IceAndWave/VeniasDay
Venia's Day
In which gifts are exchanged, good times are had, and many journeys are prepared for...
The 10th Day of Descending Fire, Realm Year 763
The evening sky is cloudless, a fiery orange in the west tinting into a deep purple overhead as the first stars make themselves felt, and the invited guests for Venia's party start arriving. The inn is empty apart from Venia and those she has hired to help her make this birthday a memorable one for all concerned.
Venia is vaguely nervous, but then again a little wine eases that, She kills a little time in the converted dressing room, though not for any real reason as her outfit for the night goes on and off in mere moments. Still, she's ready for the second guest, playing hostess with admirable skill while the few lucky ones trickle in.
General Emberheart is ushered in by the greeter, wearing, as always, his armour and with the hilt of his sword clearly visible over his shoulder. "Lady Venia," he bows deeply, "We meet under more pleasant circumstances, at last..." he takes her hand and kisses it lightly.
Venia smiles at him. "No doubt. I do hope Asura was not harsh on you about the aftermath, and I fully intend to contribute my efforts to rebuilding."
"The security of Tideholme is my highest duty, she understands that." Emberheart bows again and departs for the buffet.
Cassia wanders in a little later, her long coat having been removed at the door. The dress she is wearing below starts over her left shoulder and continues down her body, fire butterflies in red and gold, not quite transparent, though see-through enough to hint at what they cover. The sides of the dress are open, the butterflies running out somewhere in the middle of her thighs. She is carrying a tissue paper wrapped package.
Venia herself has opted for simple, as is her right, and because she's spent more than enough on the party itself. She heads over to greet cassia, wearing nothing more than a pair of black velvet triangles. The top comes down from her collar and spreads down to just barely cover her breasts, sides held by a long silver cord with wind chimes along it, one for each year of her life. The bottom is similar, loosely tied at a hip and exposing the full length of one long, snake tattooed leg, the other side almost brushing the floor despite her heels. Small silver balls carry crushed flower petals, a pleasant scent following in her wake. Same number setup.
Cassia smiles at Venia as she approaches "Venia! Happy Birthday ... your outfit looks wonderful." She leans forward to kiss her in greeting.
Venia lingers a little in it. "And yours. I'm impressed, though you didn't need to go to the trouble..."
"I wanted to look good for you... r birthday." Cassia offers the tissue wrapped package, "Besides, it's the first real dress I've bought," she adds in a whisper.
The air fills with static, and everybody in the room shifts uncomfortably as Cora'Esh is announced. She glides gracefully towards Venia, her long robe forming a train on the floor behind her. "One greets you on the date of your birth, Lady Venia," the sorceress bows slightly, her red lips curved upwards in a tiny smile.
Venia grins at Cassia and whispers, "Good choice," before turning to bow slightly herself. "Welcome, Cora'Esh. Please, be at ease. There's no need for formality if you don't desire it." She waves a servant over to hand her the package, hoping the decorative strings of metal beads keep the static from causing too much trouble.
"One thanks you," the sorceress bows again and seemingly floats across the floor to talk with the other guests.
Sian is fashionably late, not that he really cares about being fashionable, and is dressed rather more solidly than the women, with his basic black pants and boots, a white silk shirt, and an open black jacket that only goes halfway down his torso. Under one arm is an average size box, tied neatly with a ribbon, and the other arm is around the resident catgirl. He offers a kiss as Cassia did, but only on the cheek. "Happy birthday."
"Thanks. Glad you three are here, it's nice to have someone familiar around for a party for once..."
"Don't worry so much. You're supposed to be relaxed today." He offers the present.
Venia settles her arm back around cassia's waist after again having a servant vanish the gift. "I take it you've both been introduced to most of the people here?"
Sian nods, "Mhm."
"I know everyone here," Cassia says softly at Venia's side, "But I've never really been introduced to them..."
Venia nods. "Well, we should take care of that, then. Forgive me if I have to handle a new guest." She kisses Aia's cheek as a belated greeting before heading off to accomplish such.
Sian goes and mingles, as he does.
Asura finally makes an entrance, walking into the room wearing what appears to be little more than a few scraps of variably sheer white silk that seem to cling to her curvaceous form through little more than personal magnetism. Every movement of air tantalises and teases as the dress almost seems to move or fall, but never quite succeeds. "Venia," she smiles, "How nice to see you again! Burning down any more of my city?" She gives her cousin a kiss that is slightly too long for purely social reasons.
