [break] Meanwhile, Vasilios let out a small chuff once he felt the monkey’s slender arms wrap around his neck, letting out an amused breath of air— the monkey certainly wasn’t a pushover, and he could respect that. “Alright, alright. What direction?” he muttered, slightly displeased that he’d become what was essentially a sort of amusement ride for this creature, but he would do as it wished nonetheless. [break] You do realize I’m only doing — putting up with — this so that you can benefit from it, yes? [break] I took a wild guess in that direction. Just do it; I’ll even get a kick out of it. [break] Adjusting his direction to wherever it was the monkey wanted to go, Vasilios took off, lunging forward and accelerating as he weaved through the tables and crowd with practiced ease, his long, heavy tail acting as a steadying rudder to assist in his sharp turns to avoid collisions. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t even slightly enjoying himself; Vasilios, understandably, adored running and the adrenaline high it gave him, though once they’d essentially toured the whole place — and once his stamina began to wane — he directed the pair back to their owners, slowing to a trot once they’d neared them. [break] “I hope it was worth your while,” the cheetah grumbled, shaking his body and stretching his legs. [break] The things I do for you, Kas… [break] Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it. Actually, you might have enticed people to take interest in you and follow you back here— there’s always a method to the madness, Vasi. [break] Vasilios stayed quiet, slinking off to stop at the man’s side to see if the monkey wanted off of him. [break] “That was a trip,” Kasumi said dryly, obviously amused. “I hope you enjoyed it? I’m sure he did.” She was addressing the monkey, but she cast a glance down toward Vasilios’ face when she referred to him. [break] Turning her gaze away from the two creatures, Kasumi regarded the masked figure with interest. “Quite a beautiful outfit you’ve worn for the night; the mask also isn’t that bad— adds to the look,” Kasumi said with a wink; she was very curious as to what exactly this woman was hiding— what would she have to lose if she took off the facade she was — rather literally — wearing?
Post by saoirse ó floinn on Jul 29, 2017 8:51:21 GMT
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be yourself; everyone else is already taken
[attr="class","jartoxpost"] his praise sends a wave of something down her spine and her smile widens as she blushes. running a palm down the tailored creases of her dress, she lowers her gaze as a huff of a lighthearted laugh leaves her. her eyes fall upon the monkey familiar and finds her utterly charming. "what is her name?" she asks with delight. indeed, it is ironic if the monkey finds the clothes ridiculous, but it hardly stops the outfit from looking chic. [break][break]
she walks around to stand at the chair he offers, but she does not sit yet. her attention is momentarily drawn away to the witch of the cheetah as she approaches the table. from a first glance, she can discern that the other is a formidable woman. surprisingly her demeanour as she addresses them seemed to contradict her appearance. finding it peculiar, although no less pleasant, máire allows her gaze to slide up and down the form of the witch, eyes scrutinising and acute. she does not say anything however, and instead presents a welcoming smile as she shakes her head. "unfortunately, my familiar did not choose to make an appearance tonight. they aren't fond of large crowds such as this."[break][break]
a phantom coils around her neck and her lips twitch at the sensation. while he is not there in physical form, she finds great comfort in marchosias' constant existence in the back of her mind. in response to her comment about him, he whispers to her haughtily, "i don't like you being in large crowds like this either."[break][break]
well, he could be annoying at times, though.[break][break]
she laughs as the monkey seemed to have complete control over the cheetah, momentarily disappearing in a burst of speed. she follows the feline's path into the crowd and her eyes momentarily fall upon another group of people, standing out amongst the rest of the throng. with a single glance, she could tell that they weren't particularly wealthy nor influential and they weren't from Leviathan, either. it's a guess but she assumes that they are the coven Silvertongue.[break][break]
as máire, she feels far safer than she would as saoirse when she stares at the group. she doesn't recognise any of them, their faces unfamiliar and frankly, unsettling. her confidence in Leviathan has yet to blossom and for now, she does not have the conviction to say that the coven would protect her if she found trouble.[break][break]
her fingers grip her champagne flute and she lifts it up to her lips, her eyes still on the Silvertongue group. as she swallows a mouthful of the wine, her attention focuses solely on a red-haired male, standing quietly besides another smiling male. something digs at her gut when she sees his stance, but she doesn't linger long enough to tell what. her flute is empty once more and without much hesitance, makes use of a waiter passing by to deposit it onto his plate, while grabbing another glass.[break][break]
her right hand comes up to touch the fabric of her mask as the witch suddenly speaks again, apparently complimenting her outfit. her smile appears once more naturally and genuinely, speaking lightly, "thank you. i could say the same to yourself; very stylish. the lace is stunning." she has yet to introduce herself to anyone, with half a mind to leave the evening without ever doing so. after all, máire was meant to be an enigma from the beginning. [break][break]
