[ gotta say kazuki thinks this alien looks pretty cool? bats are cool. so he really doesn't have to force the grin - these guys, aliens or not, do kind of remind him of talking to other pros back home. ]
Always. And yeah, solo, for now. It's the first time I've played a gig for something like this, but there's no way I was about to miss it. It's not often I get to meet musicians from other worlds.
[ something something the more truth in a lie...
while they're chatting, though, how's this group looking? no one's acting odd or looking out of place? ]
If you need a hand taking stuff in, let me know. I don't have much, so I don't mind helping out.
so far so good, here. an awkward beat comes, before a small harrumph follows when an elderly woman elbows the man - perhaps a relative or spouse? ] My condolences.
[ what a little guy... but all the sweet talking seems to be doing the job against whatever the hell this guy's damage is, and he is mollified for now to learn that temenos is Also a space racist as he shakes his head, straightening up even more as if he's the one running the show here. ] We can't have that happening to you or a young lady, no, not with the way riffraff have been coming in in droves - why, the last soiree that happened, it was overrun! No, no, my good sir, you and your niece are welcome to join us.
Richard, if it's their first time here, surely we can bring them in with us? [ this is the wife, maybe. he looks at her in her fancy dress and her mask on a stick, nodding solemnly. ] Yes, of course, Eleanor. We'll be proceeding up to the entrance hall before too long, to collect drinks, and then escorted into the garden proper to witness the Blossoming Ceremony.
[ this is... mostly fine, still. the woman's copper brown eyes narrow slightly behind her mask, but the smile remains flawlessly perfect on her face. ] Oh, so fortunate to have found someone to work with you for the event. Is this your first time attending, if I might ask? Things should be commencing, soon, so it would be best to make sure you're prepared to head in.
It really is a sight to behold. They're saying that this year's bloom will be the best one yet, it seems, so it would be terrible to miss when things begin.
[ a chorus of murmuring delight and excitement buzzes around her from her servants, some of them whispering how excited they are - it's their first ceremony, after all! they're so lucky that they could come along with their lady!
meanwhile... well, owner. he is packing dick! (no he is packing heat.) as the guard leans forward a bit to see if maybe it fell into the water, uncertain if he should be doing this and not getting one of the attendants to do it, you'll be able to spot something that looks like a taser gun grip peeking out from beneath his suit jacket. ] I see... That really is too bad, especially with all of the water around here. Hopefully it didn't fall in. I, ah, can't really say I'd have any recommendations for a decent jeweler for you if we did find it, but let's see if we can't get some more eyes out.
[ he straightens again, flagging another person down that's more slight in stature to him but still has that same Energy that he does: another guard, probably. there's no alarm here, so you're fine for now - you can decide how you'd like to proceed with getting another schmuck over here.
bat guy nods along, not seeming to find it particularly strange that kazuki says this. it's not too uncommon, maybe, or he just seems like he's a budding musician that hasn't quite made his big break yet. ]
This place's as big a gig as you can get without being on a stage. Plenty of producers show up, or big name stars themselves, so you can make a break if you play your cards right, yeah? [ he says something in a round sounding language interspersed with clicks to another bat alien, who holds out her hands to take the equipment that he's got. after that, he turns back to kazuki. ] Ya wanna come in with us, we got a few bags we need to get carried. We can show you where the setup is, too, and that'll let ya get kinda get around all these judgy pricks out here.
hmm. interesting - lots to unpack in that one. temenos smiles, placid, completely void of any actual emotion beyond Cleric Smile, and then bows his head politely to the woman and the man alike in gratitude. ]
Thank you for your well wishes - we have nigh constantly been praying for his recovery, so if the gods are good, we will be rewarded. [ or something like that. prayer doesn't fix anything but whatever, his fake dad is a fake guy with fake terminal cancer or something. it's fine.
the placid smile remains, and temenos glances across to todomatsu briefly, tracking the progress with the pretty fancy lady. hopefully. hopefully that goes fine. hmm. but he turns back to the group after, and dips his head once more. Cleric Aura ]
But truly, you are both far too kind to extend such an invitation. I'll fetch my niece as we meander forwards; she may be a touch starstruck. [ with a soft chuckle. ] May I ask how many of these ceremonies you've witnessed? I confess, I find myself anticipating what I might see - Father was awfully tight lipped regarding the details.
[ well that phrasing is weird enough that now he's questioning what it is that's supposed to be blooming........ and he notices that little change in her expression, so. okay, time to play up the clueless thing. ]
It is! Probably obvious, right?
