PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY shinxy
| in wonderland we both went mad |
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Post by Viola Solovyov on May 26, 2015 22:49:40 GMT
[nospaces] SAY I DIDN'T WARN YA
Viola was dressed just as elegantly as she always was, if not more so. She had a flowing red dress that matched her hair and caught everyone's eye. It had some ornamentation at her hip to make the string of five pokeballs there less stark. She had two Pokemon out, as usual: her Roserade, Petal, and her Mismagius, Nightshade. Petal kept close, seeming interested in who Vivi interacted with, while Nightshade kept floating up toward the ceiling and staring menacingly at other Pokemon. Vivi herself was moving around the room, socializing with nobility and their ilk. As she moved, Vivi would regularly glance at the source of the music for the party, hiding her disdain for the more modern "pop" pieces. In her opinion, classical music would be much more fitting.[break][break]
The counselor had yet to step onto the dance floor. She would in time, she simply wanted to mingle with all the important people first. The face of Counselor Solovyov was known throughout the region--and that's no accident. Vivi always endeavored to herself known to important people and those in power. If she were to speak to you at all really, it would be a sign that she wants something or has a use for you. Very few, if any, people knew this about her, though. Perhaps a few of the more astute observers who found her socialite tactics distasteful would, but the common noble likely wouldn't notice her machinations as she went to lengths to cover them.[break][break]
One noble she had yet to mingle with was that of Whitecoast, Lord Goldsmith. She approached him, taking her time and looking regal as ever. Even with just the way she walked, Viola made it seemed like she owned the building and everyone in it. If she had her way, someday she would. After a minute of weaving through the crowd, Vivi got up to the lord, laying a gloved hand on his shoulder, "Lord Goldsmith?" Her tone was genial, as though they had been friends for ages, and her smile seemed genuine.
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Crocuta
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Post by Bernard Goldsmith on May 26, 2015 23:36:28 GMT
Some of the men wore tuxedos. Bernard, opting for tradition, wore the uniform. The (mostly decorative) sword evened out the weight of the four pokeballs on his other hip. Purring loudly, Angel the persian kept herself at the Lord’s side, mostly sniffing at the passing hors d’oeuvres and occasionally staring down a passing pokemon—some, if they were kittens, with affection, and all the rest with a vague wish to fight them. In the same manner that his feline companion filled out her coat well with muscle and fluid grace, the strength from the sea and from training helped Bernard to nicely fill out his own dress uniform, the light blue coat decorated appropriately for his rank.
He declined to drink yet, the music plucking at his nerves. He had seen a number of beautiful women he would have taken onto the dance floor in a moment if he knew how to move to the music. Waltzes, salsas, tangoes, hell, even a few mambos he knew! It was vexing. He adored social gatherings. It was a game. In his opinion, this game was being played wrong. Cue an internal rant about this generation.
Stopping on the second floor overlooking the dance floor, his expression was neutral. Perhaps he should just get over it. That said, the multitude of clicking heels gave way to a set that was directly aimed towards him. That, combined with the way Angel seemed to get excited—two strong pokemon were here, now!—he assumed it was a peer looking for him.
He was wrong, he realized, upon turning around. But that was fine. Perhaps he was excited because he didn’t realize the mannerisms of the Counselor—or, rather, perhaps he was excited because he knew a bit of her history. She was a fierce woman and he found that ability to be so brutal, to show so much strength, praiseworthy.
Grinning, he put one arm behind him, the other on his chest. He bowed deeply. “Counselor Solovyov, I hope the evening is treating you well.” Upon rising, he’d continue to look at her fondly. Her friendly tone pleased him in the same manner a child might grow giddy at their childhood hero noticing them. After all, she’d been a Counselor since before he was a soldier. She was legendary to him.
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY shinxy
| in wonderland we both went mad |
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Post by Viola Solovyov on May 27, 2015 0:12:20 GMT
[nospaces] SAY I DIDN'T 246 WORDS WARN YA
[break]Pleased with the obligatory signs of respect, Vivi gave a nod of assent. The motion was quickly followed by a gentle hand placed on the lord's elbow, "Please, my name is Vivi." She found that establishing a sort of informality like that tended to get her closer to she wanted. Whether it lead into more intimate encounters or simply friendly situations, making it seem like you're comfortable around someone always progresses the relationship.[break][break]
"My evening is going splendidly. Lily is rather known for her parties, and she hasn't disappointed tonight--although her taste in music leaves something to be desired." A light chuckle was let out at that last remark, in hopes of keeping their moods light. "I trust Whitecoast is faring well? I haven't been able to visit in a while. Such a beautiful city." Vivi knew she wasn't Bernard's type; he and his family have been known for their aggressive pursuit to pass on the family name to someone they deem worthy. Strokin his ego was her next best bet.[break][break]
She was familiar with Whitecoast, as she was with all of the cities. Vivi had traveled the entire region before this man was even born. As she rose in power, she became less and less able to travel, but she still managed on occasion. The last time she had been in Whitecoast was likely when Bernard's father was still in charge. It seemed like a nice place to settle down--for someone completely unlike Vivi.
