Cometh the Big Crying Wheel

[initiates]

Date & Time: Sept 15th
Location: A refurbished castle on the outskirts of Exsilium.
Characters: Anyone at the party!
Summary: Vanadi hosts a party that goes very poorly.
Warnings: Violence, probably! Let a mod know if we should update this.


It’s a lovely night for a party!

The venue at the outskirts of town is, unfortunately, a bit drafty — and actually rather sparsely furnished, as well. In fact, party goers are encouraged to mingle, drink, and enjoy themselves in the courtyard, as the castle itself wasn’t able to be renovated in time, and has proven to be a little bit architecturally unsound. Any explorative guests might find a small hail of dust and pebbles on their heads if they venture too far in — and who knows what else, if they continue on.

But the drinks and snacks both are plentiful and delicious, and the large canvas set up from castle wall to castle wall keeps off the sprinkling rain. The weather could even be described as warmish and pleasant, if one were feeling generous. A group of Exiles plays classic instruments in one corner of the courtyard, having been paid enough to even smile at any Transports that wander near.

All in all, it’s shaping up to be a good night. Until about 10 PM, that is. Come 10 PM, the Misery rolls into town, tearing down the canvas, nullifying powers, and crying corrosive blood everywhere. That’s the cue for all hell to break loose, as the final wave of mind-controlled characters snag their victims and make for the hills — or at least for the UE. The mind-controlled characters will also have the backup of a squadron of 20 of the Masked, the UE's special ops force. The Masked's main goal is to grab those on their list and get away, but they're certainly not above shooting to kill at anyone that gets in their way. They're also highly trained in hand-to-hand combat and physically enhanced by their suits, so they're a good bunch to try to avoid.

But do have a wonderful time until then, won’t you?

Comments

[inafadingcrown]

[She had noticed the watching, of course. It's not difficult for her to tell when there are eyes on her, but this gaze and not been hostile. So she had simply waited.

And she was not disappointed.

Stephanie's little joke is met with a light laugh.]

There is every chance that I will be the one to appear foolish by the end of this- and I pray that is the case. But I heave learned, over the years, to trust my instincts.

[controlledvariable]

[Galadriel is really pretty...

If Steph wasn't so on edge, it'd be distracting, but she manages to keep her focus.]

Your instincts had something to say about tonight?

[Her tone is light, as if she's running with the joke, but there's something searching in her expression.]

[inafadingcrown]

Simply that it would be wise to be on-guard. Things have been amiss, as of late, and I am not trusting enough to assume that large gathering will not become a tempting target.

[It was something that occurred to her during every party here, in fact. But particularly this one, given recent circumstances.]

[controlledvariable]

[It's a relief that she's not the only one who's noticed, that other people are paying attention.]

You really know how to use that thing?

[She can't keep up the casual pretence. She's too exhausted.]

[inafadingcrown]

I do. [She had been rather rusty when she first arrived here, but she's picked it back up swiftly.] I would not carry it, if I did not.

[controlledvariable]

A lot of people carry weapons they don't know how to use.

[She says it with a shrug, casting a glance back over the crowd.

How many times has she fought criminals who carry guns like a badge, only to turn useless once they actually need to use them?]

[inafadingcrown]

Fools, perhaps. Why mark yourself as a combatant if you will be unable to meet the threat it draws?

[And Galadriel is nothing if not always aware of presentation. It's part of the job, so to speak.]

[controlledvariable]

Posturing. [It's simple as that, really.] It works, sometimes, if you look like you're a big scary threat, people won't want to try their luck.

[inafadingcrown]

[A hum of agreement] And there are also times when it goes amiss; if I were to target a mixed group of armed and unarmed individuals, I would concern myself first with those whom I thought posed the greatest threat.

[controlledvariable]

That's 'cause you know how to handle yourself. Most of the world doesn't, especially criminals.

[Which is her area of expertise, as it were.]

[inafadingcrown]

[she chuckles] True enough, I suppose. [Her experience comes from the battlefield, which is an entirely different skill set than crime-fighting, really.]

May I ask your name?

[controlledvariable]

Stephanie.

[Most of the time she shortens it, but she thinks Galadriel might be the sort of woman who would appreciate a full name.]

[inafadingcrown]

[Galadriel wouldn't have know the difference, honestly. Nearly all the names here seem strange to her.]

You are well met, Stephanie. [A little nod of her head] I am called Galadriel.

[controlledvariable]

Galadriel. [She repeats it with a smile, just to make sure she's got it right. It's a pretty name.

Almost idly, she realizes that Gladriel bears some resemblence to Lady Victoria, but she's not new to the phenomenon, and figures it might be a bit rude to comment on it.] You don't mind if I hope your instincts about tonight are wrong, do you?

[That playfulness is back; she even manages a wry smile.]

[inafadingcrown]

[And she does have it right, which Galadriel makes clear with a smile of her own.]

Not at all; for once, I should be rather pleased to be proven wrong.

[controlledvariable]

Yeah. [She smiles, but it flickers out after a second.]If you're right, though, and you need help with anything, you can come find me.

[She doubts a woman like Galadriel, wielding a sword, will need help from her, but she has to make the offer anyway.]

[inafadingcrown]

[A quick smile and a nod.] I will remember it. You have my thanks, Stephanie, and also my aid if you should need it.