ROLEPLAY HQ - dark-revelations

\ TW: Violence, Sexual Content, TBD

The wealthy and elite, a circle where most had to fight tooth and nail to keep their seat. A circle so full of greediness behind a thinly veiled mask of generosity. Or, at least that was the case for one Iliana Larkspur. So worshipped for all that she had done for the communities of the less fortunate. Even going so far as to volunteer her precious time to make appearances at soup kitchens, at orphanages and the like. But the truth behind that mask? No one even had a clue. So good was her mask that no one even suspected a thing... Just the way she liked it. One current such event was being held in the Larkspur castle. A charity for those 'poor little non-magic orphans', she had been meticulous at making the arrangements. Only the best food, music, and decorations that lured in all who had deep pockets. Iliana's light brown eyes scanned everyone who sat at the tables scattered around her ballroom. Those who weren't engaged in conversations were either drinking or stuffing their greedy little faces with the finest meal they'd probably had this side of the season, there were a few outliers, but she rarely concerned herself with the like of them. New money they were, new to the circle and not quite familiar with how things worked. They'd learn soon, of course they would, or she'd put them in their place one way or another... Tapping her champagne glass as she made her way to the podium, her dress shimmering from the dim lights of the chandelier that hung over head. Once there she waited until a silence fell over the crowed. Her eyes scanning one more time as her back straightened and her chin lifted. Time to put on a show. blankspace

11:53

"I thank each and every one of the great families for joining me this fine evening. As you all know this is a very dear cause to my heart. The New Life Orphanage has been hit with a heavy loss. A fire has ravished the very grounds that those poor dears had called home. How such a thing could have come to happen my heart can not comprehend..." Iliana paused for dramatic effect, even going so far as to wipe at her eye with a kerchief as she looked away. Truth be told she'd razed the grounds, as to the why? Well that was her secret. "Thankfully no little soul has been harmed but it has left them rather...displaced at the moment. So I have gathered you all here in the hopes that we can raise funds for them to have a new orphanage built, somewhere more... acceptable and safe. I ask that you take it into your kind hearts to donate what you can spare and I hope that each of you come to enjoy the rest of tonight's festivities." She raised her glass, bringing it to her dark red painted lips as she took a drink. Then the music began to play and Iliana moved down from the podium, taking those few steps as she skirted around the dance floor.

11:54

her dress

11:54

@Violet Marcus

Nero sipped his wine in the hall for the charity event. After all, how could someone of his status not show face for any event for someone like Iliana Larkspur. Besides, what better place to meet with the powerful and rich and possibly turn them to the weak and poor. Some used force to take down those they saw beneath them, but Nero need naught but his silver tongue. A gentle misdirection here, and convincing nudge there and dynasties could fall overnight if he so wished. Of course, this isn't to say he was incapable of using force, just that, like his victims, he'd found it tiring and hardly worth his time. Even if they were to be used for a moment's entertainment. Still, Lady Larkspur was one of the few, if not only, individuals that he found to be worth his time and energy for mutual benefit. She was cunning, tactful, and had a way of charming hundreds, if not thousands with a simple smile. An effect of hers that he was not above as found himself raising his own glass at her beck and call without realizing it. As she found herself headed towards the dance floor, he wanted to take the opportunity to converse with her. Potentially see if any collaborations were available to be taken when he found himself cut off but a random noble of an irrelevant house. If they were worth knowing, he'd have already committed it to memory after. The lively soul seemed so intent on conversation that he didn't even notice the small doses of powder that were added to his drink. For wasting Nero's precious time, a dubious and unconcerning fate was before him. Whether he'd survive would be based purely on his own merits. When the opportunity arose, he drifted away and found the object of his intent as he effortlessly changed his walk into an unprepared dance, unnoticeable to all but those intently watching as he led Iliana to the music. "Now Iliana I'd say it's been too long. I'd hope you don't find my actions too unbecoming." @EnchantedNymph

She'd seen Nero Shatarova's approach, though her brown eyes were focused on the man before her. Iliana had seen the slight of hand, the colorless powder falling into his drink before she gave him a pleasant smile, her hand moving to his arm before she said some sort of mundane pleasantry and excused herself. Hopefully the dolt would make some sort of donation before whatever it was took affect on him. "*Do enjoy your evening, sir." She couldn't even remember what name he had given her, her attention too locked on to the striking male that soon replaced him. His strong and steady arm pulling her towards the dance floor. She'd gone from on the outskirts of the dance floor to being in the dead center, her dress sparkling. It had been unprompted but Iliana had no problem following Nero's lead. Out of all the people here at her event he was by far the most interesting. Like her he seemed to wear a mask, one most seemed to be unaware of but not Iliana... She could see his true colors and it excited her, tempted her to reveal her true face to him yet never being given the opportune moment or deciding that then had not been the right time. This game of being the saint of the Kingdom of Edessa, it was too fun to play and she wasn't quite ready to trust someone that much. Especially someone who seemed to have kept his distance. blankspace

