Nakmarr Party: Social event of the year

[Matt Shikara]

Lark had been invited to social gathering. Her invitation expressed a desire to meet and welcome the new ambassador from Telis. Matt had suggested she go and meet people. Her job description prevented her from being shy and he seemed to think she'd rather form her own opinions over others she might have dealings with rather than just have him tell her his opinion. He apologized when asked if he'd be there, but he'd just had to take the position of Constable after his was murdered and the party would just take too long. He cautioned her to be weary of who she trusted and sent her on her way. The invitation said she could bring one servant and one guest with her, though the guest would have to share her room, while the servant would be given other quarters. Matt had never been to one of these parties and could not tell her exactly what to expect. He did know there would be plenty of servants already at the castle and any she might bring would stay in cramped quarters with other servants and be given a very limited run of the castle. He said it was for security reasons he was sure, as it's what he'd do as well. Lark has a lot to learn about those who dwell on land and breath air and the party would be a nice way to jump right in the deep end of things. He'd warned her it would be a three day party and the doors would lock. The invitation also warned of this. Anyone who is late is locked out and any within are locked in for three days with no way out. This was also all explained away as security reasons, though Matt said that part was a bit extreme. He just locks everyone out to begin with.

Matt loaned her -and any guest and servant she wanted to bring- the use of his personal carriage. The driver knew the way. He seemed weary of the castle though. Said they were peculiar folk who kept to themselves an awful lot. He didn't seem to think there would be any danger and if asked would have scoffed and said their security was too high to have danger. Then he'd agree they weren't that strange after all to guard themselves in these dark times. He then had bid them farewell and left them and their luggage to the servants.

Whether they had brought a servant or not, the castle's people would quickly rush out to take any bags and weapons. No weapons were allowed inside, but all would be returned later. The bags would be taken to their room. If they brought a servant with them, that servant would be ushered away as well unless Lark protested. She'd be informed that it is not proper in their culture to invite a servant in to meet their host, but would be allowed so if she insisted again.

The entrance from the street into the castle is very grand, though it's not really a castle. There aren't any battlements. It's more like a very large manor that seems to take up an entire city block. There are a few in this city, the Dupree compound and the Takara Castle being two of the largest. The one who owns this manor is high secretive. All Lark could find out was on the invitation.

[Arako]

No matter what time Lark arrives, the lord of the manor is there to greet her. He's there to greet everyone starting somewhere in the early afternoon. Some fear so greatly being locked out of the party that they arrive pretty early. Or maybe they just don't want to miss anything. Either way he put no limit on when they should start coming, but doesn't open the gates to anyone until after lunch. He never does, they should all know that. His manor is in the high district of Serenity, on top of the hill with Cliff Heights, though not along the cliff. Lark won't be able to hear the surf from her bedroom window. It is the most guarded part of town as most the important people live here, that is to say the people with the most coin. This manor is no different and shows a nice wealth of coin by the building materials alone. The stones and the materials for most the furniture within were all exported from another world. Arako knows Lark won't know that. Sirens rarely come above water except to play a bit with land dwellers and then swim away again. He doesn't actually care if others know or not, he chose the materials because he likes them. Well, maybe a little to brag and let others know he has means. Means to get what he wants when he wants it.

Right now he wants a party. An intimate gathering of other important people. Once the doors shut and lock the only law they'll have to worry about is the household guards. Arako will have a few slightly illegal substances or flesh for his guests to enjoy, though these things are not displayed, one must ask for them. Not everyone here will be into such pleasures so Arako won't display questionable habits to any that might go and gossip to the wrong people. He'd just deny it anyway and remove that person from his list of potential guests for the next year.

Arako stands in the center of a great hall when the servants escort Lark -and maybe her sister- to him. He leans casually against a crystal table that has a large urn made of marble sitting on top of it with a very large bouquet of flowers sprouting out the top of the urn. Arako is not a man, but an elf. Many sirens have the slightly pointed ears that show their faerie heritage, though not all do. Either way, Arako is a full elf and his ears are longer than any sirens.