[ a self-effacing little laugh! ]
I'm here with my uncle, but he didn't give me a lot of details about the ceremony itself, so I'm not really sure what to expect... but if it's about to start, I'll get out of your hair and make my way over, then!
[ putting his hand over his heart and dipping his head in a little bow. ]
It was so nice talking to you!
[ he'll take a couple of steps, then pause for a moment and pretend to be looking to see where his uncle went — does it sound like it's every servant's first time here? ]
[ oh. hello second guard. owner gives this new one an apologetic look, like he is so sorry for being such a pain! ]
Oh, thank you. You're all so kind... if this takes more than a few minutes, I won't bother you any further.
[ he shyly tucks his hair behind an ear... bashful... tee hee. ]
Have you been to this before? If you're familiar with the building, you wouldn't happen to know where someone might turn in a lost item...? It's my first invitation.
[ kazuki brightens, the very picture of a young musician excited to be around someone more experienced. it's not too hard to fake, when he'd been exactly that only a few months ago. ]
[ the nice lady reaches and pats temenos very, very briefly, a reassurance maybe? before hooking her hand in the man's elbow with a friendly smile. they're definitely WASPs from space and she seems to be the better tempered one. ]
The gods are so often good to those who show their devotion. [ these are probably not the same gods, but, you know, it's probably fine. the man grumbles a little about this but doesn't protest as he pays more attention to getting to flaunt his affluence. he does that wiggle that rich men do where they look like they're shimmying their britches up, but is trying to make himself look even more important. ] Why, this is our ninth one! You're very lucky to have come across us, yes indeed. We can show the two of you further in, and you won't have to worry one bit about the more common folk.
[ the smile upticks slightly, but the beautiful woman simply hums rather than calling much attention to whatever she seems to have noticed. high perception on this one, likely. ]
It is, but I think you'll do just fine. [ she inclines her head, before lifting a hand up to indicate to her servants that they'll be leaving. ] Come along, everyone, let's head inside. I do hope we'll see you there, miss - do bring your uncle over once the festivities begin, won't you?
[ as she turns away, todomatsu gets to hear that it's... a lot of the servants' first times! the ones that aren't fluttering in nervous excitement are calmer, and most don't really give anything away about their opinion on this. but there is one of the servants that looks back his way, frowning, then looking quickly away as if genuinely nervous - or, perhaps, worried. hm. weird.
a quick rundown is given to the second guard, who simply nods - it turns out to be a woman, who regards owner with sympathy. ] We'll get some of the staff to look around for you. If you're heading inside, then we'll be able to find where you've gone - if not, there's... what, the staff all around?
Mm, yeah. There's going to be staff passing out food and drinks before the partygoers are escorted into the gardens. They don't usually do that during the ceremonies, though. It's been a while since they last did - too many people getting sick. [ the first guard shakes his head. ] You can always come back here and see if someone's turned in any lost items, though. You'll be picked up here same as you were dropped off anyways.
[ bat guy nods, grin toothy and a little uneven. ] For sure - c'mon, grab a duffel and we can get things started. If you're solo, ya might actually be heading into the main atrium where they're doing the whole thing. Not as much room for a big band. We're gonna be in the dining hall once the main bloomin' thing or whatever's all over with and they're windin' down.
Indeed they are. [ god. okay. he will take this pat, continuing with his placid smile, and glancing over at todomatsu. then, he waves his hand forward towards the entrance. ] And so, indeed, are we. I thank you for your kindness. Allow me a moment to fetch my niece - we'll catch up, shortly?
[ with that, he bows his head, polite and kind, and then heads off as if he's going to gather up todomatsu -and in the meantime, he's just kind of listening, keeping an eye on other random conversations, and using his earpiece to check in, speaking quietly:
Are you all alright? We ought to head in, or at least regroup. ]
[ hm... he tries to give that nervous servant a smile to emphasize how new and innocent he is and how easily he might be put in danger!!!! but then they're looking away from him, so okay, he'll just make a mental note of what that particular servant looked like in case he runs into them away from the rest of the group later... hopefully these servants are not also identical sextuplets.
when temenos comes over his way, he brightens up with a cheerful "oh, there you are!" and goes over to meet him, latching onto his arm. ]
It sounds like it's about to start!
[ and then under his breath: ]
Did anyone tell you what the hell this blooming thing's about?
Oh, thank you both. I appreciate it. I will continue to look over here for a bit and then go inside. I should find my brother, in any case, before he just goes in without me.
[ owner will bow his head politely to the two of them before wandering off, keeping his gaze towards the ground to feign searching for something. once he is far away enough, he'll speak into the earpiece, only glancing up to try to figure out where kazuki is. ]
The guards have tasers. Also, they said that food is not passed around during the ceremony, as people would get sick? How odd.
