Winter's Night
This is a WIP
There will be content here in the future. This article was created as a placeholder and referenced in another. While there is nothing here at the moment, there will be content eventually. <3
by Midjourney
"Are you sure you don't want me to call Banair to take you to the hotel?" This was the second time his mother had asked the question while fretting over the suit she'd picked out for him. Not that there was too much to fret about. It was a black on black suit with little by way of accents or extras. Dark and simple. She'd complained the entire time he'd dug his heels on it but Orasamier didn't want to draw all the attention to himself.
He only needed the attention of one person.
Sugarina stood at arm's length and stared down at her son. They were both of short stature and silver hair but that was where their similarities ended. Sugarina looked every bit the elegant, rich lady she was. In a stark black dress layer over her petite frame, silver draped around her shoulders in thin lines like a spider web. An elegant and beautifully subtle nod to their family's crest style. Spiders certainly suited Drahinuaw.
Orasamier resisted the urge to shrug off her hands. It was just the way she was. Overly involved and concerned, but she loved him. That was more than some could say given their position in life. He might wish that she loved him a little less sometimes but in their cut throat world, better his mother love him too much than care not at all and it result in his murder.
Still. He dug his heels in. "I don't need an escort to a family party." It should've been a reassurance that it'd be a bunch of people invited by Drahinuaw, but it wasn't really. Their family was as cut throat as any other noble bloodline.
Her pursed lips and dour expression said it all. They both knew that if someone had it out for Orasamier, family relations wouldn't be much of a deterrent.
He added, "I wouldn't be much of a Shni if I get murdered on my way to a party." He had hoped it'd make her feel better but the way her face scrunched up told him he'd not been as reassuring as he'd meant to be.
The polished wooden door swung open as his father entered the room. There was always a heavy weight that followed Tasanakoe. Older, refined, and a higher Shra than either Sugarina or Orasamier. There was just something about those that could kill people with a thought. Other vnou were terrified of Tasanakoe but to Orasamier, he was just 'Dad'. The man had a supreme soft spot for Sugarina, which frequently translated to enabling Orasamier to get away with more than he might otherwise.
He was their only kid. They doted on him. If he took advantage of that every now and then... Well, it's only because they let him.
"Don't worry your mother like that," he feign-scolded as the door clicked softly shut behind him. To Sugarina, Tasanakoe added, "Banair will be there but he doesn't have to walk Orasamier there like he's a child. Our son is an adult now, after all." He didn't have to say it with such a cheeky grin.
"You both are terrible," Orasamier complained, pulling away from his mother entirely. She made a sound of disappointment but didn't try to pull him back.
"Fine, fine. I'm just surprised. This is the first Winter's Night that we haven't had to drag you to kicking and screaming." That frown at the corner of her mouth was back. She watched her son like he was a puzzle, trying to put the pieces together.
Orasamier made his way toward the door before she could figure out anything he didn't want her to. "This is the last party I try to be good for then!" he snapped back as he yanked the door open. Compensating for his good behavior with an outburst.
He didn't want them figuring out he did have an ulterior motive for going along so willingly.
Over the course of several months now Orasamier had been figuring out the schedule of a certain vnou who would most definitely be attending the party. Because it was a party for all Unconnected within the Drahinuaw purview and he couldn't very well risk the one he wanted pairing up with someone else. Which meant he'd have to run interference if nothing else.
Rodeuskiss would realize they were made for each other one way or another.
The Winter's Night party always took place in one of the grand hotels in the Golden End, the rich modern business district where all the various wealthy establishments had clustered along the park that separated it and the Crown. The place where the people who ran the city frequented separated by the proclaimed nobility. Shpazh, Thovaych, and all that lot wouldn't know anything about this party beyond it being yet another rich function thrown by some of the city's detestables.
But that was the point. Drahinuaw didn't want their noble competition aware of what was going on.
For the exclusive event, there was all manner of security at every entrance. As a rogue in training, not even Orasamier would know where to begin in trying to get in. Not when he knew there would be actual Shpatya in attendance, 'taking care' of any vnou that might cause a problem. If there was anyone that Orasamier was actually afraid of, it was them.
The grand hall had been decorated in crystal and glass, set with low lights that created an almost intimate interior. There was absolutely no pretending that this party wasn't some sort of weird match-making thing for Drahinuaw. Even if there were a lot of vnou who were invited, who didn't know that was why they were there... Orasamier did. It was a way to scope out new blood. To put on display all those 'approved' by the family, in one way or another. That Rodeuskiss had gotten an invitation wasn't really a surprise but it was rather frustrating.
Orasamier didn't want anyone else snatching up the vnou.
