"Thank you very much! My friend plays often. I only wish I had that kind of time. Nexus work can be very all encompassing." Hitomi headed inside and was instantly intimidated by the amount of people. In the workplace she had grown accustomed to others but she still failed at parties of any type. If not for her ability to stay focused... she would be ruined during her Magic:The Awakening sessions. Everything was blurry so she took off her glasses and used a small napkin she carried on her person to clean them making a awkward smile as she did so. Then placing them back on. She was ready to mingle! Hitomi was approached then by Violet( @Comet ). "Oh yes! Hello! I can understand that. People are often pushed into social norms that would enforce certain mindsets onto them. Even in our world today we see people ... um. So sorry. I don't want to bring that kind of talk to a party! A bad habit I have hahaha!" Blushing, Hitomi already felt coming was a bad idea. Working was more important than this but it was just not possible. Chris put her into quite the spot didn't he? Well she might as well chat or something. Not much else to do. The very concept of mingling sometimes went over the prodigies head. Her eyes scanned the room. Wondering if anyone here... no it did not seem likely. When there was no objective and no Nexus project in front of her...what to do?
It all happened in front of Emilia's eyes. The cheerful talk, and the receiving of a new party guest. Having been introduced, she curtsied to the new girl, Kelly. "On the table is all good, though.. I might want one.." (@Solaria ) Raising her eyebrows considerably high, Emilia strained to see what was in the box. It seemed a treat of some sorts. Realizing that she had not shown everyone around, a blush crept along her face, "Real quick.. In case you guys were wondering.. So we have our drink table right over there..." Pointing towards the drink table, that was quite long she continued to speak. "We have our food on the table right there.. Along with a nice menu. It has some nice and wholesome foods.. We have personal chefs that will prepare anything you want to eat. If you want pizza, they will make pizza. If you feel like lasagna, then they will make you lasagna. Sushi? No problem. I urge you all to make yourself at home, my home is your home. We have numerous rooms on this floor for you all to rest if you need it. There is also a few movie rooms if you explore, and we have every movie that has ever come out on a program running in there. You can also explore upstairs if you want.. But we do have one or two rooms with an off limits sign. They are locked so you will not be able to get in anyways.." The lock that the company uses on those rooms was indeed voice and eye scanners. So only Ilya herself could unlock the rooms that were locked for the party. "We also have a dance floor outside with plenty of DJ music for you, if you want to dance." Turning back to the woman, having felt better at having explained the whole thing to them, she kept a sociable smile on her face. "You are fine, Hitomi. I bring strange conversations to the table too, But do go on.. Even today we see people..?" She was rather curious as to what Hitomi was going to say, yet would only nudge her once to hear it all. (@Hitomi Aki ) As she waited for Hitomi's own continuation of what she had been saying, her attention was drawn back to the tall red-head. "His name is Rayvil, yet he goes by Ray. He promised me he would show up." Smiling brightly keeping optimism on the table, she continued to talk. (@Comet ) "Ashnor.. My personal blacksmith. You play a male character, yes? Not that I judge you." This one comment revealed that not only was Emilia the hostess, but she was also the one whom had invited them all to the party, as she had been dodging the questions for quite some time. So Ashnor is really a female.. Hmmm... (@Ashnor Ironth ) "So, Danielle. You have Muse under your belt? Do you enjoy it?" Not wanting to leave a single guest out of her conversation, Emilia tried to include everyone. (@Cain Darlite )
Katherine Sutton Word passed quickly on the Zero Channel about a holiday party in Boston. It was hard not to catch word of it with the family being the owners of the very company which started the entire Hyperloop project which, while still small and developing, had already connected Boston and New York City with surprising speed. The popularity of the innovative transport had not gone unnoticed. It was surprising enough to have heard about Emilia Roberts' status as an orphan. It hadn't been too long ago since she heard the news about the Hyperloop but she supposed life worked fast and in shocking ways. And then, while she was staying in New York City for a Christmas family reunion, she heard the news. Emilia Roberts, sole heiress and proprietor to her