[ goes and grabs a bag! and casually touches his earpiece while talking to this guy so the others can hear. this is how it works in the movies, right? you've gotta be casual. ]
They should have more fans in the atrium, right? Playing in this humidity sounds miserable.
Oh of course, dear, we'll see you inside! [ the lady snaps open a hand fan, fanning herself as she steers richard away. more of a dick than a richard, really. they converge into the same group as the enigmatic lady and her crowd, straggling along behind with their ragtag group of terrible rich people on their trail like ducklings.
the nervous servant, fortunately, is probably not one of your brothers. it's probably fine. you two can regroup before you decide where to go and if you're going to get the other two or not.
the message is relayed across all earpieces from owner as the guards bid him good luck, talking to one another and not... quite realizing that they'd been played, actually. or at the very least clocked for not being the average guest.
for kazuki, now that we're down to just one person talking actively, the bat guy shrugs a little as he also grabs a bag. fortunately you all will be heading in the same direction. ] It's killer, right? Where I'm from, it never gets like this - but I think they do, or at least got somethin' set up where there'll be somethin' to cool the place down. Don't really wanna smell all these folks sweatin' out all their perfumes, ya know?
terrible. anyway. temenos will catch up with todomatsu and let him take his arm, covering his hand gently with one of his own briefly in a nice gesture of yes, i am such a kindly priest! he's tracking owner with his eyes, too, looking for that swathe of bright red, and listening to the conversation. the guests get sick, huh.
... ]
The wealthy group had been here a total of nine times, and have a strong distaste for the common folks. Perhaps our 'blossoming' is a seed that sprouts - or perhaps something that is born.
[ gods. maybe that's what a heartseed is. temenos looks thoughtful even from behind his mask, and then shakes his head a little. ]
Let's wait for Kazuki to catch up. We ought to head in together, even if is isn't obviously so.
[ help i just meant he hoped he could pick out that particular servant in a crowd later to maybe ask them some questions while queen bee's in the bathroom or something
ANWYAY he's also pretty (unsure) at owner's deet about the getting sick thing — and also like, shit, i used the wrong word, but blooming and blossoming are the same thing so innocent mistake for a clueless first-timer right???? if anything that probably makes him LESS suspicious because he clearly doesn't know shit about this event so there's no reason to think he's here investigating it!!!!
despite all of this he's successfully keeping his enthusiastic smile on his face and quietly contributes his own mini report. ]
It was the first time for most of that servant group, but there was one who I think knew something who looked pretty nervous...?
Also if anyone asks this gown is totally a Dior and you all saw it in a magazine.
anyway, owner is just going to walk over to where kazuki is. he doesn't like... join the group, since he obviously does not fit in with a bunch of musicians, but he is just going to sort of trail behind the musicians so he can keep an eye on him. he will make eye contact with temenos and todomatsu so that they are aware he knows where they are.
ok time to go inside FINE SNOW. WE'RE PROGRESSING THE CYOA. ]
[ up the path, cooled by the whirring fans, and to the stairs - people are slowly congregating and making their way along as well, so you're not alone. many of them are talking, and with your collective rolls you get to hear piecemeal more information about what you're walking into. ]
"Did you hear how many there were last year?" "I was there! Not nearly as many as usual, they must not have gotten many deliveried. It was truly unfortunate... the blooms weren't nearly as beautiful."
"You wanna take bets on how many of these yuppies are gonna hurl this year?" "Hahaha, no way. You see the fresh faces this time? It'll be a mess." "At least they stopped feeding the idiots right before. They used to do the dinner before the Blossoming Ceremony." "What, seriously? I didn't -"
"Honestly, they should make these ceremonies more exclusive. It'd be worth paying the extra money to ensure! The atrium is going to be so crowded before long..."
"What is this, the twentieth year?" "Give or take - my mother went to one of the first ones, if I remember right."
[ bat guy and kazuki catch up to the three of you, the musician politely mutter scuse us even if there's disdain still sent his way from some of the other partygoers. he seems to ignore it, and instead gestures for kazuki to follow him - his bandmates move ahead, hurrying along so that they can find a servant to direct them to the banquet hall. ]
Real bad mix. But here we go, kid. You're gonna want to hang out with these folks, head in with them. The atrium's a bit of a walk, if I 'member right, but figure ya got this. Break a leg, yeah? Show 'em what ya can do. If we can slide in, we'll definitely come root for ya.
