"Uh... sure." Astrid polishes off the rest of her ale and wipes her lip with the sleeve of her robe. She lets out a heavy breathe to prepare for what they may find below, then follows behind Alaris a few paces. When they reach the bottom of the stairs the sensations from this chamber are so foreign that the cleric finds it hard to focus on anything - practically overlooking Nikolai until Alaris reaches down to cure the tiefling from his apparent overindulgence. "Well, this is certainly a night of firsts."
"Interesting choice of creature that they seem to revere down here," she says nodding to the statue of the winged figure. "Some type of celestial by the looks... fallen, perhaps," she muses aloud.
Shaking herself back to her senses from the overwhelming atmosphere, she steps over to assist Nikolai to his feet. "I can contact them - one at a time, that is - if we are unable to find them in this mess," she says to the pair hearing the tiefling's concern.
Nikolai rolls his head around as the fog clears from his brain and he recalls why he normally does jot overindulge. “His name is Dagon.” He responds to Astrid without thinking, but then pauses. “...I don’t know how I know that.” He spends a moment looking around into the crowd. “There is something uncanny in the air tonight. The Exile speaks to me.” He reaches up and removes the Deck from his holster, absently shuffling it. A silver glow begins to shimmer along the edge of the cards and it transfers into his fingertips… Nikolai scans the massively packed dance floor, looking for any of the others. If he spots any of them, he immediately points them out to Alaris and Astrid.
Alaris strides forward, focused on the fountain and statue before them. Domina Beata, Regina caeli, Illuminatio mea, duce me, they murmur as they weave through the dancers, ever-focused on their target but avoiding physical contact with the writhing celebrants of life.
The light plays on their alabaster skin, seeming to be lit from within with its own radiance. Their auburn curls sparkle with each flashing beam of light, and their muscles play under their clothing with a balance and definition too fine for human ken. Their silver eyes pierce the darkness, seeking the true nature of those within their gaze. Fiendish, angelic, or powered by death itself, Lady Freja will reveal their nature to her incandescent servant.
OOC: Using Divine Sense to look for sources of danger for her friends.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Seeing Ling and Caio finally, Nikolai watches carefully and something about the half-elf leading her away puts him on edge. Perhaps it was the excessive drinking or the strange audio/visual temporal disturbances... but something was wrong. He shouldn’t have let them be alone on a night like tonight. He immediately begins moving through the crowd towards Ling, she could message the others once he got to her. IF she was fine, then he’d apologize, but if not... then Astra furora would sing this night.
Once he was within thirty feet, Nikolai shimmers as he disappears from existence and reappears directly beside Ling and the half-elf. “Ah! There you are, little sister! Who is your friend?” He glances coolly at the half-elf, trying to get a read on his intentions.
"I think so, I... yes, I'm okay. But let's talk when we're out of here," Ling whispers back to Shiva. As she stares at their reflections in the water, Ling makes a little wave like motion with her fingers. Their tips glow softly and the make up which had smudged under her eyes is wiped away. She runs a hand through her hair as she turns back to him, drinking in his dark eyes, so like her own. "Jonathan, how did you hear about us? And why fate? I loved dancing with you, but maybe we should do some talking, too." Absentmindedly, the young tiefling reaches out to touch the half-elves face, softly running her thumb over his cheek. So beautiful... He's a downworlder! A what? what? Ling is confused by her own thoughts for a moment, tripping on the unfamiliar term. She cannot linger on it however, as she is pulled back up to her feet.
Jonathan leads Ling back through the crowd to its edge, near the shadows, where the press of bodies is lighter. Another ball of coloured light bursts above their heads as they go, scattering silver, and the salt-sweet drops catch on Ling's tongue. She savours them, happy to lose herself in the night. He stops and swings her towards him, wrapping her arms around him. She feels the silver liquid trickling down her face like tears. The fabric of his shirt is thin and she can feel the burn of his skin underneath. Silver drops of liquid spangle his eyelashes as he lowers his glance to hers, leaning his head in towards her. His hands move over her shoulders, down her arms. Then he begins to move through the crowd again, drawing her after him and towards the shadowy alcoves that line the rear walls. A flutter of excitement spreads through her stomach. She glances back at the fountain once more - and suddenly, where he certainly wasn't before, there is Nik right next to her.
"Nik!" Ling exclaims, half hugging, half falling against him, without letting go of Jonathan's hand. She wraps her arms around the back of his head and curls her fingers into the nape of his neck, their faces close enough to kiss, staring intently into his eyes. "I've been having so much fun! But it's even better now that you're here! I have to tell you, I saw this black winged monster earlier, but I don't think it's important." She touches the tip of her nose against his and breathes: "Come dance with us!"
As Alaris stalks through the crowd, they occasionally catch a glimpse of all manner of supernatural creatures. Here, they spot a fiendish aura - perhaps only a powerful tiefling, perhaps something more exotic? There, something tainted by undeath twists and turns amongst the other dancers. It quickly disappears, only to be replaced by some other revenant on the far side of the hall. They even spot fleeting traces of celestial energy, although that is much rarer. Nevertheless, on the whole, the vast majority of the guests do not appear to be any kind of creature that they can detect.