"Only metaphorically, Asura. One can but blame my meteoric rise to power." She grins. "Are you sure you made it here alright? Your dress seems to have blown away in the wind..."
"Budget cuts," she winks, and twirls once, giving everyone watching a quick show. "Dearest Cassia," she then says, kissing her protege on the cheek, "You look delic...ghtful. And why haven't I seen that dress before now?"
"Asura." Cassia says appreciatively as she twirls then kisses Asura back on the cheek "Thank you! And that's because it was only finished today..." she pulls away from Venia temporarily to pose a little better.
Asura eyes her appreciatively, "Absolutely delightful. And I know you didn't get Peacock to do it..." she thinks, "That has to be Julena's work."
...how did she know? Cassia nods with a smile.
"I have only been there once, myself. Peacock was badly ill and I needed something in red," a wicked smile crosses her expression, "Designing it was fun." With that she nods to Venia and departs for the buffet, many pairs of eyes following as she does.
Venia chuckles. "You know, before I came up with this plan, I was considering applying to work there."
Sian is the owner of one such pair! Aia prods him, though, and he offers her an apologetic smile.
"It was .. interesting," Cassia says with a small grin as Asura walks off, then slips close to Venia again, Cassia's another pair of eyes on Asura.
Venia nods, and misses the kiss of a cheek, nipping Cassia's ear lightly. "Excuse me, dear, Tradition to attend to." The band begins to play from behind a screen, Venia heading off for a few minutes before returning and making her way to Sian. She smiles apologetically at Aia as she hands him the unmistakable item previously concealed in her hand, a black thong, still slightly warm. "You won. Really, you shouldn't have gone to the trouble."
Sian blinks a bit, and takes it, but is a bit unsure as to what he is supposed to do with it. "Uh, thanks."
"Put it in your pocket. Just a trophy, good luck. Like throwing the flowers at weddings."
"Ah." He does put it into a pocket, somewhat embarassed.
Venia grins. "I'll leave you to being elbowed by Aia." She swishes off, apparently unconcerned by the loss, and whispers to Cassia. "Good try. I think both of us will appreciate them anyway." She rewards Cassia with a flick of her tongue before moving off to handle some small talk and business questions with the other guests. Can't seem too partial.
Cassia smiles at that, and watches her move off before finding a group of people of her own to make some small conversation with.
Cora'Esh smiles at Sian and Aia, "One is pleased to see the two of you again so soon." She offers a little plate filled with packages of food, "One finds the fish vol au vents most delicious."
Sian samples one, and nods approvingly. "Delicious indeed. And the food isn't bad either." He studiously ignores looks from both women at the terrible joke.
Aia picks up one of the little pastry packages and bites it, "Yes," she nods, "Delicious." She grins at Sian, "I have a weakness for fish, especially tuna."
"I noticed. You nearly took my hand off the other day."
Venia also takes some time out to engage the maid in some offers of further employment and light fondling, the few bits missing from the costume when she returns, hair mussed and a little out of breath merely making her appearance more appropriate. The maid's slightly wobbly legs are stiffened by a drink offered by the greeter with a knowing smile.
She uses the momentum afforded by this to cut in on Asura's conversation by simply settling against her back, arms around her waist and lightly nibbling at the nape of her neck. No doubt Asura simply continues talking, the wry grin and wink at her conversation partner Venia's only contribution.
"Hello Emberheart." Cassia says as she walks up to him, a small glass of the sparkling wine in one hand.
The tall soldier turns at the voice and smiles, "Lady Cassia, it is nice to see you. How have the Dragons been treating the youngest Fire-aspect in Tideholme?"
"Well enough, well enough," she says with a slight curve of her lips "You and your wife are well?"
"We are. Although she was put out with me about the riots in the city," he shrugs, "It needed to be done."
Cassia nods, "I'm sure," that it could have been done more subtly, but you're right about the need.
Asura rubs discretely back against Venia, continuing to talk with the businessmen about the financial situation now that Gosul's strangehold on the kingdom's trade has been broken.
