((So...much...to reply to...0.0 I'll just take my time addressing as much as I can. And I'll sparingingly take over the parents for this and a couple more posts.))
Valen had been keeping a careful eye out for the dancing couple, the sole witness to their dance who seemed unaffected or uncaring about their closeness to each other. He could at least admit to himself, that the girl was looking like she was enjoying her time conversing with someone at the party she had been so reluctant to attend. And truly, had that not been his initial reason for approaching her in the first place; a nice simple conversation to ease the oppressiveness of the mind-numbing dull atmosphere that denoted such formal occasions as this? But on the subject of conversation he did have free reign to speak at length with her parents, which was a resource he promptly put into use for his own benefit. "They look wonderful don't they? It seems as though Jackie is enjoying her time so much that I won't be able to get a dance in edgewise...And certainly, her satisfaction is what matters most tonight. She looks simply radiant." He had no reason to lie on this point, for the girl did look dazzling when she was happy. It was part of her charm and nature, the aspect that had drawn him over exactly as the adage went, like a moth to an open flame. The realization that she was, at least verbally, far far more harsh than getting burned by fire of course only heightened the pleasant thought of cornering her later on in the night.
Mrs. O'Connor turned back to gaze at Valen in obvious dismay at the prospect he would be denied his rightful request, her look sympathizing for him as well as emitting her approval for his willingness to step aside for Jackie's happiness as he had implied. "Oh no my dear! That simply will not do! You'll be more than happy to come over with us after this soiree is finished! In fact, I simply insist upon it! Wouldn't you agree Barry dear?" Mr. O'Connor looked rather displeased at his wife's suggestion, tilting his head in a slightly hostile manner reserved for any male daring to come within an arm's length of his estate that was of marriageable age for his child. "I would be inclined to agree, but Mr. Paendragon surely must have something more to do for the night than stay with us. It would be unfair to him and to her as well."
"Oh no my good sir. It would be no trouble for me; however, I confess that Mr. Sharpe will have to speak with you both later on. You both had not met him in such a long time that it would be only proper for him to make his own arrangements to reconnect in due course. If I can suggest it, can I schedule a visit to your grounds at your earliest convenience after his own?" This opportunity provided by the custodians of his poor victim was one of his aces in the hole, for he could control his own visit assuring he could corner Jackie without interference from the Coginitio as well as avoiding the other man's presence in its entirety as best suited his purpose. "Let us say...Perhaps two nights from now if you are amenable to the date, or I can stop by in the afternoon and stay through dinner. Of course, I could also spend the day, with your permission naturally, speaking with you both until Jackie is ready to receive my presence."
Soon enough his suspicions came to pass as the first newcomer, Mr. Johnson, approached with an air of determination and familiarity that suggested he had not casually wandered over Ah unholy hell. It seems the opposition has raised the stakes quite well for this game. Sharpe and Ms. O'Connor were almost certainly forcing his hand at playing back in their game of conversational chest, prompting him to utter a slight rebuttal upon his own behalf. "I am a servant Mr. Johnson, I'm sure that I would be hard at work rather than taking a break here merely to speak with the most delightful couple in the room. Then again, I do spend my leisure time helping to manage the Melrose Estate in my own way." Invoking the name of Sable's fortune was an act he had never been forced to do in his entire existence, yet he was more than willing to overwhelm this strutting neanderthal with only a minor insult. "No, I am merely a scholar and entrepreneur on my own time, doing my best to ensure a comfortable living for myself. Of course, if you have a problem with a man going about doing his best in life, I would be happy to remove myself from your presence."
