Roesler's Dinner Party

EXT to INT - Roesler Estate and Annex

Delilah Harper-Windgrace: Delilah jogged up the stone pathway from the direction of the road at a casual pace. The sheen of sweat on her brow, and across the front of her nearly scandalously open button up spoke to a much more vigorous exercise recently. Coming to a stop as Niles addressed her, she still seemed to bounce on her bare feet, as if she still had some energy to burn off. "Och, Herr Roesler, hullo...in point o' fact, it daesna take much fer me ta work up an' appetite." She flashed the man a grin, her teeth looking sharp and animalistic for half a second before her glamor covered it. "This is just ma daily jog...keeps me sane. Ah gae a bit loopy when Ah'm stuck too long in once place...ye all set fer yer banquet?"

Ekko Floros didn't LIKE wearing maids' clothes. They were restrictive and way tighter than the big bustling skirts would have you believe, and socks and heels were NOT her thing. All that was to say that she was supremely uncomfortable in the maids' clothing and she'd probably look for the first chance she got to strip it off and change back into her regular clothes.

Not that she'd have much chance until at least after the initial reception, since that'd a) probably be a major faux pas and b) probably not make her lord very happy? He WAS the reason she was wearing this getup after all.

She certainly was not at all thinking about the most subtle ways she could cause mischief without being caught again. The small and harmless ways.

Especially since, knowing Roesler's guests and the nature of this feast, she might end up ON the menu if she ever crossed one too many lines.

The pixie peeks out from behind the gates at some of Roesler's guests. Is she slacking off, or does she actually have something to say to Roesler...?

Kyuu (daisylurve): Kyuu prefers to be punctual. He has had an .. interesting week past so he also prefers to move more slowly. He has walked his way to the mansion at a leisurely pace, face tilted toward the wind. He is formally dressed but has forgone the coat. He is always much to warm to wear too many layers. Arriving on the path just outside the home that the dinner is being hosted at, the fox eyes the jogger and his host, gauging the appropriateness of his garb. Pleased that he has not overshot the mark, he closes the distance and offers up a sly smile to Roesler and a nod to Delilah.

Niles Roesler (ohsoincoherently) chuckles at the response, nodding at Delilah. "Good to keep up with one's calisthenics," he remarks. "And restlessness can be such a bane." He pivots and spotting Ekko in his periphery tilts his head a little, a mental nudge ghosting across the airwaves at the pixie. "All but the guests, though... I see people are filtering in." He greets Kyuu with a smile and a bow of his head. "Welcome, Mr. Tenno. Impeccably dressed as always. Have you met Ms. Harper-Windgrace?" he asks with a little sweep of his hand towards the woman.

Vedis Boyd steps up to the crowd walking behind the priest and to his right slightly. She gives the others a curious look over, interested in what sort of people inhabited this island she had found herself in. Pale hair falls around her face as she peeks around Vharc, stepping to the side as he pauses in his stride. She give a little finger wave to Kyuu, recognizing him from the night before. The rest she simply observes, giving smiles to those who met her happy golden gaze. She is still in the same outfit she arrived in, but she was clean and neat, clasping her hands before her as she glances up to Vharc.

Dinah (dollihead) had all but returned home and shut herself in her room since last night. Where getting ready for a dinner party was normally not that big a deal, her sour mood had meant she had spent the night preening and prettifying herself the best she could... except for the time that she had shut herself in The Room. Thankfully, none of the marks of her working were visible on her skin this morning, which was almost definitely a benefit. Glancing backwards towards the house, she felt a sudden surge of intense self-consciousness as she approached the Roesler house. Should she leave? Perhaps this had been a mistake. Attending with the brother who was almost definitely going to hate everything about stepping through that door, who had made it clear to her that he didn't even particularly want her company yesterday... she tightened her grip on the diaphanous shawl covering her bare back and approached, wiggling her fingers in a wave towards their host.

"Good day, Mr Roesler~" despite her uncertainties, her voice was schooled to cheerfulness, a smile on her face.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) escorted his twin down the path in sullen silence. He'd said and done quite enough lately. His jaw had a grim set to it, and the grey of his eyes were cold steel. There was a distance between the pair that was much vaster than having offered Dinah his arm to walk side by side. One usually bridged by a light heart on his part. Only just now the heart was not so light, and the remedy for that was clasped in his other hand, a nice bottle of armagnac. Of all the days in the year, the middlest Windgrace probably spent, on balance, 300 of them ready and happy to be among people for a festive occasion. Unfortunately this was not that sort of day. The troubling festivities ahead had opened up the gulf between the pair, in disagreement about the fundamental nature about the thing. But that was no reason to stand divided, publicly. This time, he swore to himself that he'd keep his mouth shut beyond the most necessary banalities. Drystan got away with not walking through life as a happy a grinning fool, so Dorian would try his hand at being the quiet type in mimicry. A fleeting smile ran across his lips in the moment Dinah offered her greeting and he made a grunted punctuation to join it, that was meant to be a salutation.

Vharcoleti (cainius) || The vampire is standing on the periphery of the crowd, a fetching woman in tow. "Ah, there we go." He murmurs faintly, inclining his head towards those familiar. Kyuu gets a solidly searching glance, those brows furrowing into a little line. "Hope you don't mind that I've brought an additional guest here." Is murmured towards Roesler, though it's more than likely that he's distracted with entertaining his other guests. A tipping of his head towards Modwen, and it's here she might have been struck by his towering height, making him /loom/ over her very slightly. "Feel free to interact with those that strike your fancy. Most of them don't bite unless you ask first." Is that supposed to be a reassurance? Yes, yes, it is.

Ekko Floros tugs open the gates, swinging them open for the guests as she responds to Roesler's mental nudging. Well, it was better here than having to deal with setting the table and serving the appetizers. She does seem visibly a bit more relaxed with something that Roesler nudged her way, and she even manages a cheery smile to those arriving. "Hello and welcome to milord Roesler's abode!"

She spies Dinah and freezes a little. That one is SCARY. We don't play pranks on that one anymore. But she quickly clears her throat and shakes off the nerves.

Well, she'd already done a little messing about before the event even began - a little charm on one of the bottles of wine that would make it taste like beer, or a little charm on a keg of beer to make it taste like wine...

She DOES spot Dorian's brother and he seems overly dour. Would she brave Dinah's wrath to try and prank him and get him to lighten up...? But the question was how...

She was thinking long and hard about it as she stood off to the side, holding the g

Ekko Floros open and smiling and giving cheery greetings like the good doormaid she certainly was, yes, definitely.

Delilah Harper-Windgrace: Delilah smiled in a good-natured manner at Mr. Roesler's response to her feelings of scattered-ness when cooped up. "Aye, that's certainly the way of it." As the golden man arrived, she turned her attention to him. "Oh, Ah believe we've seen one 'nother around town before, but we've no' been properly introduced. Mr. Tenno, was it? Ma kin have certainly spoken of yer talents with a bolt of fabic...must make maself time ta come see ye 'boot a new suit one o' these days." As other guests began to arrive, her eyes darted around, grey-blue eyes occasionally appearing golden depending on who looked, and she offered a polite nod to those she hadn't yet met. "Och, speakin' of suits, it appears Ah'm tardy, an' shoud clear maself up fer a proper dinner...Ah look like Ah've been workin' with oor divers." She smelled Dori and Di coming, but after catching some tension in the house the last 24 hours, she wasn't quick to force them to speak with a greeting.

Kyuu (daisylurve): As an introduction is presented, Kyuu’s nod is followed by a mischievous smile all for Delilah alone. There is even a glint in his mercurial gaze, the gold roiling briefly like molten metal. “Please to make your acquaintance.” The words are soft, warmly issued, but brief. He steps back from the pair and sends a glance first one way down the walk and then the other. Vharc is the first of the arrivals that he notes. The man is the recipient of his interested gaze for a moment or two longer than is perhaps polite before his head inclines to him and an assuring expression tilts his features. A smile, small but touched, is given to the man and it is only after he has issued this nonverbal message to the revenant that he tilts his gaze to Modwen. He is somewhat surprised to see her there but she is given a nod in greeting as well. The twins. Well, Kyuu stated that he had accepted Dorian’s apology. But that does not mean that he will forget the interaction. His greeting is cool, reserved. A brief nod for each.

Niles Roesler (ohsoincoherently) turned away toward the twins as they approached, observing the behaviors and the tension around the pair. Again came that mental knock, a little psychic nudge to Dinah specifically as naught but the warm and friendly smile greeted the pair's arrival. "So glad the two of you could make it. A vision as always, Ms. Windgrace," he said but refrained from reaching for a hand so as not to... exacerbate the mood. The chill between the tailor and the twins was palpable, even without his psychic abilities. "Please, go ahead to the back and help yourselves to some refreshments," he offered and gestured towards the gate, taking a moment to look meaningfully at Ekko as if to dissuade her from messing with at LEAST Dinah with a steely-stare.

Then he's turning back, greeting the priest and his guest with a dip of his head. "Oh not at all! Always more seating to be found and there's plenty of space at the table. And plenty of food to be enjoyed," he said with a smile. He extended a hand to shake Vharc's hand before extending it to Vedis, his eyes taking in the details of both with curious but polite appraisal. "Wonderful to see you both. Very glad to have you."

Lex Dashrix: Lex arrived precisely five minutes after the time indicated on the invitation. An offset the professor had precisely calibrated upon being made aware that the time on such documents was arranged to maximize opportunity for social interaction whilst attendees slowly arrived. Sighting the small crowd at the gate he made a note to adjust the time as clearly he still arrived within the small talk window. Approaching the gathered luminaries he patiently awaited the host greeting the earlier arrivals keeping his own companion close at his heels. When the opportunity availed itself he offered Roesler a small nod of greeting, "Good evening Niles, Harper sends her regrets but an urgent engagement has left her tied up for the evening." He does not further offer explanation for his guest, the small decorative lead trailing to the slight mans neck explained all it needed to given the company.

Vedis Boyd was very much aware of how tall Vharc was, which was why she was walking behind him for most of the trip over. It was less intimidating by far. She brushes her skirts down, flicking a gaze to the beautiful woman who approaches with the tall man on the opposite side of the street. She was going to need to talk to Kyuu sooner than later if she is going to stay here. The fashions here far different from where she came from. When Niles offered his hand she would blink back to him and gift him a bright smile, taking his hand and inclining her head, "Thank you for your Hospitality Mr. Roesler." she had caught his name via the introductions. He was the host here, however, so she didn't take up much of his time, giving the Door Maid a smile as she turns to step inside. She glances back at the diminutive red-head as she passes, curiosity in her amber eyes.

Dinah (dollihead) caught sight of Ekko and she *Stared*. oh yes, she remembered that one. Her fingernails tightened on the shawl again, noting that Dorian hadn't spoken to their host, but Delilah did receive the faintest of smiles. Roesler's knocking had her dip her chin just a touch, lowering the mental defenses, but she smiled "I am sorry to say that I suspect Drystan is remaining in his atelier today. You know how the artistic temperaments can be. I should not wish him to lose his muse, though, so I did not vex him to attendance" she conceded. "It is a pity, though. I suspect he would have been intrigued by your party." she bowed her head respectfully at his invitation "thank you. I shall try not to get lost en route.. oh! Good day, professor Dashrix~" she greeted him to, silvery eyes following the leash to the smaller one attached to it. Drawing herself up, she headed for the gates to step inside. Kyuu was given the same somewhat drawn little smile, and she ticked her gaze to once more STARE at Ekko as she neared the other woman.

Naoki Sato kept his eyes on the ground. They were ringed by a bit of red, the veins around them a little more prominent then they typically were. The apprentice looked a bit haggard beneath the furrowed brow. He followed Lex closely - the lead that led to the collar he wore, openly visible considering the nature of his attire. Those that had met the Jikininki likely knew this was... not what he typically wore. He settled himself at the Professor's side, dwarfed by his height, and offered no greeting to the dinner's host. He did raise his head slightly at the sound of the tailor's voice, letting his gaze linger before he gave the man a little nod.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) was joyous about one person he spied, in his sometime sister, sometime cousin, always kin from the day she'd been declared such, in her casual attire. This elicited a grin that was genuine and a sharp contrast from the tension he'd been wearing. Joining this brief reprieve came the sound of his voice, low, urbane, grumbling, "Delilah! Do come back soon, hm?" Nearing her, she'd be able to see the plea as would come from a man seeking a life boat in his face. Which turning to the rest of the gathered carried the last vestiges of the break in brooding. But he'd bow a courtly bow, and rising greet the assembly, "Good morrow."

The lapse in modern phrasing to some other time was not even noted as he was hot on his sister's trail, yet clutching the bottle. Just a tell of falling back to old habit when preoccupied. His jaw worked it's way back into a scowl as he paced behind her.

Ekko Floros quickly glances away as her lord fixes her with a steely stare, but Roesler - and just about anyone with that kind of sensitivity - would certainly feel her assent. Yes, no messing around, none at all, mhm. Not with the scary human lady.

Maybe with the tailor? But later. During the party. It was too hard to do anything subtle with everyone all undistracted by food and while she was trying to greet everyone at the door.

Boyd gets a cheery smile, but then Dinah's coming through along with the dour man at her side and Ekko just... Keeps smiling! Yes! The best of customer service smiles! Definitely not screaming inside!

Did this mean Dorian was off the table? Maybe. Possibly. No promises, just yet.

She clears her throat. "Hello, Miss Windgrace! Enjoy your meal!" See, perfectly behaved pixie. Yes. Very well-behaved.

If her wings were out they'd be fluttering impatiently.

Delilah Harper-Windgrace: Lilah caught the small smile from Dinah and offered her her a polite nod of the head in response. Truth be told, not constantly sniping with her had become something of a comfort on this strange island. As she passed Dorian, she reached out to touch his sleeve, ever so briefly, her command of the man's body language on point. Rather than draw attention to the situation at hand, however, she just flashed him a playful smile and was already moving back into a jog as she made her way home, calling over her shoulder, "Won't be a tick...just need ta make maself more in fittin' with all ye other lovely fowk." With that, Delilah broke into a sprint that did little to hide that she was a creature used to stalking fast prey.

Vharcoleti (cainius) || A quirk of a brow is all Lex gets from the likes of the revenant as the other towering man seems to be...leading his charge around with a leash? How strange, but he isn't here to offer judgment or opinions. A quiet noise of ponderous note rises from within his chest as he steps a little away from Sato, not risking the contact of sharp claws or possibe fangs, yes. This is not the time for /that./ Unfortunately, this also causes him to brush shoulders with Delilah in the metaphorical sense, and--what's this? Another Windgrace? A nod is offered if she turns to glance towards him, and he steps a little away from her so as to not infringe upon her personal space. As Modwen wanders inside, though, he does follow her with his eyes, which also causes him to allow his gaze to stray upon the small, red-headed pixie person that's manning the door. "...Curious." A murmur, though he might as well be speaking to naught but the air. He does, however, incline his head towards Roesler. "Ah, you're so generous. Thank you." Is all that's stated towards the doctor, neutral as it is. There's no hostility or anger in that tone, though--rather strikingly mild-mannered.