Venia occasionally reminds her of this detail or that, unsurprisingly knowledgable, though she refrains from offering any dates on when contracts will resume in this semi-public setting. Hopefully most of them manage to listen instead of watch the show.
Aia makes a face at Sian, before nodding, "Well, true. I like tuna a lot." She takes another pair of the little bites to demonstrate.
Cora'Esh nods, and leans in to Sian, "One can begin your training a fortnight after the Calibration ends. One has certain obligations that require one to be absent from Tideholme for that time."
Sian also samples a bit more, then nods to Cora'Esh. "I see. I will be there."
"Maaaaybe... It would be a shame for either of us to leave Cassy's dress on all night, though."
The sorceress nods to Sian, "One looks forward to it. Mentoring a fellow sorceror is an honour that few of us truly understand."
"I will try to be a worthy student of you," Sian replies.
The general smiles and offers his hand to Cassia, "Call me Gereth. Formality is for social butterflies like Asura or the odd ones like Cora'Esh."
Cassia takes his hand lightly "As you wish, Gereth."
"Have you chosen a path in your life, yet, Cassia?" Gereth asks seriously.
Cassia looks at Gereth with a briefly quite disturbed look. How had he known about her uncertainty. This passes quickly as she realises the more polite intention of the question, "Not yet, though it is something I have given some thought too."
Gereth nods knowingly, "We Fires are often called towards the martial side of life," he gestures vaguely at his own armour and sword, "If you wish to travel that path, I would be willing to show you the way." With that he bows and departs.
Asura finishes talking to the merchants and turns in Venia's arms, "Naughty," she chides lightly, before giving the birthday girl a long kiss and a not-entirely-discreet fondle.
"Well, yes. But I was useful, and I got your attention." Venia idly grabs Asura's ass. "I'm going to need to talk to you seriously. In private. Well, with Emberheart and a few others..."
"Of course. And can we do other things in private, too?" her hand idly wandering across Venia's butt. "Like ask who won?"
"Maaaaybe... It would be a shame for either of us to leave Cassy's dress on all night, though."
Asura nods, "It's almost as if she meant for it to be removed, isn't it? It conceals, without covering."
"She's getting very good, you know. At everything. She just doesn't have any single thing to put her skills toward."
Sian leaves Aia with her fish for a moment, catching Cassia's attention with a slight wave. "Did you still want to go to Whitewall?"
"Thank you for your offer." She says with a smile, "I will be sure to consider it." She waves as Gereth departs, then turns to Sian "To Whitewall? Of course!"
"I'm going tomorrow. Hope it's not too soon." He smiles a little. "Want to get it over and done with before I change my mind."
Cora'Esh bows to Aia, still eating her fish, "One must beg yours and Sian's forgiveness, but matters require one's attention elsewhere. Give one's regards to our lovely hostess." Aia nods as Cora'Esh glides out of the room.
"Tomorrow?" Cassia considers, surprised, "No, it's not too soon."
"Okay. I'll be leaving in the morning, so don't drink too much. And be careful... I think Venia and Asura have plans." He points at the pair.
When Cassia looks, they're both looking at her consideringly. No doubt an... interesting sight.
Plans? Cassia's eyes twinkle a little, "Yes, I'd best be careful," she says in not quite the right tone for the warning.
Sian lifts an eyebrow at this. "I'm not carrying you if you're too weak to walk, you know. It's a long trip."
The music changes and Asura slinks out of Venia's arms and over to Cassia, "Might I have a dance, dear Cassia?" she smiles, the satin that passes for her dress, if anything, even more sheer now than before.
"Of course, Asura." She says with a smile, and allows herself to be led out to the dance-floor, pressing her herself to Asura as she does so.
Venia heads over to, for once, Aia, the weight on her clothing smoothing it as it goes. "I have to thank you for helping Sian. I am fairly sure you did, since the clothes are too nice to have been totally his idea."
Aia smiles and nods, "Thank you. He has some ideas, but occasionally he needs help. He did very well on your present, though - once he got used to the canvas." Her ears twitch at the memory.
"Mmm, yes..." She thinks a moment, and offers a dance to Aia out of courtesy.
Aia nods to Venia and follows her out onto the floor, allowing the Dragon-Blood to lead.
Sian settles back on a couch, nabs a drink, and watches the various beautiful women.