However, Ling's new friend gives off a distinct aura of silver and gold.
Jonathan flinches almost imperceptibly as Nikolai abruptly materialises besides him and Ling. However, he quickly gathers himself.
"Yes, dance with us, Nik," the half-elf echoes, raising an eyebrow at Ling's intense affection for her 'brother'.
"My name is Jonathan," he adds, in answer to the warlock's question, "your sister and I were enjoying the party together. Is it to your taste?"
His tone is immediately stiffer than anything he has said to Ling so far.
Nikolai pointedly ignores this ‘Jonathan’, not appreciating his tone and points up to the statue where he spotted the black-winged creature as well. “Did you see it there? Because I saw something as well. Ling I tell you there are forces at work this night. The Exile is speaking to me. We must listen. Do you know where Shivala is? I see Caio, but not Shiva. I know it’s her day, but I must consult the cards.”
He gestures for Jonathan to take a few steps back. “A moment of privacy if you will.” The tone indicated he was not asking.
Nikolai appears in a cloud of tiny star motes, almost like an effect of the arcane lighting in this massive chamber. Alaris sucks in a quick breath as the familiar effect catches their eye, concerned that the brash tiefling is concerned enough to move so openly. The paladin shifts direction and sees Ling with a new friend who radiates silver and gold and the aroma of rich incense in the lingering aftereffects of their Divine Sense.
"I think what my friend means to say," Alaris interjects, "is that our little circle of friends has been very out of sorts this night, and we are deeply concerned for the one we cannot find, whose birth we celebrate this night... I am sure you understand. I am Alaris Forien," they introduce themselves, extending a long-fingered hand towards Jonathan.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Astrid glances from side to side as she finds herself suddenly abandoned. She adjusts her robe and dives through the crowd. "Oh... Excuse me... Oh my!, Sorry, didn't mean to touch that... Mind the the smallfolk!"
"Whew! Well. Lots of parts flying about in there!" Looking a bit overwhelmed, the dwarf emerges from the crowd and finally catches up with the others. "So, what's the big hurry?" she asks the others while moving around trying to find a safe spot to stand.
With confirmation that all seems to be well, Shiva gives herself to the moment once more, as Mistress caresses her cheek with an icy hand. Moving along her jawline, Mistress loosely takes her by the neck, kissing her once more with the same vigor and passion as she had on the dance floor. Shiva embraces this, bringing her body as close to Mistresses' as several layers of cloth allows and fully submitting to her partner.
At this point, clothes are removed in a flurry as the Dom-Sub dynamic is fully established, with Shiva enthusiastically accepting the changes in placement, pressure, and focus and acting where and when she is directed. Mistress leads masterfully, with unwavering control of the dynamic.
"Here, you'll enjoy this, I promise." Mistress says, as she turns Shiva's head. Breathlessly accepting, A flash of pain transforms into a pleasure that radiates across Shiva's entire body in a way that she had never before experienced. After several moments, Mistress releases her, then extends an arm before her mouth "And now you, pretty girl."Shiva hesitates for a moment, but with a knowing nod from Mistress, sinks her sharp canines into the cold skin. The liquid tastes something to sugar milk, but the taste is transfigured directly into sensations that threatens to overwhelm Shiva. It is as though she has been tethered to a well of pure ecstasy, and Mistress seizes the moment, bringing them both to fulfillment one final time.
Ling turns to Jonathan and grins wickedly: "Sister? Now that would be... mh, I don't know, it would be something for sure, I have no siblings, I can't really tell. Nik here," she slings her arm around his waist, leaning her head against his shoulder, "is certainly not my brother. Even though he likes to tell me what to do. And keep us safe and all that, he's pretty great really, aren't you?" She pats his chest. Now that Nik is here, the strange black-winged creature seems like a silly little figment of her imagination, no longer scary at all. "Yes, that's right, it was the statue. You saw it too? How many droplets did you have? I think I've had four now. Might have been a bit much. Shiva went off with a lady, I really don't think they want to be disturbed any time soon." Ling chuckles and leans towards Jonathan, without letting go of Nik. She tucks a strand of the half-elf's pale hair behind his ear and whispers to him: "Don't upset him now, that might end very badly for you." Her voice is so low that nobody could hear her even without the pounding music, if it weren't for the magic in her words. She looks at him, seeming much more sober and serious for a second, and then quickly breaks into a smile again and kisses him on the cheek.
"Now boys, don't start throwing punches please! Why don't we - oh!" Ling is interrupted when Alaris steps out of the crowd, shortly followed by Astrid. "Aaaah relax, you're always so tense! Let go a little! Shiva is totally fine, I checked in with her just a moment ago." Ling taps her temple with the side of her index finger. "Couldn't find Caio, last I saw him he was with some ginger girl - awesome hair. Why don't you and Astrid enjoy the music?" She looks between the two with a smile that implies a lot more than enjoying just the music, and tilts her head back as she sways to the rhythm again, holding onto both Nik and Jonathan. Remembering what they had been talking about before her friends reappeared, she leans back to Nikolai. "My new friend was just going to tell me how fate must have brought us together. You love fate, don't you want to come with me and hear the story?"