Ekko Floros feels Roesler's gently nudging, and then announces to everyone: "Please follow me to the annex building for the feast!" She'd bid the attendees to come and join her as she'd move towards the back of the manor. Her footsteps are curiously light and weightless, and seems to hardly make a sound whether she walks on the grass or with heels on hard flooring.

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) made her way up the cobbled path with a little difficulty. Moving was restricted and the shoes didn't make it better. She felt awkward, a little nervous, but good? Kyuu had done an amazingly good job at making her comfortable though she wasn't used to being without her bindings. As she spied a few familiar guests, she paused on the outskirts of the group and kept silent so as not to draw too much attention. She did not see anyone else in an evening gown and immediately she wondered if she was overdressed. But, again, she trusted Kyuu's judgement. Her ruby lips pursed as she eyed the tailor and gave him a subtle nod.

Dinah (dollihead) tilted her head to watch Dorian interact with Delilah and for a moment she considered an appropriate response. Choosing to say nothing, do nothing, she merely gave another faint smile, reaching up to brush her fingers over her hairline. Ekko's greeting earned a bob of her head, keeping an *eye* on that one. Pausing a brief moment to glance towards her brother, then back over her shoulder towards the rest of the party, she made a soft noise in her throat and followed the party around to the back, where apparently it would be hosted.

Kyuu (daisylurve): Kyuu takes in Lex’s arrival, but it is the man on the leash who receives most of the Fox’s attention. Naoki is the recipient of his golden stare, much as Vharc had been, a moment or two longer than is exactly polite. Thus it is that their gazes connect when a glance up toward his voice is given. The nod is returned with a mirror, Lex then briefly blessed with his gaze again, and then Kyuu is turning to walk through the gate. He falls into step after Vedis. A glance is given back toward the taller prist as they move through the garden together and onward to the area designated for the party. He does not glance again toward the Windgraces.

Nebulous Star Isa (jetsette123): clippity clop, clippity clop. It sounded like a horse was rounding the bend. However, what appeared was not a horse, but a blinding speck of happy purple. The aura that surrounded him was pure gentle SQUEE. He was like a walking plush toy just waiting to be your best friend. Long purple hair literally dragged the ground behind him like a cloak. Each step sounded like several, as if he were wearing clogs, or something else was...AFOOT. He paid it no mind, bright smile upon his face as he got closer to the manor. The sweet scent of grapes swirled around his body. Too bad he wasn't on the menu as he looked and smelled as if he were candy or fruit. Genteel nods are afforded everyone, though he does linger on a certain Priest for a moment, looking to the cane with concern before making an 'eep!' sound and double-stepping after the maid that was leading people in. Wow, he fast.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) took heart from Delilah's reassurance, and it was a balm to a soul in turmoil. More than that he started working through the things he needed to say, rehearsing them in advance. He'd follow doggedly after Dinah, bottle in hand, looking utterly confused when he caught his twin staring at him.

Vedis Boyd followed Ekko to the back, casting Kyuu a grin over her shoulder as she sees him moving to follow her. "This is a lovely place." she murmurs to him, feeling horribly out of place. "Do you know the hosts?" she was here, so she couldn't assume that was the case with everyone. Once they shifted into the dimmer interior of the room, anyone with the sight would see that she glowed softly, a gentle golden light that seemed to radiate from beneath that translucent skin. She could only hide so much. She slipped inside the building, nearly certain her glamor would be enough to hide her. She wrapped her arms about her waist, unwilling to touch anything until she knew where she was supposed to go.

Lex Dashrix: || Lex returned Dinah's greeting with a small nod, "Ms. Windgrace a pleasure to see you again." he answers and glances to Dorian as well, "Mr. Windgrace." His eyes flit past the maid as if she is not there at all, the other lesser known guests getting a brief appraising glance but no recognition for the moment. The looks his companion drew did not affect the looming professor in the slightest. Those theatrics were after all for an audience of one. His gaze fell back on their host for a moment as the hand was extend. Lex did not shake hands, Niles knew this, he looked down at the offer and back to Niles, "Yes for us at least." he replied regarding his wifes absence and turned to follow the other guests into the waiting feast Naoki fast on his heels.

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) clears her throat as she makes her way, following the trail of party-goers. Her eyes flick to Vharc and she colors a bit. She was going to say something else, but it seemed they were being ushered through the garden into a ... shed? No, like a servant's quarters. How interesting. It was close confines and she was shoulder-to-shoulder with quite a few people. For those she was closest to, they would be able to note the scent of vibrant florals coming off of her pale skin.

Kyuu (daisylurve): Taking in the building behind the mansion, Kyuu looks at the building that they are not being invited into and hmms softly. But then Vedis is collecting his attention and his golden gaze settles on her features, sliding over the pleasing symmetry before offering up a response, “I am familiar with Roesler. He and I do a good deal of business together.” Because much as Kyuu is a tailor, he is not a servant. His skills may be purchased, but he could choose not to offer them. The fox makes his way into the small building and looks over the table, searching for place holders – if the seating is assigned. Regardless, he will find himself a seat and settle in, one leg casually curling beneath him as he comfortably reclines against the chair back. He then watches the others filter in.

Niles Roesler (ohsoincoherently): The table was set grandly in an outdoor annex to the house proper, neat floors and clean bring making it out to be - certainly not used for anything other than such events. There are no assigned seats save for the obvious head of the table for the host himself. A bar in the garden has an NPC teder and a bowl of punch sits against one wall. Trays of little watermelon squares and prosciutto folded atop them like roses as well as tiny tartlets made of curried meat are carried by attendants and offered to the guests. The main feast itself has not yet been placed at the table - Roesler stands at the head waiting for people to take their seats before beginning the feast proper.

Dinah (dollihead) nodded her agreement to Niles' words about her brother and she glanced once more towards the house as she headed around to where the dinner party would be hosted. Entering the little annex house, she glanced at the seating, at the tables. Were there assigned seats? Or would she settle wherever? Court protocol always seemed to determine that the most popular, the most prestigious, would sit beside the host. That being said, another glance at her brother determined that doing so would probably ignite his mood. She took the seat one away from the head of the table, draping her shawl on the back of the seat and smoothing the silk of her dress in her lap

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) came in, striding right beside his sister would endeavor to pull out her chair, tucking his beloved booze under one arm. As he did this upon her choice of seats, he muttered an earnest inquiry to her, quietly and trying not to make a scene, "Does it seem right for me to take up a chair?" Having asked, he'd stand very near by, behind her, but craning to gather her response, trying to unravel why she seemingly just got more upset with him. He smelled like smoke and oak and vetiver.

Delilah Harper-Windgrace: It was a scant ten minutes later when Delilah returned up the path, now sporting decidedly uncomfortable shoes whose hard soles clacked on the ground, and freshly pressed trousers and shirt. A wash of the face, and a spritz of some of Drystan's cologne (if the man couldn't be there in the flesh, he could be their in scent), and she was back to the house, thankful for the short distance between the two residences. As servant's ushered her around the house to the back building, she let her eyes drift, taking in the scenery. At the door, it appeared folks were just filtering in and she held back a moment, choosing instead to move over to the bar for a glass of red wine, and she lifted her nose to the air, taking in the various scents wafting around...woodsmoke, honey perhaps, florals, pine needles, various h'orderves. After a few moments of psyching herself up for being closed in a small space with many people, she made her way back to the door to try and find herself seating.

Lex Dashrix follows the crowd to the sunny annex and surveys the appetizers with a hint of suspicion before taking a seat on the far side of Dinah leaving the place of honor at the hosts left for her brother. The bartender is apparently familiar with the professors tastes as they arrive moments later with an aged speyside that he slowly sips as the other guests arange themselves.

Vedis Boyd nods to Kyuu's answer, watching him step into the room, settling into the seat with such ease and confidence. She sees the rest of the crowd make their way in and her eyes go wide. She doesn't wish to be trampled, so she quickly slips inside, her hand warm as it brushes to top of Vharc's hand as it rested on top of his cane, a gentle smile in greeting as she slips into the room. She wouldn't take his chair, however, content to stand by the wall, as if she were used to such things. She falls silent watching the people with shimmering amusement. However, seeing the fellow on the leash her smile would fade and she looks away, crimson staining her cheeks ever so slightly. Dinah's graceful movements drew her eye and she twists her fingers nervously before her. She had never not known what to do, this was going to take some getting used to.

Naoki Sato follows the professor in, sticking himself to a wall until people have taken their seats. He huffs quietly, glancing out the windows at the main house before moving to seat himself on the floor by Lex's seat, tucking himself away and out of the way of people's movements. Which really means being under the table.

Ekko Floros flits her way around the guests, the pixie giggling as she gets a little nudge from Roesler about a possible target for her mischief. Well, not specifically her mischief, but she was going to take the opportunity for mischief, so yes!

The maid tugged gently at the Aether, working herself a simple charm, a little trick of the light that would render her... Well, not so much invisible as unnoticeable, in much the same way as Lex had hardly paid her a glance. She was part of the background, part of the scenery. Simply doing what she ought to be doing, even if she really wasn't. Though, her little parlour trick might be a bit less effective on those with a keen aetheric sight, or perhaps some psychic sensitivity.

Otherwise, though she was now free to circle around to Nebulous. The first thing she did was gently pat him in the back, between his shoulderblades, to see if he'd notice her when he turns around... And also work a quick little charm on the eye-like markings all along his throat and chest. They seem to follow Vharcoleti wherever the man goes, now.

Nebulous Star Isa (jetsette123): / finds himself a cozy corner and tries to be small and out of the way. He's only vaguely aware of Roesler and doesn't think they have actually met, only it's hard for him to ever really know seeing as how he's...psychic and all. Sometimes he meets people in dreams, or sees them on the street and has entire conversation that never ACTUALLY happen. But Nebbie is fine with this, because he wants to be everyone's platonic best friend or maybe friends with benefits. But no one takes him up on that second one because he's just too innocent and cute to 'spoil.' The room starts to fill up quickly, and Nebulous becomes uncomfortably aware of it. His over-sensitive nature makes him squirm as his mind is flooded with other people's thoughts, their wants/dreams, and their Fates. He closes his eyes and breathes in, pushing outward to try and build a little bubble around himself so that he can keep his sanity, at least for long enough to have a nice 'normal' dinner. Something wet, slimey and 'tentacle-like' slithered across his shoulder and touched his cheek. He wriggled and flicked at his cheek like there was a bug. No no! He thought, no Eldritch Bad Touches. Trying to be 'normal.' After a brief pep-talk and mind-exercises he went to tippy tappy excitedly watching people enter. He looked like a best doggo going 'thoon' in the corner, only he was a person and his footy taps were even more clickity clack. Unable to contain himself any longer he just started greeting people as if he knew them. "Ah, Little Windgraces, you both look so splendid this evening. I'm Nebulous Star Isa, the new owner of La Croix Curiosities. Please, call me Neb, or Nebbie." SQUEE! Bow. Then to Vharc. "Whatever happened to your leg, Golden Santa? Is that why our chase did not go well, did your hurt your foot?" He pouted and puffed. "Miss Maid, why don't you like your outfit? You look so lovely!" Nebulous was an odd one, but he more than made up for it in CUTE.

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) cleared her throat softly and would look inwards to the door. People were being seated and she all but hid behind Vharcoletti. Once he would move in, she would be the last to sit, she wagered. Her eyes did spot a bit of magic playing out with the maid and she tilted her head, tracking her as she moved about the room. Arix was not immune to those tricks, but her other-worldly sight was extremely keen and saw through most, small glamors. Interesting. Her teeth bore down on her bottom lip as she scanned for the best seat that would be left to her.

Vharcoleti (cainius) || The man is slow to filter in. Seeing the others take their seats, his brows raise at the delicacies that are on offer--though those are most likely appetizers and not the main feast itself. He does, however, elect to slip into a seat that's not so crowded by the others, mainly the one that's nearest to the exit if allowed. His motions are smooth, practiced--tucking in his one good leg upon the cushion of the chair and his shoe is hanging off the side of the plush, leaving it unsoiled and not ruined by the track of soil that's doubtlessly imprinted upon the sole.

Dinah (dollihead) seemed almost surprised that Dorian spoke to her, turning to look up towards him ad she nodded. "....far better than *not* sitting like one of the help" she said quietly. Turning to smile towards the professor as he sat to her left, she smiled as he was already presented with a drink. "They know you already, professor Dashrix? or are they particularly good at guessing?" she stiffened a little as Naoki sat on the ground, and she peered down towards him with a curious expression on her face. Vedis staring at her caused her to lift those silvery eyes to the white haired stranger

"Good day~" she said politely, only to turn when Neb was speaking to them.

"La croix? Ah, how delightful. A pleasure to meet you, Nebbie. I am dinah, this is dorian, and over the way there is Delilah" she gestured to each of her kin in turn.

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) straightened herself and held her chin high. The towering creature made her way into the room also. A pillar of ivory and deep emerald, she looked as though she just stepped off of the pages of a magazine. Who knew all of that was under those dingy, blue coveralls? Taking the last seat available, she pulled her own seat out and settled into it as easily as she could in all that silk and satin which hushed with her every movement.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) really really did not want to sit by the host, though as his options narrowed, standing seemed like a better and better idea. He'd just decided what to do, decisively setting the bottle of amber fluid from France down in the chair beside his twin as if to declare his intentions to do just as he did not want, and take the seat by Roesler's presumed setting.

He'd then respond to the purple haired person with a small smile that ticked up one corner of his mouth, "Thank you, Mr. Isa." Delilah had arrived so he'd walk her way to pull out a chair for her too and pat her shoulder before rounding the table to take up his chair, resettling the bottle upon the table. He'd look over to Kyuu as he got as comfortable as he could, and offer, "My compliments on your work, Tenno-san. You happened to meet, nay, surpass my expectations." As he donned some of the threads just now, it might aid his cause in sounding less disingenuous.

Ekko Floros claps her hands together excitedly. "Oooh, you noticed me!" She giggles and chatters along blithely with the purple-haired man. Note down one thing - psychic. Possibly keen senses? Well, he knew she didn't like her outfit, so that was almost definitely a point for psychic.

"It's too tight! And heavy! I don't know how humans can bear wearing this stuff, you know? How can anyone fly in something like this? And it's so stuffy! And hot!" She tilts her head at Nebulous. "How about you though? Why don't you sit down? There's lots of good food on offer! You'll enjoy it!"

She giggles more, gently pushing Nebby towards a seat, subtly weaving yet more Aether to tie his hair up in a silk ribbon that appears out of thin air. It's so pretty! She wondered how it got so purple. And sparkly.

