She had started the game not too long ago, and had already taken up a quest. She was hired to act as a socialite and hostess for King Astor, who was hosting a party on behalf of a countess in order to find a suitable husband. She already had practice with social etiquette, having been brought up as a socialite in real life, how different could it be in-game? Only difference was that she had made her character boyish, and having her character act as a proper socialite would be breaking character. But would breaking character really be that bad in this situation? She thought about it as she walked through the castle gates into the ballroom. {No, breaking character here would not matter} she thought with a sigh. Apparently there was another player who had also taken up this quest, and she wondered who her partner would be.

@Alkaid Zexis

 

This was not Alkaid’s first time being hired on for a job in Astorea’s capital, although the circumstances were certainly quite different. For one, the city actually resembled one in full, no longer devastated by war, although the signs were certainly still there. Areas where the buildings had been scorched, where city walls received hasty patchwork to rebuild what had been reduced to rubble. All reminders of how realistic the game was, even with the existence of things such as magic that made the rebuilding process a matter of months, not decades.

And as for the other difference, well, at least this job didn't require a visit down to the dungeons.

No, the only prisons she would suffer this night were the ones for her feet, and that was something she would simply have to bear. Instead, she planned show off her sassy heels with pride, even if the pumps didn't fit quite as snug as she'd like—courtesy of true to form Medieval production quality.

When she reached the ballroom floor, each of her steps was accompanied by a resounding clak and a swish of one of the sole comforts allowed for this sort of event, a long chiffon scarf draped across the majority of her shoulders, which could double as a short shawl, if she so desired. A much needed addition, as the winter's chill was hardly absent even within the castle's walls.

All around were NPCs of various noble stature, accompanied by only the finest food and wine the King had to offer, but Alkaid's attention was quickly set upon another, followed by a deep, perceptive gaze which easily picked up on the other player's discomfort.

Alkaid gave her a sort of half-smile that could only be applied to the situation. A heartfelt one, as opposed to the many well-practiced, disarming ones worn in the court. "Feeling nervous? If so I wouldn't worry too much. Most of these NPCs just see us as a sort of spectacle. Brash, immortal warriors who may fight only to rise again later, should we fall." She gave a shrug. "Of course that brings it's own problems."

To these people they might as well have been tools. A strange twist considering the fact that the players in turn would normally just see the NPCs as lifeless data.

"Well, I guess if one or two people pester you too much you can always tell them to piss off. All us standard adventurers are just a mannerless bunch, after all." The woman paused, then, as if she'd forgotten something terribly important. "My name in game is Alkaid Zexis, by the way. Reader of the stars and commander of winds, at your service. It'll be a pleasure working with you."

@Arylan

 

She had become disconcerted, and was shifting in discomfort. Using etiquette in real life, and using etiquette in-game... are they different? Are they not different? It seemed weird to play the part of socialite for a bunch of NPCs, and she was feeling out of practice, she walked out of aristocracy seven years ago, were her skills still up to scratch. Maybe she should have continued on, maybe she should have become an elite, but she didn't want that life, she didn't want to fit into the boxes. Though now she wondered if it was worth it. She was mid-stress when someone approached her and snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Feeling nervous?" was the first thing she heard, she gave an awkward smile and listened as the stranger continued to ramble on about being nervous and not worrying so much and etc. Finally the girl had finished with an introduction of herself. Arylan's smile switched to a polite one that could easily match the npc nobles and noblewoman. "Hello, Alkaid." She bowed politely. "Nervous? No, worried? Yes. I am... well, I was a socialite back home, but I walked out on aristocracy. Too many boxes to fit neatly into. I dunno how polished my skills are." She politely corrected. "In-Game, I am called Arylan, new player, so no fancy title just yet." She looked around. "I haven't seen a party like this in... gosh, years." Arylan sighed a little, glad for the other's presence, it calmed her nerves a little, so she hoped all would go well.

 

Alkaid rose a single quizzical brow. "Sounds like you've got quite the story, then, Arylan. If anything you're likely to give these folks a surprise tonight."