As Mistress deepens her kiss, she begins to reach under Shiva's layered tops, gently fondling and pinching as her tongue begins to expertly works its way across her jawline and neck. The cold suddenly intruding upon the warmth of Shiva's body is an initial shock, but once surrendered to, only serves to heightened the experience. As kisses are trailed down Shiva's neck, her tops are removed, and Mistress rains kisses down upon her exposed breasts. Shiva's breathe falters as her head tilts back in pleasure, grasping at Mistress' body.
Mistress then moves back up to Shiva's neck, taking it in her grasp more firmly this time. Leaning in to whisper to her "Do as I say, and you will receive your gift. Be a good girl for Mistress. Now remove my dress." The words drip like honey out of her mouth, and Shiva is consumed by the sensuality and intensity of the exchange "Yes, Mistress". Doing as she is told, Shiva removes the dress exposing Mistress' body, her generous figure inviting Shiva in. "May I touch you?" The two partners lock eyes, Shiva's eyes wanting and yearning, Mistress' calm and giving. "Yes."
Laying kisses across Mistress' body, the frigid temperature is offset by the powerful heat being given off by Shiva's embrace. Her hands caress the ivory curves and as her mouth reaches the center of the thighs she is surprised by the warmth of this area in relation to everywhere else, letting her tongue go to work. As Shiva takes her in, Mistress purrs and yelps at her partners skillful workings, coming to climax rather quickly. Once Shiva has had her fill, her mouth is met with Mistress' as they kiss deeply once more. "I'm going to have to keep you, aren't I?" Mistress says with a smile.
Mistress then resumed control, turning onto Shiva and removing all of her remaining clothing more quickly than Shiva thought possible. She then sets to returning the favor, yet in a manner distinctly more aggressive than Shiva's. Kisses and caresses are followed by little bites and scratches. She isn't sure if Mistress is drawing blood as she works down her body , nor does she really care, as all she can feel is profound pleasure. So experienced is Mistress that Shiva feels as though there's more than one person worshipping her body, as each touch is different and yet similar. As Mistress' tongue works Shiva's center, Shiva finds that she too quickly comes to climax. The sensation is dovetailed by a feeling of pleasure and pressure on her right thigh, and as Mistress comes up, there is a spot of blood on her cheek. "Don't worry, it was just a littlenibble." Shiva finds herself excited by this, as it seemed only to raise the zenith of her climax.
"Here, you'll enjoy this, I promise" Mistress says, reaching up and turning Shiva's head to the side. As Shiva wordlessly accepts, she feels an instant of pain as Mistress bites her on the neck. The sensation that follows defies explanation, as a whirlwind of euphoria overtakes Shiva. Mistress then uses her free hand to work Shiva once more, bringing her to another climax as she kisses on the spot that she has just drunken from. "...Holy shit" Shiva says, before kissing Mistress. "Now what do you say?" Mistress says in a playfully patronizing tone. "Thank you, Mistress" Shiva says softly.
Mistress then holds her arm out in front of Shiva's mouth "And now you, pretty girl."Momentarily unsure of her meaning, Mistress makes a biting motion, to which Shiva shows distinct hesitation. Mistress then takes Shiva's chin and kisses her softly "It's ok, this is part of your gift". Relaxing, Shiva takes Mistress' arm and bites into the cold skin with her sharp canines. The taste reminded her of sugar milk, but this is rapidly overshadowed by a full body sensation that overrides all others. All words are lost to her as the ecstasy descends upon her, blanketing her with a pleasure that feels as though it is beyond this world. In this moment, she feels a connection with Mistress that transcends physical boundaries and, releasing Mistress' arm, they stimulate one another and climax as one.
In the afterglow of these moments, Mistress kisses Shiva's cheek "Such a good girl. Happy Birthday."
Caio’s lips meet the newcomer’s eagerly, and he follows along without question. As they walk he pushes the raven mask back down. The effect of the magically sharpened vision combined with the booze and lighting is almost more disorienting, but he is able to clock his friends clustered together. Ghoul swoops down among them, perching on Alaris’ shoulder, and Caio gets a good look at the stud who’s been courting Ling. He switches back to his own senses just in time to catch a glimpse of the winged statue as the throuple pass it. Though it’s form looks true now, the shifted image of the fallen angel is still burned in Caio’s head. He pushes the mask all the way down til it hangs round his neck, and continues on with the two creatures.
Jonathan accepts Alaris's proffered hand with grace, and the paladin feels a momentary crackle of radiant static as they make contact.
"Jonathan Morgenstern - and you are the crusader who hunts with a pack of wild outlaws," he says, affectionately sliding one hand about Ling's waist and lazily cupping the side of her stomach. Jonathan smirks down at where the young tiefling is hanging on his side, although she does see a momentary flash of surprise cross his eyes when her message reaches his ear.