Delilah Harper-Windgrace: As Delilah caught sight of the Curiosities shop owner, she flashed the man a smile, remembering him from her stop in on her search for her family's talismans. As Dinah introduced her, Lilah nodded, explaining, "Aye, we've met. Ah wis exploring his shop a few weeks back. Very interestin' place. It's a pleasure ta see ye again, Mr. Isa." She smiled as Dorian moved all the way around the table to pull her chair out. She glanced over at Arix, who'd taken the chair opposite him and she offered a silent mouthing of 'sorry' that she couldn't manage to be closer to his spot. Settling into her seat, she nodded at the man across from her, who'd been addressed as a Professor. "Hullo. Delilah Harper-Windgrace...pleasure ta meet ye."

Lex Dashrix tucked Noaki's head to lay on his broad thigh lightly stroking his hair under the table as if soothing a spooked cat for a moment as they took their seats. "Doctor Roesler and my wife have worked together for several years now." he explained to Dinah, "His staff has had ample opportunity to learn of my particularities." he suggested and sipped his scotch as he observed 'nebbie' join the table and carefully schooled his features at the eccentric display, "Curiouser and curiouser." he murmured under his breath at Roeslers eclectic guest list. "Nebbie..." he repeated, "Yes of course." and then the boy was speaking directly to the help and Lex could no longer feign interest in the young mans antics.

Vedis Boyd blinks as she was caught staring, looking to see where everyone else sat to make sure there was plenty of room before she makes her way to the table. She counts the chairs, and the rest of those still standing before simply clasping her hands before her and smiling. Letting the family sit. Her ear flicks as she hears Ekko, those golden eyes lifting to her briefly, amusement playing in those golden eyes. She looks to the Host as they all settle in their spots and offers him an encouraging smile. Her glamor holds for most, but those with the sight would certainly see her soft glow in the dim light of the room, the shimmer of amber under her skin as well as the strange turn to her ears.

Niles Roesler (ohsoincoherently) seemed overly enthused by the little song and dance Dashrix and his apprentice are playing. So enthused. The psychics in the room can practically feel his amusement. He lingers by the head of the table as people take their seats, eyes falling briefly on Nebulous. "Goodness, no need to hang back. Take a tartlet, I can find an extra chair. Certainly you don't need to sit on the floor," he remarked and waved at one of the staff to find a chair for the purple-maned almost stranger. Once people are more or less settled, he clasps his hands together to issue a general greeting: "Welcome, all of you. It's an honor and pleasure to host so many lovely guests - and provide your sustenance for the evening. I'll be retiring to the kitchen to make some last checks on the main courses. In the meantime - have a drink from the bar, enjoy a tartlet or some prosciutto." He smiled and excuse himself briefly, heading for the kitchen. A few moments after a crisp salad is brought out to them - lotus wheels and fresh daikon and carrots, Vietnamese herbs and what looks like butterfly-cut morsels of prawn. The dressing is fresh and light, more a vinaigrette.

Naoki Sato meets Dinah's glance. It's brief, quiet, and unblinking. His eyes narrow ever so slightly before he looks away and scoots further under the table, narrowly avoiding people's feet and legs. There's a brief nudge at Lex's calf that's more like a poke or a flick as if some indicator of something unspoken, as the JIkininki certainly isn't saying anything.

Kyuu (daisylurve): The fox is quite comfortable in his seat and had no issue with claiming one. He watches as the others filter in, some less inclined to sit at the table than others. One arm casually rests upon the table top and his gaze tracks Sato’s movements as he settles down and then moves underneath the table at Lex’s feet. Part of him wants to extend the tip of his toes toward the man, but he refrains least he accidently end up playing footsy with Lex instead. Vharc’s choice is seat is noted and there may be the faintest disappointment upon the fox’s features when the seat taken is not next to himself but that is schooled away. When Arix enters she is the recipient of a beaming smile. She is perfection – a masterpiece. And though she may have some reservations, she is carrying the look as if she owns it. There may be a touch of pride in the kitsune’s gaze. He casually gestures her to the seat beside himself, indicating that she should have the other place of honor, across from Dorian. That man is given a silent stare before the fox offers a smile in return. There is far less friendliness in the exchange. A reserve that has been built since the man decided to use the fox in his games with his sister. “Thank you Mr. Windgrace.” Noting that Vedis is uncertain and lingering by the wall, his attention shifts to Roesler and as if on cue, more chairs and settings are being prepared. A faint smile touches his lips. He isn’t surprised that none will be left standing.

Nebulous Star Isa is absolutely THRILLED! when the little maid stops to talk with him. His hair is being tied up and he feels like he's back in the mystic forests. He makes a little sound, like wooo and it's deep and huffy. It was almost like a moose grunt. But in a good happy way, like he got pats. "I seeeee, yes, I can understand. You remind me of the Little Ones who flit about and pull ticks off the backs of..." Bites his tongue. He almost said the backs of his people. Pixies and little tiny folk that ate the ticks bursting with magical blood. Vicious creatures, but he thought they were LOVELY to pull a tick off his back. "Horses." Smiles and then gasps as she pushes him toward a chair. "Oh but, I think we don't have enough. I have a built in seat if someone else wants a chair." He moved up to the side of the table and then leaned back, sort of 'sitting' on the long pony tail that Ekko made. Of course, he's a big glamoured radiant deer. He can just tuck under and sit on his big ass. Dinah pointed out Delilah and he brightened. "Hello again! Sadly I have not heard anything about the object you are looking for, Miss." He frowned in an exaggerated way as he scooted his invisibum up to the table and settled. Silver eyes swung to look directly at Lex. He just, looked at the large man for a long moment. "Mmm..." He glanced down to Naoiki on the floor and it was clear he had a lot that he could say, but instead he smiled tight-lipped. "Forgive me, never had the pleasure. Nebulous Star Isa...maybe after dinner you would allow me to read the bones of your meal? I am sure the Fates have A LOT to say about you." Then he turned those silvery eyes to look directly at Vedis. He smiled tenderly. "Welcome to the Island." That was all, just welcome before turning to Roesler, his eyes dancing with a mirror of his amusement. Though what he said he was about to serve made Neb's mouth drop open and water slightly. "Woooow." Though as Roesler says he can get an extra chair, Neb would slide off his hair and into a seat with a nod. "That works too."

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) slides herself into the seat next to Kyuu after she is gestured over. The delicate jewelry adorning her neck and ears shimmer softly in the low light as she adjusts this way and that. Leaning over to the tailor she speaks candidly but not so quiet that it is meant to be just between the two of them. "Thank you, I wasn't sure where to sit," she shifted again, healthy flesh jostling in that emerald concoction and then finally settling. When she finally eyed the proffered victuals, she knits her brows. Some of the things she doesn't recognize right away. Plucking up her water glass, she takes a bit of a gulp though her gloves make holding the glass a bit difficult.

Vharcoleti (cainius) His lips curl into a little smile as he's accosted by Nebulous, and his head picks up a little to appraise the man. "I am sorry for not being able to feasibly give chase after you. Would have been a fun game." A game. Yes. Totally a game. Vharcoleti, however, does notice the flush that's appeared upon Vedis' pale cheeks after she's noted the leashed gentleman underneath the table, and his head tips a little. How curious, though he does not deign to accost her about the topic now. "Ah, I believe introductions are in order. This is Vedis. I believe she's in the market for a job, though I'll leave it to you to find out what kind of job she's after."

Vharcoleti doesn't quite turn up his nose at the offerings that are wheeled out, though it's clear that the sustenance that's proffered is not favored for the likes of the vampire. A glance is offered, though, towards Arix again, and his head tips towards Kyuu. "She is stunning. I adore the shade of green you picked out for her. Goes along well with her alabaster skin..." He does, however, pick out a fork and is the paragon of patience for when the host deigns to allow them to dig in.

Ekko Floros layered on a few extra layers of glamouring, the small subtle touches that would hopefully shield her a bit more from the notice of those around regardless of how she moved, where, or even her sounds. There was, of course, only so much she could do when she was actively engaging someone - perhaps it would have been a different story if she was keeping silent as usual to play her pranks and mischief.

She giggles at the deep, huffing sound - it really did sound so very much like a moose - and the pause is noted but not commented on or thought on for longer than a second or two.

"The Little Ones?~" she asks playfully. She glances at Arix's glass briefly - and there's another small, subtle tug of Aether. The water itself doesn't change, but the TASTE of it would - for just a second or two, it'd taste like rum. But it'd clearly look like water, smell like water. A second sip and it would certainly taste like water.

Vedis Boyd smiles as she sees more chairs arriving and more place settings as well! She pushes away from the wall and sits between Nebulous and Vharc, tucking her skirt as she sits. The food looked amazing and the table was set impressively. She smiles as Vharc introduces her to the violet haired fellow and she smiles, "Hello, lovely to meet you." she pulls the napkin into her lap and smooths it across her thighs. The food begins to be passed and she takes several tibits to set on her plate, taking a bit of prosciutto to nibble on, happy to ignore Vharc's notice of her blush, though it didn't help the blush to fade. Sitting this close to her one might notice how warm she was, the soft scent of woodsmoke and honey lifting from her skin, though it would no doubt be lost to the smells of the meal for those with less than acute senses. She has no idea the creatures she sits with, simply happy to sit with them.

Dinah (dollihead) bobbed her head in understanding when Lex explained "A sign of good staff, knowing and anticipating without needing to be told. Sadly, we haven't found a properly established houshold yet. We'll find them, i'm sure, but whenever we find one that gets settled...well. you know how it is, i'm certain" she peered towards Naoki again in thought. As Niles entered through the door at the head of the table, she smiled at his welcome, though then the strange, slight man on the leash was scooting closer to Lex and she tittered.

"I think I upset your friend somehow" she gestured with her fingers as she spoke to the Professor, looking thoughtfully at Naoki again. Something about him... losing her concentration, she reached for a tartlet and her wine glass. Di looked around the table, familiarity from most faces. Salad though distracted her, and she glanced sidelong to her brother. At least he was talking now.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) blandly smiled on as he was addressed by Kyuu, and gave back a mirror of the perceived mixed messages aimed his way, but all at once instead of staggered, crescent on lips below eyes untouched by it. Breaking his gaze from the tailor he'd wave off the first course, insisting on not having a plate set before him firmly, with precise, "Thank you, no." The serving person got a tightening in that smile, and a glint of eyes that promised they'd not yield in this matter. He'd announce his lie around the table, while his voice was unstuck "I am afraid I that I have the brain capacity of a coconut--" Something Arix might not be surprised to hear, especially since he boggled at her for a moment as he recognized her from the pub. He continued, straightening out his gaze as he flicked it around the table "-- and rather ate just before I came, mixed up the dates, you see. I am here for the company. Who could resist Mr. Roesler's table, hm?" It was performed warmly, like a yes-sounding no from a customer service professional. The very English accent, well that was just a tinge of politeness atop self-deprecation with a helping of posh.

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) goes to sip again and immediately pulls a strained face and a soft 'HRK' sound comes from her throat. Blinking several times, she lifted the glass and looked at it again. No, it was water last time. But the burn of alcohol is definitely present in her belly. Immediately her eyes scan the room for the magic-user and she narrows them in a piercing, knowing way. With a shake of her head, she dismisses the encounter with a half grin and idly listens to the chatter around her. The priest introduced a lady, to which she makes eye contact and nodded, the purple-haired man seemed to settle in his chair finally, and the Windgrace twins are present as well but that was no surprise to her. She completely missed the man sitting on the floor behind the professor and, from her angle, she couldn't see him anyway. The boggle from Mr. Windgrace was met with a loft of her brows as if to ask 'what?'. Directly after she pressed warm, nurturing smile to her face and gave him a nod.

Niles Roesler (ohsoincoherently) returned after helping with some slicing and dicing and doing some roasting. He was tightening his tie again, rebuttoning his jacket and taking his seat at the head of the table as staff came to place what looked like little blossoms of sashimi in front of each guest. At the center of each blossom was a small ball of steamed rice on which sat something that looked like beef tataki - sliced thin and cooked rare, sauced to perfection. Turning to Vedis, he offered: "I apologize for skipping a more formal introduction.... but my name is Niles. You may hear Mister or Doctor Roesler depending on who's speaking and where. I co-own the Cabaret with the Professor's sadly-absent spouse," he said with a glance at Lex. "Though I do consult at the Sanatorium as well at times." He looked to Dorian as he spoke, more or less beaming at the man. "It is always lovely to have the Windgraces at my table. You're welcome to it and the repast offered on it whenever you like, Dorian." His gaze swept through the rest of the crowd, lingering on Lex for a moment as Dinah mentioned Sato's odd behavior. He did not comment, instead moving on to ensure the others were seated and conversing. "Following our... seafood fare wil be cuts of a clay-baked roast, donated by our very own Father Vharcoletti," he stated, though he refrained from explaining further. as he popped a piece of sashimi in his mouth.

Lex Dashrix: "Good help is hard to find." Lex agreed with a nod and swung his gaze down the table as the others took their seats to fall on Nebulous as he offered a reading of fates. A slight raise of his brow and minuscule shake of his head the only expression at the offer, "I imagine they do they are inveterate gossips." he replied dryly as he took some of the offered salad and nudged it around his plate the eagle eyes mayhap noticing he dutifully avoided the prawns as he took the occasional bite of the vegetables. When attention was focused elsewhere he'd sneak morsels down to the man under the table like a beloved pet. Lex offers a tiny shake of his head to Dinahs concerns, "He's shy around strangers." he lies like a lying liar, "I hope he has not offended." the next dish was similarly picked apart rare bites of distant rice or garnish making their way to Lexs lips between sips of scotch. the meatier fare snuck to his companion as subtly as one might.

Kyuu (daisylurve): With Arix seated to one side and Delilah to the other, Kyuu settles into the formality of dinner table etiquette, shifting his attention between the two to converse. The red head is the recipient of his curious gaze and the murmured question, “You are looking for something? What is it? Have you had any luck?” he vaguely remembers her from that one visit to Nebby’s shop. When he had his arm band enchanted. Thinking about that make him suddenly realize that it has gone quite cool. He is being alerted that there are people connected to pieces of the treasure that he is seeking nearby. Focusing on the sensation, he feels the pull toward the Priest which he was already aware of. But then there is also a pull across the table. Toward Lex. His stomach drops and a slightly uncomfortable expression crosses his features. He does not currently have the greatest impression of the man, what little he knows. Furrowing his brow slightly he then directs his attention to Arix, features smoothing. “You look good enough to eat.” He then smiles, totally unaware of what exactly is being served up. But she is scrumptious. The fox looks down at the presentation of the meal before him and has no qualms at all about the consumption of it. Assuming it is finely prepared, he enjoys every single bite.