A long scan around the courtroom showed that they were already attracting attention. Experts at maneuvering conversation and group orientation alike cast an occasional look their way, a mixture of mild curiosity and unbridled condescension being the general consensus for the two player's reception.

Yet she noticed that they were not the only ones to receive such derision. A pale, blonde girl stood in the ballroom flanked by two women not much older than her. The trio were accompanied by two noblemen in turn, and although Alkaid couldn't quite tell the details from a distance, there looked to be some quiet disagreement, for the blonde gave a gracious curtsy before stepping back from the group.

And then she turned, gliding across the floor in her long, silk dress off into Alkaid and Arylan's direction. Straight towards them, in fact.

Up close, Alkaid realized the young woman could be no older than fourteen, fifteen tops. She gave them that same, well-practiced curtsy, with a glowing smile no less professional. "Good evening, esteemed adventurers and guests of the court, my name is Lysette Isabella Lemieux. I thank you for coming here on my behalf."

Alkaid gave her a smile in turn, attempting to mimick the woman as best as she could with her own dress. "Of course, Countess," This much she could handle, or so she thought. "We're here to serve however we can. King Astor gives his regards, as well, wishing to be here as well if not for other duties."

It was then that Alkaid noticed a sudden stiffness, perhaps an awkwardness develop in the countess as a brief silence brewed, the girl obviously looking for words.

She shot Aryan a glance. Briefly she wondered if she'd done something wrong, but she started to feel that instead the need for their presence was becoming a bit more clear. Although they could in theory help the girl mingle amidst the crowds as is, for they certainly held no major stake or opposition in the court, she wondered if the other player might be more effective to try and raise the girl's spirits, or even find out exactly what might be troubling her...

@Arylan

OOC: Maybe nothing's wrong and she just has a crush on a certain King~ Heh!

 

A pale blonde had made her way to them and had thanked them for coming to service. Arylan smiled a practiced smile, and returned her own curtsy. "Glad to be of service to my lady and her court." Arylan smiled. "It is a shame his majesty could not be here, but that should not be enough to bring your spirits down. After all this is a ball, you can relax a little and enjoy yourself. As for what others think, don't let it get to you, you have us, and your ladies." Arylan beamed.
"Well, I suppose you're right. What are your names, if I might ask. I can ask for service if I do not know what your titles are." The Countess smiled thinly, her posture relaxing slightly.
"I'm Arylan, and this is Alkaid Zexis." Arylan indicated herself then her partner. "And do not fear about our service, you, and this court, are in good hands." Arylan curtsied once more.

The Countess nodded and hoped Arylan was right. "Well, Lady Arylan, Lady Alkaid, I leave the rest to you. Goodbye for now." With that the Countess disappeared into the crowd in an attempt to mingle with the other guests and find a suitable man. Arylan watched as the Countess left then turned to Alkaid.
"Okay, I think we'll run over etiquette basics." Arylan tilted her head and thought for a moment. "When addressing people of the court, keep yours away from theirs. never directly look at them, look straight ahead and 'through' them, and address them as either ma'am, my lady or sir, my lord, respectively." Arylan tilted her head to the other side. "Never raise your voice, even if you do not agree, you do. Just pretend to. People of high class are sensitive, and will not hesitate to socially destroy you. Oh, and your curtsy was a little clumsy, maybe we should practice that." Arylan straightened her head beaming. "By the end of the night, you'll be a pro at social etiquette!" Arylan laughed a little.

 

Alkaid watched as the Countess turned her back on the duo, once more returning to the foray of court battles. The web of each nobleman and noblewoman their sole defensive measure as they stepped around one another, waging war not with blades or fangs, but title and prestige. Thanks to Arylan, however, it seemed the Countess had received some small reprieve, a fact Alkaid was grateful for.

Alas, the two players were now alone, if only for a brief moment, giving time for a much needed coaching. Although if Terrasphere were an anime, a visible sweatdrop would be dropping near Alkaid's head. She sighed, "Now I'm not so sure I want to be." Still, she smiled at Arylan. "But I'll try my best, if only to not to be a further burden to you and our noblewoman here."