"Tonight, I'm otherwise engaged. Maybe would could talk business in the morning? Where are you staying?"
As they approach the alcove, the woman steps ahead a bit, then turns and pulls Caio in for her turn at his lips. The momentum carries them both down towards the pillows in a tangle, and the male is not far behind. He drops into the pile and immediately starts removing Caio's ensemble of black leather, yanking straps and popping buckles with fervor. His companion continues to kiss the elf, then move her tongue down to his neck. He moans with pleasure as the pair ravish him, and before long the male's task is done. His large hands rub up Caio's bare back, then grab the damp nest of black curls and pull the elf's face towards his for another kiss. There is no grace here, it is all tongue and hungry jaws. The woman lunges up and joins them, just as ravenous, and Caio begins to lose himself in the primal embrace.
The male pulls back for a moment, a trail of spit lingering between them. He takes this with two fingers, which then slide down between the girl's legs. She whimpers with pleasure, and at the same time her hands seek Caio, caressing him as he grows. This arrangement continues for a few moments before a bestial hunger overtakes Caio. He pulls away from the woman's kiss before turning and then reaching back. His arms lock around the male's powerful, hairy thighs and pull Caio towards him. He licks and inhales, musk flooding his senses and sending him into a frenzy. The satyr grins at his companion, then begins thrusting rhythmically into Caio's throat. She returns the grin, then positions herself between Caio's legs. She starts at his waist, licking all the way up his lean torso, then trailing back down and taking him into her mouth. The simultaneous sensation of giving and receiving sends sparks up the elf's entire body, pinpricks across his skin. The physicality of it all is nearly overwhelming, and slowly his thoughts drift away as he is lost in the carnal embrace. His last tangible memory is of his own claws digging into the satyr's flesh, and a burst of warmth shooting down his throat and spilling out across his fur.
It's been quite awhile since any of the gang have seen Caio, but with Ghoul quietly perched near Alaris, they can assume their friend is safe. Alarm is risen however, when the bird spirit squawks, disturbed by something unseen. Ghoul takes off, flying above the crowd towards the back of the room. Moments later he returns, now riding on the back of some feline creature. On closer inspection it appears to be a lynx, with tawny fur and black tipped ears. The animal approaches the group timidly, then sits down next to them. Its eyes are strangely dark for a feline, and it fixes them on the group with an expectant look.
Ling looks up at Jonathan through her eyelashes: "You can call me a wild outlaw if you want, but you haven't seen anything yet!"
The appearance of the lynx momentarily distracts the tiefling. She lets go of the guys and crouches down, extending a hand to the wild cat. "Heeeere kitty, lemme give you a little ear scratching!" Laughing to herself, she stares at the lynx's thick, soft fur. So soft... Should I tell the others that this is ghoul's master, who's clearly had a good time with that fey woman from earlier? Naaah. It will be more fun this way! She grins at Jonathan over her shoulder, assuming he can also put two and two together after seeing Caio with the satyr before.
"Not quite my taste in music, dear," Astrid replies to Ling with a weak smile. "But if everyone seems to be okay I may just..." She begins to trail off as the large cat approaches. "Well now! I certainly have seen a cat bring home a dead bird, but I don't think I've seen something like this! It seems your friend's bird here has found a new plaything?"
Nikolai rolls his eyes in irritation at Long’s antics, but he understands she is still young and does not understand the potential importance of everything happening here. His eyes flash angrily when Jonathan refers to them as a pack of wild outlaws and he can no longer bite his tongue. He jabs a finger into the half-elf’s chest and leans in. “You are nothing more than an ignorant, small-minded fool, Mister Morgernstern. Ling, if you should decide to remain with him you shall do so alone. I shall consult the deck, you will know where to find me.” He turns to spot a lynx-like creature approach with Ghoul on its back. He watches as Ling scratches it’s ear and ponders for a moment as comes to the realization this is Caio. He frowns as he spots the polymorphic magic at work. “Caio? What has happened to you? Who did this to you?”
He quickly removes his tarot deck and begins weaving the spells of his patron…. tosses a card into the air above Caio that begins to glow and spiral around the feline form as he shifts back into his natural state.
The lynx hits Ling with an annoyed glare as she dotes on him, but... he can't resist how good the scritches feel so he does lean into them. He is relieved that Nikolai is more pragmatic and immediately works to undo the fey magic put upon him, but that relief turns to embarrassment when he is suddenly left naked on all fours in the middle of the club. Quickly, Caio casts an illusory disguise around himself to give the appearance of clothing, then runs back to the alcove to find his actual attire. "I'll be... right back."
As Caio approaches the far end of the hall, he notices the ushers and guards that bar entrance to the alcoves. It seems that they are only open to a more exclusive subset of Temnita's clientele. The man enthroned upon the dais appears to be in charge in some way, and occasionally receives petitioners seeking an audience for whatever reason.