Delilah Harper-Windgrace: Delilah smiled in a good-natured manner, waving away Nebby's pout at being unable to find any of her missing talismans. "Och, think nothin' of it. Ah'm hopeful ta be reunited one day, but Ah've been lookin' too long ta think ye'd find it quickly. Ah appreciate yer efforts." As Vharc introduced the new arrival on the island, Lilah raised her glass towards the women, "Welcome, miss." Her attention moved to Vharc himself as the man settled in the seat beside her. But then there were leaves in front of her, and she picked up her salad fork. She spent a few minutes picking through the vegetables to get at the...shrimp? She was visibly much happier as the clay baked roast arrived, and she dove in just on the safe side of polite table manners...something about this meat, she let out a happily delicious sound at the flavour. "Och, this is divine Mr. Roesler..." She was so enamoured by her meal, she nearly missed that she'd been spoken to and turned to Kyuu. "Mmm...lookin' fer some family heirlooms that were taken

years ago...a set o' small silver talismans...the set tells a story of ma people..."

Naoki Sato only hesitates a little when he's offered food... but the constant hunger is more than enough to overcome any hesitation about who made the meal. It's certainly not an issue with WHAT the "fish" and "beef" are. Slivers of blood tendrils slip from under his clothing to take the morsels and deliver them to the apprentice's mouth where they're devoured quickly. Dinah's commentary and Lex's response are overheard, illiciting a little huff from underneath the table. The young man otherwise remains quiet.

Dinah (dollihead) sipped at her wine as her brother spoke, her shoulders sagging a touch. at least he was talking. She ate her salad with well-coached dinner manners, not speaking until she had finished, though she shook her head with a little smile at Lex's words.

"Offended? gracious no. I am not offended. A little curious but not offended" she admitted, lifting her gaze to the head of the table at the first course, a smile at Niles as he returned. She hesitated a little before she ate this course, a little more hesitant simply on the merit of her overactive mind. She took a deep breath and ate a slice, however, though at the news that there was a priest amongst their number, silver eyes searched until they lay upon Vharcoleti.

"Would you be the Father? A pleasure to meet you. I must confess I have been remiss in meeting any of the clergy on the isles thusfar, for my sins. I am Dinah Windgrace. This is my brother dorian" she introduced herself cheerfully over the table.

Nebulous Star Isa: up until, now, Neb had not looked at Arix. He turned his attention to her, with the desire to introduce himself. But instead he ended up squinting and holding up a hand as if he was just hit in the face with sunlight. There WAS a window there, so perhaps a ray got him in the eye. Of course it was HER radiance which caught him off guard and made him smile brightly back at her. Not just with his face but his entire being. He wanted so much to say something to her, but it would be inappropriate at the dinner table. He was already pretty 'inappropriate' as far as this crowd was concerned. So he shrugged it off and put his hands in his lap. He would do his best to be quiet, unseen and unheard. It wasn't fun by any stretch of the imagination, but it was safe. When Niles mentioned that Vharc had donated a roast, Neb smiled wide and looked proudly to the Priest. "So you did manage to down something on your hunt. Bravo!" Too innocent for this world is Nebulous. But then Lex called the Fates 'gossips' and Nebulous put a hand to his chest as if clutching pearls. Gasp! Then he grinned and let out a deep rumbling chuckle. Despite his giggly nature, he was quite robust and his voice was deep and almost heavy. He most certainly was an ACTUAL youth. The world had yet to beat him down with pain or suffering and so he was just...happy and young and full of life, but despite the purple he was not precisely effeminate or 'girlish.' He was big and bold with a deep voice and a broad chest, and he was well over six feet tall (much larger when unglamoured, of course). "I suppose you are not wrong, Sir. But I do not tread where I am unwanted. That is a sure-fire way to get one's ho...foot in a trap. Respectfully, I shall leave you to you and yours." He bowed his head low and turned silvery eyes toward Kyuu. "I do hope you're not intending to be a stranger down there, Grand Tailor Kyuu." He finger wiggled toward the Fox.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes): || The elder twin settled in his seat, crossing his legs in luxuriously loose hakama, and palmed the bottle of armagnac once more then used his free hand to extend behind his sister in order to beckon the girl dressed like help over with a flick of a fair finger toward himself. This was casually done, clearly accustomed, in that he didn't even need to think about it; he probably should have handed it off before. After his sister introduced him he'd flare a brief renewal of sunny smile's shadow down the table, and remark, somewhat less contritely than Dinah, "Always a boon to be among servants of the divine."

He'd refrain from further comment apart from a smiling nod to the host's lavish welcome, and adding, "Mistress Arix, I almost did not recognize you, alas, if only it was me who defied recognition, you'd not have to fret abut sharing a table with a dimwit, a fate my kin have long endured." Again he refused the next course, just as he had the first. He was not trying to ruin anyone's enjoyment of the fare, only trying to imagine there was no such thing as food. He'd be obviously intending to hand the bottle to the girl when she arrived, so he could inform her that it was what he intended to drink.

Ekko Floros || The sashimi was tuna. From a very particular home-raised source. Yes.

But it wasn't Ekko's, because she's not a fish! Nope, 100% purebred pixie. Wait, does that sound wrong? Oh well.

No, Ekko's just having fun, doing fine pixie things, not noticing in the slightest that Lex's pet murdertwink is doing suspicious things under the table, the very innocent maid just subtly messing with people's food and drinks and chatting up a moose-deer person? Elk, maybe? But he has very pretty purple hair, and that is very important, and it is tied up with a conjured silk ribbon.

Seeing Delilah's reluctance to eat the salad, the pixie decides to try her luck changing some of that up too - suddenly, there's a few less leaves on her plate, and a few more shrimp. Of course, that "new shrimp" is just... Leaves... Covered up with some glamour. It looks like shrimp, smells like shrimp, certainly does not taste like shrimp. It tastes like leaf.

She saunters over to Dorian cheerily (innately annoyed, because no one orders her around except the lord... which means she's getting ordered around by anyone who manages to notice her through her subtle illusions and parlour tricks. But also a touch frightened because this man is evidently related to Dinah and Dinah is scary...) and asks, "Hello, can I help you, sir?~"

Vharcoleti (cainius) || That done, he does allow something of a little hum to spill past those lips as he picks up the piece of sashimi. Idly, there's a wondering glance as the flesh is subtly scrutinized before he takes a cautious bite. The meat is scrumptious and juicy, that much is clear. But as the next piece is announced and brought in by the assistants, there's a little wrinkle of his nose as Dr. Roesler inadvertently ousted him as a priest amongst their number. "Ah, not so much a priest out of my robes and cassock, mind you, but thank you." Dinah gets a friendly glance of recognition, though. "I'm glad to make your acquaintance, regardless, as well as Dorian's." A lazy wave of his hand is offered towards Dinah's twin, a little inquiring look being shot in the man's direction when he recognizes the stranger...

"Weren't you the one who smashed my assistant's foodstuffs to bits with that strongman act?" This is offered not in malice, but in jest. "I'm glad to formally make your acquaintance, regardless."

Vedis Boyd smiles to the beauty in green, giving her a small wave as she nods, blinking as the host himself acknowledges her. She offers him a nod, "Pleasure to meet you Dr. Roseler. The man had worked harder on that title than the other, she would use that unless told otherwise. "Thank you for allowing me to grace your table." She looks to Dinah as she hears of her need for a housekeeper and perks, straightening with happy delight. "Oh! Oh... I'm sorry, I don't mean to interrupt. Are you looking for a housekeeper? I am looking for a position just like that myself. Perhaps after the event I may beg a few moment's of your time?" her eyes go big as the first course is set before her, it looks so beautiful, so carefully prepared. But there was something else, something pinging the back of her mind as she settles in to eat. A warning she was too busy socializing to heed. She smiles to Delilah, her gaze lingering on the redhead for a brief moment before she is drawn back to the food. She cuts a bite of the meat and it on her tongue. She immediately knew what it was and her eyes snapped to Dr. Roesler with some alarm. She chews and swallows, casting a glance to the others now with a sudden wariness that hadn't been there seconds before. It was clearly not her first rodeo with such delicacies. But to find it here, in this place? Her alarms were screaming at her now, it had only been a mouthful. Surely it would be fine... She closes her eyes, feeling the roll of hunger burning beneath her skin and shakes her head to clear it. She sets her knife for down for a moment, resting her hands in her lap, where she could rub the tremor from them without being seen. She clears her throat, replacing that smile and reaches for her silverware again, cutting instead into the small rice ball on top of the meat.

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) had just plucked up a shrimp and popped it into her mouth. Chewing thoughtfully, she pulled a bit of a face but swallowed the bite like a champ. Tasted a bit like creek water to her, but she was not here to judge. Dorian addressed her and she colored a touch at his comment. "Oh uh well," she cleared her throat and steadied that husky alto of hers. "I agreed to see Kyuu in his shop and he is to bla-... I mean, this is one of his creations. He is quite the expert in turning a sows ear into a silk purse," she chuckled and passed the fox a friendly glance before turning back to Dorian. When he mentioned a dimwit, she looked around and frowned. "I don't see one here, Dorian. What are you talking about?" Then she recalled the situation in the pub and her smile returned as she, again, chuckled. "Oh that.. yes now I recall. It feels like it was an age ago, doesn't it? Well, don't worry. I've forgiven you," she teased.

Niles Roesler (ohsoincoherently): The roast came in a oblong clay sculpture that an attendant broke with a hammer before slicing off pieces to plate for each guest. It was, like the other cuts of meat only cooked as much as need be to not cause digestive distress. Another attendant came along with a little sauce boat of reddish-looking sauce that they drizzled atop the slices that Roesler introduced as a "cranberry glaze." He looked to Vedis, marking the recognition in her features and lifted his forkful with a smile before putting it in his mouth to savor the flavor. Once he'd swallowed it down, he chuckled, wiping at his lips with his napkin. "My staff and I prepare everything in my kitchen, and the ingredients are all locally-sourced," he elaborated as if that might enlighten Vedis further. The conversation turns to work though and he gestures. "Ms. Windgrace, it seems you're to acquire the first of your own household staff. Though I'm still more than happy to lend you Ekko should you need assistance with any day to day things. I'm sure she'll be on best behavior." He glanced over to spot the pixie and give her a pointed look.

Kyuu (daisylurve): Delilah is given a thoughtful nod and the fox shares with her, “I have been searching for the bits and pieces of a stature. It was broken up, I believe. By goal is to find as many pieces as I possibly can and perhaps reassemble it.” A small smile touches his features, his quest may be never ending. Noting that Lex is handing down bits and pieces of the meat to Naoki, the fox leans back in his chair and shifts his position on his foot. There is a twitch as the leg not tucked up under him lifts sort of in the direction he thinks that Sato might be. But he does not fully commit – because Lex. Though, the look on the man’s face might be worth an accidental bump of his toes, actually. He consumes the sashimi and shrimp, picking barely touching the rice. Clearly the fox has a preference for meat and is enjoying the dish. Arix’s cut off comment earns her a cheeky grin and he laughs. “I did not let you down, my dear. You are beautiful.” When the roast is brought out, Kyuu sniffs the air with some appreciation. He snags a moist morsel from the plate and places in within his mouth, eyes fluttering closed at the taste. And then.. recognition. The fox does not spit out what he is eating. No. He swallows the prepared meat with almost little to any chewing. Then, to make sure he was right in what he thinks.. the man lifts his fork and deposits another bite within his mouth. Eyes roll back as the divine flavor rolls over his tongue, the inherent Aether within the meat recognized and eliciting a small sound from the fox. When he looks around the table again the glamor that hid his eyes is completely blown – Molten gold iris glow as the slit pupils of his eyes target Vharc and pin upon him. Suddenly and abruptly, the whole missing leg? It makes sense. His attention then shifts around to narrow on Roesler. There is a sheen of god dusting his skin now, like finely ground glitter, and those seated to either side of him will feel a rolling wave of his inherent warmth as his emotional state escalates.

Dinah (dollihead) almost snorted into her drink when Dorian spoke about how good it was to be amongst the servants of the divine, and with a brief, dismayed half-smile, she reached to twist her fingers around the tassle-chains of her pendant. A boon indeed.

"Robes and cassock.. you are a catholic then?" she asked Vharcoleti, though she blinked and glanced towards Dorian as the priest mentioned breaking things. She took another drink, her attention drawn to Vedis again as she gave a mild smile towards the woman.

"We always lack for household staff, my brothers and I" she said gently "We will have to discuss it after the party, of course." she nodded, though she smiled towards Niles again

"No need to be hasty, mr. Roesler. I am quite certain that ekko wouldn't like working with me. Besides, the decision is not exclusively mine." she said gently. The next course was met with interest, picking up the next appropriate cutlery an taking another tentative bite.

Nebulous Star Isa scrunched up his nose at Vharc but let it go. The Priest was popular and was also injured so he'd let it go. He turned away from him to pay attention to other things. It was what it was and that was fine. He realized Vharc had probably seen him unglamoured and it was hard to interact with him normally every day, so he would attribute it to that. Taking a deep breath he looked down and LEAVES! He wanted to put his face in the plate, but he managed not to do that. He swallowed hard, also managing to keep his tongue in his mouth. Kyuu didn't wave back either, but the fox is stuffing meat into his face, so he just turns his attention to the floor. He nicks a leaf from his plate with his fingers and stuffs it into his mouth with lightning quickness. He hates using utensils and he just needed to eat something with his 'hands' at least once. His eyes went crossed and he moaned over the taste and then took out a fork and tried to be proper. He ate around the fish, as he wasn't really a fishy person,but the cut of meat he carefully stabbed and licky licked at the juices. It was good! And he ended up shoving it into his mouth to bite and chew thoughtfully. It was like nothing he'd ever eaten before. "Hmm..." His brows furled tightly together. He saw...something, but it was so quick he couldn't recognize it and with a shrug he kept on eating.

Lex Dashrix nods respectfully to the priest as attention is brought a brief flicker of recognition but nothing that need be remarked upon in such a setting. "Yes clearly we are all blessed." he states flatly with a glance around the table that by virtue of being friendly acquaintances of Roesler are unlike to truly be such. The professor looks Nebulous over at the theatric response and shrugs, "I prefer a more proactive approach to the future personally. He replies with a small nod. Looking from Dinah Vedis he raises his glass to take a sip thoughtfully, "Well perhaps your troubles are answered." he suggests with a shrug. The roast he is somewhat sparing in his portion mostly sweeping the cuts through the sauce to give the appearance of something having been eaten while delicately avoiding actually eating it sneakign morsels to his 'pet' as able. A keen study of the other diners reveals some surprising recognition of Roesler particular tastes. Which really ought be expected.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes): "Thank you," he'd remark over his shoulder to the girl as he attempted to hand her the bottle, "Just this, neat, if you would." At the moment Arix responded he'd wave off her reply with a jerk of his head down the table at Vharc and dark chuckle that came through as a few dry barks of mirthlessness, "As you can see, Mistress, I have run afoul of even someone who I did not know. And he's apparently a priest. Consummate misfit, me. Thankfully my sister is here, and Delilah, to keep the shine on the family name." Running the household was her job, and seeing to the help he'd not intercede on that conversation for even a second.

