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BasedRNG · **03-27-2017, 08:37 PM**

"I may not have any sort of romantic feelings for you, but I still would enjoy a treat to dinner. My line of work doesn't exactly pay its dividends as well as I would often hope, you understand." It would appear that Muijh had regained control of her emotions and was back to her previous witty self. She shifted her weight to her left and crossed her arms yet again.Â

"As for my description of our new friend here, you and I both know that was a figure of speech, milord. She did not literally save my life, granted, but Miss Makeo here did relieve me from a good deal of wracked nerves."

PrinceKlari · **03-28-2017, 02:41 PM**

"Silly lowborn girl..." he thought.Â

Prince Klari could always recognize one of his own. Orphans, forgotten children of whatever conflict destroying their families. He knew she was out of place the moment she spoke. The "Prince" in his name came not from his birth but the flair for which he fought with in the pits. He then studied Ishgardians on his trade routes in the early days of the Consortium. Their painstaking attention to manners and etiquette intrigued him, so he adopted many of their ways. Klari may have seemed refined and polished outwardly, but he knew Pearl Lane...and her people just as well.

Klari stood up from the table after the woman abruptly left. He'd mention it later but he realized there was no wine in his system. He made his way to the bar, ordered a glass of whiskey, downed it then a glass of dry Riesling, one of his favorites to sip casually. He left a generous tip.

"Now where did she go?" he said internally.

Klari scanned the room and quickly saw she was talking to a brusque gentleman. He noticed her lack of interest in the man's comments and even picked up on a sigh that could have easily turned into a loud moan of exasperation. He walked near her and nodded to the gentleman then turned and quick whispered to the woman.

"Your acting needs work..... "

He smiled and walked back upstairs to survey the party a bit longer.

Amnesic · **03-28-2017, 07:42 PM**

The only thing that kept the young Hyur girl from whirling around in fury was the fact she was too exhausted to bother. She still found his remark to be agitating and rude despite the hypocritical matter she had done it to him first, but she simply clenched her teeth and ignored his presence. Her actions likely did not make sense to others, but she understood what she was looking for here. It was not doing her any good being like she was, but she had gotten to the point to where every single flirt agitated her strained nerves and the girl was simply exhausted of it. It was odd that she should hate receiving compliments, she could admit that to herself, but everything seemed to have "implications" to it right now.

â€œAhhâ€¦So thatâ€™s why you reject me; heâ€™s taken your heart has he not? Alasâ€”â€ Darius began to say.

â€œOh, just stuff it. What is it you keep bothering me for?â€ she said, trying to hold back from putting in any stinging words.

â€œHah! Then heâ€™s even more the rival of-â€ Did nothing stop this guy from running on? He must assume he is safe being so far away from a candle.

â€œSeriously, just cut the charades and spit it out already.â€

â€œWhoa, feisty are we? Ahem, would you like to purchase one of my special beauty elixirs.â€

â€œAre you saying Iâ€™m not beautiful then?â€ There. That should throw him off balance for a while.

â€œYou are more radiant than-â€

â€œDarius Fallstone, the Duke requests your presence for a matter of importance,â€ said a voice from someone previously unnoticed beside her. She jolted her head to the side in surprise to see the Dukeâ€™s servant girl standing there. She was a bit unnerved by how silent and emotionless the Miqoâ€™te managed to be; it was sort of inhuman. All the other servants actually visibly responded to statements, she even acted like a brick wall when she spoke.

As the initial shock faded away, her mind turned to something else: what in Eorzea could even the Duke want with this nitwit? The thought almost brought a smile to her face even though her developing headache was beginning to pain her.

â€œAh, yes. I shall follow immediately,â€ Darius said in formality and began following the servant back to the Duke.

She had to give a bit of mental thanks to the Duke and the servant, regardless if they had meant to drive Darius away from her or not.

~*~*~

â€œYou know what, Miss Makeo? I think I shall accept your challenge regardless of the terms; it shall be quite enjoyable to fight against the unbalance in this situation. I must warn though, the performances are due to start soon and as result it may take me all night to get back to you with my results,â€ the Duke Rhett replied with his charming smile, quickly glancing over to see Aâ€™ih ironically bringing Darius back from the same bar where Miss Makeo had been.

He had a reason for calling Darius up: he may be incompetent and a terribly business-minded, but he also had a special talent for being a rumormonger. The rumors were not always reliable, but Mr. Fallstone had managed to work his way into the toughest of secrets and his skill at rapid collection came in handy sometimes. He could likely come up with something that would help him in this challenge. It was not cheating, technically; Darius was just another guest at the ball.