parents' thriving company, had opened up a Christmas party welcoming anyone. Some had mentioned it as Emilia's attempt to introduce virtual reality technologies to the company and the public but Alpha didn't pay much mind to it. What she did hear, however, was free food and entertainment. It was easy enough for her to sneak out of her family's festivities considering that half of her mother's side was drunken beyond comprehension and her father's side had mostly kept to themselves and ignored her presence as a whole. And then, within a minute of boarding the Hyperloop for some pocket change, she was stunned to find herself in the neck of Boston, USA. Within a mere half-hour after that, she found herself staring up at the Roberts mansion. She entered. "Wooo-ahhhh," it was everything she had thought it would be and more. She immediately dove into the luncheon and grabbed a handfuls of hot Cheetos, stuffing every crumbly piece into her pockets before grabbing even more. By the time she was content with her stash, her pockets were bulging to the brim with Cheetos pieces and, with her every step, more fell out by the second. It felt surreal. Never before had she really attended a party; although social, Alpha was never a particularly bright one and that kind of left her ostracized from her classmates and neighbors. It was her first time witnessing blaring music and the bustling cheers of on-goers. One of which she recognized. "Woah," she repeated as she was face-to-face with Emilia Roberts, the wealthy heiress whose reputation could be described as a celebrity figure. Her jaw dropped and this was her chance. She could talk to royalty! She failed to notice the others crowding around Emilia and approached the fairly-dressed woman, eyes shining with admiration and wonder. Despite being the same age, Alpha couldn't help but feel a great distance and chasm between her and Emilia. It was the difference between a fish and a hulking tyrannosaurus rex. The difference between a mediocre C-lister and a triple A actor who starred in classic remakes like James Bond or something along those lines. "Uh, hiya?" Alpha whispered, immediately doubting her words as soon as it left her mouth. What was she supposed to say?! Alpha had spent more time in Terrasphere than in reality and she was sure that meeting royalty in the game was definitely different than meeting someone like Emilia Roberts in real life. Sometimes she wished she could just curl up and put on her headset and forget about all of this; just spend the rest of her life sitting comfortably in Vermilion's manor without a care in the world about kings or queens (other than the one she helped murder). She shakily extended her hand, face flushing. "Uh m-my name's Alph—I mean Katherine! Katherine Sutton!" she berated herself for the sudden yelp. "What's your name?" She mentally banged her head twice. Who didn't know the name of corporate princess Emilia Roberts?! Well, except her dad anyways. He barely skimmed his eyes over anything that didn't have the words Nascar in it. @Ilya
There had been so many good reasons to visit Boston. First, there was little else that she had to do in the week leading up to Christmas, considering she was off from school for break. Second, the city promised to be just spectacular, lit up and decorated for the holiday season. Finally, and most importantly, the history was absolutely impossible to pass up. How could Lena possibly teach American History, while having never set foot on the historic streets? Could she speak of Paul Revere (and his gang), Bunker Hill (or Breeds Hill), or the infamous tea party without actually visiting those sites? No, deep down, she knew she could not ignore the chance to surround herself with such rich history. Deep down, she also knew that the party had something to do with her trip. At present, Lena admitted she had made fewer friends within Terrasphere than she would have liked. Not only that, she had never met any of them offline, and the thought of doing so made her palms sweaty. It was not that she feared what their true identity was. On the contrary, she was not one to pass judgment if someone represented him or herself differently online. Rather, she was worried that she would not live up to their expectations. Lena had the courage to teach students 190 days a year, but the thought that her reality might disappoint someone still left her stomach rolling. So she stuck to the outskirts, keeping to the walls as she navigated the mansion's many rooms. The place was as impressive as it was large, and each room that she traversed held another surprise: a beautiful painting, a stunning chandelier, a striking stained glass window, a charming arrangement of fresh flowers. I wonder how long ago the house was built, Lena mused, falling into the comfort of her familiar historical wonderings.