Winter's Night was one of the more prestigious events held by those 'in the know' in Alqua. It was a seemingly arbitrary holiday around winter that the rich elite celebrated with fancy, exclusive parties. When Rodeus had been poor, he'd only heard wild rumors of such things. Of grand food and beautiful vnou. Once he'd joined the Shpachhad, it'd become something to aspire to. Only those worthy were plucked from the lower ranks and invited though he could never figure out the criterion. It hadn't been until he'd had dinner with some of the older members that he'd been able to pluck some rumors and secrets from their thoughts. They suspected Winter's Night was some sort of secretive recruitment, though no one could agree on 'for what'. Only that certain people seemed to come away from the various Winter Night parties better off than before. Rumor had it that all the previous Shpachhad leaders had come from selection during Winter Night - or at least, most agreed that's where their rise to power started. Rodeus was still learning the extent of what his Shra was capable of. Given the delicate and important nature of the party, he hadn't messed around with anyone to force an invitation. He hadn't known who to go to for it. No one knew where they came from anyway. Instead, he'd simply done his best to secure a good enough reputation that he'd earn one. All that entailed was being a good shkays. Thanks to his Shra, he was aware that most of his supervisors didn't have any real complaints about him. What criticisms they did have tended to stem from his cold demeanor which wasn't something he intended on adjusting. The world he lived in was a cut throat one. He didn't need friends. The grand hall the party took place in was lit in soft purples and blues. An interesting theme for something meant to be elegant and elaborate. The cool lighting created a more intimate feel amongst the party goers. Soft techno-instrumental music played in the background, adding flavor to the muffled conversations amongst the pockets of socializing vnou. Almost all were faces he recognized. Other Shkays like himself, Unconnected. Some important figures in the city's politics, young and upcoming figures. Rodeus picked up a glass from a passing server while he continued to observe the crowd. Trying to figure out what they might all have in common. It did almost look like a recruitment party, though he couldn't say for what. Not with so many vnou from different walks of life. There was the Shpachhad, government figures, and a handful of faces that he wasn't familiar with. They were all young and, after a brief 'touch' of his mind, Unconnected. Three minds in the room were closed off to him, indicating they were likely more powerful than he was if they could casually deny him. Which was even more interesting. He took note of those vnou especially. One was well dressed with bright red eyes and short black hair. His skin was a little darker, hinting at a foreign lineage. Though he held himself confidently, he still looked out of place. Someone who had never been around so many prominent names, perhaps. New to such a place like the hotel, where crystal draped from the mellow lighting. He attracted a handful of vnou to him, though. Pretty ones with low Shra, whose minds would be easily infiltrated if Rodeus cared to. Another of the closed off minds was a younger woman in a cinched waist black dress. Her stark white hair and pale red eyes was vibrant even across the space. She laughed and smiled easily but there was so much about her that was guarded. She kept her space from those around her and was damn near radiating 'keep away' when Rodeus had 'pried' in her direction. It'd been the ghost of a touch, inquiring, but not enough to set off whatever defenses she'd erected. The last was, surprisingly enough, one of the servants. A slender, nondescript vnou who meandered around the crowd with a tray balanced on white gloved fingers. He looked bored, his dark eyes paying more attention to the ground than anything else, but he was the most closed off. When Rodeus had 'felt' in his direction, the servant had actually looked up and around. Sensitive too, it seemed. There was one mind that stood out amongst all the others. Not because they were particularly strong, but because they were both familiar and... "Fancy seeing you here." Orasamier said as he approached Rodeus. The smaller, dark skinned vnou looked up at Rodeus with so much that he'd never been able to understand. Obsession. That's what Orasamier's mind near vibrated with. He wanted Rodeus but Rodeus couldn't really parse out why without actually prying into the other vnou's thoughts. He'd been tempted to plenty of times - especially when they'd first met and he'd suspected the other vnou's interest might stem from something underhanded. After running into him a couple more times, though, it was more than apparent that Orasamier simply wanted. Even if Rodeus couldn't say why. Since he was trying to maintain a low cover despite his higher Shra, he'd not pried. "You knew I'd be here." Rodeus answered. He picked up a glass from a passing tray and offered it to Orasamier. From what he knew of the smaller vnou, Orasamier was training in the Shpachhad family too. As a Oudaza, though. Noncombatant. Caretaker. Which was rather amusing giving his sometimes abrasive nature and sharp tongue. Orasamier shrugged as he took the glass. "Suspected. Only the best get an invitation." Rodeus didn't smile though he couldn't help himself as he asked, "How'd you get an invitation?" Delivered in his traditionally deadpan tone, he suspected it would rankle the other vnou. At the way Orasamier clenched his jaw, he guessed right. "Even house staff gets to go to the nice parties," he snapped, though lowered his voice so they'd not be heard by those nearby. Rodeus hid his amusement as he sipped his drink. So prickly. Like a cat that didn't know it was in a room surrounded by wolves. "Orasa?" A prettily dressed vnou called his name from the side. When the shorter vnou turned to look, Rodeus took that opportunity to step away. The woman who called for him was some Elector's daughter. He wasn't needed for that conversation.