There is something very mage about his garb though he doesn't wear the full robes Lark may have seen on other mages. Arako wears loose fitting pants in a black. His shirt is soft and though cut slim around him, does not cling to him but moves well when he moves. It has a very low v shaped neck line and crosses itself in the front. His shirt is sleeveless on his right side but on the left side has a long sleeve of the same type of fabric as the shirt but mostly in a crimson that is trimmed in black. The sleeve fits against the cuff, but then has a little flare out in the back, framing his hand as it hangs lose at his side. This side of him also seems to have half a mages robes. The garment blends almost seamlessly with the shirt as if part of the shirt and is also slim cut and tailored at his torso, but then at his waist it falls free and long as a robe might. He wears a crimson leather belt which disappears slightly under the half robe. He seems completely unarmed and wears no jewelry.

It is his bare arm with which he leans on the crystal table. It is a tall table and he's able to prop his elbow on it and has his fist under his chin looking bored. His crisp cerulean eyes fall upon Lark as she enters. Red haired siren with purple eyes. Can't miss her. The words of one of his crew repeats in his head from a memory. He smiles. He makes no move to remove himself from his table however. He doesn't have to, the servants are bringing the siren princess to him.

When they are the right distance away he will stand and move his right hand over to his left shoulder, palm facing away from him. He'll then make a slow sweeping motion with this hand, holding the palm away from him the whole time until his hand has passed his right shoulder again. Sirens don't shake hands, they move the water about themselves in greeting and this is the manner in which they do so. There is no water being moved so the gesture is like a kiss being blow rather than planted, but he has still made the effort to find out how to proper greet a siren and has committed himself to such an action as to make her feel more welcomed.

Then he greets her in his own culture by bowing at the waist, his right hand once across crossing over to his left, wrapping about his waist. The word, “welcome,” is uttered as he begins his bow, but he waits until he is standing to finish speaking. It's often hard to make out what one is saying if they are saying it to the floor. “I am Arako, Lord of this manor and you are welcome here.”

[Felica Arraor]

Lark was grateful for what aide Matt would offer. Even if it was not his company to this impending celebration, she appreciated what he could offer in the ways of transportation and information. She would trust the people that she came with, namely Ayden, her young sister, and Myia their handmaid. She would take Matt’s words as cautious. Keeping her guard up, and her wits about her. It was the best that she could do since no weapons nor aid in form of royal elite guards. They would only have one another. And her greatest concern would be Ayden.

The carriage had come to a halt. They exited, along with their luggage. Neatly piled to the way side await staff to come and collect them, as well as an escort to take them in to greet their host.

“Ayden, I get it. He is handsome…. or in your words gorgeous.” She told Ayden, speaking in terms of Ayden’s constant chattering about how attractive Matt was. “Need I remind you that you have thought every boy attractive in one way or another.” Lark would mimic Ayden.

Ayden stood stone faced before Lark. “That is not funny, lark.”

Myia came to Lark’s side, “Excuse ladies, but they are ready for you.”

Lark turned to find the manor’s servant awaiting their arrival. Ushering themselves about to collect their items and usher them inside. Myia would be guided to your own room amongst the other servants of other guests. Lark bowed to her most trusted servant, before steering her sister and herself inside.

Large halls, beautifully decorated and grand beyond anything that she, or they had every seen. Lark had been to the human world several times Ayden however, this was her first time. They were both dressed in the colors of their house. Though Lark did not think it wise to travel in your best attire, she opted for soft leathers of light browns. Ayden was dressed the same. Though she opted for a skirt, then the pants her sister liked to dress in. Both had long hair waist length, Lark’s red locks were braided back at the sides, clipped in the back by a gold brooch. Ayden was the complete opposite of Lark; Her eyes were pale blue, though deep blue when she was cross. Her skin was pale, and her hair was equally as pale, angelic some had said she looked. Perhaps to match her demeanor.

They were brought inside the manor and down one of the long corridor to a man that looked as though he was waiting for them. Upon their approach the man stood and greeted them with their customary greeting back home. Lark was surprised that the man would go so far as to learn parts of their custom it was impressive. He then bowed, using his customary greeting. Lark did the same. “Greeting Sir Arako, I am Princess Lark, and this is my sister, Princess Ayden.”

As if on queue, Ayden bowed.

[Arako]

Arako smiles broadly. Not only are they both sirens, they are siren princess. Those are much more valued than their lesser sisters. His eyes can't help but pass over Lark and her clothing choice. In his grand manor amidst all the other guests that came in their finest attire, she looks like the shepard who led in her flock for their meal. “It's Lord. Sir is only for knights and I'm not a knight of this realm.” He seems to pause a second to think and gives a shrug, “or of any other.”