[ another, crooked smile, and then he'll take the bag to catch up with his companions.
which leads the four of you to be herded in by the crowd, forward, into a beautiful room with a flowing fountain. there are plants spread all throughout, all natural light through the glass windows that go from floor to ceiling with ornate decorations built in. this is only a gathering place, though - it lets you get another look at the rest of the people around you, with some familiar faces for temenos and todomatsu both.
servants flit around with trays of sparkling champagne in elegant flutes, but there's fewer trays of food while you're inside. as if they're preparing for whatever is to come next.
the excitement is palpable, but there are still some people that look worried, or nervous. maybe first time jitters? it's hard to say, at a glance. but no one seems to realize that the four of you aren't meant to be here.
the queen bee takes note of todomatsu with temenos, when she glances over from where she's standing with a drink held delicately in gold and black fingers, clawed jewelry a contrast against the glass stem. she raises it to them in a small toast before going back to her conversation at the moment.
the group of space racist WASPs are gathered again like an angry flock of fat, glamorous chickens, hemming and hawing amongst one another. they aren't paying anyone else any attention unless it's to judge them.
but, that's alright. there's a man in extraordinarily fine silks, falling about him in waves. think billy porter's oscar gowns he's that elegant and beautiful and amazing. he holds up a champagne flute and carefully taps out a tinkling, ringing sound with an enormous ring to draw attention to him. ]
Welcome, everyone! Please, make sure that you're all ready for a little bit of a walk through the Hanging Gardens here momentarily. We'll begin making our way out to the atrium for the Blossoming Ceremony to begin - everything is going to be magnificent this year, and we have seen to it. If you need anything at all, I daresay that one of our fine attendants will provide it for you.
Should you like anything a little harder than what we're providing... [ a lofty laugh ] Well, you'll just have to wait a little longer! We'll see that your needs are taken care of.
I'm very excited for you to see what we have in store. The prospects are exquisite this year.
well, this is a lot. twenty years of these ceremonies. blossoms and blooms, another mention of the food - it's a lot! it's a lot. the entire way through temenos is keeping his ears open, listening with a quiet, growing sense of unease, though you'd never see it on his face. he briefly gives kazuki a smile when he rejoins the group, but otherwise is focused, eyes sweeping the crowd under his mask. he looks for good ole racist 1 and racist 2 in the crowd, checking to see what they're up to short of judging, and follows the gaze of the ornate businesswoman to incline his head slightly.
he murmurs a quiet: ] Into the belly of the beast. [ just loud enough to be heard by the others, tone dry and at least seemingly relaxed. ]
[ cheerfully waves to queen bee when she raises her glass toward him while sweating internally. and maybe externally a little, it's humid.
but yeah, this is shady as hell. he's definitely pausing to note the more nervous-looking people in the crowd... are there particular things they seem to be wary of? like, is there anything they seem to be deliberately not looking at? are any of them drinking the champagne or are they avoiding it? ]
[ oh boy. what does he mean by harder? what the hecky is going on here.
owner will take a glass of champagne just so it does not look like he is avoiding it, but just fakes taking a sip to be safe. he will move a little closer to kazuki, not quite close enough so they look like they're definitely together, but just so that he can reach him quickly if needed.
is there any area in particular that looks like it is more guarded than others? ]
[ none of this sounds good. since he's posing as entertainment, kazuki will not drink any champagne, but. he's keeping his eyes on the crowd, watching this guy in the silks with a frown. is anyone talking about what these "prospects" are...
also he's going to touch his earpiece and whisper, ]
Were there nausea meds in that med kit? Maybe one of us should stay behind so we don't all get sick?
[ racist 1 and 2 are buzzing with anticipation, it looks like. temenos and owner both have probably seen this sort of thing before, although it might not be hard for todomatsu and kazuki to place: it's a kind of perverse glee, in a way. excitement for something unusual, or forbidden, or an indulgence or sorts.
either way, it's unsettling. there are a few others that have this kind of energy, although they're fewer in numbers compared to those that are calm or nervous.
nothing in the immediate area seems to warrant any nerves. the plants are luscious, the fountain is peaceful, and everyone is partaking in the champagne that's being brought around. even the queen bee doesn't bat a pretty eye at taking a sip. no one seems to get sick from it, but only time will tell for that sort of thing... right?
a set of doors behind a towering, flowering plant has a pair of guards on either side of them. otherwise, there's not anywhere in specific that has a surplus of security - a few of the mooks are mingling in with you, but not the two that owner spoke with earlier.
adrastea's voice comes through for the four of them, although it's... crackly. ]
[ yeah this is unsettling. when offered the champagne, temenos will take it, though he just holds it for now, watching the reactions of the indulgently thrilled for a long moment before looking back to see what the announcer guy is up to now that he's finished making his speech.
is the crowd just waiting, or are they starting to mill towards the garden? should we follow? these are the questions that temenos considers for the moment, listening to kazuki and then...