When Emilia asked for her to continue, Hitomi simply shook her head shyly and backed up some. She really did not want to talk about all the things she often contemplated or other philosophical things. How many times had she been chastised for that? Partly why she focused on her work so much. Science and technology was a great way to fill the gap. The only person she ever discussed those things with was Elly. She was such a strange woman though that it just went over her head. The people who were here all seemed to be doing good for themselves. Considering most people here were probably playing Terrasphere more than living their own lives. Unlike Hitomi who had a very devote work ethic. There were offerings of food but she really wasn't all that hungry. Pizza was a definite no. Then a familiar face appeared. Hitomi's memory was picture perfect and she was sure she had seen that girl elsewhere! Yes, yes she had! In fact... "We meet again! Um... I do not think I had learned your name though hahaha. I'm Hitomi! From that game shop a few months ago? How are you doing? You play Terrasphere? Coincidences are great aren't they?" She pushed up her glasses with her forefinger and and smiled to her with a small wave. @Alphabet Chocolate
Katherine Sutton "Oh! Heya!" Alpha grinned, relaxing at the presence of the blue-haired woman. Truth be told, her memories were partly hazy considering that the last few months had been hectic at best but she didn't completely forget the entire TCG convention and the friendly woman she had bumped into. "Uh, I don't think so. My name's Katherine, by the way! It must be fate or something for us to meet again, or it could be a sign that we're both huge nerds that keep attending video game and virtual reality parties and stuff!" Her mind was entirely off Emilia as her interest in Hitomi spiked. Wasn't this how people made friends in the movies? Like a bunch of chance meetings and coincidences and a few shared hobbies? That was how she made a bunch of friends in Terrasphere, anyways, so she supposed that this is how it should go in real life. Alpha extended an open hand. Formal. Friendly. Internally, she grinned. The perfect introduction. Huzzah! she thought, cackling in her mind. Score ten out of ten for Alphabet Chocolate! Suave, cool, and super duper awesome! she cheered. Externally, her face remained still and her expression unchanged. "Soooo," Alpha drawled, reaching into her pockets to take a Cheetos piece, plopping it into her mouth and enjoying the tangy spice of peppered cheese. "What's up? What're you doing for Christmas?" she gave herself a mental pat on the back for her brilliant execution. "I mean, other than attending this awesome party and all..." @Hitomi Aki
Well, this was embarrassing. Leah hadn't intended to arrive late, but her sense of direction in newer areas unfortunately left much to be desired. But it appeared that there wouldn't be much trouble with that. There were enough people around that she could easily melt into the background. Which was honestly fine. That was mainly what she was here for, at any rate. It certainly felt a little bit sleazy, using this party as an opportunity to build connections and maybe find out some more about Terrasphere. But it wasn't as if she was going to hide the fact that she was a journalist. She'd just leave it unmentioned until it became relevant. When she'd seen that message on the in-game chat, she'd gone looking for information on Roberts Incorporated. She'd heard the name, obviously, who hadn't in this day and age? But she hadn't known that they were digging their fingers into Terrasphere as well. And to see someone she knew extending that invitation was a somewhat pleasant surprise. She didn't know Ilya all that well, but she was obviously very high up if she was offering the use of the manor for this holiday party. So. Mission 1: Find Ilya. Mission 2: Find some other big name players to wrangle information out of. Easy enough to do over the few days that this party would be taking place. She saw someone who looked at-home in the luxurious environment, and who was also being practically mobbed by half the other guests. Probably the host then. "Apologies for arriving late," Leah said to the young woman (@Ilya), eyeing the lavish interior. She knew it was a mansion and that the Roberts were rich, but it was hard to absorb just how rich they were until she saw it for herself. "I was waylaid. Quite the party you've got going on. It's very impressive." As she looked through the surprisingly large number of people gathered, she thumbed her recorder in her coat pocket. She'd done her research--Massachusetts needed two-party consent, so she wasn't going to be reckless with it--but it was always good to be prepared.