He then frowns, his brow furrowing. Something weighs on his mind and he's not sure how to say it. His eyes look over the pair once more and he sighs. “My friends, someone has led you very astray.” His head makes a little shaking motion as he speaks. He knows it's not their fault, they are new to the culture. “But fear not, I have a seamstress on hand and very lovely fabrics. We'll get you fixed up in something proper for your stations and this party before too many of the others see you.” At that thought he realizes he shouldn't let too many of the others see them or they'll be the talk of the party and the butt of most jokes. Luckily for them they arrived early and no one else is here yet, save for his own staff who may speak amongst themselves in silent rooms, will not tell the story to any other guest or anyone outside the manor walls. He raises a hand and servants rush to his side. They are so good at blending into the background one would hardly have noticed so many lingered, waiting to please. “I need you to escort these lovely princesses up to the tailor. Have their things gathered and brought there as well so we can check them over.” He looks back at the siren princesses and smiles apologeticly. “I don't know who gave you such bad fashion instruction but we'll have you sorted out in no time and send you off better armed with knowledge to make your stay in this city all that much better for you.” He leans in to the nearest servant just a little, but not enough that the siren princesses can not hear him. “Have Trishea oversee this endeavor. I want this done right.”

[Ambassador Lark]

Lark had cast her gaze down to what she had been wearing. How was she dressed wrong? The celebrations had yet to start, and it was mid aft’ was it not. She had thought to dress more causal upon arrival then in a fancy ball gown, just to be comfortable. But she should have known that she had error.

Ayden smirked, A look of knowing upon her angelic features. ~Told you so.~ Ayden had wished to dress up, but Lark had thought casual would be best. Carriage rides being so warm and stuffy. She looked to Lord Arako, her smile faded. There was something about this man that gave her a chill. She stood straighter, taller, held her breath and tried not to speak, well her mind to Lark for this little slip in etiquette.

Lark glanced back to Lord Arako, "I beg pardon, Lord Arako. I did not mean to offend you so. I thought it would have been more comfortable to travel as we are. We have brought attire appropriate for these events." She told him, so he was not totally appauled by their lack of poise and grace. But she knew not to offend him further. she took the offer of attire being fitted for them. "Many thanks my Lord."

[Arako]

Arako was not offended for himself in any way. He doesn't expect Lark to swim out of the ocean knowing all the intricacies of their customs. Many people who have lived here all their lives still don't understand. Arako travels around a lot and studies a lot of different people in his attempt to understand everything he can possibly understand. And he'd never accuse the ocean's most graceful creature of lacking poise. In fact if she didn't have those things he'd knows he wasn't truly a siren. Their magical allure may not affect him as much as others, but he still sees it.

He has no idea he is offsetting in any way to the Princess Ayden. There is nothing about him that he'd notice that would cause anyone to be uncomfortable and it's not a reaction he evokes in many when meeting in a social capacity. He would not be surprised however and would guess that Ayden has a supernatural ability to read people and that she just may not know it yet. It's very likely then that in the near future people will find it hard to cross Ayden without her knowing. Or he'd assume it is the faerie magic in herself recognizing the otherworldly magic in him and that she just doesn't know how to react to that so she fear it. The first reason would cause him to have more interest in her, the second would cause him to lose it. He detests humans tendency to fear what they don’t understand and finds it appalling when other creatures show that same lack of insight. Neither of these thoughts cross his mind however as he assumes Ayden's reaction of fear is to the possibility of being laughed at.

He can understand Lark's reasoning and later they will have a more lengthy talk about clothing and what is proper when, “You are correct in that comfort is sought over looks when traveling. But you'll find all the other guests will come in their most flashy attire.” he smiles a bit as if sharing a joke and shrugs with just his right shoulder. “Some of them a bit too flashy.”

He might would be inclined to discuss the issue further here or go with them to make them feel even more welcome, but then it's announced by a herald near the door, “The Lady Lola Grimm, and escort.” Arako smiles again to the princesses and gives the servant a stern look to hurry along. His sudden rush might tell them that Lola is one to judge of she sees them as they are. He leaves the princesses to be escorted to the tailor, where Trishea will meet them and ensure the rest of their attire really is as appropriate as someone else told them it was. Arako doesn't see any way for the princesses to know what is appropriate for themselves yet, Lark only just arrived in the city the day before. Two half days are not enough time to know all about another culture. Arako leans back on his crystal table as they leave him and his eyes move to the door to watch Lola Grimm and her assassin enter. He knows she brought the assassin, she'd be an idiot not to. He knows many things and Lola Grimm is no idiot.