Swiveling his head to the priest, he'd respond with contrition this time, and self chastisement to go along with it, "Mea culpa father, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. I was trying to help the young man as he seemed taxed, but as it turned out I suppose I am less ox and more lummox, hn?" He'd accept no food from this kitchen, but eagerly awaited getting poured his meal.

Naoki Sato is a bit preoccupied to take the morsels of roast, at least at first. There's a bit of a delay, slight movement on the apprentice's part before he finally accepts the bite - perhaps more ravenously than he had previously done. Kyuu's wandering foot is seized by a tight grip before it's carefully moved aside and set back on the floor. A finger taps against his ankle briefly before it's released.

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) colored at Kyuu's comment and sighed. "You're not going to stop saying that, are you?" She let out a sigh and the next course was plopped onto her plate. Blinking a few times, she stared at it curiously. Her eyes flicked up to Dorian as he made his comment and she looked to Vharcoleti briefly before turning back to her plate. This was neither pork nor beef, something in between. Her lips twisted as if a pair of hands wringing themselves of worry, but hers was more of a curious stare. As she was forbidden to sully her body with anything of dubious nature, she did not feel the desire to partake. Her hands would not even move to the fork if she wanted them to; a clear sign from father. Speaking of, she felt the pull at her back. The magical tattoo that might peek out occasionally as her hair moved out of the way appeared as a birthmark of pale skin against yet more pale markings. Was it chemically introduced? Surely it wasn't a typical tattoo. But yet it was there. Something in the room was alerting her and it wasn't the maid in the corner. Immediately the woman was put on edge and played it off as being suddenly contemplative. "Sorry, this dress is rather tight and I fear I'm not able to eat another bite after that shrimp," she would mutter her apologies quietly and take another sip of her water.

Ekko Floros quickly glanced away as Roesler fixes her with that pointed look, looking very uncomfortable but nevertheless nodding her assent before resetting her customer service smile. "Yes, milord! Perfectly well-behaved, yes sir!"

Dinah is possibly the only person here other than Roesler which the pixie is actively, genuinely afraid of. And unlike Roesler, she did not expect a loose leash from Dinah. Nope. Dinah would probably want her to WORK and that was not something she wanted to do, but maybe Dinah would also not take Roesler up on his offer!

She does her best to disguise her relief when Dinah declines. Phew. CRISIS AVERTED.

She pours Dorian's alcohol into a glass with genuine cheer, because of course avoiding having to work for Ms. Windgrace long term is a thing to celebrate!

She sets it back down in front of Dorian. "Please enjoy, Mr. Windgrace!" She shoots Roesler a quick look, as if to signal she's headed back into the house to get changed and maybe help check what's going on in the kitchen.

She'd quickly exit the annex... But hardly a few minutes later, now dressed in pink sandals tied with pink silk ribbon, and wearing a short, sheer, green chiffon dress, she'd re-enter, clad instead with a much stronger layering of glamour - one which would require a master psychic or seer to actually notice her presence. She's leaning in to whisper in Roesler's ear, before vanishing away again.

((Ekko exeunts the scene, and I am swapping characters! Meanwhile there are... THINGS... Happening in the main building. Perhaps covered up by music.))

Delilah Harper-Windgrace: Delilah raised her glass to Kyuu, nodding at his tale. "Here's ta gettin' back what belongs ta us...Ah hope yer able ta get back most of yer statue." She finished off the first course of the meal in short order, sitting back with her wine glass and letting her finger run over the rim of her glass, glancing down the table towards their host and remarking, "Wonderful glaze, Herr Roesler...amazin' ta think ye were able ta import cranberries all th' way oot here..." Her gaze was drawn back to Vedis as she spoke with Dinah about the idea of being employed as a housekepper, and added her own thoughts on the matter in the form of, "We'd welcome a good housekeeper...we're quite generous ta oor employees. Ah'm sure we coud give ye a tour of th' house following oor meal tanight, Ms. Vedis."

Vedis Boyd looks to Dr. Roesler as he explains, a roll of emotions flickering across her face, disgust, horror, hunger, yearning. She looks back down to her plate, swallowing hard. When Dinah speaks to her she flashes her an empty smile, dabbing at her lips with her napkin, "I'd be..." she clears her throat and tries again, "I'd be delighted to chat with you after the party. At your convenience of course." she looks to Lex, the holder of the leash and simply inclines her head before quickly looking away. She sets her fork and knife on the plate, reaching instead for her drink. This was far from an offering, and she needed no extra power, she would leave such delectable meats for those who wouldn't struggle with it's effects. She tucks a strand of hair back behind her ear as she sips the drink, not wanting to seem impolite. She could feel the Fox's pulse of power and her eyes snapped to him, taking note of the shimmer of gold upon his skin with a strange intensity. Delilah's voice would draw her attention and she and nods, "Of course. No rush at all. I still need to make it to the inn to see if there are any rooms free. As much as I enjoyed the atmosphere, the pews at the church were not exactly comfortable."

Vharcoleti (cainius): Vharcoleti just is staring at the meat. Nope. He does not deign to take a bite. He does, however, spare a glance towards the morsels of something else that might be of more suitable manner. "I assure you, Dorian, there's no hint of scorn or anything resembling ill manner. It is forgiven, forgotten. I only was jesting, teasing you." Vharc certainly seems like a good-mannered chap, regardless. Those arms fold across the expanse of his chest, though there's nothing resembling impetuousness in his manner. His gaze, though, drifts upon Kyuu, a little curious note roiling from the depths of his throat. The emotional torment is noted when the fox's glamour drops, and a brow inevitably lifts in silent question, as though inquiring whether he was 'alright'--as much as can be communicated with just those eyes.

Dinah (dollihead) ate sparingly, though was determined to try at least a little of everything put in front of her. She smiled towards Lex again and she nodded.

"the sooner the better, to be honest, but I still ought to have any of the household staff vetted properly." she agreed. "Speaking of sooner the better, I really ought to come and impose myself upon your time regarding the academy, professor. If left to my own devices, i will find myself in all sorts of trouble. I was already speaking to a student, studying alchemy. One of the constabulary, I believe" she nodded across the table towards Delilah in agreement with her words and sentiments.

Emily Rowan snuck into the estate fairly easily with the assistance of a particular new invention of hers, a combination of technomantic prowess and a certain amount of support from simple hermetic systems. Well, it wasn't especially new, but it was certainly very helpful to a certain reporter. She called the invention a "refraction cloak" - an Aether-powered machine that warped the light around her so as to render her essentially invisible. It was not fully complete yet - she would like to add some functions, such as the dulling of sound, for example - but for now, it had its basic function of effective invisibility, and the minor hermetic wards acting as a support system helped ensure that no one would simply bump into her.

Today, the student/reporter had heard tell of something interesting. Roesler's dinner party. Many of the city's big names were rumoured to be going.

She smells blood coming from the main building but for the moment she thinks nothing of it - rather, it's thought that it was simply butchering a carving of meat going on in the manor itself. No, her focus is on the annex. She walks closer to the window, her ears twitching, full form currently exposed beneath the distortion field, trying to listen in on conversations as she does her best to put faces to names and names to faces.

Kyuu (daisylurve): Kyuu eats every single bite of the roast that was set onto his plate. He stilled, briefly, when his foot was grabbed. While his chaotic emotions did not recede, his glamor slams back in place. The heat dissipates and the sheen is gone from his skin. The iris are merely oddly colored – nothing moves or flares in the depths of his eyes and the pupils are round again. Kyuu tightens his control on his glamor and simply focuses on his meal. He has no psychic ability to shield his emotions though. The surprise, upset – confused anger even? Then sheer need that the meat inspires within the fox. Like an addiction and he has been given some part of what he wants most in what the roast was created from. Quietly noting Arix’s hesitation to imbibe the meat, he oddly switches his empty plate with hers – not even asking – and begins to consume this as well. The fox is always hungry, and this dish in particular is satisfying in ways he will not go into. He now refuses to look Vharc’s way, and it is probably a good thing that the man is not seated next to the kitsune. His attention is briefly snagged by Delilah and a wry smile is offered up to her. “Indeed.” He makes an effort to converse, now clueing in that the conversation at the table is still going on around him.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) offered the maid a cursory sort of nod of the type reserved for nigh-invisible help out of courtesy and then took up the cup to have a good long but not deep sip while peering toward Vharc. Slowly letting drop by drop past his lips he'd savor the amber flavour and warmth of something he deemed wholesome, as he listened. When he swallowed it down, he chucked again, and replied, "Then I shall spare your confessional the traffic, but please do give young Master Akemi my regards, if you would."

He had spared a glance toward Vedis hearing that conversation unfold. But he did not join in, only took note of Arix ceasing to eat and speaking of her reasoning and endeavoring to meet her eye would wrinkle the bridge of his nose at her in unclear, perhaps, certainly unspoken, hopes of solidarity. He'd quiet again, and refuse service of any course, again. Nursing the armagnac as if they had already moved to th e drinks and cigars part of the evening.

Nebulous Star Isa has no idea what people might be at odds about. Nebulous doesn't like to intentionally 'read' people whether it be in public or otherwise. He keeps his hands to himself and has made a tiny bubble around himself. Opting to get quiet and just enjoy the meal he lowers his head and focuses on the food. He has synesthesia so he has to cut off one or more senses to truly enjoy something on his tongue, anyways. It's overwhelming to let everything in at once and sometimes he can become so overwhelmed with super duper good things like this, that he'll fall out, or have to leave, especially around multiple people. He's too focused on the food to note anything odd might be happening elsewhere and he lets people's thoughts get pushed away from him so he can just enjoy. He didn't notice that Kyuu momentarily unglamoured, he didn't notice people were poke one another over religion. He didn't notice anything weird with Arix. He's completely focused on taste. And it's good! He lets out a little bleeting happy sound of complete bliss. From leaves to bloody roast, it was all absolutely divine. He finally opened his eyes and picked up a glass of water to sip and cleanse his pallet for the next bit.

Lex Dashrix: Slowly sipping his scotch as he surveys the groups reaction to the specialty meats on offer Lex is drawn curiously to the tailors reaction though he leave it uncommented upon for the moment. He merely thought Arix shared his distaste and knowledge but merely lacked a companion more willing and capable ot consume such fare, the eccentric young man at the end fo the table certainly seems to enjoy it though perhaps it is a fasting day for the priest. "Of course, vetting is an important stage of any arrangement." he agrees with Dinah nodding along ot hte conversation casually. "I look forward to it ma'am I'm certain we can find suitable entertainments to avoid idle hands." he glances to the priest with a shrug, "They are said ot be the devils play things after all are they not?"

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) went to pull a gloved hand through her ebony hair and then stopped, remembering she had it styled expertly by a lady at the salon nearby. While her eyes had not witnessed the kitsune's glamor drop temporarily, she felt it and again her tattoo thrummed on her back. It was a physical sensation, not one visible to the naked eye, but she straightened every time it happened. Kyuu stole her plate and she was fine with that, lifting her hands to clear the way for the swap quickly before looking up to witness Dorian's wrinkled nose. Her brows knit curiously but she smiled at him regardless. She would have to ask him what that look meant, later. Right now, her mind was filled with other things. To the psychics in the room, it would sound like a mixture of all languages boiled down into one. Some words here and there might be recognizable, but mostly there was intensely powerful imagery of long-lost, ancient wildernesses, the pressing need for the sky, and the desire to investigate. As always, there was an extremely well-guarded nook in the back of her mind that would remain locked and hidden. Such a place would not be invaded unless the lady was put under some hypnotic state or in a state of stress.

Niles Roesler (ohsoincoherently) let people settle a little from the recent course, glancing around before momentarily spying the reactions of Kyuu and Arix. He hummed at the imagery that he could glean from the woman before making sure his own mind was properly guarded against intrusion. Kyuu's stare was met with a lift of his wineglass. "In gratitude for Vharcoletti's contribution," he toasted before taking a sip and setting the glass down. Then he was sanding again. "This next course is our feature for the evening. Heart - marinated and grilled, courtesy of our dear Windgraces," he said with a nod to the twins. He personally went to fetch the next course, which came out on something of a sizzling platter - richly marinated and fragrant, framed by the decorative pieces of rosemary on that plate like it were on an altar. He sliced pieces to offer some to each, an attendant following him with a greenish herb chimichurri that they could adorn their slice with. He started of course at Dorian's side of the table and moved around counter-clockwise.

Dinah (dollihead) was becoming strangely tense. There was a particularly strange twist in her stomach that she wasn't sure if it was a psychological revulsion to *knowing*, or nerves for knowing what came later. setting down her cutlery, she reached for her wine glass with a slightly trembling hand and took a sip, giving the professor a faint smile.

"The devil plays with my life enough, I should wager. I look forward to it. If it wasn't for the fact i'd not want to bother you with work-talk on your off time, i would be pestering you about it now, i suspect" she cradled her wine carefully, though she did toast too.

And then it came, the heart on the platter. She smiled faintly and lifted her glass towards Roesler as they were served slices of the heart. At least it wasn't sparkling.

Emily Rowan watched through the windows. It seemed as if the opinion of the guests was very much split, some of them greatly enjoying the feast, ravenously consuming - was that one the tailor? He was, and he seemed to have no end of hunger for the meals being served - and others... Very much not so, pulling away as if presented a plate of cockroaches or some such. Her brow raised at the presentation of the heart that was brought out, and she herself couldn't help but feel her mouth water at the scent of the fragrances.

"Wow..." she murmurs to herself, scribbling onto a notebook. "I didn't think they usually served offal as a feature dish..."

She frowns towards the main building. Is something going on in there...? She's hearing sounds. And the smell of blood is only intensifying.

Vedis Boyd was glad she wasn't the only one struggling with her glamor, a small smile curling her lips as she sees the Kyuu ease into theirs once more. She keeps her eyes on her plate for now, but can't help but notice the reaction Nebulous had to the party, watching with eyes that seemed to see far too much. She hears Lex and nods, "Well, sir, I've never met the devil myself, but I hear he knows how to have a good time." she shrugs, then smiles up to Vharc, "The father here would certainly know more than I about that. Not really my... ah... flavor of faith." she flashes a mischievous smile back to Lex, "But I'm not really known for idle hands anyway, so I doubt it will be much of a problem." she wiggles her fingers at him, to prove her point. She glances back to Arix at the mention of faith, something flickering in the depths of that brief gaze. A topic for another time perhaps. She sipped her drink, learning much about the city with this simple meal. Neat. Unfortunately, out of sight, out of mind, so since she didn’t see the man on the floor, she had forgotten he was there entirely. When Dr. Roesler returns with a heart, she would gasp, hand going to her mouth. How long had it been? How long had it been since she had been offered heart, let alone heart like this? It was even on a little altar! She swallows her gasp, covering it with a soft cough. If she had known any of them, if she had felt safe enough she may have partaken in this macabre feast. But as it stands she knew she was terribly alone in this city and so she made a choice and waved it away though it didn't take telepathy to see it wasn't easy for her to do. She simply focused on her drink, picking at the vegetables and carbs on the plate.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) did not refuse this time, though he turned and looked at Roesler with a very forced smile as he was served. He'd call with t he rest of his glass raised, "To our host, and the radiant center of our family's bright home, to Dinah, dazzling and deserving of all her good heart's desires." He did not pick up cutlery though he quaffed the rest of his cup immediately and without a further word past his toast.