"Katherine... Kat! I hope a nickname is okay? I only do it if I met you before so I do not want to intrude!" Hitomi eyes shifted to see a few more people arrive. It was going to be a crowded party after all. Not her favorite thing but at least she had someone here that she knew, a very little bit. A silver haired woman was the the latest guest. It was not odd at all that no other Nexus employees would be here. It was usually frowned upon for inter company gatherings between workers. Too many trade secrets and leaks could happen.Chris had trusted her enough to not deny her coming here. Which in her opinion was not entirely a good thing. Hitomi would much rather be working. "Virtual reality is a important step towards the future so of course I'm interested in it. Nexus has not created anything like the full dives of other companies but someday we will consider that market. VR games are not even legal at this time. It's not really my place to say though. Chris is.. oh I'm rambling again, sorry!" Her eyes set upon Katherine for a moment before continuing. "I guess we are nerds hahaha. Fantasy can be a great thing. Even this party is a escape from reality if you think about it. My Christmas? Oh probably work. I left my family behind in Japan. Work is very demanding... I suppose like a game? Terrasphere is quite demanding I hear. I barely have reached novice yet in a mastery. I fail, haha. Elly was so much more into it. I miss her..." Seeing the Cheetos munching of extreme cheesiness going on Hitomi could not help but give a teasing comment. "So many things available to eat... but you found something cheddar!" @Alphabet Chocolate
People had seemingly continued to pile in as time continued to pass, the latest arrival being that of a beautiful female, about the same height as Emilia. She was rather gorgeous with her curly short hair and hues that glowed a golden color. With a soft smile she began to speak to the girl now (@Claire Thalassa ) "No need to apologize. This party is set in such a way that it is free for people to come and go as they please. If you do not mind my asking, what is your name?" Emilia herself curtsied as she introduced herself, "My name is Emilia Roberts.. But feel free to call me Emi.. Emilia.. Lia.. Whatever your mind comes up with." The music that busted into the building was gentle and soft, almost as if it were background music. There was no doubt that it was louder outside of the room that the people were gathered in. The likes of Hitomi and Katherine seemed to instantly take a liking to each other, seeming to have met each other prior to the party. Some are like that I suppose? I mean once Jaluna gets here.. I will know another person... Meanwhile, there was another newcomer, whom stayed to the shadows (@Magdalyn ) The presence of the female not going unnoticed by the silver-haired beauty as the guest began to creep around and explore. Something I would definitely find myself doing if I were going to a party that was completely open to everyone..
Violet opened her mouth to speak to @Hitomi Aki but seeing as the girl recognized someone else and left, she disregarded the potential conversation and moved elsewhere. Specifically to the one person who hadn't introduced themselves: a rarity among the group of women. She shuffled her way next to the brunette (@Magdalyn), keeping up with the leisurely pace while taking in the extravagant scenery, and eventually cleared her throat to gain some sort of attention. "Need some company? I'm sure there's enough room here for the both of us," she chuckled while admiring the woman next to her. The mixture of shyness and good looks had compelled Violet to join the other; but if dismissed she would take her leave out of a trained politeness, and find a different person to socialize with. "You're the quietest here, and even better you remind me of myself... I usually stand alone until I'm pulled into the party. Would you mind sharing your name? I'm Violet." Though of course amidst the introduction the pink-haired woman managed to wave - providing a warm welcoming to the newcomer (@Claire Thalassa). It was a gesture urged by instinct since often more times than not Violet had to manage parties all by herself.
“Oh!” A startled jump accompanied the sound, and in a flurry of brown hair, she whirled on the girl. At the sight, Lena sucked in breath. It was Comet, she was sure of it. There was so little difference between the girl’s in-game and real-life appearance, and the sensation made her a little lightheaded. Never before had the bounds between Terrasphere and the real world been so blurred. “I would love the company, yeah.” Absently, her fingers moved to fiddle with her necklace. Then, as Comet shared her real name, Lena could not keep the smile from her chapped lips. “It’s a pleasure, Violet,” she answered, inclining her head. “My name is Lena.” Her gaze swung to their surroundings, combing over the other partygoers. “I’m not always quiet,” she explained, feeling obligated to do so. “I just need a chance to warm up to people, and that’s hard in a big party like this. It’s hard to talk to people one on one.” Her cheeks colored, a warm blush painting them pink. “Like this.” @Comet