[Nykolas]

“Escort?” Nick scoffs. He's there because he's the best assassin she has. Other than that he's not sure, but he can guess he's not just here for her protection. Though it's possible he is.

“Cohort was too obvious.” Lola responds as she smiles sweetly at the approaching Arako. Her sweet smile has landed many flies in her web.

“Long as it's not Consort.” Nick's expression and tone don't really change. He stands there with his arms crossed over his chest. Lola looks to him quickly in surprise and then smiles and lets out a little laugh. It's a rare thing to get Nick to joke, especially about topics that will make him blush if brought up by someone else.

I'll be her consort.

Thought you had your eye on the Ambassador?

Shut up, you're distracting me.

Lola is dressed in the latest styles of Serenity with a little of her own twists to the garb. She wears blue violet hose hugging tight to the skin of her legs. Over these she wears a draping skirt of white silk that appears as if it'd be almost floor length if hanging loose, but the sides have been drawn up causing many little draping curves. The front of the skirt dips just to the top of Lola's knees and the sides come up just few inches higher than that. Her top is white suede and very form fitting, as if she were poured into it. The neck line dips into a low v neck that shows more than Nick things it should. The collar is tall, as is popular in today's fashions in this area. Her top is sleeveless and the back dips even lower than the neckline. The back of her garment curves at the small of her back. White silk was sewn into the open back of the garment, but too much of it was used and so it all dips into curving drapes in the same manner her skirt rises to. Her top is trimmed with gold braided ribbon interwoven with beads and rhinestones. Her shoes are calf high and also white suede with gold trim. Not even the three inch tall kitten heel on her boots seems to get her anywhere near closing the gap in height with her escort. They do however put her eye level with Arako.

Nick wears a brocaded long vest of a gray on a darker gray pattern that ends just past his knees. The vest crosses about level with his heart and buttons a few times before being free again with his belt helping to hold it shut. The vest has long sleeves that are not flowing and do not flare out in any way. Though the white shirt he wears puffs out just a bit at the neck line and from under the cuffs of the vest. The vest has a tall stiff collar, much like the local style and is one of the reasons Nick decided to wear it. His cufflinks are little black crescent moons. He's not meaning to show off his heritage, he just didn't think to remove or replace them. His pants are black and very loose fitting. The legs disappear into a pair of ankle high boots and balloon out just a bit where this happens. The boots have a v line to their tops that seems to mimic his vest. The boots are a black dragon leather with a little trim of crimson tooled into them. There is also a braided ribbon of crimson going down the outside seams of his pant legs. Upon close inspection one will notice the pattern on the vest is wispy stars.

Nick wears a ring on his left hand with a gem that seems to like to change color when people speak. Lola glances at it a lot during conversations. He also wears a pair of thin rimmed glasses with small rectangle lenses. His almost shoulder length hair is pulled back into a little tail at the back of his neck and held there with a gold and silver clip. He had a black cape, but they took it at the door.

[Ambassador Lark]

Lark would not waste Lord Arako's time with trying to explain their need for comfort as they traveled. It was already being looked after by his desire to have clothing made for them. She would smile politely and then dip down into curtsey before turning her attention to her sister. Giving her an expressive look, that would suggest that Avery thank their host before they offended him further due to lack of manners.

A yden was quick to follow. Offering a smile, not at all forced, but not a 100 percent forcoming. She took note of the man and his attire. He was very well dressed, she had to say. But why was she so distracted by that little thing about him that was troubling her. "Many thank you's my Lord. We are humbled to have been invited to your home."

Lark stepped along side A yden . Her gaze travelled the long of the hall, back the way that they had come, when a voice rang out. ~Lady Grimm and escort.~ People were starting to arrive, and by the look up Lord Arako's face. He wished for Lark and her sister to head off in the other direction to avoid any further embarrassment.

With an open, and extended hand the tailor gestures in the other direction. "If you would, My lady.." He spoke directly to Lark, who bowed her head and did as the tailor asked. A yden on the other hand was busy trying to gain a look of the guests just announced to the manor. Teetering on one foot, as she leaned around the corner. Her pale blue eyes take in the rather finely dressed couple that now approached Lord Arko. She had to angle herself in the right position to get a good look around Lord Arako's tall form. From what she saw a woman dressed in white silk, cascades of fabric about the floor it seems. She was striking, or so Ayden thoughts. It was the man that this woman was with that drew Ayden's gaze away. He was by far the most atrractive man that she had set eyes upon, well thus far.