17:54

"Too long? Weren't we both present at Count Aurri's gala last spring?" Indeed it had been, but at who's fault? She'd been...preoccupied with attempting to acquire the land in which the orphanage had sat. Each attempt at doing thing legally had came back fruitless. That was, until she got a little heated. The corner of Iliana's lip turned upward into a coy smile. "Unbecoming? The great Nero Shatarova? You could never." The glided across the dance floor, one of her hands on his shoulder while the other came to rest in his gloved hand. He was elegance personified and if she weren't careful she just might find herself besotted like most of the ladies that were still unattached. "Why, just look. Everyone is staring in awe... Tell me, Nero. What can I do for you this evening? Perhaps lighten those pockets of yours for those poor orphans?" @Violet Marcus

As the words left her lips, he began reminisce on the night of Count Aurri's gala. It was certainly event. Extravagant and elaborate by his standards, but Nero maintained his façade of being impressed and charmed by his his effervescent musings. Count Aurri was the kind of man who liked to be the center of attention and to remind others of his wealth and influence. If he was a better conversationalist by Nero's tastes, he might consider Count Aurri a friend, rather than another nuisance that needed to be removed from this plane of existence not long after. The following month was at least an interesting change of events. One of the city's most powerful and influential magicians murdered in cold blood. Nero went around the city gallivanting as a champion of justice in honor of his friend's passing, vowing to find the one responsible for such a 'cruel and heinous act'. Almost immediately, he found himself thrust in this position and as they say, "All the world's a stage." On the other hand, there was woman he knew to be truly worthy of his time and energy. Iliana was truly and undeniably in a class of her own. "My dear, Iliana, you truly think too highly of me, yet I'm humbled to be in your grace all the same." As they stepped to the music he took in her words slowly, the smile never leaving his face. 'I could hardly care what these frivolous peasants thought.' "For you Iliana, money is simply no object. You and I both know I've always been a proud sponsor, donor, and benefactor to your causes. What I wanted to discover personally, is if you'd be opposed to a moment of quiet, privacy, and fresh air with me, What I have to say is not meant for just any ears after all." @EnchantedNymph

"Who says I think highly of you, Nero Shatarova?" She chuckled as they spun around the dance floor, both full of grace and poise as eyes remained on them. Her eyes became hidden beneath her lashes as she leaned in slightly, the smell of her perfume likely tickling his senses as she spoke. "Everyone here adores you, I am sure of. If they're not trying to get into my good graces they are surely trying to gain your favor." It was the truth, and as much as she had a competitive spirit it was not the same when it came to Nero. It was as they were two equally powerhouses. They could work well together, she knew, though neither had seemed to reach out for the opportunity though as she observed him she wondered if that was exactly the reason he had reached out. "I jest, of course. I very much love your company, and am very fond of your work." Of course, she had no proof but there were tale tell signs of what had happened. Small things that most others wouldn't have picked up on that she had after Count Aurri's demise. "Just what I like to hear, and am very aware of. Though why you have never approached me until now has me curious." His question had her arching a perfectly trimmed brow. "I could use a fresh air, and I must say you have me very intrigued as to what you want to say." The song came to an end and by coincidence out by a guiding hand they were near the doors to the back garden. Letting her hands slide from his grasp she turned to head out the large open glass paneled door, leading him outside into the pleasant night air. blankspace

17:11

The garden was immaculate, carefully trimmed rosebushes lined a cobblestone path leading to high trimmed walls of a maze, in the center a gazebo sat, lit up by low glowing orbs of amber. "Come, lest someone follow us out and seek our attention and interrupt our conversation." She offered her his hand, not waiting for him to do it. She was the take charge type at times, and clearly tonight was one of them. Each step they'd take led them further from the sounds of the event, the music only faintly in the background. Once they reached the gazebo she released his arm, moving to sit on an ornate bench decorated with carved roses and lilies. "I'm all your now, Nero. Enlighten me to what is so important that we must be alone."

