Chapter 3.1: The party begins

[yhlee]

EDIT: The base is sited in the year 951, in a very odd timeline that has NO h*archate. Supplies have to be brought in via rift from other timelines. Thread here.

Ashari's new base features variable layout, which has been put to use in creating an extravagant ballroom. Tables to one side boast a variety of foods, drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and the occasional euphoric drugs. Candlevines glow blue and violet, and flower arrangements interspersed with fantastic sculptures of lace-woven wire adorn the tables. The arrangements mean various sarcastic things, if you're familiar with the Andan petal language.

Music plays softly enough not to overwhelm conversation, loudly enough to set a mood complementing the low-key lighting.

Remi is one of the first arrivals from the Cantata, shepherding the mothlings. Because he's a Nirai, he has a slate and is taking notes, although he is happy enough to talk to anyone who approaches him.

The kitchen is currently adjacent to the ballroom. Ashari's voice can be heard, raised in some kind of argument with...a caterer?

Comments

Re: Eddox enters the Ballroom. And so does Seyli

[kese_seyli]

That smile does entirely too much to Seyli and they allow themselves to be lead around the room. It's Sasha you want to meet, she'll tell you how to help. they tap out, taking Eddox's hand for a moment to do so. They shift Eddox just enough so they can see the woman in question.

"Ex-Kel, but I doubt that surprises you." Not with the drum code message, not for an Andan's sharp eyes. "I'm just a pretty set of muscles with a gun and a taste for very shiny dresses."

Re: Eddox enters the Ballroom. And so does Seyli

[mawgs]

Understood.

“Oh? Just? I can hardly believe that.” They stop and select a folded bun filled with sliced duck and take a bite. They can’t help but to inventory the food, to mentally sort everything into what could be easily transported and keep long enough to be worth taking in bulk. They take a tiny plate and place the bun on it. “Ex-Kel surely. A pretty set of muscles, gun and Andan-level fashion taste, most surely. But just that?” They make a little pout of their lips. “Surely there is much more. Tell me of your lovers. Or your platonic partners?” They shake their head and their hair bounces. “Ah, forgive me, too personal too quickly. How about any house plants?”

Re: Eddox enters the Ballroom. And so does Seyli

[kese_seyli]

They find themselves charmed rather than annoyed by the questions. "None of them, I'm afraid." Oh that pout is very attractive. "I can't imagine keeping a plant alive on a moth, although I'd work great deal harder to keep a lover alive."

Re: Eddox enters the Ballroom. And so does Seyli

[mawgs]

Eddox breaks their Perfect Andan character at Seyli's answer. They jerk to stop and say, "Wait, seriously? None?" That doesn't process for several reasons. They notice Seyli's polite stare and then straighten their posture and slip back into Perfect Andan mode. "Forgive me, it just wasn't what I was expecting to hear."

They buy a few precious seconds as they pick up their bun and take a few more bites. "I suppose it would be hard to keep lovers in your line of work," Eddox says on pure supposition. They have no idea in truth, but they can guess people with guns and muscles would have little time for domestic affairs. "It's practically my job to have them, so it's strange to me." Oh, now they are going to think they are a courtesan. Well, they are flustered now, and Seyli's sympathetic and earnest attention isn't helping. Nor are their arms or that genuine looking smile they keep favoring them with.

"I do have several house plants," they add idiotically. "My planet is only just beginning terraforming work. Plants are precious solace." So are lovers, but they don't want to slip again.

Re: Eddox enters the Ballroom. And so does Seyli

[kese_seyli]

It's odd to see an Andan slip, but Seyli doesn't react any differently. Just an apologetic shrug. "I was a Kel surrounded by other Kel on a moth until very recently, not particularly a good place to find a lover." Seyli doesn't go in for a great deal of artifice or false emotion, the earnest interest appallingly honest. Anyone on the Cantana would likely agree Seyli wore their emotions clear on their face.

"Did you bring them with you? The plants? Although I suppose you could have brought your lovers along with you as well."

Re: Eddox enters the Ballroom. And so does Seyli

[mawgs]

“Oh, no. No plants or lovers allowed the mission I’m afraid.” They considered bringing Em, but they wouldn’t exactly call them lovers. And Cherno is... occupied at the moment. “Hard to keep both, I’m afraid. Always seem to be getting new ones to replace the old.” Foxes and hounds, this is sounding awful. “I haven’t killed many plants—or lovers.” Eddox sighs. “Forgive me, I seem to be flustered.”

They take Seyli’s arm again and squeeze it lightly. “Shall we go walk some more, so that my feet have something other to do than fill my mouth? Not that I don’t want to have you to myself, but I should probably speak to the others.” Seyli had said to speak to Sasha, and the grid had helpfully pointed her out, speaking with another woman named Hana.

Re: Eddox enters the Ballroom. And so does Seyli

[kese_seyli]

"I'm pleased to hear you haven't killed many of either, I'm sure the rest of the team will be reassured as well." Seyli touches the back of Eddox's hand as they squeeze their arm. "I'll be sure to let everyone know," the tease as they allow themselves to be lead toward Sasha and one of the new team members.