... adrastea. the crackly sound is unpleasant and makes him shut an eye behind his mask, briefly, and the silence feels almost deafening in the buzzy oddness of the room. that's not good. one hand tightens around his staff, and for the thousandth time, he wishes he had his spells. ]
Stay calm. [ quietly, just to the others - moreso for kazuki and todomatsu than owner, owner's a freak like him so they're both probably fine - but he does tense up under todomatsu's hand. ] We will have to continue.
[ they can't just bolt out of here, because that would be insanely suspicious, and... maybe it's just like the eudora, and whatever's wrong with it will magically fix itself at the most inconvenient time possible. ]
[ todomatsu's following owner's lead with the champagne and is just going to pretend to take a sip without actually touching any of it — at least he's got a lipstick print on the glass now so it looks like he did — but otherwise, he's just sitting there and waiting to see where this heads next.
...and then adrastea's crackly voice is in his ear saying something unintelligible and it's everything he can do to keep the smile on his face as he thinks WHY ARE YOU THIS UNHELPFUL AT EVERY JOB YOU HAVE???? ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Always. And yeah, solo, for now. It's the first time I've played a gig for something like this, but there's no way I was about to miss it. It's not often I get to meet musicians from other worlds.
[ something something the more truth in a lie...
while they're chatting, though, how's this group looking? no one's acting odd or looking out of place? ]
If you need a hand taking stuff in, let me know. I don't have much, so I don't mind helping out.
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so far so good, here. an awkward beat comes, before a small harrumph follows when an elderly woman elbows the man - perhaps a relative or spouse? ] My condolences.
[ what a little guy... but all the sweet talking seems to be doing the job against whatever the hell this guy's damage is, and he is mollified for now to learn that temenos is Also a space racist as he shakes his head, straightening up even more as if he's the one running the show here. ] We can't have that happening to you or a young lady, no, not with the way riffraff have been coming in in droves - why, the last soiree that happened, it was overrun! No, no, my good sir, you and your niece are welcome to join us.
Richard, if it's their first time here, surely we can bring them in with us? [ this is the wife, maybe. he looks at her in her fancy dress and her mask on a stick, nodding solemnly. ] Yes, of course, Eleanor. We'll be proceeding up to the entrance hall before too long, to collect drinks, and then escorted into the garden proper to witness the Blossoming Ceremony.
[ this is... mostly fine, still. the woman's copper brown eyes narrow slightly behind her mask, but the smile remains flawlessly perfect on her face. ] Oh, so fortunate to have found someone to work with you for the event. Is this your first time attending, if I might ask? Things should be commencing, soon, so it would be best to make sure you're prepared to head in.
It really is a sight to behold. They're saying that this year's bloom will be the best one yet, it seems, so it would be terrible to miss when things begin.
[ a chorus of murmuring delight and excitement buzzes around her from her servants, some of them whispering how excited they are - it's their first ceremony, after all! they're so lucky that they could come along with their lady!
meanwhile... well, owner. he is packing dick! (no he is packing heat.) as the guard leans forward a bit to see if maybe it fell into the water, uncertain if he should be doing this and not getting one of the attendants to do it, you'll be able to spot something that looks like a taser gun grip peeking out from beneath his suit jacket. ] I see... That really is too bad, especially with all of the water around here. Hopefully it didn't fall in. I, ah, can't really say I'd have any recommendations for a decent jeweler for you if we did find it, but let's see if we can't get some more eyes out.
[ he straightens again, flagging another person down that's more slight in stature to him but still has that same Energy that he does: another guard, probably. there's no alarm here, so you're fine for now - you can decide how you'd like to proceed with getting another schmuck over here.
bat guy nods along, not seeming to find it particularly strange that kazuki says this. it's not too uncommon, maybe, or he just seems like he's a budding musician that hasn't quite made his big break yet. ]
This place's as big a gig as you can get without being on a stage. Plenty of producers show up, or big name stars themselves, so you can make a break if you play your cards right, yeah? [ he says something in a round sounding language interspersed with clicks to another bat alien, who holds out her hands to take the equipment that he's got. after that, he turns back to kazuki. ] Ya wanna come in with us, we got a few bags we need to get carried. We can show you where the setup is, too, and that'll let ya get kinda get around all these judgy pricks out here.