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Post by Bernard Goldsmith on May 27, 2015 1:09:55 GMT
Vivi? She wanted him to call her Vivi?! The Lord resisted the urge to swallow nervously, extremely thrilled with this urge towards familiarity. He nodded. “Then, in that case, Bernard is fine.” Bernie was technically the nickname his brothers and sisters gave him, but he’d be damned if he heard it public.
“It’s the age, I think,” he continued casually, excusing the other noble. "Though, if I could figure out how to dance to it, I might not mind as much." What she did in her domain was her business. He didn’t like it, but he could go back home and listen to a nice orchestral arrangement.
“Very. We recovered quite nicely from that little downturn that happened after the unrest last year, and I’m speaking with our commerce chamber about sending ambassadors of sorts to help Newhaven flex its economic muscles.” If all went well. It was hard to get in or out of Newhaven, but the gates had to open eventually. Whitecoast would be the first to rush to, ah, aid, yes, aid the formerly closed off city in getting fresh goods and workforce in. “I know you’re busy though, Vivi. I’ll have to send you a taste of the sea, if you’d like.”
Seafood was what he was offering. The good stuff—fresh, deep sea kelp around rare fish in sushi rolls, Goldsmith’s enormous oysters, whole crabs, lobster, perhaps even shark fins if he could find any of good quality during the tourist season.
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY shinxy
| in wonderland we both went mad |
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Post by Viola Solovyov on May 27, 2015 1:56:49 GMT
[nospaces] SAY I DIDN'T 397 WORDS ■ This poor guy WARN YA
"Bernard it is then." Vivi flashed a smile that implied they were close friends--they were not. The pair certainly knew of each other: it was Viola's job to know everything and everyone, and of course someone in such power would know her at least to a superficial degree. Still, they were only ever likely to meet at formal events such as this, or in even more formal situations as public council meetings and the like. Yet Vivi acted as if this were not the case at all. "Oh, I love local cuisine!" She seemed genuinely interested in the conversation, "All of the cities have their delicacies, but I've always adored Whitecoast's seafood." Not all of that was a lie.[break][break]
Vivi's eyes glittered excitedly, "Why don't we dance? I have yet to get on the dancefloor this evening." Before Bernard could answer, Vivi glanced toward the DJ, eyes narrowing slightly with the hint of a glare. She waved at Nightshade who drifted toward the booth. Vivi turned back to Bernard while her Pokemon went to harass the poor DJ. She took his arm and guided him toward the stairs to leave the balcony. "Newhaven will certainly need the support of the region in the coming months, and I'm glad to hear you'll be supporting that. The Emperor and his Council will be doing all we can to help as well. Perhaps we should discuss more at a later date to coordinate our efforts?" Vivi's tone made it sound like smalltalk, but she was trying to play on Bernard's interests in the conversation--as well as paint herself in a good light, of course.[break][break]
By the time she finished talking (leaving little room for the noble to get any words in) they had arrived at the dancefloor. An exclamation of "Alright! Alright, already!" had arisen from the DJ's booth and Nightshade came floating back to hover closer to Vivi. It was a rather well-known Mismagius, especially since Vivi preferred keeping it out of its pokeball, so the DJ knew what to change the music to. Her Pokemon would keep a watchful eye, but knew not to join her on the dancefloor. A waltz started to play, and Viola held up her hand for Bernard to take. Throughout their conversation, Vivi had been equal parts flirtatious and dominating, showing that she was irrefutably in charge and having fun with it, too.
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Post by Bernard Goldsmith on May 27, 2015 5:53:51 GMT
He was too eager to make friends out of his peers and superiors. Bernard took the smile hook, line, and sinker. She’d always been cordial towards him. Perhaps she just need a more jovial situation to bring out her warmth, he supposed. Maybe it was for the night only—she’d go back to being a little more business-like, after. That was fine. As long as he felt the happy family he imagined the Loros elite to be was intact, he could manage with a bit of stuffiness. It was like a game, after all.
He made a mental note to get her a whole meal arranged. Full courses, the best Whitecoast had to offer—a token of friendship. Again, truly, he was too eager for friendship among his fellow administrators!
All the same the smile faded just a bit. Surely she didn’t mean to this? Before he could protest, she was guiding him and he felt as if he shouldn’t argue with her. If she meant to teach an old dog new tricks, he supposed he’d learn to… what was it, crump? Was that what the kids did these days? “Certainly, Vivi. I’ll make sure to have our coordinating staff arrange something that works well for you.” Again, respect of her rank: he would concede to work at her schedule.