In the meanwhile the O'Connors turned in surprise at the young affluent man who had so rudely presented him, the husband's features immediately clouding over in disdain. Barry had been a self-made, hard-working man and this upstart popinjay of a boy had his imminent contempt for the acting as the stereotypical manchild through his actions hovering near them. "Perhaps you should depart Mr. Johnson. You were rudely interrupting a truly pleasant young man, and one whom I find quite excellent reared...Unlike yourself." The dismissal was quite clear in its meaning, as Matthew's hopes were expertly dashed to the wayside for his unwanted intrusion. For his part the vampire received yet another pat on the back from the seemingly older gentlemen, accompanied by a clap of approval from the wife. That Sharpe's plans had only served to augment and cement his position with these parents was made apparent with the small smile that blossomed forth on Barry's lips directed towards Paendragon's motionless figure, a sign of approval very rarely given to members of later generations than his own. "In fact, as you were saying young Valen, we would quite like for you to come out and visit us later on beyond tonight. Let me provide you with the address and the number for the main line for now..."
And with that he had obtained two vital bits of information that would only serve to ruin Nicholas' plot to strike at him. Memorizing the information he smiled before prompting a small request to the parents. "Thank you both kindly for the invitation. I only ask that you not let Mr. Sharpe know of my visit, the precise timing of which I will relate back to you later on. His own visit would take far more of your time I feel." The feeling of triumph that rose in his chest at having prevailed over Mr. Johnson was short-lived for the vampire as he took noticed of another stumble in his plans; the old women rudely shoving towards them with what seemed to be...Don't tell me he actually foisted these social vultures on me...Damn him. That's the last thing I need to be fighting off would-be brides eager to have me settle down. Upon the entry of the 'doting' grandmothers and their progeny the Consort fought back against an icy vein of dismay worming its path into his core. The sheer stench of cats and perfumes, for such a nauseating odor could only arise from multiple sources being put into effect at once, left his throat contracting with the urge to gag and return the down appetizers immediately to the surface. Not that he did so out of the sake of appearances; it would be equivalent to social suicide for him to ignore the carnage of his own Clan's proclivities yet somehow be vulnerable to the 'aroma' of mere humans. Their actions of foisting their empty-minded daughters of course had the added effect of inciting a fresh wave of indignation and grudging admiration for the snare in which he was so neatly bound. It would seem the Cognitio has no limits to the depths at which he will sink to prevent my fun....Very well. If that is how it is to be, I am left with no choice.Let the games truly begin in full. He had long since seen through those plastered smiles dropping in on him from all sides, the scene reminiscent of his last training session against live adversaries. The tactic then, as was the case for the Immortui now, was simple enough and easily executed into effect; redirection. Speaking directly to the grandmothers was the first step in his grand design as they would prove the most troublesome if left unchecked. "My my, welcome my dear ladies! I don't know why you are presenting your sisters upfront, but I do appreciate the visual feast arrayed before me." With a flirtatious smile he bowed forward, taking both elders off-guard with his next statement. "I assume you ladies are here upon Mr. Sharpe's recommendation? He always knew how to pick out the gems of a crowd..." Seeing their wizened cheeks flush in a rare time of silence the vampire dispatched them before the situation could get any further out of hand. "And now then, I do believe you both might wish to speak with Nicholas directly on my behalf; tell him that he really shouldn't be recruiting promising young men here at a party. He has enough connections to keep anyone busy for a lifetime on the subject; if I were you both, I would keep my eyes on our white-haired acquaintance for he will surely help forge a path for suitable candidates for marriage."
Wheeling the two girls around however, Valen had a devious grin of retribution for Jackie first. He had no doubt in his mind she was at least half responsible for the mayhem of his upsurge in popularity, so he felt fully justified in his next actions. "Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor these lovely ladies seem like just the sort of girls you'll want Jackie to be around! I'm sure they can help improve her evening together with Mr. Sharpe. Of course, I'm quite sure that they will be needed later on for Mr. Johnson's attention. They are quite stunning, albeit not nearly as much as yourself Mrs. O'Connor. And now if you'll excuse me, I must present them to our dear Jackie for her approval, and to speak with Mr. Sharpe pertaining to his appointment with you both." Flashing a smile to all the humans in his immediate vicinity he knew that his unearthly charisma was paying back his slight efforts tenfold. Clarity was simply the best option towards his social manipulation in progress as he pointed out Jacqueline together with Nicholas during his path walking over towards them without a single note of hesitation.