He did not understand so much as sense that he needed to remember this moment for future conversation with Arix. An almost nod answered her knit brows, but he'd find a reason therein not to hold his tongue. He had something to say about idle hands, but sublimated it instead. He'd call for help again, with another handwave and insist, "Mistress Arix, I know you have shown you care not for spirits shoved upon you by some stranger, but allow me to regale this brew. It was laid down by French monks in Armagnac before the war began during a time of meditation for peace on the continent."

The continent which was at grinding war for some perdurable years by now. Once the attendant was summoned he'd ask, "Pour the mistress one if she consents, please. And another for me too, if you will."

Lex Dashrix knew his anatomy well enough to recognize the nature of the next course even should he not have been aware of the nature of Roeslers exotic tastes prior. At the mention of the parties responsible he glanced to Dinah and Dorian suspecting there was a reason for the difficulty finding long term help for a moment. But there was a disquiet there covered by other conversation that piqued his curiosity. Accepting his own portion he poked it around on his plate as he had the others as he replied to Dinah, "Hmm well I'd welcome the diversion in truth." he admits frankly and glances to her brother, "Though I dare say extended discussion on the nature of Aether may not be everyones preferred topic of the day." When eyes were not on him Lex lifted his glass to the toast and deftly scooped the portion of heart into his kerchief and secreted it in a pocket for later analysis, the cooking process may well have ruined any traces of origin but there was a chance yet it might bear more interesting fruit.

Kyuu (daisylurve): Kyuu finishes his second plate of the roast. Pushing it an inch or so closer to the center of the table, he leans back in his chair and settles his gaze upon Roesler. There is a moment where he considers the man but then his glass is captured and lifted in a brief salute to the man. He takes a sip of the liquid but pauses after swallowing when the final dish is announced. A glance is shifted across the table to the twins, settling first on Dinah and then Dorian. There is a slow blink given as he considers the implications of the statement, that the heart is one of theirs.. and that Dorian has been so angry lately. The lift of Dinah’s flute of wine to Roesler seals it for Kyuu. He falls into a quiet contemplation and some of the chill that he had directed toward the middle Windgrace thaws. When the offer of the heart comes his way, the ever so hungry fox will actually decline the plate. His eyes roll up to the man serving it and he slants him a smile, “I think I may be done. For the night.”

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) hadn't seen heart served in quite some time. The people of the north were known to eat it brewed in mead and honey and she had dined with them a few times on it and found it very acrid in flavor; the iron in the meat was the highlight but little else came through of flavor. That said, she again looked upon the serving and frowned. It was quite small to be feeding such a large group, was it not? A sheeps heart perhaps? Again, her hands did not move toward the cutlery and she frowned softly at the serving on her plate. "Kyuu, if you would like," she whispered to the kitsune. Then, her attention was pulled forward by Dorian who addressed her directly. Glad for a chance of subject, she would nod at him. "You know what? As the situation calls for it, yes I will try some, thank you," she would loft her glass and it was filled with a taste of the alcohol. It's not an ale or a mead but it would do. "Thank you kindly," she said to the person pouring. It was timely, too as there was a toast to be had. She saluted her glass and then took a drink. "It is quite interesting, I'll give you that," she said with a friendly smile.

Dinah (dollihead) smiled awkwardly as Dorian made such a grand toast, and she tilted and sipped her own wine before picking up her cutlery. Whilst the priest might not have taken any of his leg, she was fascinated by the idea of eating a part of her own heart. This one she was far less hesitant with, though still a touch uncertain, and she smiled sidelong at the professor on her left.

"The nature of aether is definitely interesting. our family has a team of divers, you know? Dorian and delilah maintain that side of the family though. I am just a very enthusiastic student of medieval metaphysics and alchemy" she said with a degree of modesty. She ate the first sliver and immediately reached for her wine glass, hand trembling, though idly glanced around the table to see who else was eating, and if anyone had refused. Seeing a few, she was strangely wounded

Nebulous Star Isa tilted his head and made a face. Voices pressed into his mind. There was an ancient forest and he could hear his own hooves crunching against the foliage. He shook his head and tried to push it away. He even mouthed the word 'no.' To him it was his 'home' trying to call him back. He was a run-away Stag after all. And at only 25 years old, he might as well have been a run away human child. He sucked in a breath and pushed hard at that imagery, the voices, if he knew The AlFather was about he might not have been so flippant, but Nebulous just wants to BE. He wants to be a REAL BOY! This is what people do. They sit at pretty tables and eat MEAT together! He's a Stag, they dine on fall brethren from time to time. It's not completely out of the ordinary. He'd lick the Hell out of a bloody corpse. The iron was good for him, as especially in Winter months he couldn't always get all he needed from the foliage that was left. Then he was snapped out of it by Roesler's toast. He lifted his water glass and nodded sharply with a bright smile. "A heart?" He blinked, tilting his head. "Heart...heart..." It began to whisper and he reached up to touch his own chest. Something about a heart. He felt that slimy touch again but wriggled his body to push it away. No no. He was going to have a lovely evening. His silvery eyes closed momentarily before he opened again. "I think I'll have just a tiny piece, but I would like Miss Windgrace to cut it for me if she would, and only last at the table." Makes a pinchy motion with his fingers to indicate 'liiiiiittle, little piece.' He's not even sure why, but he thinks he should, but only if Dinah will give it to him and only after everyone else has had their fill.

Naoki Sato was indeed still under the table, though... he may as well have been catatonic for how much he moved. He was far occupied elsewhere, Aetheric energy focused on things outside the dinner party while his actual body lingered for... alibi's sake, we'll say.

Delilah Harper-Windgrace: Delilah had served, and finished off, her second helping of the roast, much as the tailor had. She raised her glass for a refill on her wine, her eyes falling on her kin as the featured heart course was served. A smirk tugged at her lips and she joined her glass along with Dorian's in his toast, adding, "Ta ma lovely kin, Dinah...Ah s'pose this answers some of the questions we've discussed on occasion..." And truly, she motioned to the servers to put Kyuu's portion of the heart on her own plate. Taking up her cutlery, she took a large bite, closing her eyes as the flavour moved over her tongue. Her eyes opened, ever so briefly flashing a bright gold before her glamour kicked back in, and she offered Dinah another polite nod of the head.

Emily Rowan continued to watch and listen for the reactions to the heart. Was it not to the tailor's taste? He refused it. Certainly, the one man - was that Dorian Windgrace, perhaps, judging from his speech? - seemed to finally partake from the heart, if seemingly reluctantly, somehow? Dinah seemed wounded that several of the attendees declined the meal, The purple-haired one - that was the eccentric owner of the bookstore, wasn't he? - seemed to want just a little bit of the heart, but only after much internal struggle. Why might that have been...?

She scribbles some more notes into her little notebook. She could see how to maybe spin this. A hyperbole here or there and the story maybe writes itself.

Perhaps it would have written itself even more had she noticed the brief flares of the supernatural that had shown through moments earlier.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) was not dainty with this morsel, but plucked it up with his fingers and put it into his mouth as if he'd come from a time before forks. He had. He chewed it and swallowed it, trying not to but intimately remembering each detail about it. More strings inside of him keeping him together snapped, as he used his fingers to clear the plate pf any remnant of a reminder t hat something had been there. He'd chase finger licking it with downing his glass, noting who tasted of it and who didn't, and calling over the server to pour him another. He'd also bury that hand in a serviette. Masking his expression and immediate feelings on the mmatter with the poise Dinah had shown from the first. Liberal as he was, his limits had been exceeded. Words included. Arix had gotten a doleful set of grey eyes aimed her way. He'd broadcast to her without intending to, psychically, but his voice likely unmistakeable [Just grapes, water, time and effort in that bottle.]

Vedis Boyd lifts her glass in solidarity with the toast, taking a sip before setting it down once more. She smiled up at the servant who came to refill her glass and nodded, letting them pour it before lifting it to her lips once more. Emily wasn't the only one watching the table. The snow-haired woman seemed content to fall silent and simply watch, rolling the glass between her fingertips.

Vharcoleti (cainius) just spares Vedis a glance. "I'm glad you've found a prospect for employment here, even though the meat may or may not be to your taste." Is said softly, dipping his head into a nod of acknowledgment. As the prospect of a heart is brought into view, he actually politely accepts it. Cutting into the portion of a valve--or that was his estimation, he wasn't sure which part of the heart it's constituted of. The look of disappointment is actually quite subtle and quite comical when he finds no blood to partake of, and thus--the meal does not appeal for the likes of the revenant, of course. There is some effort being spent in appearing to partake for politeness' stake, though most of it is constituted by cutting the pieces into smaller and smaller pieces until it's basically fine bits of fiber and sinew.

Lex Dashrix nods to Dinah with a small smile, "Ah a quaestor on the path of the philosophers stone then?" he inquired curiously and looks to the third WIndgrace as yet another toast is delivered in her honor, "My you really are the glue that holds your family together it would seem." he suggests with a considering glance from Delilah to Dorian. "I've heard Windgrace holdings has invested on some of the independent aether divers," he acknowledged softly, "The seas were once rich with such bounty but rumor has it they must dive deeper and longer for less these days?" he suggests with a shrug, "If only you had the means to grant them a fishes gills you'd have quite the business advantage." He'd been side tracked from other conversations with the discussion of magic far more interesting than any people that might be about.

Niles Roesler (ohsoincoherently) seemed pleased regardless of whether or not everyone partook in the main dish. Any remaining morsels on the platter were brought over to Dorian and Dinah, where Roesler bent to inquire: "Shall we package the rest for you to take to your eldest?" with as polite sweetness as he could muster. Once that matter was settled and he'd returned Dorian's toast he sat back in his seat to enjoy his own portion of the meal, his eyes closing in obvious enjoyment as Aether and its nuances were discussed at the tableside. "Some are not quite able to get past the... concept of consuming offal," he offered to Dinah when he finally picked up on her slight. He looked over at her and at Dorian, then at Delilah at her toast. "Others have developed the palate and we are all the more grateful for it." He finished his own portions before humming to settle back into the conversation, quiet a moment or two as some interaction between himself and unseen presences flickered over his features. Then he was fully engaged again, setting his fork down to gesture in the direction of the main house. "A refill of drinks for anyone? We do have dessert coming, after all. "

Dinah (dollihead) turned in some surprise when Nebby asked if she would cut a slice of heart for him. She smiled and nodded, gently scooting her chair back so she didn't accidentally catch Naoki with her seat.

"I can be mummy, of course" she confirmed. "Though I am not terribly skilled with a knife at all, so it might be a touch more...uneven than necessary. I shall try" she promised. Taking the knife from the server, her face was a mask of concentration as she neatly shaved off a slice of what was left.

"I hope you don't get a taste for it, Lilah. Heaven knows we haven't as good a cook at our house than Mr. Roesler does" she almost laughed. How many of the threats over the years? And now it happened, and at a dinner party no less. She slid the heart-meat onto the knife and carefully lay it onto Nebbys' plate.

"is that too much? Gracious, but i'm out of practice." she bemoaned, turning back to her seat in time to see dorian eat the slice that had been put on his plate. Staring somewhat surprised at him, her lower lip rembled a little, but just for a moment. As she returned to her seat, she reached for his shoulder to squeeze it before she nodded towards Lexs' words.

"my family has always had ties with the associated sorts of alchemical mysteries back in the day. It's always very fascinating to me" she agreed. The notion of giving them fish gills made her giggle. "Wouldn't that be something? I could give them a very, very long straw for breathing at the moment, I suspect. I would have to learn how, but the experimentation to learn it would be somewhat unpleasant, I wager" she agreed, though at Roeslers' question, she nodded with a grateful smile. "that would be very kind, Mr. Roesler. thank you." she glanced at her wine and nodded, "Ah. yes please.~"

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) blinked as she finished the sip of drink Dorian had offered her. Cheeks puffed out a bit as he surprised her with a message. It was unmistakably in his voice and came from that direction. This place was a madhouse of activity. Swallowing the drink down with a thudding gulp, she politely wiped at the edges of her mouth with a napkin and nodded to him. She kept her eyes moving through the people at the table, the various threads of conversation, the looks, the glances, anything that might catch her eye. Again her tattoo stung her back, this time more like a whip, and her chest was thrust forward as she arched suddenly. Realizing the quick movement might draw attention she tried to laugh it off. "Hah... um... hair caught in the chair," she quickly went about pulling her hair away from her back momentarily to 'clear' it from the chair in a sweeping motion before replacing it again. Again, as it usually was, Arix felt entirely out of place save for something at the end of the table tugging her in that direction. She looked to Vharcoleti, wondering if his typically soothing presence was the cause for the pull.

Vedis Boyd smiles up to Vharc as he addresses her, "Oh... It all is very lovely. Just a little rich for my blood." her attention on the priest she didn't catch Dinah's look at her refusal though she did hear Dr. Roesler try to reassure her. She would take the social blunder over the reaction she would have to such an offering, though it pained her to do it. She sucks her lower lip into her mouth as she listened to the conversations, hands placed neatly in her lap as she tried to keep up. She didn't know the politics or the people, and so she was gathering all sorts of information from the table. She was glad she came, even if she couldn't partake as much as she might have liked. She looks to Arix as she jerked in her chair, blinking with concern.

Kyuu (daisylurve): Kyuu did not deline the heart because it was not appealing. No, he declined it because he suspects that it is Dinah’s and that it has something to do with what had occurred the day before. He did not enjoy that experience and so he wants nothing to do with the delicacy being offered as a point of contention. He drinks from his flute though and offers Arix a wry smile. He will not help her empty her plate this time. Settling back in his seat, he crosses his ankles and then peers toward Roesler. “Desert as well?” is the quiet murmur, “You may have to roll me home as it is, sir.” An then a wry smile is offered up.

Emily Rowan carefully considered what she saw and heard as she continued to spy from the window. Most interesting was the conversation between the dean and the Windgraces. Couldn't this be a little serious...? She feels like that one's a potentially dangerous story, especially if the professor had noticed the student's technomantic machinations. Or her hermetic ones, perhaps more likely - she'd already achieved a level of similar effect to the dean's practice in the former, after all, but her latter was lacking; it consisted of simple, mere fundamentals.

Her eyes noted Arix's sudden jerking - though unlike the rest there, she was a newcomer to the isle, and not an especially public name just yet, so Emily had no real cues to identify her, nor why she might wish to report on her other than that she had attended Roesler's middling social event.