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hmm. interesting - lots to unpack in that one. temenos smiles, placid, completely void of any actual emotion beyond Cleric Smile, and then bows his head politely to the woman and the man alike in gratitude. ]
Thank you for your well wishes - we have nigh constantly been praying for his recovery, so if the gods are good, we will be rewarded. [ or something like that. prayer doesn't fix anything but whatever, his fake dad is a fake guy with fake terminal cancer or something. it's fine.
the placid smile remains, and temenos glances across to todomatsu briefly, tracking the progress with the pretty fancy lady. hopefully. hopefully that goes fine. hmm. but he turns back to the group after, and dips his head once more. Cleric Aura ]
But truly, you are both far too kind to extend such an invitation. I'll fetch my niece as we meander forwards; she may be a touch starstruck. [ with a soft chuckle. ] May I ask how many of these ceremonies you've witnessed? I confess, I find myself anticipating what I might see - Father was awfully tight lipped regarding the details.
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It is! Probably obvious, right?
[ a self-effacing little laugh! ]
I'm here with my uncle, but he didn't give me a lot of details about the ceremony itself, so I'm not really sure what to expect... but if it's about to start, I'll get out of your hair and make my way over, then!
[ putting his hand over his heart and dipping his head in a little bow. ]
It was so nice talking to you!
[ he'll take a couple of steps, then pause for a moment and pretend to be looking to see where his uncle went — does it sound like it's every servant's first time here? ]
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Oh, thank you. You're all so kind... if this takes more than a few minutes, I won't bother you any further.
[ he shyly tucks his hair behind an ear... bashful... tee hee. ]
Have you been to this before? If you're familiar with the building, you wouldn't happen to know where someone might turn in a lost item...? It's my first invitation.
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[ kazuki brightens, the very picture of a young musician excited to be around someone more experienced. it's not too hard to fake, when he'd been exactly that only a few months ago. ]
You sure? I'd definitely owe you one.
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The gods are so often good to those who show their devotion. [ these are probably not the same gods, but, you know, it's probably fine. the man grumbles a little about this but doesn't protest as he pays more attention to getting to flaunt his affluence. he does that wiggle that rich men do where they look like they're shimmying their britches up, but is trying to make himself look even more important. ] Why, this is our ninth one! You're very lucky to have come across us, yes indeed. We can show the two of you further in, and you won't have to worry one bit about the more common folk.
[ the smile upticks slightly, but the beautiful woman simply hums rather than calling much attention to whatever she seems to have noticed. high perception on this one, likely. ]
It is, but I think you'll do just fine. [ she inclines her head, before lifting a hand up to indicate to her servants that they'll be leaving. ] Come along, everyone, let's head inside. I do hope we'll see you there, miss - do bring your uncle over once the festivities begin, won't you?
[ as she turns away, todomatsu gets to hear that it's... a lot of the servants' first times! the ones that aren't fluttering in nervous excitement are calmer, and most don't really give anything away about their opinion on this. but there is one of the servants that looks back his way, frowning, then looking quickly away as if genuinely nervous - or, perhaps, worried. hm. weird.
a quick rundown is given to the second guard, who simply nods - it turns out to be a woman, who regards owner with sympathy. ] We'll get some of the staff to look around for you. If you're heading inside, then we'll be able to find where you've gone - if not, there's... what, the staff all around?
Mm, yeah. There's going to be staff passing out food and drinks before the partygoers are escorted into the gardens. They don't usually do that during the ceremonies, though. It's been a while since they last did - too many people getting sick. [ the first guard shakes his head. ] You can always come back here and see if someone's turned in any lost items, though. You'll be picked up here same as you were dropped off anyways.
[ bat guy nods, grin toothy and a little uneven. ] For sure - c'mon, grab a duffel and we can get things started. If you're solo, ya might actually be heading into the main atrium where they're doing the whole thing. Not as much room for a big band. We're gonna be in the dining hall once the main bloomin' thing or whatever's all over with and they're windin' down.
[ an in... times two. nice.
what's the plan kids. ]
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[ with that, he bows his head, polite and kind, and then heads off as if he's going to gather up todomatsu -and in the meantime, he's just kind of listening, keeping an eye on other random conversations, and using his earpiece to check in, speaking quietly:
Are you all alright? We ought to head in, or at least regroup. ]
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when temenos comes over his way, he brightens up with a cheerful "oh, there you are!" and goes over to meet him, latching onto his arm. ]
It sounds like it's about to start!
[ and then under his breath: ]
Did anyone tell you what the hell this blooming thing's about?