Asura leans in close to Cassia, kissing her delicately as they dance, "You look absolutely stunning, my dear." She leans in closer, pressing herself up against the younger girl.
"Thank you," she murmurs back, pressing herself against Asura, "I hoped you'd like it." She kisses her, "It's why I wanted it to be a surprise." She grins softly.
Asura smiles, "It was. A delightful one," and she leans in to whisper, "Were it not for all these people, I would have you right now." She moves back and winks slyly.
Cassia shivers against her and dances a little closer to Asura, making a pleased noise.
Venia is far less physical than her cousin, chatting lightly and getting more intricate as she sees how long Aia can keep up. Just as a tease, she softly interrupts one of Aia's more amusing stories with a kiss, holding it and letting Aia's reflexes do the rest as she dances, letting only Cassia and Sian really see.
Aia freezes for a moment, then relaxes, although not completely.
Sian just takes a sip of his drink, mildly amused.
Venia draws back shortly, though not as far as before. "Just teasing Sian a little, dear... I hope you don't mind."
"It was... unexpected," Aia's tail bashes a little from side to side, "But teasing Sian is fun..." She grins, and tells about their time in a mountain cave.
Venia later interrupts her own story about the time when she met Sian while they were both younger with another kiss and flicking her tongue out to momentarily caress Aia's out of curiousity. Plus, it makes up for the whole drunken thing afterwards.
Asura, never one to really worry too much about propriety, has a hand inside Cassia's dress as they dance. "This is fun," she whispers.
Cassia makes a surprised noise as the hand slips in, watching Venia over her shoulder as she dances with Aia, her own hands resting on the outside of Asura's dress.
Venia hardly seems to mind at all, though does cast a minor warning glance to Asura about the hand, more out of a sense of propriety than property.
Asura grins insincerely, "Sorry, it slipped," and puts the hand outside the dress, where it belongs. She leans forwards and kisses Cassia deeply as the song ends. "Meet me tonight? In that dress?" she whispers.
Cassia kisses back. It was Venia's birthday though... and she had the candles Cassia gave her... On the other hand, there was that look... She nods, with a small smile. She would have to bring Venia something nice back from Whitewall ...
Asura slips out of Cassia's arms with a pinch delivered to her mostly-bare buttocks. "You dance wonderfully," she says and then goes to get a small glass of ice-wine.
"As do you." she says, slipping away to sample the remains of the buffet for a while to cool herself a little.
Venia delivers Aia back to Sian, heading off to arrange the band's break and the alternate entertainment, though she promises him a dance before then.
Aia sits on Sians lap, smiling impishly, "Be careful. Her hands wander."
Sian just nips her ear. "I noticed."
Aia mews delightedly, "Like your eyes, in fact."
Sian feigns innocence, nuzzling her a little.
By the time everyone's gotten over the effects of the first dance, the band is back in place, and Venia manages to appear silently behind Sian to tap him on the shoulder. "Your dance, sir?" She grins at his face at the sir.
Sian just shakes his head a little, used to this from her. "How could I refuse?"
Venia doesn't tease Aia, as there's really no point. Her idle curiosity remains curiosity, though she speaks when she gets to the dance floor. "I do apologize for taking liberties with her."
"It's fine." He slides his arms around her, holding her just close enough for comfort. "Not like I didn't enjoy it."
"I did, too. She has funny stories, and isn't a bad kisser. Though I suspect I'll be alone tonight, unless I enlist the maid..."
"Oh? Asura and Cassia already made plans?"
"Not sure, but I think so. Hopefully Asura's somewhat less... emphatic with her. I wish them the best."
Sian nods a little, and gives her a slight squeeze of reassurance. "You can nab Asura soon, though. Cassia is coming along with Aia and I to Whitewall. We leave tomorrow."
"Oh? So soon? I was hoping to tap you for some advice... I'm trying to make sure everyone gets involved in rebuilding....."
"I'll be back in a month, at the most. So don't worry." He dances slowly, arms resting around her lower back. "Not leaving forever."
"Mrm. Alright... Calibration's, coming, though. It worries me to have you gone during it..."
Sian nods slightly. "Whitewall is bad at this time of year... I need to make sure everything is okay. I'd offer for you to come along, but as you say, there is much to do here."
"Yeah... Tomorrow, though, right? I may need you to move some of the passed out folks tonight."