"Oh Valen, you are a tease! Shame on you flattering this old woman!" Maria called back in delight, obviously pleased by the compliment aimed towards her. "Now Valen, it would be best if you make your way over to Jackie post haste if you are to get your dance tonight! Don't worry; we were dying to speak with Margaret and Evelynn here. Just be sure you enjoy yourself! Oh and do mind our daughter's dancing, for she has not taken up her lessons as she was supposed to..." Mrs. O'Connor gave out a small sigh of confusion to her daughter's antics, never quite understanding her loathing of all things associated with high society. "Oh yes Mr. Paendragon, you should be on your way to get the dance you've requested. Take your time and be careful with her," Barry chimed in, his grey head shifting as he shook his head at the thought of something going wrong in the evening. "It would kill us both to learn that Jackie might get hurt here at a party of all places. Mind you, once you're out of sight you both will be behaving properly, won't you?" The gruff tone of his voice underlined the fact that he was extending some form of trust to the vampire, a useful enough little detail that only served to further the sinister plot the seemingly younger man had already set into motion.
"Mr. O'Connor I will be an absolutely proper gentlemen on your behalf. It is already enough of a privilege to have your blessing for the night." With that the Consort took to moving away from the older attendees in favor of pursuing the target of his attention across the dance floor, neatly skirting his way with the women on either side of him following like sharks that caught the scent of fresh blood. It had been quite kind of the white-haired Consort to provide the tools of his own undoing, as the girls would have remained infatuated with Valen but for the shading of his eyes. His purple gaze was such a rich vibrantly royal shading that he took the time to whisper into Merelyn and Josephina's ears, his warm breath preceding a renewed wave of giggles. "My dear ladies look at those gorgeous eyes. That is my good friend Nicholas Sharpe. He has just finished dancing with Ms. O'Connor there, and I know that he is more than amenable to a few more gorgeous partners for the evening as yourselves." The foursome comprised of the Immortui, the two simpering chits, and the pompous a** descended as one to meet up with Nicholas and Jackie, the three human puppets playing their roles to utmost perfection. The girls swarmed on either side of Nick and took each of his arms into their own, pressing his limbs against their chests coyly demanding his attention. While Johnson did approach Jackie he was rebuffed by the inhuman's advance taking advantage of his opening. As consolation however a whisper came into Matthew's ear, softly remarking that Nicholas knew many eligible girls and would happily set him up on a few prospective dates should he ask him to do so immediately. With the spoiled business heir adding onto the crowd forming around his rival the Immortui nodded over to Sharpe in recognition of his efforts at trying to stop him. They had failed quite spectacularly, but then again his opponent had not known whom he was dealing with. "Do pardon me Mr. Sharpe, but I've come to collect that dance..." he replied almost demurely, his arms slipping around Jackie's waist spiraling to pull them both out of the Cogintio's range. What else could be done from his position, with Jackie's parents looking at the proceedings across the way making sure nothing was going amiss?
And with that Valen had neatly won time alone between himself and the young heiress, using the whirling figures of the dance floor as colorful living barricades keeping the reluctant couple isolated towards an outward wall leading to the gardens. This little area was surprisingly enough the passage that Kael and Marie had taken just minutes earlier, though he was not aware of that fact at the precise moment. Setting Jackie down against the wall he flashed her a small flirtatious smile, taking in her flushed features from what he knew was absolute rage brought about by his manipulations. "Now then Miss O'Connor, we are alone at last. Feel free to thank me for making your evening far more entertaining than it was a few minutes prior. Aren't you glad that I came along after all? But first, one of my rewards." With a small laugh he leaned forward and stole an embrace from her lips, stepping back to let her stare up towards his features. It would look to be quite the sight if any of the dancers had been paying attention to the strangeness of the event. Yet for whatever reason none of the other humans seemed to be paying much mind to the girl's predicament caught as the object of this cold war among the inhuman males.
((...Yes. Valen's famous. That's certainly worth the headaches for him right? Note to self-Get up for Gaia earlier just to avoid writing this much all in one post as opposed to several....My respect for your posting size Cake has climbed up astronomically.))