"Uh... sure." Astrid polishes off the rest of her ale and wipes her lip with the sleeve of her robe. She lets out a heavy breathe to prepare for what they may find below, then follows behind Alaris a few paces. When they reach the bottom of the stairs the sensations from this chamber are so foreign that the cleric finds it hard to focus on anything - practically overlooking Nikolai until Alaris reaches down to cure the tiefling from his apparent overindulgence. "Well, this is certainly a night of firsts."
"Interesting choice of creature that they seem to revere down here," she says nodding to the statue of the winged figure. "Some type of celestial by the looks... fallen, perhaps," she muses aloud.
Shaking herself back to her senses from the overwhelming atmosphere, she steps over to assist Nikolai to his feet. "I can contact them - one at a time, that is - if we are unable to find them in this mess," she says to the pair hearing the tiefling's concern.
Nikolai rolls his head around as the fog clears from his brain and he recalls why he normally does jot overindulge. “His name is Dagon.” He responds to Astrid without thinking, but then pauses. “...I don’t know how I know that.” He spends a moment looking around into the crowd. “There is something uncanny in the air tonight. The Exile speaks to me.” He reaches up and removes the Deck from his holster, absently shuffling it. A silver glow begins to shimmer along the edge of the cards and it transfers into his fingertips… Nikolai scans the massively packed dance floor, looking for any of the others. If he spots any of them, he immediately points them out to Alaris and Astrid.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Alaris strides forward, focused on the fountain and statue before them. Domina Beata, Regina caeli, Illuminatio mea, duce me, they murmur as they weave through the dancers, ever-focused on their target but avoiding physical contact with the writhing celebrants of life.
The light plays on their alabaster skin, seeming to be lit from within with its own radiance. Their auburn curls sparkle with each flashing beam of light, and their muscles play under their clothing with a balance and definition too fine for human ken. Their silver eyes pierce the darkness, seeking the true nature of those within their gaze. Fiendish, angelic, or powered by death itself, Lady Freja will reveal their nature to her incandescent servant.
OOC: Using Divine Sense to look for sources of danger for her friends.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Seeing Ling and Caio finally, Nikolai watches carefully and something about the half-elf leading her away puts him on edge. Perhaps it was the excessive drinking or the strange audio/visual temporal disturbances... but something was wrong. He shouldn’t have let them be alone on a night like tonight. He immediately begins moving through the crowd towards Ling, she could message the others once he got to her. IF she was fine, then he’d apologize, but if not... then Astra furora would sing this night.
Once he was within thirty feet, Nikolai shimmers as he disappears from existence and reappears directly beside Ling and the half-elf. “Ah! There you are, little sister! Who is your friend?” He glances coolly at the half-elf, trying to get a read on his intentions.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
"I think so, I... yes, I'm okay. But let's talk when we're out of here," Ling whispers back to Shiva. As she stares at their reflections in the water, Ling makes a little wave like motion with her fingers. Their tips glow softly and the make up which had smudged under her eyes is wiped away. She runs a hand through her hair as she turns back to him, drinking in his dark eyes, so like her own. "Jonathan, how did you hear about us? And why fate? I loved dancing with you, but maybe we should do some talking, too." Absentmindedly, the young tiefling reaches out to touch the half-elves face, softly running her thumb over his cheek. So beautiful... He's a downworlder! A what? what? Ling is confused by her own thoughts for a moment, tripping on the unfamiliar term. She cannot linger on it however, as she is pulled back up to her feet.
Jonathan leads Ling back through the crowd to its edge, near the shadows, where the press of bodies is lighter. Another ball of coloured light bursts above their heads as they go, scattering silver, and the salt-sweet drops catch on Ling's tongue. She savours them, happy to lose herself in the night. He stops and swings her towards him, wrapping her arms around him. She feels the silver liquid trickling down her face like tears. The fabric of his shirt is thin and she can feel the burn of his skin underneath. Silver drops of liquid spangle his eyelashes as he lowers his glance to hers, leaning his head in towards her. His hands move over her shoulders, down her arms. Then he begins to move through the crowd again, drawing her after him and towards the shadowy alcoves that line the rear walls. A flutter of excitement spreads through her stomach. She glances back at the fountain once more - and suddenly, where he certainly wasn't before, there is Nik right next to her.
"Nik!" Ling exclaims, half hugging, half falling against him, without letting go of Jonathan's hand. She wraps her arms around the back of his head and curls her fingers into the nape of his neck, their faces close enough to kiss, staring intently into his eyes. "I've been having so much fun! But it's even better now that you're here! I have to tell you, I saw this black winged monster earlier, but I don't think it's important." She touches the tip of her nose against his and breathes: "Come dance with us!"
As Alaris stalks through the crowd, they occasionally catch a glimpse of all manner of supernatural creatures. Here, they spot a fiendish aura - perhaps only a powerful tiefling, perhaps something more exotic? There, something tainted by undeath twists and turns amongst the other dancers. It quickly disappears, only to be replaced by some other revenant on the far side of the hall. They even spot fleeting traces of celestial energy, although that is much rarer. Nevertheless, on the whole, the vast majority of the guests do not appear to be any kind of creature that they can detect.