Nebulous Star Isa bows his head to Dinah as she carefully cuts a slice and places it upon his plate. He smiles wide and puts a hand to his chest. "Thank you Lady Windgrace, that was absolutely perfect." His voice had become deep and for a split second somewhat...echo'y? There was something ceremonial about the motion. It was very clearly made with distinct thoughts and intention. He waited for her to be seated again and for pretty much everyone to partake of their heart before he carefully stabbed it and shoved it into his mouth. Silvery eyes closed and he swallowed without chewing. His entire body went still and for a moment he was no longer in that room. He was dangling over an abyss filled with tentacles. An eye turned and started to open but before he could be seen, he opened his own eyes and carefully wiggled his finger in some left over juices of the 'leg' course. Covertly he brought the finger to his chest and to the eyeball tattoos at his neck and chest. He drew a sigil that a few people at the table might recognize. It was the mark to be 'Unseen' by certain very large Old One's eyes. Nebulous has no idea who or what that heart belonged to, but he was positive that it was a Sign. A sign he was grateful for. He was grateful to the Windgraces as to him...they just warned him and now he can shield himself from all those All-Seeing-Eyes. Oh how wrong Seer abilities can be. Then he smiled. "Drinks and dessert? Ah, what a lovely dinner this has been, truly. Umm, do you have anything alcoholic that has an apple base?" He did love apples.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) took up his next cup and let Dinah handle the niceties. He was out. He could sip and still his tongue. He could nod at Delilah for her taking up his slack, he could sip and chew on feelings that were more than a meal's worth to add a different sort flavour the taste of his twin's heart upon his tongue. And attempt to erase it. He fell into silence and staring into his glass.

Delilah Harper-Windgrace: Delilah shot a wry smile across to Dinah as she remarked about gaining a taste for her heart, offering a soft chuckle and held up her wine glass, head canted to the side in a thoughtful manner. "Well, nae doubt, it's delicious...but Ah'm sure once wis enough. Just ta ken. Plenty of other delicacies oot there." Turning her attention to Lex across from her, her eyebrows raised thoughtfully, "Th' local divers are indeed talented...Ah can only imagine what we coud dae if they indeed coud breath under water...take oor boats oot deeper. It'd be revolutionary." Leaning back in her chair, she looked towards their host. "Ah can only imagine what ye have fer us ta finish us off, after such a feast..."

Vharcoleti (cainius) dips his head in complete and utter understanding. "Ah, no issue. I'm glad you chose to trouble me and the gathering here for company, and thus--I am grateful. Thank you." The jerk from Arix occurs at the edge of his vision, though, and the weight of that penetrating gaze is upon her instead. There's a question in his eyes, and a sweep of a brow raising is deliberately aimed in her direction. "...You alright there?" It's clear by the tone that the revenant's adopted that this is more idle curiosity than anything more articulate or thought-out. But as the notion that they were not quite done is raised, the revenant is silenced, wondering what more delicacies lay in wait.

Niles Roesler (ohsoincoherently) rose from his seat to present the dessert choices, only to freeze up halfway to standing. He looked out the far door, focused for a moment. Roesler spared a glance at Dashrix, then at the table where he presumed the man's pet cannibal still sat. Then he drew up to his full height. For those in the room his Glamour flickered and afforded them a glimpse of the shimmer of iridescent wings, the dark mottle of skin, the crown of bone that circled his head. Whatever conversations were going on dying away for the party host to a dull murmur. It was the touch of a Psychic's influence, and a strong one, attempting to hide any notice of what may or may not be going on at the main house. A window did not just break by his piano... there was not a strong gust of pixie-controlled wind coming through it. There was nothing taking advantage of his occupation at the party to remove something valuable from the space beneath his home.

When he spoke, it was about dessert. "First there is a Tavuk Gogsu - a Turkish dessert, like a bread pudding with fresh berries on top. Or, for chocolate lovers, there is a flourless chocolate cake made with beef tallow and candied offal bit. Third there is a Moroccan bastille, garnished with almonds and cinnamon sugar dust," he explained, sounding distracted. Attendants - though notably not his pixie - returned to refill drinks as desired and Roesler stayed standing until whatever effort he'd been pouring his focus into was done and he could sink into his chair looking mildly exhausted and more than a bit irritable.

Lex Dashrix laughed off the idea slightly at Dinah's response, "I've had some requests for a mask or helm like the diving bells used for some explorations." he suggested with a shrug, "I'll be sure to refer future inquiries to your family for the windgrace straw, patent pending." he offered dryly. He nodded to delilah, "Yes they're capacity is impressive, the early efforts brought pearl divers in from the Philippines. Techniques have only improved I dare say." Looking to the head of the table he waited curious what sort of delicacy they might expect for desert. The statuesque womans sudden jerk drew his eye and he tilted his head at her explanation as he slowly nodded not entirely certain about that though he was far form expert in matters of hair, that of length in particular though he was well aware it could pull. He briefly touched his brow as he murmured a shallow incantation under his breath as he turned his focus to the other side of the table.

Dinah (dollihead) gave Nebby a warm smile and she chuckled "you should be thankful, Mr. nebby. I normally do not even serve my own family" she gave Roesler a fond smile at his attempt to make her feel better, though she did still strangely nervous about the whole ordeal. Her shoulder-squeeze of her brother going ignored had her wilt just a little again, but she nodded towards Delilah, considering it. She probably *could* give some of them gills.. but most likely it'd not be a subtle transformation, nor a willing one.. she twisted her glass of wine on the tablecloth,

The flicker of Niles's glamour made her frown in some worry, lowering her glass. A brief mental reach towards him, before she gave a soft laugh at Lex's words.

"you jest now, but the straw might be the next technological innovation"

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) was inquired about from a couple of sources, but Vharc settling his gaze on her and asking if she's alright produced a nod. "Yes, thank you. Sorry to alarm anyone," she parted him with a pleasant, ruby-lipped smile before turning back to the fore. Dorian seemed to be sulking and Kyuu was beyond full. Still she felt something on the small hairs at her neck and she contemplated just what it could be. She continued to sip her water politely but look ultimately consternated for her troubles. As Roesler rose and spoke, her eyes widened as she spied the very faint shock of wings and dark skin before the glamor was replaced. Eyes dropping to her plate, now being taken away and possibly packed up, she let out a soft sigh. Her gloved hand went to her chin as she contemplated quite silently the nature of her place in this strange mish-mash of creatures. Heavy thoughts and still heavier burdens weighed the woman down.

Kyuu (daisylurve): Kyuu chooses the Moroccan bastille, garnished with almonds and cinnamon sugar dust. He picks at it, however, and is distracted by the distraction of their host. He watches him with some interest – particularly when his glamor so briefly flickered. He saw what he saw, but would need a repeat to be sure it was what it was. The disquiet in his mind goes still. There is no thought, no emotion. Just a humm of quet and expectation that is focused on the host. Waiting for another peek of what lies beneath. Almost predatory. But more like a cat, waiting for the butterfly to flutter. The fox isn’t likely to pounce, however. Probably.

Emily Rowan || Outside of the annex building, there is the sound of much glass shattering, the crashing of a piano, the gusting of wind; the sound of the destruction covered by the powerful will being enforced . But Emily hears it, being outside, being, for the moment, outside of Roesler's concentrated influence.. She startles, wide-eyed, glances about and quickly walks towards the sound. Was that smell of blood perhaps something more than simply the butchering of animals...? She moves carefully towards the window, hidden by her little technomantic concoction.

Whatever she observes in there, she's watching... And following.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) told the server he was certainly too full for dessert apart from a refreshed glass of something the host offered with similar strength to it. And clarity, he had mentioned clarity. Then he sat in silence as talk of divers and dessert ranged around him. He'd never shown any notice taken of the man in bondage behind Lex, though it did not mean he hadn't noticed. Hadn't remembering being bound, and revolutionary France in it's day, however inapplicable to the circumstances of a wealthy high-born Brit. One who failed to notice the precise nature of unexplained and overly brilliant company as a matter of course. As a matter of habit. Sanity had long been preserved in this manner. Ignoring his psychic gifts. Trying to tamp down what did not make sense. The steps to that dance were lubricated with high test alcohol for so long as his resilient constitution allowed.

Nebulous Star Isa when psychic pushes occur he almost always pushes back just on instinct. He was brought up that pushes meant someone was invading and trying to make him do something and he did NOT like to be made to do anything. Someone was free to ask and he would probably bend without question, but the moment that push came to his mind he would snort and stomp in protest. And indeed there was a bit of a thump beneath the table, sounded just like a hoof, or maybe someone...dropped something and he snorted again like a moose only this time it was not in a happy way. Thankfully someone brought him apple wine. He sniffed at the apple and shifted. Did he hear the crashing? Of course, his ears were super sensitive and behind him there flashed a...tail? It was big and fluffy and underneath was stark white. If there were deers about they would have turned and ran. Warning system. But of course there were none so he would just sit there and the floof would vanish. He settled into his chair, content that whatever was happening was not his business. Roesler's fairy wings and crown were not his business. He was there to eat and talk like normal humany humans having a normal humany human dinner. "Ooooh, goodness that all sounds so good." He wiggled in excitement. "I think I'll take the pudding with the berries on top, though. Balance out all that meat with some fruits." Then Dinah said that he should be thankful as she did not normally serve even her own family. He turned back to her and bowed his head very low. There came a tinkle and some of the glasses seemed to tip over even though there wasn't anything touching them? It was as if there was something on his head that was pushing them over, but nothing could be seen. "Oh believe me, Lady Windgrace, I am BEYOND thankful. I am grateful above words. One day I will repay your kindness, this I am certain."

Lex Dashrix demures form the deserts lightly patting his abdomen, "Too rich for my blood." he intones quietly. He drains his scotch and abandons his minor spell there appears to be nothing of interest after all. "You have outdone yourself Doctor." Lex praises as he sets his napkin aside and leans back in his chair to look at the others gathered, "and delightful conversation all." he adds with a short nod as he notes a small tap on his leg. He'd been taken from his studies long enough and took it upon himself to start the inevitable exodus by beginning the interminable social dance to politely take his leave rather than simply stand and declare he was going. It would at the least offer similar exit strategies for any others that might wish to take their leave though unfortunately might free Niles ot begin investigating what had gone on during the dinner.

Vharcoleti (cainius) || And the revenant is suspicious, though not for any reasons that are spoken here. Arix might well read something in that stare that's fixated upon her being, but he just shakes his head as if to clear it. The shift in Roesler's glamour, though--well, /that/ might bring a person alarm, to say the least, but the vampire is not intimidated in the slightest. "...Ah, pardon me, Dr. Roesler, gentlemen, ladies. I must depart. Thank you for the delicious dinner party, and you did a very good job of preparing the meats that are on offer. Was a very pleasant experience meeting and dining with you all, though, and I hope to have something like this again in the future." This is not contriteness, no. This is honesty and sincerity. His head bows as he ducks out, swallowed up by the night.

Vedis Boyd gives Arix a reassuring smile and a nod about to say something, but those golden eyes were absolutely drawn to Dr. Roesler with that twisting display of what lies beneath. She takes a deep breath and sits back against the back of her chair, doing her best not to react at all. It was far from perfect, her eyes grew sharp for only the space of a heartbeat. She could trace the warp of power around him like heatwaves, though she knew not what he was doing directly. At the mention of chocolate she perked. Chocolate was hard to get! She blurred over the rest of what was said. When the waitstaff approaches her she murmurs, "The flourless cake please." smiling in anticipation. Her attention lands on Dorian as he disengages with drink, memorizing his and his sister's face so she could find them again. It didn't require any of her skill to see he was uncomfortable. She listens to the news on the dives, curious as to the work, but not enough to ask questions. She had no idea when she would have the opportunity.

Dinah (dollihead) 's face twisted into a concerned little frown, looking thoughtful, though she turned to give Nebby a gracious smile and she tittered. "oh goodness no. i'm not a Lady. far too much responsibilty" she smiled, declining a dessert too. Not that she didn't have a sweet tooth, but her stomach was still roiling from the knowledge of what she'd eaten. She nodded thoughtfully at something, though she glanced about as people started becoming a little restless.

"you have been a very gracious host, Mr. Roesler. thank you" she said softly, glancing aside to her brother and she hazarded a hand out towards his sleeve, resting there."I think I might take this plate to Stan...Will you be coming too, Dori?"

Vedis Boyd interact with such impressive people here in the city again. She was drinking it in. When Lex and Vharc stand to leave she gives them a polite smile, inclining her head.

Kyuu (daisylurve): Ktuu will continue to watch Roesler until the end of the party, which is nearing. He will makes some idle conversation but mostly remain quiet. He will drink – there is much drinking – but barely be affected by it. And when it comes time to leave he will provide polite, respectful goodbyes, and then return home. ((His player, however, needs to lay down now. <3 ))

Lex Dashrix shoots Niles a pointed look and looks out the large windows with a nod as some silent conversation is executed, "I'll not overstay your gracious hospitality Doctor he reveals aloud. "Ms. Windgrace," he nods politely to Dinah, "Everyone it has been a pleasure." with that he tugs the lead and heads for the door with Naoki trailing behind.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes): "Of course, my lo-ittle sister. I shall walk you home." He'd lean past her to argue with Nebby, "She lies, she is more than a duchesse, more than a lady, but megami { (女神 (めがみ) }." His Japanese studies were on minimal display as he took the chance to bolt, even leaving a finger in his glass as one might a polite bite to say they'd eaten their fill. He'd stand in sandaled feet, put his hands on Dinah's chairback to ease her departure when that time came, and act more footman than lord in attending to her.

Niles Roesler (ohsoincoherently) offers what desserts people choose, not pressing matters when people refuse. He gives what well-mannered farewells are accustomed, passing a quiet message to Dinah about discussing the occurrences at a later time before she and Dorian depart. He gives Delilah and Vedis his gratitude for their attendance, and seems keen on letting Nebulous make his way away from the party considering the man's apparent sight. Once the guests have gone it's a matter of cleaning up - and tending to the fallout.

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) looked up as Vharcoleti shared a glance with her. On a breath, lips parted, she wanted to say something but he was already out the door. Many discussions would be had after this event. As he left, her eyes fixated on the lady he had brought with him. Vedis? Was it? That name had a very distant familiarity to it that Arix couldn't place. She locked eyes with her and found her gaze one she could hold easily. Ah, that's where the tug was coming from. Things somehow made more and less sense at the same time. Adjusting in her chair again, she looked up to Dorian and pursed her lips. The usually chatty Windgrace was tightlipped. With the rush of magic, psychic warding, and distant sound, Arix was sure not everything was as it seemed; as if that hadn't been apparent before. This called for an ale at reliable ol' Murphy's. At least there she could center her thoughts a bit. With so many departing, it would seem it was time for her to go as well.