Valen had been keeping a careful eye out for the dancing couple, the sole witness to their dance who seemed unaffected or uncaring about their closeness to each other. He could at least admit to himself, that the girl was looking like she was enjoying her time conversing with someone at the party she had been so reluctant to attend. And truly, had that not been his initial reason for approaching her in the first place; a nice simple conversation to ease the oppressiveness of the mind-numbing dull atmosphere that denoted such formal occasions as this? But on the subject of conversation he did have free reign to speak at length with her parents, which was a resource he promptly put into use for his own benefit. "They look wonderful don't they? It seems as though Jackie is enjoying her time so much that I won't be able to get a dance in edgewise...And certainly, her satisfaction is what matters most tonight. She looks simply radiant." He had no reason to lie on this point, for the girl did look dazzling when she was happy. It was part of her charm and nature, the aspect that had drawn him over exactly as the adage went, like a moth to an open flame. The realization that she was, at least verbally, far far more harsh than getting burned by fire of course only heightened the pleasant thought of cornering her later on in the night.
Mrs. O'Connor turned back to gaze at Valen in obvious dismay at the prospect he would be denied his rightful request, her look sympathizing for him as well as emitting her approval for his willingness to step aside for Jackie's happiness as he had implied. "Oh no my dear! That simply will not do! You'll be more than happy to come over with us after this soiree is finished! In fact, I simply insist upon it! Wouldn't you agree Barry dear?" Mr. O'Connor looked rather displeased at his wife's suggestion, tilting his head in a slightly hostile manner reserved for any male daring to come within an arm's length of his estate that was of marriageable age for his child. "I would be inclined to agree, but Mr. Paendragon surely must have something more to do for the night than stay with us. It would be unfair to him and to her as well."
"Oh no my good sir. It would be no trouble for me; however, I confess that Mr. Sharpe will have to speak with you both later on. You both had not met him in such a long time that it would be only proper for him to make his own arrangements to reconnect in due course. If I can suggest it, can I schedule a visit to your grounds at your earliest convenience after his own?" This opportunity provided by the custodians of his poor victim was one of his aces in the hole, for he could control his own visit assuring he could corner Jackie without interference from the Coginitio as well as avoiding the other man's presence in its entirety as best suited his purpose. "Let us say...Perhaps two nights from now if you are amenable to the date, or I can stop by in the afternoon and stay through dinner. Of course, I could also spend the day, with your permission naturally, speaking with you both until Jackie is ready to receive my presence."
Soon enough his suspicions came to pass as the first newcomer, Mr. Johnson, approached with an air of determination and familiarity that suggested he had not casually wandered over Ah unholy hell. It seems the opposition has raised the stakes quite well for this game. Sharpe and Ms. O'Connor were almost certainly forcing his hand at playing back in their game of conversational chest, prompting him to utter a slight rebuttal upon his own behalf. "I am a servant Mr. Johnson, I'm sure that I would be hard at work rather than taking a break here merely to speak with the most delightful couple in the room. Then again, I do spend my leisure time helping to manage the Melrose Estate in my own way." Invoking the name of Sable's fortune was an act he had never been forced to do in his entire existence, yet he was more than willing to overwhelm this strutting neanderthal with only a minor insult. "No, I am merely a scholar and entrepreneur on my own time, doing my best to ensure a comfortable living for myself. Of course, if you have a problem with a man going about doing his best in life, I would be happy to remove myself from your presence."
In the meanwhile the O'Connors turned in surprise at the young affluent man who had so rudely presented him, the husband's features immediately clouding over in disdain. Barry had been a self-made, hard-working man and this upstart popinjay of a boy had his imminent contempt for the acting as the stereotypical manchild through his actions hovering near them. "Perhaps you should depart Mr. Johnson. You were rudely interrupting a truly pleasant young man, and one whom I find quite excellent reared...Unlike yourself." The dismissal was quite clear in its meaning, as Matthew's hopes were expertly dashed to the wayside for his unwanted intrusion. For his part the vampire received yet another pat on the back from the seemingly older gentlemen, accompanied by a clap of approval from the wife. That Sharpe's plans had only served to augment and cement his position with these parents was made apparent with the small smile that blossomed forth on Barry's lips directed towards Paendragon's motionless figure, a sign of approval very rarely given to members of later generations than his own. "In fact, as you were saying young Valen, we would quite like for you to come out and visit us later on beyond tonight. Let me provide you with the address and the number for the main line for now..."