17:11

@Violet Marcus

As they swayed and stepped to the music, Nero enjoyed feeling of a hundred pairs of eyes on himself and Iliana. Knowing all too well that the some of them were intimidated by the thought of the two of them and the rest, fearful, but not for the reasons they should. With the influence and wealth they both commanded, there were few powers in the world that could overtake them. Even some countries would be forced to bow before their feet if they so wished and all they need do is join forces. The thought of so many groveling at his feet was an intoxication no wine, mead, or ale could ever hope to compare. Thus the momentous contemplation of his mind. Should he torture these poor souls further by leading them to only think of would could be, or should he nail their coffin shut and seal the deal. When she made note of his work he raised his eyebrow in amusement. He was meticulous in every step of his plans so for her to notice, was a skill one should normally be in fear of, but Nero found such an eye to be endearing, charming even. After all the cadence of her voice led this statement to be not a simple accusation, but an acknowledgement of the truth. Yet she never seemed fearful for her existence in the slightest, nor did she seem to even entertain the idea that maybe he would do the same to her. Whether it be recklessness, naivete, arrogance or confidence, he found this fact to be alluring of her mind nonetheless as they walked to the garden. "Well Iliana, what is so important I wonder. There are many things we could discuss. Your charity for one. Perhaps we could discuss my potential career in politics. We could discuss the tragic demise of Count Aurri. We could even examine the unfortunate circumstance of the orphanage burning down. All topics no doubt worth our oh so precious time, but if I'm being honest, I just couldn't bear the thought of another minute masquerading in front of those pathetic peasants who think themselves nobles, much less on equal standing wi

15:51

th either of us and if I'm being honest, I didn't take you for one to bear such idiocy out of choice, but necessity." He spoke in a calm, measured tone. The perfectly sculpted smile never showing a hint of leaving his face. Each word carefully selected, yet spoken more liberally than he otherwise would have allowed. He ran his fingers through his hair and looked at Iliana through the corner of his eye. "Now dear Iliana, perhaps I'm wrong, but I see you as something of a kindred spirit and right now there are dozens of souls inside of your manor terrified of the idea hell we could let loose of we so choose. Whether you deem it worth your time to comply with me or even consider this notion is inconsequential for the time being as the chaos brewing in their hearts is satisfactory enough. Again, I say for the time being. In time, I hope you will consider the idea of a partnership between us. Do you have any thoughts on the matter?" @EnchantedNymph

Her brow arched as he spoke, her hand moving behind her as she stared at the wall of roses that surrounded them. Their pungent smell almost sickeningly sweet as their deep red blooms drew her eye. She inhaled deeply, taking in their scent. The soft trickle of rain began to patter over the roof of the gazebo and Iliana unclasped her hands, moving them to her side as she moved to lean against one of the railings as she turned to stare at her current conversation companion. His words were on tract with her own thoughts, a smile playing on her lips as she arched a perfectly trimmed brow. It had indeed been almost suffocating inside the ballroom, while she liked the attention, the praise it became like a rash on the skin when she had to deal with all the simpletons that seemed to flock around them. As if they were like moths drawn to the flames. The flames being that of both Iliana and Nero. He spoke much the same of her thoughts though giving them an air of sophistication that she found herself currently lacking. Her bottom lip moved between her teeth as she turned to once again gaze at her wall of flowers. "A partnership..." She tested the words on her tongue with an indifference though internally she couldn't help but enjoy the exhilaration that coursed through her. Iliana knew she couldn't give in so easily, after all Nero was a man who could have anything he wanted if he so much as whispered the words, whether by force or by that wicked tongue of his. He surely was charismatic as she glanced in his direction, her head tilting to the side. "Tell me... What sort of partnership are you inquiring about?" Images flashed in her mind, ones that were perhaps more salacious than he had meant.

15:23

A hand caressing her bare thigh, lips pressing against the curvature of her spine as her body arched, rolling like the sea as their bodies clashed in the most delicious way. The faintest of flushes graced her cheeks and Iliana tried to play it off as she rubbed her arms. Indeed, whether he meant it professionally or not she wouldn't refuse the offer. "I'm sure you're aware that I've never worked well with others before, what makes you think you'll be any different, Nero Shatarova?"

15:23

@Violet Marcus

Nero leaned against the bannister of the gazebo, gazing into the night sky as if everything else in existence were irrelevant, beneath him as if it had already fallen into his grasp so long ago. Sipping onto his wine as such luxuries in his life were destined to be a given while he searched for the words as effortlessly as breathing. "Iliana, you of all people should know better than anyone that I detest playing with others. That being said, the one thing I can say I honestly enjoy is anything that gives interest and creativity to the meaningless existence we call life. That is to say, someone of your brilliance and creativity would add some much needed color to this world of black, white, and grey." He looked in her direction and paced towards her slowly, his eyes tracing along her figure. Watching her hands diligently as he grew ever nearer. Stopping only upon being inches from her. His face leaning into her, never shifting in expression as he his hand jolted to her neck, he whispered. "My dear Iliana, I'm sure you of all people know that simple sex appeal will never be enough to gain the attention of one such as I. Although, if there's one person, who may be able to change my mind in that regard, my hand is around her neck. The kind of partnership I seek is one in which our lives will be in each other's hands like so. The idea of mutual destruction possible in a moment's notice, but in that risk, a beauty like no other created from the ashes of chaos. So what do you say my dear? Will you be mine?" @EnchantedNymph