However, Ling's new friend gives off a distinct aura of silver and gold.
Jonathan flinches almost imperceptibly as Nikolai abruptly materialises besides him and Ling. However, he quickly gathers himself.
"Yes, dance with us, Nik," the half-elf echoes, raising an eyebrow at Ling's intense affection for her 'brother'.
"My name is Jonathan," he adds, in answer to the warlock's question, "your sister and I were enjoying the party together. Is it to your taste?"
His tone is immediately stiffer than anything he has said to Ling so far.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Nikolai pointedly ignores this ‘Jonathan’, not appreciating his tone and points up to the statue where he spotted the black-winged creature as well. “Did you see it there? Because I saw something as well. Ling I tell you there are forces at work this night. The Exile is speaking to me. We must listen. Do you know where Shivala is? I see Caio, but not Shiva. I know it’s her day, but I must consult the cards.”
He gestures for Jonathan to take a few steps back. “A moment of privacy if you will.” The tone indicated he was not asking.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Nikolai appears in a cloud of tiny star motes, almost like an effect of the arcane lighting in this massive chamber. Alaris sucks in a quick breath as the familiar effect catches their eye, concerned that the brash tiefling is concerned enough to move so openly. The paladin shifts direction and sees Ling with a new friend who radiates silver and gold and the aroma of rich incense in the lingering aftereffects of their Divine Sense.
"I think what my friend means to say," Alaris interjects, "is that our little circle of friends has been very out of sorts this night, and we are deeply concerned for the one we cannot find, whose birth we celebrate this night... I am sure you understand. I am Alaris Forien," they introduce themselves, extending a long-fingered hand towards Jonathan.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Astrid glances from side to side as she finds herself suddenly abandoned. She adjusts her robe and dives through the crowd. "Oh... Excuse me... Oh my!, Sorry, didn't mean to touch that... Mind the the smallfolk!"
"Whew! Well. Lots of parts flying about in there!" Looking a bit overwhelmed, the dwarf emerges from the crowd and finally catches up with the others. "So, what's the big hurry?" she asks the others while moving around trying to find a safe spot to stand.
With confirmation that all seems to be well, Shiva gives herself to the moment once more, as Mistress caresses her cheek with an icy hand. Moving along her jawline, Mistress loosely takes her by the neck, kissing her once more with the same vigor and passion as she had on the dance floor. Shiva embraces this, bringing her body as close to Mistresses' as several layers of cloth allows and fully submitting to her partner.
At this point, clothes are removed in a flurry as the Dom-Sub dynamic is fully established, with Shiva enthusiastically accepting the changes in placement, pressure, and focus and acting where and when she is directed. Mistress leads masterfully, with unwavering control of the dynamic.
"Here, you'll enjoy this, I promise." Mistress says, as she turns Shiva's head. Breathlessly accepting, A flash of pain transforms into a pleasure that radiates across Shiva's entire body in a way that she had never before experienced. After several moments, Mistress releases her, then extends an arm before her mouth "And now you, pretty girl." Shiva hesitates for a moment, but with a knowing nod from Mistress, sinks her sharp canines into the cold skin. The liquid tastes something to sugar milk, but the taste is transfigured directly into sensations that threatens to overwhelm Shiva. It is as though she has been tethered to a well of pure ecstasy, and Mistress seizes the moment, bringing them both to fulfillment one final time.
Ling turns to Jonathan and grins wickedly: "Sister? Now that would be... mh, I don't know, it would be something for sure, I have no siblings, I can't really tell. Nik here," she slings her arm around his waist, leaning her head against his shoulder, "is certainly not my brother. Even though he likes to tell me what to do. And keep us safe and all that, he's pretty great really, aren't you?" She pats his chest. Now that Nik is here, the strange black-winged creature seems like a silly little figment of her imagination, no longer scary at all. "Yes, that's right, it was the statue. You saw it too? How many droplets did you have? I think I've had four now. Might have been a bit much. Shiva went off with a lady, I really don't think they want to be disturbed any time soon." Ling chuckles and leans towards Jonathan, without letting go of Nik. She tucks a strand of the half-elf's pale hair behind his ear and whispers to him: "Don't upset him now, that might end very badly for you." Her voice is so low that nobody could hear her even without the pounding music, if it weren't for the magic in her words. She looks at him, seeming much more sober and serious for a second, and then quickly breaks into a smile again and kisses him on the cheek.
"Now boys, don't start throwing punches please! Why don't we - oh!" Ling is interrupted when Alaris steps out of the crowd, shortly followed by Astrid. "Aaaah relax, you're always so tense! Let go a little! Shiva is totally fine, I checked in with her just a moment ago." Ling taps her temple with the side of her index finger. "Couldn't find Caio, last I saw him he was with some ginger girl - awesome hair. Why don't you and Astrid enjoy the music?" She looks between the two with a smile that implies a lot more than enjoying just the music, and tilts her head back as she sways to the rhythm again, holding onto both Nik and Jonathan. Remembering what they had been talking about before her friends reappeared, she leans back to Nikolai. "My new friend was just going to tell me how fate must have brought us together. You love fate, don't you want to come with me and hear the story?"