And with that he had obtained two vital bits of information that would only serve to ruin Nicholas' plot to strike at him. Memorizing the information he smiled before prompting a small request to the parents. "Thank you both kindly for the invitation. I only ask that you not let Mr. Sharpe know of my visit, the precise timing of which I will relate back to you later on. His own visit would take far more of your time I feel." The feeling of triumph that rose in his chest at having prevailed over Mr. Johnson was short-lived for the vampire as he took noticed of another stumble in his plans; the old women rudely shoving towards them with what seemed to be...Don't tell me he actually foisted these social vultures on me...Damn him. That's the last thing I need to be fighting off would-be brides eager to have me settle down. Upon the entry of the 'doting' grandmothers and their progeny the Consort fought back against an icy vein of dismay worming its path into his core. The sheer stench of cats and perfumes, for such a nauseating odor could only arise from multiple sources being put into effect at once, left his throat contracting with the urge to gag and return the down appetizers immediately to the surface. Not that he did so out of the sake of appearances; it would be equivalent to social suicide for him to ignore the carnage of his own Clan's proclivities yet somehow be vulnerable to the 'aroma' of mere humans. Their actions of foisting their empty-minded daughters of course had the added effect of inciting a fresh wave of indignation and grudging admiration for the snare in which he was so neatly bound. It would seem the Cognitio has no limits to the depths at which he will sink to prevent my fun....Very well. If that is how it is to be, I am left with no choice.Let the games truly begin in full. He had long since seen through those plastered smiles dropping in on him from all sides, the scene reminiscent of his last training session against live adversaries. The tactic then, as was the case for the Immortui now, was simple enough and easily executed into effect; redirection. Speaking directly to the grandmothers was the first step in his grand design as they would prove the most troublesome if left unchecked. "My my, welcome my dear ladies! I don't know why you are presenting your sisters upfront, but I do appreciate the visual feast arrayed before me." With a flirtatious smile he bowed forward, taking both elders off-guard with his next statement. "I assume you ladies are here upon Mr. Sharpe's recommendation? He always knew how to pick out the gems of a crowd..." Seeing their wizened cheeks flush in a rare time of silence the vampire dispatched them before the situation could get any further out of hand. "And now then, I do believe you both might wish to speak with Nicholas directly on my behalf; tell him that he really shouldn't be recruiting promising young men here at a party. He has enough connections to keep anyone busy for a lifetime on the subject; if I were you both, I would keep my eyes on our white-haired acquaintance for he will surely help forge a path for suitable candidates for marriage."
Wheeling the two girls around however, Valen had a devious grin of retribution for Jackie first. He had no doubt in his mind she was at least half responsible for the mayhem of his upsurge in popularity, so he felt fully justified in his next actions. "Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor these lovely ladies seem like just the sort of girls you'll want Jackie to be around! I'm sure they can help improve her evening together with Mr. Sharpe. Of course, I'm quite sure that they will be needed later on for Mr. Johnson's attention. They are quite stunning, albeit not nearly as much as yourself Mrs. O'Connor. And now if you'll excuse me, I must present them to our dear Jackie for her approval, and to speak with Mr. Sharpe pertaining to his appointment with you both." Flashing a smile to all the humans in his immediate vicinity he knew that his unearthly charisma was paying back his slight efforts tenfold. Clarity was simply the best option towards his social manipulation in progress as he pointed out Jacqueline together with Nicholas during his path walking over towards them without a single note of hesitation.