"Ayden...." a harsh whisper came from over her shoulder. She turned sharply to find her sister waiting and looking every so pleasant. "do you wish to embarrass us further. We have already done an amazing job of it thus fur. Stop staring, you will have plenty of time to chase boys at dinner."

On that note Ayden just gathered herself and followed her sister, and went to get dressed for ....whatever this even was to be.

[Arako]

“Welcome, Miss Grimm.” Arako smiles just as sweetly to Lola as she does to him, though he doesn't really mean it anymore than she does. Well, maybe a little more. He's curious of her and finds her interesting. She probably just finds him to be an annoying problem. He can't help but look her friend over however. The style of clothing is enough to mark him for Keloshian, the little black crescents which do not go unnoticed by Arako tell him that Nick could very well be a Keloshian of some influence which is interesting. He had expected her to bring an assassin, but not a Keloshian noble. He wants to ask outright, but knows it'll be more fun to discover the truth along the way. “Who is your friend?” He looks at the arms crossed over Nick's chest and then back to Lola. “He doesn't look like he wants to be here?”

[Nykolas]

“He doesn't. I had to bribe him heavily to get him to come.” That's not exactly true, he talked him into it by telling him about the history between herself and Arako and how their groups were sometimes in competition. He came for her safety, and because Matt wanted him to come and keep an eye out on the ambassador.

“I'm here tailor.” Nick shrugs and looks around the grand hall. “She was afraid her dress would rip at the ball.”

“Or a stone would fall off.” Lola nods and looks worried as if this were an actual fear. She knows Arako has a tailor. She used him once when some drunk moron stepped on her dress. She can't even remember which noble lord that was or if he still lives. She'd told Nick all about it. She didn't say, but he can tell she was actually excited about this event, despite any possible danger.

“Where is everyone else?” Nick looks back to Arako and doesn't hide his annoyance. He's been tricked into the promise of a party before, but got there and it was a trap.

[Ambassador Lark]

Lark stood before the window looking at the grounds below. The scenery was breathtaking. She could never get use to the way the world looked above the ocean. A strange thought, but not so strange for one that had spent a good portion of their life below the waves. Her hands curled about her forearm, rubbing them slightly to ward off the chill that seemed to creep into the air.

"Please stand still?" Came a call from across the room.

"He was beautiful..." Ayden was stating again. A dreamy look upon her face as she recalled to her memory the image of Nick, or to her the man in the hallway. "Dark locks, like coal....brilliant eyes, like a stormy sea...."

"My Ayden you have keen eyesight. You saw what....a brief look of the man, and you saw him as cler as a ship on the horizen." Lark teased, slowly making her way to where her sister stood mooning over yet another boy.

"Lark, you didn't see him. He was....."

"Ayden I suggest that you get your head out of the clouds and focus on the task at hand. Mother wishes for us to learn what can while we are upon land. Plus, you are a representative, Please do not embarrass Te'Lis. Mother would be most unhappy if we disgrace them."

Ayden shrugged her shoulders and remained silent and still for the remainder of her fitting. It would still be a few more hours before something was sween together and they were able to gain the others in the main hall. Ayden could not wait. While Lark simple paced back and forth recalling every lecture she had ever been given, every book she had read on ettiquette and the ways of the land. Everything she could think of to help their time here. and hoping not to embrrass herself or her homeland.

[Kels]

Post Edit: Improved images.

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This first one is the entrance to Nakmarr Manor. You can see the ten foot thick walls that separate the manor house from the sidewalks of Serenity.



First Floor Room List: (from back left room, working clockwise)
Tailor
Feast Hall
Kitchen
Card Room
Library
Sitting Room
Privy
Bath
Sitting Room
Entrance
Sitting
Servent's Stars
Privy
Music Room
Game Room
Dinning Room

The center is the Ball Room

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And this is the upper floor where the guests will be staying. Both images are very rough and not every room is furnished. Also assume doors as I didn't put any on. There are a couple of private baths where the stairs coming up from the servant floor should be, so assume I drew this map right and there are stairs there. The middle rooms without windows are all for Arako and his favorite minions.