As Mistress deepens her kiss, she begins to reach under Shiva's layered tops, gently fondling and pinching as her tongue begins to expertly works its way across her jawline and neck. The cold suddenly intruding upon the warmth of Shiva's body is an initial shock, but once surrendered to, only serves to heightened the experience. As kisses are trailed down Shiva's neck, her tops are removed, and Mistress rains kisses down upon her exposed breasts. Shiva's breathe falters as her head tilts back in pleasure, grasping at Mistress' body.
Mistress then moves back up to Shiva's neck, taking it in her grasp more firmly this time. Leaning in to whisper to her "Do as I say, and you will receive your gift. Be a good girl for Mistress. Now remove my dress." The words drip like honey out of her mouth, and Shiva is consumed by the sensuality and intensity of the exchange "Yes, Mistress". Doing as she is told, Shiva removes the dress exposing Mistress' body, her generous figure inviting Shiva in. "May I touch you?" The two partners lock eyes, Shiva's eyes wanting and yearning, Mistress' calm and giving. "Yes."
Laying kisses across Mistress' body, the frigid temperature is offset by the powerful heat being given off by Shiva's embrace. Her hands caress the ivory curves and as her mouth reaches the center of the thighs she is surprised by the warmth of this area in relation to everywhere else, letting her tongue go to work. As Shiva takes her in, Mistress purrs and yelps at her partners skillful workings, coming to climax rather quickly. Once Shiva has had her fill, her mouth is met with Mistress' as they kiss deeply once more. "I'm going to have to keep you, aren't I?" Mistress says with a smile.
Mistress then resumed control, turning onto Shiva and removing all of her remaining clothing more quickly than Shiva thought possible. She then sets to returning the favor, yet in a manner distinctly more aggressive than Shiva's. Kisses and caresses are followed by little bites and scratches. She isn't sure if Mistress is drawing blood as she works down her body , nor does she really care, as all she can feel is profound pleasure. So experienced is Mistress that Shiva feels as though there's more than one person worshipping her body, as each touch is different and yet similar. As Mistress' tongue works Shiva's center, Shiva finds that she too quickly comes to climax. The sensation is dovetailed by a feeling of pleasure and pressure on her right thigh, and as Mistress comes up, there is a spot of blood on her cheek. "Don't worry, it was just a little nibble." Shiva finds herself excited by this, as it seemed only to raise the zenith of her climax.
"Here, you'll enjoy this, I promise" Mistress says, reaching up and turning Shiva's head to the side. As Shiva wordlessly accepts, she feels an instant of pain as Mistress bites her on the neck. The sensation that follows defies explanation, as a whirlwind of euphoria overtakes Shiva. Mistress then uses her free hand to work Shiva once more, bringing her to another climax as she kisses on the spot that she has just drunken from. "...Holy shit" Shiva says, before kissing Mistress. "Now what do you say?" Mistress says in a playfully patronizing tone. "Thank you, Mistress" Shiva says softly.
Mistress then holds her arm out in front of Shiva's mouth "And now you, pretty girl." Momentarily unsure of her meaning, Mistress makes a biting motion, to which Shiva shows distinct hesitation. Mistress then takes Shiva's chin and kisses her softly "It's ok, this is part of your gift". Relaxing, Shiva takes Mistress' arm and bites into the cold skin with her sharp canines. The taste reminded her of sugar milk, but this is rapidly overshadowed by a full body sensation that overrides all others. All words are lost to her as the ecstasy descends upon her, blanketing her with a pleasure that feels as though it is beyond this world. In this moment, she feels a connection with Mistress that transcends physical boundaries and, releasing Mistress' arm, they stimulate one another and climax as one.
In the afterglow of these moments, Mistress kisses Shiva's cheek "Such a good girl. Happy Birthday."
Caio’s lips meet the newcomer’s eagerly, and he follows along without question. As they walk he pushes the raven mask back down. The effect of the magically sharpened vision combined with the booze and lighting is almost more disorienting, but he is able to clock his friends clustered together. Ghoul swoops down among them, perching on Alaris’ shoulder, and Caio gets a good look at the stud who’s been courting Ling. He switches back to his own senses just in time to catch a glimpse of the winged statue as the throuple pass it. Though it’s form looks true now, the shifted image of the fallen angel is still burned in Caio’s head. He pushes the mask all the way down til it hangs round his neck, and continues on with the two creatures.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Jonathan accepts Alaris's proffered hand with grace, and the paladin feels a momentary crackle of radiant static as they make contact.
"Jonathan Morgenstern - and you are the crusader who hunts with a pack of wild outlaws," he says, affectionately sliding one hand about Ling's waist and lazily cupping the side of her stomach. Jonathan smirks down at where the young tiefling is hanging on his side, although she does see a momentary flash of surprise cross his eyes when her message reaches his ear.