Aha. So, her first instincts were rather right, then. Emilia Roberts herself, down here and mingling with all the guests. Claire put on her best smile in return. "Thank you very much. I'm Leah Parker. It's a pleasure to meet you, Emilia." She gave a brief nod/bow in response to the curtsy. She caught sight of someone giving her a wave, which she returned. But that other person turned to conversation with someone else who was slinking around the edges of the room, so there was that responsibility temporarily averted. Having some time to chat with the head of Roberts Incorporated could only be a plus. "If you don't mind me asking, what's the occasion for holding this party? I've come across the invitation, ah, through somewhat unofficial channels?" Well, it was definitely a euphemistic way to refer to Terrasphere, but she didn't know for certain if Emilia was active and condoning of it. So, better safe than sorry. "I was wondering if, aside from the full dive gear you've developed, Roberts Incorporated had any large stake in the virtual reality game." @Ilya
She gave a blank stare for a moment as Fiona introduced herself as @Ashnor Ironth. "I was sure you were a guy in real life too. It's like they say, shouldn't have judged a book by it's cover, should I?" Giggling a bit, she held her hand up with a grin as wide as the horizon- it covered her face, though was much calmer in reality than she usually seemed online. "I'm Solaria. We met in that messy market, remember? It's amazing in it's own way, I think- that this is how we're meeting here, too." After all, she was lost in this place as much as she'd been in that town. Another person came and held a hand out- someone she didn't yet know was @Cain Darlite, which Kelly was glad to shake. Despite her fairly average frame, the swordsman offline had a fairly tight grip for her somewhat dry, lithe hands. There were some callouses left from working too much with her shinai at home as her form of exercise, even though she didn't train as much anymore. She was strong, but she was also gentle. It showed in her mild movements as she got the box where it was meant to go, feeling glad to be free to let people share in healthy delights. When asked by @Comet what she'd made, the girl grinned eagerly. "They're peppermint bark cookies, made with lots of extra healthy things, but plenty of sugar too. They're sweet and pack a punch from the mint, but not too much, I promise. I have my roommate taste test all my snacks when I make them, so I know they don't taste like my medicine. My baby brother helped too, so I think that helps a lot in a way... Somehow things made by kids are surprisingly nicer." When the host mentioned she might want some, Kelly could only giggle a bit brighter. "Really, and this is to everyone, help yourself! I worked hard to make sure to keep most major allergens out so they should be safe for just about anyone." It was only natural for her to work hard to make things safe for anyone to eat, after all. Even if she was calmer, she was still a health nut and future nurse!
Fiona couldn't help from giggling as Kelly - who she now knew was @Solaria - stared at her blankly. "Well, maybe you shouldn't be so sure of yourself in the future." After shaking her Kelly's hand, she put it back in her coat pocket, not having given it to the staff yet. "Ah yes the market that didn't make a lick of sense. But I'm not sure I follow your logic, how is this situation like that?" Her face was a bit confused but then quickly returned to a grin. Following Ilya into the main party area with everyone else. Fiona gazes upon the rows and rows of food that laid upon the table. Turning to Emilia - who she realizes now must be Ilya - Fiona comments on her answer from earlier, "Ah so you were the first 2 options. Who would have thought the owner of Roberts Incorporated would play a banned game such as Terrasphere." Fiona gives Emilia that same face Ashnor had, "I don't think I ever agreed to being your personal blacksmith, but to answer you question, yes I am. I got a pretty similar reaction to that from Kelly too."
The murmuring of multiple conversations going all at once seemed sound throughout the "castle". Emilia herself grinning from ear to ear, enjoying herself rather fully. "A pleasure to meet you Leah Parker. Mind if I call you Leah?" The two questions that followed in pursuit from Leah, seemed rather curious more than attacking. With a shady smirk rather than the grin, she pulled Leah close, in which doing so rendered her voice only able to be heard by the ears of Leah, "Well, this rather corporate heir seems to like to spend her own free time in the world of Virtual Reality." Giving Leah a wink before drawing herself away from Leah, Emilia now addressed her second question. "Aside from full dive gear, we thought about dipping our own fingers into the gaming world of Virtual Reality, yet we have not produced any games, nor have we been a part of any.. At least.. Not directly. Cannot say whether or not we have provided necessary funds for some other] companies that produce Virtual Reality games.. However, this is a party! No more talk of such business topics. It gets rather boring to me.." Having to deal with such on a regular daily basis, Emilia knew all too well that she would start yawning at any point in the night if they went on with such topics such as the plans or past of Roberts Inc. Now glancing sideways at Fiona, Emilia just shrugged. "Figured you had known from the get-co. I can confirm that everyone invited here was a player from terrasphere, apart from Hitomi. However, Hitomi is still welcome, due to her certain connections.. And yes, you may have never agreed to it, but I chose you rather than anyone else. I do not plan on going to anybody else for the refining of my weapons." Now wanting to address the whole cross-cosplay thing that had been going on, Emilia spoke up once more. "I do not care whether you play a female or male online, I will separate your online and real life. Someone who goes on killing sprees in game, as a PK may not in real life. I will make separate opinions from everyone, due to their own interactions with me in the specified world. Whether it be real, or virtual." @Claire Thalassa @Ashnor Ironth