Nebulous Star Isa is nibbling berries from the top of his bread pudding. He has absolutely had a ball. At one point he was even dangling over Cthullu and he STILL feels like today was FAN FUCKING TASTIC! Then Dorian tried his hand at a little Japanese and Nebulous just sort of blinked at him for a moment before bleating out a deer-like laugh. "Ah, well, your sister is a Goddess incarnate. I can believe this. It is both a blessing and a curse. Especially for you..." He gave the man a sympathetic look as he popped another berry into his mouth. Dorian may have meant it all in MOSTLY jest, but it appeared it lightly back-fired upon him. "Embrace who you are and the rest shall follow." Whatever that meant. He blew both Dorian and Dinah a kiss before licking a bit of purple from his fingertip, likely a blueberry. Does Nebby catch on that Roesler wants him AWAY from the house so that he doesn't 'accidentally' see anything? He does, and he offers a polite nod of his head, pushing up and bowing. He has half a mind to

Nebulous Star Isa (jetsette123): tell him that it wouldn't matter where in the world he was, let alone the island if he was meant to see something, but then he realizes that was NOT helpful, but quite the opposite. So he puts on his most HIMBO smile and waves, starting to wander away like he were an even more idiot than he looked. "Thank you all! This was lovely. I do believe I shall have to try this 'dinner party' thing again some day."

Delilah Harper-Windgrace: Delilah glanced around at her dinner companions. Her gifts were all physical, as such she was oblivious to any psychic shenanigans going on, but the flash of Mr. Roesler's other self was as clear as day and she pursed her lips at the display. As people began making polite exits, she set down her emptied wine glass and slid her chair back. "Ah'd best get ma kin home...namely, Dorian, Dinah can take care of hersel..." Standing, she offered a bow of her head to their host. "Vielen Dank für das wunderbare essen, Herr Roesler," she offered in Scots-accented German before following the twins out, pausing by Ms. Vedis' chair briefly to add, "Feel free to come by and see the house, at your convenience Ms. Vedis." Smiling, a flash of something in her eyes, she exited the building.

Vedis Boyd saw that the party was ending and carefully wipes her mouth of the chocolate, setting the napkin on the table as she stands. She pushes her chair in and offers the others a nod, "Thank you for having us Dr. Roesler, this was very enlightening indeed!" She meets Arix's gaze as she looks her way, inclining her head as her smile holds secrets. To Delilah she nods, "Thank you, Ms Harper-Windgrace. I shall do just that." Did she catch Dorian's slip? Sure did? Did she react? Sure didn't. Funny how that works. She turns and steps towards the door, giving them all a wave before slipping out.

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) stands from her seat, never once believing she would be the last one standing, so to speak, at the party. Clearing her throat and finally stretching to her full height, she felt a little more normal. The sheen of the dress shimmered with each of her breaths and subtle movements as she turned her attention to Roesler. "This has been an enlightening evening. Thank you for the invite. If you'll excuse me, as well. I have things to attend to," she would look up to the Windgraces, each of them in turn, and cut them a smile. Her eyes lingered a touch longer on Dorian. "Be safe going home, you three," she nodded and headed for the door in the direction of Murphy's.

Arix Thunderhawk (arixian.diesel) didn't see Neb in the doorway oops. "And to you as well, sir."

Dinah (dollihead) stood as the seat was pulled back, taking a step aside and reaching for Dorian's arm. she was confused, still somewhat distressed, still mad at him and upset and... she nodded gently towards Niles and she smiled, though when Nebby referred to her as a goddess, she blinked and smiled somewhat sheepishly. "no such thing. but. Thank you. It was lovely to meet you, Nebby" she said softly. Regardless, she bowed her head to the rest of them, taking a few steps towards the outside of the party with the spare plate of extra, suspicious meat for their lunatic painter brother. Even some of her own heart.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) snatched up his twin's shawl to carry after her, as he wouldn't carry remnants of that meal with him any more willingly, mute as the day was long. He did bare his teeth at Lilah though, as she made light of him in the closest thing to a smile that he'd presented in some moments. Once they made the path toward home, he'd already be leaning to whisper at her, draping her shawl above her shoulders, "I hate to agree with Gerry the Stringbean, but you do look altogether ravishing. Shall I have Sara bring you up a nightcap, sis?"

It was a tentative and unnecessary sort of question as she could surely manage household staff on her own.

Dinah (dollihead) tugged the shawl closer to herself as he draped it over her shoulders, though his whisper made her tilt her head and she looked up towards him, confusion on her face. She shook her head when he offered to have Sara bring up a nightcap but she puffed out her breath.

"why were you being so horrible to me yesterday?" she asked, direct but her voice wobbled a little. Uncertainty, a little upset still. "And then you were so cold to me, but you were so smiley with everyone else, and.. I don't understand," she whispered.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) looked at his sister for a long moment after her question, in confusion as plain as when he was a boy. "You do not know? I had not meant to be horrible, it is just what I am. I... wanted you to see what it felt like. Offering tokens of love to some strange man." It wasn't fair to blame her for the shame of his losing consciousness, nor the shame at being bound like a sacrificial beast. But he did anyway. As much as he did himself, and he'd push that feeling at her without saying a word. It was a tainted horrible feeling borne of vulnerability and self-loathing, but he did not have words to contain it. Let alone consider the taste he could not forget, nor the beating of his consolation prize. The nuance of feeling bested by Roesler might not make it through that wordless explication, but the shame and self-loathing certainly would. And recognizing it, he murmured, "I know I should be sorry, only sorry, but I am not strong-minded like you."

He couldn't imagine his twin had any self-effacing to her. Nor doubt. She was the perfect one. Whose perfect stained heart would keep him up all night, staring, agog. Again. With whispers crawling in between each beat about how he'd never be able to keep her for the duration.

Dinah (dollihead) stared at him, her lower lip trembling again, and for a moment, she just stared. After a moment, her shoulders shuddered, her posture slumped.

"I didn't...there wasn't any *love* in what I gave to Roesler." she said with a despairing tremble in her voice. "*you* had the first. the only one that would mean anything. the second was just meat. When you said iti would upset you, I gave you the first one." she protested quietly, looking utterly distressed. "you intentionally did it to hurt me, knowing it would hurt me. you *shunned* me, in public, in front of our friends. twice! even today, you hadn't said a word to me as we got to roesler's place, just stalking behind me like some... henchman but you were all sun and smiles when you saw lilah" she said miserably. "...ever since you saw that heart you were treating me like... like.. you'd seen my heart and you were treating me like a monster"

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) let loose the arm he'd been feigning a grasp upon and just stared at her, mute. Inscrutable, past the pain each heart beat pulsed. Some long time after her words had rung out, lashing him like a cat'o'nine, he'd stare at her. At length he shook his head, explained, "You are not the monster. It is me who cannot understand how to live this life this way!! You want me to pretend that eating you cooked, and sharing your heart is..." He could not even finish that remark past a hard and sharp sniffle. A headshake that mimicked Charles, but in gesture only appended, and he growled, "I do not know how to do this, I do not know how to be the man you need for a new era. So take up with the German if need be. I can wait, as I waited for Hartley."

Obviously it was not that simple, obviously he was flailing and holding onto whatever felt familiar and served him in the past. So he'd conclude, heat intensifying with each spat out word, "I cannot bear another such table, should that be your wish, we must part well before without my attendance. I cannot. I would sooner carve out every tongue as tasted what belonged to me as speak civilly to them. I cannot, Dinah. I will not."

Dinah (dollihead) shook her head, and for once, an almost frighteningly rare occaision, she sobbed. reaching out she grabbed for him and buried her face against his chest, body shaking in full-blown weeping.

"i've seen it, Dorian. I've seen it, and I've seen worse. I've seen nightmares of you standing over them, I've seen the blood. I've seen potentials of what happens to us if we keep down our path, and the world is going mad, Dori, my Apollo, the world is *bleeding* and I can't make it stop, and the only thing i can see that makes it make sense is to try and... f-follow the flow, if i fight it, if i resist it, it tears great chunks out of me, and i can feel it, every single time i do any of the work I was *made* to do, it's like someone flossing my brain with barbed wire. It's worse when i fight it. it's worse if i try to pretend" she shook her head .

"I know it hurts you. I don't want it to hurt you. I will burn this entire city to the ground with everyone in it before it hurts you. S-so I am going to keep doing what i can do so i d-dont become some...some... *beast*, or end up like every last other magus that has ever held this job of mine" she sniffled, clinging to him. "there will never be anyone that stands in your place, dorian. Not Hartley. not.. a *german*, you think you are at risk of displacement from a german? Noone."

Vedis Boyd chews her lip as she makes her way down the road to where it ends, her eyes trailing over the old lines of the home, the massive windows and curled scrollwork, the line of trees along the edge of the rocky fencing separating the home from the crash and wave of the ocean. Her attention is drawn to raised voices in the yard and she takes note of the Lord and Lady of the house. She glances over her shoulder, perhaps she should return another time. The soft click of her heels would pause. Without the sight she might be able to slip away unnoticed, but to those with the sight she was hardly subtle, glowing softly in between the shadows at the gate. Unfortunately, she had no idea if either of these two had the sight so she sort of just stepped back to hide behind the hedge, heart pounding softly.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) was not prepared for vulnerability nor self-doubt expressed by his paragon. The weight of her impossible pain bore down on his shoulders and he'd cradle his arms around her. And given reassurance he wished to believe, alongside that sorrow of hers he was truly shaken from his own concerns for the moment. He'd throw himself around his sister and hold her, irrespective of who and what was coming down the lane. His apology was not in words, but instead in the fevered kiss he pressed to her plush lips. Lips he'd known before he'd known before air. Thus lips he could occupy with his own long before ceding to the need for the stuff. He'd not pull back, not from tasting the only thing that could really mingle with heart: namely tongue. Hers. His arms were behind her, one hand seeking up into the golden mass of hair while the other was unfastening the tie that kept her gown on her shoulders. His own beast, unbound and charging, as he made a throaty sound to go along with his offensive. It was up to his sister to

stop this. As always. Unfairly. Just as his hand was gathering up lengths of ox-blood silk to get at her leg, to show her that no corruption nor any thing could stop him in pursuit of her.

Dinah (dollihead) DID have the sight, and was territorial with it besides, but thankfully for Vedis, her attention was thoroughly cracked into pieces and crying into Dorians' chest. The mental connection was dampened, walled off by her determined to keep her emotions from spilling out and infecting those around her, but the kiss caught her off guard. Cheeks flushed and with a startled noise in her throat, she didn't pull back until the cool coastal air found the skin of her leg and she tugged herself backwards just a little. Just enough to stare up towards him with shock clear on her face, her hands still pressed against his chest, eye makeup streaked down her cheeks. Her fingers squeezed there, unsure of what to do, but she clung to him regardless. "n-now?" her question was soft, surprised. after all these years...?

Vedis Boyd licks her lips as she listens. There was no footsteps, no crunching of grass. She grins as she manages to miss being detected. She steps forward, leaning out to look at the two in their passionate embrace before she carefully steps back up onto the road, to hurry away before they realized that she had seen them. She could certainly return at a better time! Let's hope Dinah's still too distracted to see the glowbug as she makes a hasty retreat!

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) had been charging along with a centuries old hunger carrying him forward in front of all the gods and everyone. And it felt like sails catching the winds of fate, until he looked at her face again. Was he meant to be the ruiner of his sister's perfection? That which he had halted all others from, on pain of death, and in which pursuit he'd left aside any others. His mother Angelica's voice began to ring in his ears, telling him he was wrong. He was horrible as Charles the father said. That belief saw him pull her to his chest and murmur in a hot whisper to the top of her head, "I am sorry. I would never take from you what is yours to give. Yours alone. It is not mine, no matter what I say."

He'd been able to ignore the silent valet that had come out until then to receive either the twins or their visitor with acuity Dorian himself lacked in the moment. But that valet had tried to get Vedis' notice despite the strange behaviour of his employers.

Dinah (dollihead) stared. Today had been...difficult. Easier to give her heart than to eat it, she'd decided, plus the weight of the sins that surely weighed them both further down. but hers were gods of madness, of things that made no sense to the mortal coil and those that followed the rigidity of social order. her eyes wide, she pressed herself against his chest. how long had it been? She wasn't even sure she could remember her own birthday, though at least she tended to remember *his*.

She didn't speak, standing on her tiptoes to press another kiss to his lips though a little more uncertain. Without a word, she nodded her chin up towards her balcony, ignoring the valet as he left the house, she strode past him, and inside.

Vedis Boyd squeaks slightly as she hears the valet and when she turns around she would give him that smile that all servants had that was one part 'I'm so glad to see you!' and like 12 parts 'My dude, are you serious?' but she clasps her hands and steps forward, "Ah, yes. Sorry. No worries. I'll come back." she takes a step back, and then another then turns and darts away, cheeks flushed brightly.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes): || The valet would explain as his employer scooped his sister up to carry her away, to Vedis, "I am sure the family Windgrace shall be glad to receive you in due course."

Dorian was not the embodiment of that as he walked her around behind the house, but not to his shed, instead he'd climb in through the livingroom window which he'd unlocked for himself earlier in the day, holding her close, lips still locked upon hers from the moment she'd nodded and he'd taken the time to close that small distance. Whatever alarm such ingress might cause was not seen to the male half of the twinset, who walked with his twin in his arms and no need for air however hard his heart leapt. He'd make for the stairs and her room, only content to set her upon her feet against her own door. There he'd pull back and stare into eyes the colour of his own in mystified wonder.

Dinah (dollihead) clung to him as for some reason he came in through the window instead, though she buried her face against him. her sleeve came up to attempt to fix the wreckage of her makeup but she took a deep breath as he carried her so easily up the stairs. As she was plopped down outside her room, she lifted her hand to lower the ward. She stepped inside, holding the door open for him. She dipped her head, laughed just the once, and lifted her hand out to invite him inside.

Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) took that inviting hand, and stepped into her boudoir, without barging for once. He'd take up that little hand and venturing inside, shift to close the door behind himself with a cognac flavoured tongue. The sound of her laughter had made it true, that he'd been here in a particular moment that had long eluded him. His silver eyes the shade of her own twinkled in unfed hunger she'd been entreated to for long years, grey-hot and unwilling to miss a moment. Staring at the well of her figure about her hips, he'd reach for her and begin once more to gather the fabric into his hands, but both of them this time until he had palms full, as his face would be of devouring her lips and sweet breath again.

Dinah (dollihead) didn't push him back this time, even as the door clicked shut behind them. her head was still reeling, though she was far more sober than he. Perhaps this was what it took to finally crack any sort of boundary of societal convention between them? Cannibalism, and cognac, and she would be inviting him to her bed. the thought that it would make her heart less valuable to anyone else that wanted to harvest it twinkled through her mind and his with amusement, kissing him back just as eagerly and fighting a losing battle wit the various folds and knots of his japanese clothing. At least the fine silk dress she wore would pose little obstruction to either of them as she tugged them both back to the cold metal of her bedframe. this time, she'd not push him away.