Winter's Night was one of the more prestigious events held by those 'in the know' in Alqua. It was a seemingly arbitrary holiday around winter that the rich elite celebrated with fancy, exclusive parties. When Rodeus had been poor, he'd only heard wild rumors of such things. Of grand food and beautiful vnou. Once he'd joined the Shpachhad, it'd become something to aspire to. Only those worthy were plucked from the lower ranks and invited though he could never figure out the criterion. It hadn't been until he'd had dinner with some of the older members that he'd been able to pluck some rumors and secrets from their thoughts. They suspected Winter's Night was some sort of secretive recruitment, though no one could agree on 'for what'. Only that certain people seemed to come away from the various Winter Night parties better off than before. Rumor had it that all the previous Shpachhad leaders had come from selection during Winter Night - or at least, most agreed that's where their rise to power started. Rodeus was still learning the extent of what his Shra was capable of. Given the delicate and important nature of the party, he hadn't messed around with anyone to force an invitation. He hadn't known who to go to for it. No one knew where they came from anyway. Instead, he'd simply done his best to secure a good enough reputation that he'd earn one. All that entailed was being a good shkays. Thanks to his Shra, he was aware that most of his supervisors didn't have any real complaints about him. What criticisms they did have tended to stem from his cold demeanor which wasn't something he intended on adjusting. The world he lived in was a cut throat one. He didn't need friends. The grand hall the party took place in was lit in soft purples and blues. An interesting theme for something meant to be elegant and elaborate. The cool lighting created a more intimate feel amongst the party goers. Soft techno-instrumental music played in the background, adding flavor to the muffled conversations amongst the pockets of socializing vnou. Almost all were faces he recognized. Other Shkays like himself, Unconnected. Some important figures in the city's politics, young and upcoming figures. Rodeus picked up a glass from a passing server while he continued to observe the crowd. Trying to figure out what they might all have in common. It did almost look like a recruitment party, though he couldn't say for what. Not with so many vnou from different walks of life. There was the Shpachhad, government figures, and a handful of faces that he wasn't familiar with. They were all young and, after a brief 'touch' of his mind, Unconnected. Three minds in the room were closed off to him, indicating they were likely more powerful than he was if they could casually deny him. Which was even more interesting. He took note of those vnou especially. One was well dressed with bright red eyes and short black hair. His skin was a little darker, hinting at a foreign lineage. Though he held himself confidently, he still looked out of place. Someone who had never been around so many prominent names, perhaps. New to such a place like the hotel, where crystal draped from the mellow lighting. He attracted a handful of vnou to him, though. Pretty ones with low Shra, whose minds would be easily infiltrated if Rodeus cared to. Another of the closed off minds was a younger woman in a cinched waist black dress. Her stark white hair and pale red eyes was vibrant even across the space. She laughed and smiled easily but there was so much about her that was guarded. She kept her space from those around her and was damn near radiating 'keep away' when Rodeus had 'pried' in her direction. It'd been the ghost of a touch, inquiring, but not enough to set off whatever defenses she'd erected. The last was, surprisingly enough, one of the servants. A slender, nondescript vnou who meandered around the crowd with a tray balanced on white gloved fingers. He looked bored, his dark eyes paying more attention to the ground than anything else, but he was the most closed off. When Rodeus had 'felt' in his direction, the servant had actually looked up and around. Sensitive too, it seemed. There was one mind that stood out amongst all the others. Not because they were particularly strong, but because they were both familiar and... "Fancy seeing you here." Orasamier said as he approached Rodeus. The smaller, dark skinned vnou looked up at Rodeus with so much that he'd never been able to understand. Obsession. That's what Orasamier's mind near vibrated with. He wanted Rodeus but Rodeus couldn't really parse out why without actually prying into the other vnou's thoughts. He'd been tempted to plenty of times - especially when they'd first met and he'd suspected the other vnou's interest might stem from something underhanded. After running into him a couple more times, though, it was more than apparent that Orasamier simply wanted. Even if Rodeus couldn't say why. Since he was trying to maintain a low cover despite his higher Shra, he'd not pried. "You knew I'd be here." Rodeus answered. He picked up a glass from a passing tray and offered it to Orasamier. From what he knew of the smaller vnou, Orasamier was training in the Shpachhad family too. As a Oudaza, though. Noncombatant. Caretaker. Which was rather amusing giving his sometimes abrasive nature and sharp tongue. Orasamier shrugged as he took the glass. "Suspected. Only the best get an invitation." Rodeus didn't smile though he couldn't help himself as he asked, "How'd you get an invitation?" Delivered in his traditionally deadpan tone, he suspected it would rankle the other vnou. At the way Orasamier clenched his jaw, he guessed right. "Even house staff gets to go to the nice parties," he snapped, though lowered his voice so they'd not be heard by those nearby. Rodeus hid his amusement as he sipped his drink. So prickly. Like a cat that didn't know it was in a room surrounded by wolves. "Orasa?" A prettily dressed vnou called his name from the side. When the shorter vnou turned to look, Rodeus took that opportunity to step away. The woman who called for him was some Elector's daughter. He wasn't needed for that conversation.
Short story about how Dya'Shra-Zar Orasamier Zhu'Drahinuaw and Rodeuskiss Kalerilosa meet up at the Drahinuaw Winter's Night party - an affair used to mix up a lot of important people Drahinuaw likes to form Connections. Set in Alqua, before either of them really came into their own.
Rodeuskiss
by Midjourney
Orasamier
by Midjourney
by Midjourney
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