"...And, Miss Mewrilah, I understand exactly what you mean. My profits are not nearly enough to purchase all I should ever want or need either; just enough to give an accurate impression of such a situation," he jested, his smile growing to a sly grin.

BasedRNG · **03-31-2017, 02:03 AM**

She watched from some yalms away as Mr. Fallstone approached the young woman, his obvious schemes wretching her stomach to almost unprecedented levels. Muijh did have to chuckle a bit as it was clear that he was failing. Things like that, the utter failure of a complete sleaze, were always a personal favorite of Muijh. She wasn't always the best judge of character, but thanks to her brother's teachings, she had learned the basic patterns of the bottom-feeding, money-hungry extortionist types. Her joy faded, however, as she noticed A'ih returning with him, her stomach beginning its wretching yet again. It was at this point that she realized that she had seen this man before, when she first arrived and saw him and the Duke conversing. It was brief, and she knew neither of the two at the time, but now her brain was starting to connect the dots.

Muijh quickly decided to abandon the thought. After all, she would have to deal with him soon enough, it would appear, so she chose to enjoy her current conversation to the best of her ability.Â

"'Tis a cruel thing to tell someone so far beneath you of your financial troubles, my lord. Especially if you can throw a ball with its own performers. Speaking of..." Muijh made a small laugh as she spoke, a clear friendliness having returned to her voice. "What performances will there be, Duke? We won't be required to dance, right?"Â

Amnesic · **04-02-2017, 02:38 PM**

The Duke watched as Muijh responded to the antics of Darius with the general response every female got when messing with him, not being able to resist smiling at the humor of it. It was not common to see a person acting as a wolf in attempt to get sales, but that is what made him stand out among the rest. To be truthful, he only usually ended up getting deals from people who were desperate enough to actually buy whatever thing he was hawking just to get him to leave; in that manner, it actually worked. It was quite hard to tell if he was really just a social genius or just some fool who had stumbled across a unique plan.

â€œI personally think it would have been more cruel to leave the illusion there, Miss Mewrilah,â€ he continued in his joking manner. â€œBut, without jest, there shall be a expansive number of performances tonight, all done by fine and numerous musicians from across the lands. The dancing is not required, in a strict sense, but a very large number of the attendees will be likely to do so. The supper shall come after and then shall the end of the eventâ€¦ yet, it seems quite short when I list it like that, does it not?â€

Aâ€™ih and Mr. Fallstone were still approaching and would have been already present had he not decided to halt and try another group of people. Aâ€™ih seemed to say something to him and he stiffened in realization for a moment before moving on from them. A mental sigh of exasperation had to be given. He really did not give up sometimes.

BasedRNG · **04-02-2017, 07:17 PM**

The momentary relief that Muijh felt as Fallstone stopped for another target quickly faded when A'ih redirected his attention again. With a sigh of exasperation she turned back to the Duke to resume her conversation. She debated to herself for a brief instant if she should take a strategic retreat. Perhaps to the powder room? She decided against it as it would look far too suspicious in timing.Â

"That, my good man, is outstanding news. And aye, it does seem a tad short... Such a shame that you won't be seeing much of me after this, eh? I'm simply too pretty to--" She stopped laughing near instantly as the man of her dread had arrived, her face turning sour from its innocent smile. Quickly righting herself, Muijh looked him straight in the eyes.Â

"Greetings. Who might you be? And before you ask, no, I am not interested, thank you."

Amnesic · **04-03-2017, 07:12 PM**

As if by miracle, Darius paid little attention to Muijh or Miss Makeo, only giving a short and distracted greeting as his attention was focused entirely upon the Duke. Aâ€™ih simply walked around the back of the throne and reclaimed her position beside her master, emotionlessly nodding her head again.

â€œDarius Fallstone; greetings, greetings and all that. You called for me, fair Duke of the Isles?â€ he asked, an almost frightened tone in his voice but his face only showing inquiry.

â€œAre you still attempting to make sales?â€ the Duke asked with a frighteningly still expression and calm tone.

â€œErâ€¦now that you mention it, yes I am. I do dearly apologize, however! It just gets-â€

â€œDarius, you need not worry so much about your business right now. Now, I have something I need your assistance with and if it goes well, I may need to make a large addition to my next purchase from your supply.â€ As he calmly spoke, the Duke Rhett drew an elegant, diminutive record book of sorts and began writing on it with a quill stored inside.