Another glance around the room proved just how far Astorea had come, in a sense, with so many influential figures welcome in its halls. It was not so long ago that a foreign ambassador visited, opening trade for much needed supplies, an interesting result of which being an exchange in cultures, in a sense. Off in the distance, she caught a pair of nobles attempting to puff up their chests by one upping each other in the reach of their coffers, whereupon one revealed a painted landscape of a land Alkaid had never seen, drawing her attention for that fact alone.

Not that she would have much time to gawk, for eventually came time to go out and mingle with said folk. Only with Aryan around did she perhaps make it past the beginning of such exchanges, particularly because she was always one to speak to others looking them in the eye. Stories and augeries were the most common requirement of her, as she lacked the etiquette of her companion, although only then would she start to shine really catch attention, enthralling her would-be audience with personal accounts of adventures ranging from pirate-filled islands and the newly discovered (albeit currently closed off) magitech facility in Norforva. Tales of natural beauty, struggle against adversity, and mystery.

Complete, of course, with an advertisement of Nora the Explorer's future publishing on her research, but as expected all these nobles already knew about that.

After the evening finally began to wind down, and their presence was no longer needed, Alkaid turned toward her partner for the event, recounting that it was a minor miracle she'd started playing at just the right time to help out.

"Thank you for all your help tonight, Lady Aryan," she said, giving Aryan a much improved curtsy, even if still just a tad...off. "I know it couldn't have been easy for your first in-game job to be doing, well—this. Still, thanks. I would've been a pinch without you. Normally I'd invite you out for a drink for a job well done, but-"

The woman yawned, all the while doing her best to try to stop it with a free hand.

"But that. So, if you ever need help or want to exchange some of your stories, just shoot me a message. For now, though, I have a date with a nice, comfy bed!"

It was only later that she remembered it probably would've been useful to tell her companion that was a requirement to log out...

Hidden: OOC Note

Heya derp_detective! I've been so tempted in my head to shorten that name to derp. I'm sorry. *prostrates*

I bet being called detective would be much cooler.

Anyway, this is fairly late, and I'm sorry for that. I often maintain communication's importance for RP, but I've had a lot on my plate both on site and in real life. Regardless, welcome to the site! I hope you've had fun, or if not, have plenty down the line.

You probably know this already, but it may be interesting to note that King Astor, the host mentioned for this quest's event, is an actual player character. You can see some of him and one of the last few times this specific location was used here.

Best regards,
Tock.

@Arylan @Raid Master

 

Mail

@Arylan @Alkaid Zexis,

I'm formally writing this letter to express my thank to both of you for working at the party as court maidens and making the Countess party such a succeed. It seemed that the Countess did find a suitor of her liking.

If either of you ever need job opportunities, seek out my royal aide, Cessia, and I'll make sure we can find you guys some thing of note. In fact, I have a ball for the player nobles coming up in the spring, shoot me a PM if you guys would like to help out. Enjoy!

- Astor

Hidden: OOC

@Alkaid Zexis @Arylan - Feel free to respond one last time, otherwise, I'll close out the thread.

 

Mail

@Astor Balthas

Thank you for both your information and invitation, King Astor. It is a relief to hear the countess managed to find a suitable partner. Although, I must admit at first I was worried this may have been a message about my offending someone in the court!

Or taxes.

Much of this mission's success is thanks to my partner, but if I may be of aid I'll be there in spring. It has been some time since I last danced, so I will make sure to brush up on my skills a bit in the meantime.

Good luck with all those stiffs in court!

- Alkaid

Mail

@Arylan

I take it you've seen the King's message? This one actually sounds a bit exciting~

If I don't catch you sooner, hope to see you there!

- Alkaid

 

Mail

@Astor Balthas

Thank you for the information and your invitation. I am glad for the Countess' success in finding a partner, and send her my dearest regards. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to handle it as well as I did, I was stressed at first! But as the party wore on, the task got easier.

Though, I believe I had my partner to thank for that. She provided some comfort. I'd be more than happy to help come spring, if my services are required!

Sincere Regards,
Arylan

Mail

@Alkaid Zexis

Yeah. It sounds fun~ Hope to see you before that though! But otherwise, see you there!

Kind Regards,
Arylan