"Oh Valen, you are a tease! Shame on you flattering this old woman!" Maria called back in delight, obviously pleased by the compliment aimed towards her. "Now Valen, it would be best if you make your way over to Jackie post haste if you are to get your dance tonight! Don't worry; we were dying to speak with Margaret and Evelynn here. Just be sure you enjoy yourself! Oh and do mind our daughter's dancing, for she has not taken up her lessons as she was supposed to..." Mrs. O'Connor gave out a small sigh of confusion to her daughter's antics, never quite understanding her loathing of all things associated with high society. "Oh yes Mr. Paendragon, you should be on your way to get the dance you've requested. Take your time and be careful with her," Barry chimed in, his grey head shifting as he shook his head at the thought of something going wrong in the evening. "It would kill us both to learn that Jackie might get hurt here at a party of all places. Mind you, once you're out of sight you both will be behaving properly, won't you?" The gruff tone of his voice underlined the fact that he was extending some form of trust to the vampire, a useful enough little detail that only served to further the sinister plot the seemingly younger man had already set into motion.
"Mr. O'Connor I will be an absolutely proper gentlemen on your behalf. It is already enough of a privilege to have your blessing for the night." With that the Consort took to moving away from the older attendees in favor of pursuing the target of his attention across the dance floor, neatly skirting his way with the women on either side of him following like sharks that caught the scent of fresh blood. It had been quite kind of the white-haired Consort to provide the tools of his own undoing, as the girls would have remained infatuated with Valen but for the shading of his eyes. His purple gaze was such a rich vibrantly royal shading that he took the time to whisper into Merelyn and Josephina's ears, his warm breath preceding a renewed wave of giggles. "My dear ladies look at those gorgeous eyes. That is my good friend Nicholas Sharpe. He has just finished dancing with Ms. O'Connor there, and I know that he is more than amenable to a few more gorgeous partners for the evening as yourselves." The foursome comprised of the Immortui, the two simpering chits, and the pompous a** descended as one to meet up with Nicholas and Jackie, the three human puppets playing their roles to utmost perfection. The girls swarmed on either side of Nick and took each of his arms into their own, pressing his limbs against their chests coyly demanding his attention. While Johnson did approach Jackie he was rebuffed by the inhuman's advance taking advantage of his opening. As consolation however a whisper came into Matthew's ear, softly remarking that Nicholas knew many eligible girls and would happily set him up on a few prospective dates should he ask him to do so immediately. With the spoiled business heir adding onto the crowd forming around his rival the Immortui nodded over to Sharpe in recognition of his efforts at trying to stop him. They had failed quite spectacularly, but then again his opponent had not known whom he was dealing with. "Do pardon me Mr. Sharpe, but I've come to collect that dance..." he replied almost demurely, his arms slipping around Jackie's waist spiraling to pull them both out of the Cogintio's range. What else could be done from his position, with Jackie's parents looking at the proceedings across the way making sure nothing was going amiss?
And with that Valen had neatly won time alone between himself and the young heiress, using the whirling figures of the dance floor as colorful living barricades keeping the reluctant couple isolated towards an outward wall leading to the gardens. This little area was surprisingly enough the passage that Kael and Marie had taken just minutes earlier, though he was not aware of that fact at the precise moment. Setting Jackie down against the wall he flashed her a small flirtatious smile, taking in her flushed features from what he knew was absolute rage brought about by his manipulations. "Now then Miss O'Connor, we are alone at last. Feel free to thank me for making your evening far more entertaining than it was a few minutes prior. Aren't you glad that I came along after all? But first, one of my rewards." With a small laugh he leaned forward and stole an embrace from her lips, stepping back to let her stare up towards his features. It would look to be quite the sight if any of the dancers had been paying attention to the strangeness of the event. Yet for whatever reason none of the other humans seemed to be paying much mind to the girl's predicament caught as the object of this cold war among the inhuman males.
((...Yes. Valen's famous. That's certainly worth the headaches for him right? Note to self-Get up for Gaia earlier just to avoid writing this much all in one post as opposed to several....My respect for your posting size Cake has climbed up astronomically.))