At hearing the last part, the manâ€™s face quickly gave way into a brief shock of disbelief that was predictably expressed in his last statement. There was also a level of pride and relief mixed in, something that could only be achieved with a man like Darius. â€œWell, well! I thank you profusely for seeking my succor when you have so many others to choose from. Whatever it is, I shall manage it with such expertise you would think it only a trifle to my skills.â€

â€œI would expect no less of thee, Mr. Fallstone. Here you are, and please, do refrain from grieving my guests with your persuasive marketing fashion. They only have so much money after all,â€ the Duke replied with a chuckle and a striking grin as he silently removed a slip of paper and handed it to the man.

Darius quickly read over it and gave a stylish nod of his head, though appearing more silly than anything due to the peculiar mustache. Giving an exaggerated bow, he gave a wolfish grin to both of the Miqoâ€™te ladies and headed off into the crowds again.

â€œOh, how he runs on. I had begun to believe he would not relent!â€ remarked the Duke when he had finally vanished, laughing again.

~*~*~

The young Hyur girl had taken her chance and found her way to another secluded table while Darius was being withheld by the Duke of the Isles. Her attempt at seating herself was very awkward due to the aches she was suffering and though she could resist the urge to whimper, the wincing could not be avoided. Though, to great relief, sitting down alleviated the pain well enough for her to think about other things.

The comment about her acting was still stuck in her mind, but she was suddenly too tired to feel hostile about it. She was more inclined to just let it go right now. At least all of her training on how to hold her tongue had prevented her from doing something foolish just then and she had not made an unwarranted enemy of someone; even if it was some moron she figured was trying to act like royalty or something.

As she slouched back in her chair slightly she looked down at her dress again. The racy, low cropping of it had been a terrible, terrible idea. Though, looking at herself in the reflection of the glass, she had to admit she made it look appealing at least.

Modest still would have been better.

BasedRNG · **04-03-2017, 07:54 PM**

"Aye, he does seem gifted with an extra pair lungs. But what I find more curious is you, my lord."Â

Muijh passed an inquisitive glare over his visage.Â

"Pray tell what was written upon that paper. I can see no reason why you should keep anything secret from us. And on that note, why send him away so quickly when you'd so clearly asked for him by name."

Amnesic · **04-03-2017, 09:40 PM**

Aâ€™ih had caught a glance of what the paper had said, being as she was stationed right at the Dukeâ€™s shoulder, and she was internally curious of what was going on. Her inquisitiveness had since overridden the strange feeling she had been trying to understand earlier, allowing her to ponder it in peace until his statement stopped her concentration.

â€œWell, Miss Mewrilah, there is no need to be suspicious of me. I simply wrote to him explaining how I have been working on a deal with a prolific client and I need some information on who they are before I make any decisions. He is to meet me after the second dance to discuss the details more specifically,â€ the Duke replied in a factual manner. â€œAnd to tell the truth, I dismissed him as he seemed to discomfort you and the sooner he gets me the intelligence, the better.â€

This statement was truthful in comparison to what she had managed to read from the note and his explanation was as fluid as common conversation, suggesting to her that this was the truth. But, Aâ€™ih knew her long-term master much better than that. He was up to something, regardless of what his countenance told.

â€œNow, what was it you were saying?â€ he continued, a charming smile on his lips.

BasedRNG · **04-03-2017, 09:50 PM**

Muijh could sense that something about that description seemed familiar, but lacked the necessary information processing skills to put the pieces together. As a result, the comparatively simple Miqo'te pushed the subject from her mind and did away with her doubts of the Duke.Â

"Very well. As I was saying, I am simply too pretty to be allowed to slip through one's fingers, never be seen again. Wouldn't you agree, Duke?"

Amnesic · **04-04-2017, 08:45 PM**

â€œWell, well! A fine piece like you, Miss Mewrilah, would be hard to pass on, butâ€¦â€ the Duke trailed off as he scanned the room briefly, pretending to search for someone despite already knowing where they had gone. After a few seconds he let his eyes fall to the young Hyur girl in the left corner, across the room from them and then made a brief gesture in her direction, smirking at Muijh as he prepared to set another little plan into action.

â€œHow do you think you compare to her?â€

He leisurely gazed at each of them a multitude of times, making an exaggerated and obviously feigned sigh when he finished. Shrugging his shoulders, he grinned at her roguishly.