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[ owner will bow his head politely to the two of them before wandering off, keeping his gaze towards the ground to feign searching for something. once he is far away enough, he'll speak into the earpiece, only glancing up to try to figure out where kazuki is. ]
The guards have tasers. Also, they said that food is not passed around during the ceremony, as people would get sick? How odd.
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[ goes and grabs a bag! and casually touches his earpiece while talking to this guy so the others can hear. this is how it works in the movies, right? you've gotta be casual. ]
They should have more fans in the atrium, right? Playing in this humidity sounds miserable.
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the nervous servant, fortunately, is probably not one of your brothers. it's probably fine. you two can regroup before you decide where to go and if you're going to get the other two or not.
the message is relayed across all earpieces from owner as the guards bid him good luck, talking to one another and not... quite realizing that they'd been played, actually. or at the very least clocked for not being the average guest.
for kazuki, now that we're down to just one person talking actively, the bat guy shrugs a little as he also grabs a bag. fortunately you all will be heading in the same direction. ] It's killer, right? Where I'm from, it never gets like this - but I think they do, or at least got somethin' set up where there'll be somethin' to cool the place down. Don't really wanna smell all these folks sweatin' out all their perfumes, ya know?
[ ew? ]
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terrible. anyway. temenos will catch up with todomatsu and let him take his arm, covering his hand gently with one of his own briefly in a nice gesture of yes, i am such a kindly priest! he's tracking owner with his eyes, too, looking for that swathe of bright red, and listening to the conversation. the guests get sick, huh.
... ]
The wealthy group had been here a total of nine times, and have a strong distaste for the common folks. Perhaps our 'blossoming' is a seed that sprouts - or perhaps something that is born.
[ gods. maybe that's what a heartseed is. temenos looks thoughtful even from behind his mask, and then shakes his head a little. ]
Let's wait for Kazuki to catch up. We ought to head in together, even if is isn't obviously so.
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ANWYAY he's also pretty (unsure) at owner's deet about the getting sick thing — and also like, shit, i used the wrong word, but blooming and blossoming are the same thing so innocent mistake for a clueless first-timer right???? if anything that probably makes him LESS suspicious because he clearly doesn't know shit about this event so there's no reason to think he's here investigating it!!!!
despite all of this he's successfully keeping his enthusiastic smile on his face and quietly contributes his own mini report. ]
It was the first time for most of that servant group, but there was one who I think knew something who looked pretty nervous...?
Also if anyone asks this gown is totally a Dior and you all saw it in a magazine.
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anyway, owner is just going to walk over to where kazuki is. he doesn't like... join the group, since he obviously does not fit in with a bunch of musicians, but he is just going to sort of trail behind the musicians so he can keep an eye on him. he will make eye contact with temenos and todomatsu so that they are aware he knows where they are.
ok time to go inside FINE SNOW. WE'RE PROGRESSING THE CYOA. ]
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[ he's following bat guy inside okay!! he's going!! ]
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"Did you hear how many there were last year?" "I was there! Not nearly as many as usual, they must not have gotten many deliveried. It was truly unfortunate... the blooms weren't nearly as beautiful."
"You wanna take bets on how many of these yuppies are gonna hurl this year?" "Hahaha, no way. You see the fresh faces this time? It'll be a mess." "At least they stopped feeding the idiots right before. They used to do the dinner before the Blossoming Ceremony." "What, seriously? I didn't -"
"Honestly, they should make these ceremonies more exclusive. It'd be worth paying the extra money to ensure! The atrium is going to be so crowded before long..."
"What is this, the twentieth year?" "Give or take - my mother went to one of the first ones, if I remember right."
[ bat guy and kazuki catch up to the three of you, the musician politely mutter scuse us even if there's disdain still sent his way from some of the other partygoers. he seems to ignore it, and instead gestures for kazuki to follow him - his bandmates move ahead, hurrying along so that they can find a servant to direct them to the banquet hall. ]
Real bad mix. But here we go, kid. You're gonna want to hang out with these folks, head in with them. The atrium's a bit of a walk, if I 'member right, but figure ya got this. Break a leg, yeah? Show 'em what ya can do. If we can slide in, we'll definitely come root for ya.