"Tomorrow, yes." He offers a small smile. "If you get really bored, you can try and figure out what makes your present special."
"Hrm? I'm not sure what you mean... It's already special, you gave it to me..."
"I'll show you when I get back, if you haven't figured it out." He doesn't comment on the slight compliment, but is inwardly rather pleased.
Venia nods. "Anything else? I guess I don't get to keep Aia while you're gone."
"Sadly, no. Just look after yourself, okay?"
"Cross my heart, hope to die. I've done it for ages, I'll be fine."
"Mhrm. Find Asura if you get lonely." He slows in his dancing as the dance ends, and tilts her head up for a small, soft kiss. "Happy birthday, Venia."
The morning after Venia's birthday dawned perhaps a tad too brightly for some of her guests. The food and drink had been excellent, and most of the attendees had indulged to one degree or another.
Sian was not one of them, though, and he is awake bright and early, teasing Aia when she winces at the sunlight streaming in through the curtains. Aia groans, "Why didn't you stop me?"
"Because you're cute when you're tired like this." He leans down to give her a kiss.
She blows him a raspberry in response, a quiet one so it doesn't hurt her head so much.
Sian grins. "Want some breakfast before you try to stand?"
"Please. Eggs and something."
"Be back in a bit." He throws on some clothes, and goes out to find breakfast, and to see if Cassia is up.
Cassia doesn't answer when he knocks on her door, and in fact meets him just as he gives up on her being there, still wrapped up in the long coat she wore to the party the previous night. Her appearance betrays nothing of her tiredness as always, but from the way she is moving... she's tired.
Sian lifts his eyebrows slightly, but doesn't comment. "Want some breakfast?"
"...Please," she says softly with a small smile. "I'll be down soon," she lets herself into the room.
Sian nods, and goes to find breakfast for the three of them.
Cassia finds him as the food is ready, dressed in clothing much more practical for travel and with a small bag on one shoulder.
Sian offers her a plate, and starts to wander upstairs. "We aren't going for a little while yet... I'm not that cruel."
Cassia takes the plate with a muted 'thanks' and follows him upstairs.
Sian offers Aia her own plate (eggs, and some of the leftover fish), and settles onto the bed next to her, stretching out as he eats.
Aia devours the food, drinking the cup of coffee down in a single gulp (and hissing at the heat), before continuing to decimate the food in front of her.
Sian moves just a tiny bit away.
Cassia curls up on a chair in the room, picking at the food much slower than Aia, her body protesting at the coffee attempts to wake her up more, so she sips it
Sian offers Aia a bit of food she dropped, then hastily withdraws his hand when she nearly eats that too. He shakes his head, and looks at Cassia. "We'll be getting a ride on a wagon for the first bit, so you don't have to walk much."
Cassia grins a little at Aia's ravenous behavior, "That's welcome news." Her voice is still soft, though not as soft as before.
"Mhrm. I'll clean out the study when we get there, and you can use that. No sense paying for an inn when you don't have to."
Cassia smiles, "That's very kind of you, thanks."
Aia's eating has slowed down some by the time that she has consumed half of the food and drink that Sian brought up, and the colour has returned to her face, as well as the rest of her body. "Much better," she smiles happily.
Sian scratches her ears, naturally. She's a catgirl, what else can you do?
Aia mrrs in response.
Cassia is likewise brightening as she gets more food inside her, the coffee helping too. She smiles at Aia as she mrrs.
Sian smiles also, half at the catgirl. "I have some things to do when I get there, but Aia can give you a tour. Right?" Scratch-scratch.
Aia nods, "Yes. Yes..." She nods emphatically.
Cassia grins at this "Thank you, Aia" she finishes the coffee.
Sian likewise finishes off his own, then starts to prod the catgirl out of bed to get dressed.
Reluctantly, Aia slides out of bed and begins to pull on her sturdy travelling clothes, grimacing at the rough fabric compared to what she has become used to.
Cassia has the decency not to look too much, though she can't resist peeking a little.
Sian is entirely allowed to watch, and does indeed do so. "We need to get our stuff from the other inn, but then we can go."
"Right." she manages a proper smile, and finishes the rest of the breakfast. "How long will it take us to get there anyway?"
"Mmm... a month, on foot. Week with horses. I can get us there faster, though." He smiles slightly.