â€œMayhapâ€¦if you sat at the same table together, I could come to a conclusion on which of you is the most charming.â€

He felt like adding that he was a bachelor, but he knew that might push this little test too far and sabotage it immediately. Where would be the fun in doing it so quickly? It was always more enjoyable to let it go on a little longer, until the participants were assuredly catching on.

BasedRNG · **04-04-2017, 10:37 PM**

"It would appear you would like to make a new wager, Duke. I may be stunning, this much is true, but I hardly pale in comparison to her. Nevertheless, I accept your challenge as you have ours." Muijh turned to walk in the direction he had specified, a slight sway in her hips as she walked. She waited only a moment for him to follow along before she continued on her path.Â

After making her way through the crowd, Muijh arrived at the table of the young Hyur girl, where she politely sat down in a seat not too near so as not to scare her. She began with a calm and polite greeting, quickly transitioning to her reasoning for invading her space, namely that she had been put up to a challenge of beauty and charm against the poor girl, and hoped that she did not mind too much.

Amnesic · **04-05-2017, 06:33 PM**

The young Hyur girl started at the approach of someone at her table, but almost gave a sigh of relief when she saw it was a female this time. At least now there was the hope she could get through a conversation without either being fawned over or flirted with. A lot of her frustration had been lifted, and she hoped this was not someone simply jealous because she was â€œmore giftedâ€ in â€œcertain areasâ€ than they were. Maybe it was shallow to think that, but she had been through more than one conversation that specifically covered just that.

â€œNo, I really donâ€™t mind at all! By the Twelve, you donâ€™t know how much of a relief it is to finally talk with another girl hereâ€¦â€ she replied, attempting to be polite and managing to hold back her irritation when the little contest was mentioned. â€œA contest between you and me? What in the hells for?â€

Okay, most of it. Regardless, she looked over to where the Dukeâ€™s throne was and her irritation transformed into a light laugh. He had sat back down all the way over there, talking to the other Miqoâ€™te woman and paying absolutely no attention to them. She was not very well educated, but she understood what had just happened. She nodded her head in the Dukeâ€™s direction.

â€œYou figure heâ€™s going to look our way anytime soon?â€

~*~*~

The Duke had seated himself yet again, and signaled Aâ€™ih to fetch a less sweet wine for him. As she immediately began her brisk pace across the ballroom, he turned his attention back to his other guest.

â€œNow, Miss Makeo, for what reason have you turned so silent? You might be able to do a fair impression of Aâ€™ih if you can maintain it,â€ he remarked jestingly, giving one of his charming smiles.

Perhaps with Muijh temporarily occupied, he could try to indirectly get some information to assist Dariusâ€™ search. Blind searches were difficult for anyone, even to a practiced information broker like Mr. Fallstone. It was a long shot, but he was going to need it.

Parth Makeo · **04-07-2017, 10:40 PM**

(im sorry i really had so much going on i forgot about this for a while...pardon if i am short replying)

Arala merely looked up. "Huh? Oh just taking things in." she admitted while watching and listening to everything she could. "Maybe we could go somewhere a bit more quiet so we can talk about things without distractions?"

PrinceKlari · **05-10-2017, 05:05 PM**

Prince Klari saw that the Hyur girl's eyes were fixed upon the "Duke". He realized that if he wanted answers she wasn't going to be the one to give them. But she could lead him to someone who did. I mildly irritated Klari that this "Duke" was unknown to him still, but he would make it his business to find out who was funding the lavish party.Â

He briskly walked back down to the bar to get a better view. His long Duskwright ears helped pinpoint the conversation between the Girl and another Miqo'te woman.Â

"Hmmm...contest. If I know the Duke's type that girl will either be dead or scarred in more ways than one by dawn." He thought.Â

Klari sighed. He knew that if he wanted to get to the bottom of the mysterious "Duke" he would have to ignore whatever befell any of the guests. His assistant, Arianne, often lamented his heart was both a weakness and strength. But today he would have to ignore it. Besides, the girl was exceedingly rude to him, not to mention obviously out of place in such lofty company.Â

He made sure that he walked past their table as he made his way to the "Duke's" throne, knowing his guards would spring into action. He sat his glass of Riesling on the final table before the dais and noted his attempt to woo the Miqo'te at his throne. Klari eyed the armed men slowly turning their attention to him. He shouted up to the throne...

"DUKE! Prince Klari of the Bloodsands Consortium. You feast in my city and have not the nerve to introduce yourself to her handlers!" he bowed sarcastically.

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The Duke's Grand Mystery Ball! [Open]

RPC has moved! These pages have been kept for historical purposes