[ another, crooked smile, and then he'll take the bag to catch up with his companions.
which leads the four of you to be herded in by the crowd, forward, into a beautiful room with a flowing fountain. there are plants spread all throughout, all natural light through the glass windows that go from floor to ceiling with ornate decorations built in. this is only a gathering place, though - it lets you get another look at the rest of the people around you, with some familiar faces for temenos and todomatsu both.
servants flit around with trays of sparkling champagne in elegant flutes, but there's fewer trays of food while you're inside. as if they're preparing for whatever is to come next.
the excitement is palpable, but there are still some people that look worried, or nervous. maybe first time jitters? it's hard to say, at a glance. but no one seems to realize that the four of you aren't meant to be here.
the queen bee takes note of todomatsu with temenos, when she glances over from where she's standing with a drink held delicately in gold and black fingers, clawed jewelry a contrast against the glass stem. she raises it to them in a small toast before going back to her conversation at the moment.
the group of space racist WASPs are gathered again like an angry flock of fat, glamorous chickens, hemming and hawing amongst one another. they aren't paying anyone else any attention unless it's to judge them.
but, that's alright. there's a man in extraordinarily fine silks, falling about him in waves. think billy porter's oscar gowns he's that elegant and beautiful and amazing. he holds up a champagne flute and carefully taps out a tinkling, ringing sound with an enormous ring to draw attention to him. ]
Welcome, everyone! Please, make sure that you're all ready for a little bit of a walk through the Hanging Gardens here momentarily. We'll begin making our way out to the atrium for the Blossoming Ceremony to begin - everything is going to be magnificent this year, and we have seen to it. If you need anything at all, I daresay that one of our fine attendants will provide it for you.
Should you like anything a little harder than what we're providing... [ a lofty laugh ] Well, you'll just have to wait a little longer! We'll see that your needs are taken care of.
I'm very excited for you to see what we have in store. The prospects are exquisite this year.
[ hm, well, alright! ]
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well, this is a lot. twenty years of these ceremonies. blossoms and blooms, another mention of the food - it's a lot! it's a lot. the entire way through temenos is keeping his ears open, listening with a quiet, growing sense of unease, though you'd never see it on his face. he briefly gives kazuki a smile when he rejoins the group, but otherwise is focused, eyes sweeping the crowd under his mask. he looks for good ole racist 1 and racist 2 in the crowd, checking to see what they're up to short of judging, and follows the gaze of the ornate businesswoman to incline his head slightly.
he murmurs a quiet: ] Into the belly of the beast. [ just loud enough to be heard by the others, tone dry and at least seemingly relaxed. ]
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but yeah, this is shady as hell. he's definitely pausing to note the more nervous-looking people in the crowd... are there particular things they seem to be wary of? like, is there anything they seem to be deliberately not looking at? are any of them drinking the champagne or are they avoiding it? ]
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owner will take a glass of champagne just so it does not look like he is avoiding it, but just fakes taking a sip to be safe. he will move a little closer to kazuki, not quite close enough so they look like they're definitely together, but just so that he can reach him quickly if needed.
is there any area in particular that looks like it is more guarded than others? ]
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also he's going to touch his earpiece and whisper, ]
Were there nausea meds in that med kit? Maybe one of us should stay behind so we don't all get sick?
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either way, it's unsettling. there are a few others that have this kind of energy, although they're fewer in numbers compared to those that are calm or nervous.
nothing in the immediate area seems to warrant any nerves. the plants are luscious, the fountain is peaceful, and everyone is partaking in the champagne that's being brought around. even the queen bee doesn't bat a pretty eye at taking a sip. no one seems to get sick from it, but only time will tell for that sort of thing... right?
a set of doors behind a towering, flowering plant has a pair of guards on either side of them. otherwise, there's not anywhere in specific that has a surplus of security - a few of the mooks are mingling in with you, but not the two that owner spoke with earlier.
adrastea's voice comes through for the four of them, although it's... crackly. ]
There should... something for... why do you...
[ and then nothing. ]
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is the crowd just waiting, or are they starting to mill towards the garden? should we follow? these are the questions that temenos considers for the moment, listening to kazuki and then...
... adrastea. the crackly sound is unpleasant and makes him shut an eye behind his mask, briefly, and the silence feels almost deafening in the buzzy oddness of the room. that's not good. one hand tightens around his staff, and for the thousandth time, he wishes he had his spells. ]
Stay calm. [ quietly, just to the others - moreso for kazuki and todomatsu than owner, owner's a freak like him so they're both probably fine - but he does tense up under todomatsu's hand. ] We will have to continue.
[ they can't just bolt out of here, because that would be insanely suspicious, and... maybe it's just like the eudora, and whatever's wrong with it will magically fix itself at the most inconvenient time possible. ]
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...and then adrastea's crackly voice is in his ear saying something unintelligible and it's everything he can do to keep the smile on his face as he thinks WHY ARE YOU THIS UNHELPFUL AT EVERY JOB YOU HAVE???? ]
Right. No problem.
[ warily watches the announcer... ]
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