Thankfully, the light sound of the military grade yet completely stylist boots of the Whitecoast noble came as the old pop music faded away. Angel had kept up the entire time, hovering at the edges of the dance floor. She’d seen them before and quite decided she didn’t like how the waxy surface felt against her paw pads. She’d keep an eye on her master from the sidelines, thank you.
With that, she went to harass a pidgey who’d been left unattended. Nothing cruel, just… a cat making a bird nervous, that’s all. She knew she’d be in for it if she actually bit the runt.
Now, however, Viola was in for a real treat… as long as she wasn’t trying to dance the lead. Bernard had half a mind to ask her if she wished to dance it, but considering his size and her age—especially if other dancers were not so gracious, it would be his back they bumped into, not hers—he supposed it would be best if he did lead.
“Well, you certainly know how to get things done!” And, that was a compliment. While she was not his type for pursuit, she was definitely projecting the kind of persona he could wholeheartedly respect.
With that, they’d begin dancing, Bernard showing himself to be a perfect lead.
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY shinxy
| in wonderland we both went mad |
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Post by Viola Solovyov on May 27, 2015 6:32:32 GMT
[nospaces] SAY I DIDN'T 267 WORDS ■ love's a game WARN YA
Bernard was smart to show respect. Had he not, Vivi might have had to resort to less... palatable tactics. As counselor (and aspiring emperor, shh) she required the respect and support of peers and underlings. If she couldn't get that through talking and conniving, she would get it through force. "I tend to get my way, yes." Vivi gave a devious smile as they started the dance.[break][break]
The rabble were smart to clear the space for their most senior counselor to start the more formal dance. Despite what her dominant nature might suggest, Viola preferred a more traditional dancing style. That meant letting her male partners lead and requesting classical music. In the past, however, there had been more than one less traditional dancing partner (and "dancing partners"). It always made the dancing quite fun.[break][break]
Perhaps she should throw her own ball sometime. Maybe even a wedding someday; she was certainly vain enough to make a grand show of it. A minute or so after Vivi and Bernard dominated the dancefloor (with Vivi encouraging wide, sweeping steps and some impressive, flashy moves) the littler people who knew how to waltz joined in. On the surface, Vivi appeared to be enjoying the dancing thoroughly. An onlooker might even think ballroom dancing her favorite activity--she was certainly versed in it.[break][break]
The DJ graciously played a few classical songs consecutively, giving a gentle fade into more contemporary pieces. As the beat started to dominate the music and vocals were introduced, Vivi decided she'd had her fill of twirling around. She would leave the floor whenever Bernard led her away, though.
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY Crocuta
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Post by Bernard Goldsmith on May 27, 2015 15:18:07 GMT
Thankfully, Bernard only had a few incidences of people getting too close. Perhaps it was because it was early and no one had drunk enough to get clumsy on their feet.
Maybe Viola just scared the shit out of them. (He wouldn’t complain, but he never understood why the underclasses feared their rulers so much—or why any ruler would want to be feared!)
As their dance ended, Bernard was left with a good impression. Vivi was an excellent dancer! He did enjoy dancing himself, so this was decidedly a treat. Leading their dance to an end at the edge of the glossy floor, the broad swimmer gave a self-assuring nod.
“Thank you, Vivi! That was just what I needed.” He was certainly in a better mood. He’d not pressed her too long for dancing, he hoped; it’d be a shame to tire her out at the beginning of the night. There was so much to do.
However, he paused, cordial. If she wished to keep his company, he’d find something new to talk about, or simply join her in her rounds about the event. If not, he’d spotted some aristocratic businessmen from Newhaven itself, and he had those businesses to suggest to them.
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PLAYED BY OOC NAME
PLAYED BY shinxy
| in wonderland we both went mad |
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Post by Viola Solovyov on May 27, 2015 20:20:26 GMT
[nospaces] SAY I DIDN'T 184 WORDS ■ vivi had a fun time WARN YA
Vivi was smiling from the dancing, having enjoyed herself. It appeared Bernard was ready to move on to other activities, so Vivi let him go. "You're quite the dancer, Bernard. I think I'll leave you find other partners now." Vivi herself had other people to converse with, other nobles to curry favor with. Making sure to feign reluctance at leaving him, Vivi left after promising to set up that conference about support for Newhaven.[break][break]
The facade Vivi had made for Bernard was kept up for a few steps. She took a glass of wine from one of the circulating waiters and assumed a more neutral countenance as she scanned the crowds for other fish to hook. Standing quite tall, especially in heels, Vivi had matched well with Bernard on the dancefloor. She usually stood quite taller than some others, and her presence was noticed because of that as she drifted through the room. Her Pokemon didn't make her movements any more covert either, making her easily seen were anyone to want her attention. It was clear she had moved to other interests now, though.
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