"Tonight, I'm otherwise engaged. Maybe would could talk business in the morning? Where are you staying?"
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
As they approach the alcove, the woman steps ahead a bit, then turns and pulls Caio in for her turn at his lips. The momentum carries them both down towards the pillows in a tangle, and the male is not far behind. He drops into the pile and immediately starts removing Caio's ensemble of black leather, yanking straps and popping buckles with fervor. His companion continues to kiss the elf, then move her tongue down to his neck. He moans with pleasure as the pair ravish him, and before long the male's task is done. His large hands rub up Caio's bare back, then grab the damp nest of black curls and pull the elf's face towards his for another kiss. There is no grace here, it is all tongue and hungry jaws. The woman lunges up and joins them, just as ravenous, and Caio begins to lose himself in the primal embrace.
The male pulls back for a moment, a trail of spit lingering between them. He takes this with two fingers, which then slide down between the girl's legs. She whimpers with pleasure, and at the same time her hands seek Caio, caressing him as he grows. This arrangement continues for a few moments before a bestial hunger overtakes Caio. He pulls away from the woman's kiss before turning and then reaching back. His arms lock around the male's powerful, hairy thighs and pull Caio towards him. He licks and inhales, musk flooding his senses and sending him into a frenzy. The satyr grins at his companion, then begins thrusting rhythmically into Caio's throat. She returns the grin, then positions herself between Caio's legs. She starts at his waist, licking all the way up his lean torso, then trailing back down and taking him into her mouth. The simultaneous sensation of giving and receiving sends sparks up the elf's entire body, pinpricks across his skin. The physicality of it all is nearly overwhelming, and slowly his thoughts drift away as he is lost in the carnal embrace. His last tangible memory is of his own claws digging into the satyr's flesh, and a burst of warmth shooting down his throat and spilling out across his fur.
It's been quite awhile since any of the gang have seen Caio, but with Ghoul quietly perched near Alaris, they can assume their friend is safe. Alarm is risen however, when the bird spirit squawks, disturbed by something unseen. Ghoul takes off, flying above the crowd towards the back of the room. Moments later he returns, now riding on the back of some feline creature. On closer inspection it appears to be a lynx, with tawny fur and black tipped ears. The animal approaches the group timidly, then sits down next to them. Its eyes are strangely dark for a feline, and it fixes them on the group with an expectant look.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Ling looks up at Jonathan through her eyelashes: "You can call me a wild outlaw if you want, but you haven't seen anything yet!"
The appearance of the lynx momentarily distracts the tiefling. She lets go of the guys and crouches down, extending a hand to the wild cat. "Heeeere kitty, lemme give you a little ear scratching!" Laughing to herself, she stares at the lynx's thick, soft fur. So soft... Should I tell the others that this is ghoul's master, who's clearly had a good time with that fey woman from earlier? Naaah. It will be more fun this way! She grins at Jonathan over her shoulder, assuming he can also put two and two together after seeing Caio with the satyr before.
"Not quite my taste in music, dear," Astrid replies to Ling with a weak smile. "But if everyone seems to be okay I may just..." She begins to trail off as the large cat approaches. "Well now! I certainly have seen a cat bring home a dead bird, but I don't think I've seen something like this! It seems your friend's bird here has found a new plaything?"
Nikolai rolls his eyes in irritation at Long’s antics, but he understands she is still young and does not understand the potential importance of everything happening here. His eyes flash angrily when Jonathan refers to them as a pack of wild outlaws and he can no longer bite his tongue. He jabs a finger into the half-elf’s chest and leans in. “You are nothing more than an ignorant, small-minded fool, Mister Morgernstern. Ling, if you should decide to remain with him you shall do so alone. I shall consult the deck, you will know where to find me.” He turns to spot a lynx-like creature approach with Ghoul on its back. He watches as Ling scratches it’s ear and ponders for a moment as comes to the realization this is Caio. He frowns as he spots the polymorphic magic at work. “Caio? What has happened to you? Who did this to you?”
He quickly removes his tarot deck and begins weaving the spells of his patron…. tosses a card into the air above Caio that begins to glow and spiral around the feline form as he shifts back into his natural state.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
The lynx hits Ling with an annoyed glare as she dotes on him, but... he can't resist how good the scritches feel so he does lean into them. He is relieved that Nikolai is more pragmatic and immediately works to undo the fey magic put upon him, but that relief turns to embarrassment when he is suddenly left naked on all fours in the middle of the club. Quickly, Caio casts an illusory disguise around himself to give the appearance of clothing, then runs back to the alcove to find his actual attire. "I'll be... right back."
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
As Caio approaches the far end of the hall, he notices the ushers and guards that bar entrance to the alcoves. It seems that they are only open to a more exclusive subset of Temnita's clientele. The man enthroned upon the dais appears to be in charge in some way, and occasionally receives petitioners seeking an audience for whatever reason.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva