agogelogs | a brimming glass of spiders

Entrance and mingling

So Jankeh's House has less COST attendees than Khah. Let them gloat--in the end, quality matters more than quantity, and the less people there are, the easier it is to maneuver to a better position in the hierarchy. Of course, being human, and only that, he will always be at a disadvantage, but Hux will use that. After all, his main drive is to gain information for Regency in the end--and that can be done even if he's ignored.

Still, he decided to make himself stand out as best he could--and take a small, calculated risk in all of this, as well. He dressed in the finest outfit that he felt suited him, and wore the necklace bearing the Crown Princesses name about his neck, pulled tight along with another golden necklace (one he had used his precious credits on).

He keeps his chin high, and stays quiet, moving about the edges of the rooms at first. Let others talk, so he can gather up information--after all, while they are supposed to subtly brag, he can also gain information about people that could be useful to the otherside.

Eventually he finds another COST operative and speaks quietly, regarding all of this with a careful, even voice. "Feel a bit like bait? Or perhaps a bright shiny object to be admired?" Why not both--this was part of the whole point in being here, yes?

[ooc: if your character has information you wouldn't oocly mind Hux turning over to regency about themselves, let me know!]

Weaponry

The weaponry is what Hux is most interested in; eventually he moves over to that, and can't help but show his genuine passion in the different types the recruits are shown. He asks questions, tests them out, asks for more clarification.

Eventually he'll move to the area where they can fire the gun-types, and there he unclips the sleeves of his tunic so that he can move easier, and looks over to the person on his right, giving a nod of his head.

"Hazard a wager? Since that seems to be the name of the game, here."

[ Dressed in his spider best, Sebastian is probably a little less wary than the other two attendees. It might seem unwarranted, since as the magical one of this trio, he had the most to fear in terms of their carnivorous hosts, but he doesn't seem to mind that pressure. Maybe it's just putting on appearances? It's hard to tell. Regardless, it's time to make their entrance, and Sebastian straightens out his sleeves in a display of minute perfectionism before turning to the other two. He's clearly looking them over to make sure their appearances are similarly up to Aranean standard, but his tone is casual and even amiable.

He might actually be looking forward to this party... ]

Well then. I imagine we will be turning a few heads once we go inside, so are you both quite ready?

Henry makes sure he brings his guns to the party, or perhaps in this case, his bright shiny weapon. As a normal servant-level class in their eyes, he can only try his best to stand out by wearing the most visibly striking outfit (minus the white gloves, he swaps them for black and he discards the headpiece with some disdain) available to him. Honestly, to him, it's an eyesore but he's learned well enough that the Araneans are into that sort of thing.

"I think bringing out a shiny object for admiration is just asking to be bait."

The saber is currently hanging on his belt in plain view, and he unhooks it to spin in idly in his hands.

"Come to think of it, you've never really got to see it in action, have you?"

[ As far as Genji's aware, it's only three COST agents who are going to this particular party, and he wouldn't have known of Sebastian at all if Arthur hadn't filled him in. It's not as if he even knows Arthur that well yet, but there's still some security in knowing that he's not stepping into the lion's den completely alone. He's used to working as part of a team, so this suits him just fine.

They'd made plans to meet up before they entered the building, if only to brace themselves and form any plans about how to approach this. Genji can't help but feel a little responsible for the other two. As the one artificial member of their group, he's going to be able to get away with more than Sebastian or Arthur might.

He's chosen to wear his outfit from the banquet here. There's no reason that an ensemble this nice should only be worn once, after all, and it seems to fit in with everyone else's aesthetic at this gathering.

At Sebastian's question, Genji laughs briefly and rubs at the back of his head. ]

As ready as I can be, I think.

[ They're a matched set, all in various shades of blue. It was his fanciest outfit and considering they were about to traipse into the predatory victors' grounds, the extra care in his appearance would add some security. Mental armor, if nothing else.

There's also the safety net of Sebastian and Genji being here. He doesn't know Genji too well, but thus far he seems shrewd, cautious. Sebastian is cut from a similar cloth, though Arthur gets the impression there's a lot he isn't saying. While he's pretty sure both of them can hold their own, he feels himself slipping into a familiar mindset. Run point, run interference if necessary, be ready for anything. Keep a close watch on them and an even sharper eye on those they'll be surrounded by. ]

No backing out now. Either they're gonna think we're brave or stupid.

[ And isn't that why they're here? To convince them of the first notion? Here went nothing. ]

Edited (html......) 2018-05-06 23:20 (UTC)

Henry does look a bit...ridiculous in the frippery, but if only because it is so far from what he has seen the man wear previously (though of course that has only been a few outfits). Still, Hux has no doubt that the Araneans will like what they see; hopefully not enough to try and gain a taste.

"Yes, I suppose it is asking for it. Which you seem interested in doing." Hux smirked, watching Henry spinning the device. He knows how to play this game as well as the spiders, in some ways.

"Any particular reason? Or are you simply interested in showing it off for me?" Hux pressed his lips together, making sure he doesn't look overly interested.

Brave, I would think. Considering the offerings of the other houses' celebrations, I doubt it is the only reason, but it does take a certain resolve to enter this one.

[ Which might be a compliment? It's not clear with his indirect way of phrasing things, but he does think just a bit more highly of Genji and Arthur because of their involvement in what he would imagine is the most dangerous party. It didn't factor into his decision, personally, but he also has the sense of security that comes with being an ancient demon. He respects the Araneans and doesn't want to cross them, but he also has a sense of security in that if things were to go badly, he could handle it. ]

If nothing else, it does promise to be interesting. I imagine I will draw their attention, at the very least. [ He knows Arthur knows, but just in case, he looks to Genji as he motions to himself. ] I am a demon, after all, just in case you are not aware.

[ Which is probably the most casually you could say something like that, but it also doesn't seem to be terribly important to him, since without missing a beat, he turns his attention to the door. They're not using the main door, since they don't quite have the status for it as a group of dudes, but it's personally to Sebastian's preference anyways. Making a grand entrance with doorman isn't what he'd like to go for, so he grabs the handle of the door. Unless there's further conversation, he'll open it for them to head inside. ]

[ They will definitely need to play up the brave angle, and the fact that only three out of COST's entire contingent elected to go here also says a lot. Granted, it had been somewhat calculated on Genji's part. He'd been interested in this particular party, and he'd also wanted to make sure he didn't attend the same party as Jack. Better to spread out, learn as much as they can, and then compare notes with each other later.

Resolve and bravery are things Genji has in spades, and this would hardly be his first time knowingly entering a dangerous situation. When Sebastian mentions that he'll be likely to draw their attention, he's about to ask (is he magical?), but is given an explanation just as soon.

A demon. And more than that, Sebastian offers that information like it's the most normal thing in the world. Forget the Araneans, Genji would like to ask about ten follow-up questions at least. He isn't given the chance, though, as Sebastian goes for the door, and only has the chance to exchange a baffled look with Arthur before he steps into place at Sebastian's side. As the artificial one, he certainly shouldn't be in the back. ]

[ A certain resolve is definitely one way to put it. In the past, he's struggled with his feelings on having been in the military, in the PASIV program and everything that entailed. Harsh training, even worse in the days before dreamshare had balanced out– they'd been the guinea pigs, after all.

But here, he's at least grudgingly appreciating it all. His sense of fear is a little more than broken because of it.

Though like Sebastian mentioned, he's more likely to attract the attention of the Araneans, simply by being. When he'd first found out, he'd been baffled at the notion. Now when it's said so offhandedly, he just moves on.

Of course, Genji seems to be thrown for a loop. Can't blame him. Arthur shrugs at the questioning look he's given, because really there's no other answer for the admission. He follows the other two in through the side door and brings up the rear, double-checking over his shoulder before the door shuts.

It's game on, now. ]

Greetings and then fan out?

[ It's a murmured question, a reiteration of something they'd agreed on earlier. ]

[ The surprise makes the corners of Sebastian's eyes turn up slightly in amusement, but otherwise, he doesn't miss a beat. It really is strange and interesting to be so blunt with his existence, but really, the only reason he keeps it a secret is because it usually benefits him to. This was a rare occasion where being straightforward was much better, since it wasn't as if he could lie about why Araneans would be draw to him. "Magic" alone didn't quite cover it. ]

Of course. We can just keep in contact with the BCEs. Hopefully anything further will not be needed.

[ But at this point, their entrance is definitely being noticed. It's a grand, opulent party, as promised, and every Aranean is as fashionable as would be expected from this house. The entrance of the recruits causes a few heads to turn at first, but with taps on neighbor's shoulders, they quickly get more attention from party-goers. As predicted, Genji and Sebastian immediately draw attention, and probably leave very little for Arthur. Just as they hoped, really.

Without hesitation, Sebastian steps forward into the party with an easy smile. Two Araneans walk closer, and the hunger in their gazes is only veiled out of politeness, but he dips into graceful and deferential introductions as if he doesn't even notice. ]

William Aspley of COST. It is a pleasure.

[ If either of them want to join in and overhear introductions (and likely quickly starting to take questions from the curious party-goers), they're welcome, but he doesn't actually look their way. He seems to be totally fine with entertaining the pair... ]

[ A shrug is nowhere near an adequate explanation in light of that bombshell, but Genji will have to discuss it with Sebastian later. They need to look like a united and organized front when they enter the party, so Genji quickly schools his expression into something more neutral.

They've planned for this as well as they can without knowing more about Aranean gatherings, or about this specific House. Genji can't help but stare as he takes in the opulent architecture and the way that every spider is dressed. The three of them are well-dressed, but their outfits don't really hold a candle to this kind of fashion.

When Sebastian is approached, Genji is as well. He watches Sebastian introduce himself in a practiced way, like he's been doing this all of his life, and is quick to follow his lead. ]

I am Suzume, also of COST. [ He bows to the Araneans, having mastered that particular act by now. It's a good thing that his altered body is so flexible. ] Everything here is so beautiful! It's an honor to be here.

These weapons are all unfamiliar to her. The crossbows and assorted ranged weapons are admirable in their craftsmanship; even the guns that seem generally unfavorable catch her eye. A strong curiosity possess her to understand what the people of this world see in such things that make them so prized.

Her hand extends to touch one of the weapons. Even a hint of texture might provide some answers. When the voice brings her back to reality, she seems embarrassed and retracts her arm.

"Oh," she doesn't seem immediately taken at the idea of a contest. There are others far more skilled than herself. "I'd gladly watch you shoot."

Edited 2018-05-09 05:46 (UTC)

He wouldn't doubt that the casual way he handles the weapon in a way that'll catch attention catches the many eyes of close-by Araneans. Though the fact that a very normal servant-class of a human being is wielding it seems to be just dull enough that it doesn't full capture their interest. Luckily, this is just the handle piece.

"Might as well hit two birds with one stone while we're at it," he says, grinning almost mischievously at him. "Admit it, you want to see."

Hux watches the young woman, the way her fingers brush over the weapons, as if she could discern what made each special. It was interesting; these were more crude weapons than he was used to, but he was assured he would be able to manage.

"Are you wanting to watch me shoot so you learn about the weapons? Or because you want to see my skill?" One is shrewd, one less so. Not that wanting to learn about the weapons through watching someone else was a bad thing--but learning through doing was best. "If it is the former, it perhaps would be better for me to help you, hm?"

There is something of a chill in the man's words that sets her on edge. She considers and remembers their exact circumstances: it's all part of the competition, isn't it? While she's trained rigorously these last few weeks, Dolores sees no harm in more time learning. There's a vague proverb on the edge of her mind-- learning is never finished... something. It's all so far away now.

"I want to learn about the weapons," she replies quietly, almost surprised with herself. Is it a lie? She isn't sure.

"You'd be a great help."

Henry's words get him to purse his lips slightly, as if he's trying to hide some amusement. Because yes, he does want to see. But to come out and admit it-- "You know, I am not one to be so forward about things like that," As if they were talking about something else entirely. "But yes, I would like to see it. If only to compare it to what I've seen before."

That's the only reason, obviously. It would bring a bit of attention off of him; he knows some are looking at the necklace, and there are whispers.

There's nothing about William to draw the eye, and he makes no attempt to do so—his clothes are tasteful, but even the accents provide little more than polite emphasis. There is one exception: the ring glittering on his finger in House Jankeh's colors. Whispers and glances—sometimes openly speculative—trail him as he negotiates the party.

He lacks Hux's effortless hauteur, and when he finally finds space to breathe in the company of another recruit, his first exhalation comes shuddering out. “Are you fishing for compliments?” The teasing, his eyes, they're mild—even as he grazes a glance over the necklaces the other man wears. Maybe it's because his own jewelry is a signal, an invitation: hard not to read into it.

His head cocks to the side. “You're as bright as a chandelier.”

[ At their entrance, only a few heads turn. But with a slow kind of murmur, more eyes slide into their direction and Arthur has never been more thankful to be painstakingly normal. Those openly hungry gazes go immediately to Sebastian and then in secondary consideration, Genji.

They glaze right over him, which is right in line with what they expected.

Introductions start and no sooner has Sebastian finished saying his name before he's whisked up in a conversation with a pair of beautifully deadly spiders. Genji has similar attentions in the aftermath.

Politely and as gracefully as he can manage, Arthur takes a bow, head lowered at a deeper angle on purpose. It rankles, but the extra subservience will be useful. ]

Blake Edwards, with COST. I'm humbled to be here.

[ And just like that, he's back to being relatively ignored. With the scrutiny off of him, Arthur slinks off to disappear into the crowd, eyes and ears open. ]

[ If nothing else, they do work quite well as a trio, and it's something Sebastian quickly realizes. Arthur is given some attention, but compared to the two of them... Not nearly as much. Sebastian pauses to let Genji and Arthur introduce themselves, nodding to each of them in turn, but as one of the Araneans smiles a bit more, she quite directly gets to her curiosity.

So, tell me about yourselves.

It's as polite as to be expected, but her tone let's on what she really means. It's not really Genji and Sebastian as people she's interested in. It's what they are. ]

Ah, well, my goodness! Where does one start...

[ He trails off with a charming smile, but the wryness of it makes it clear that he picks up on the real question. ]

I suppose the simplest? After all, I imagine there is little point in hiding it, and especially not when I doubt your people would take offense to it. I cannot complain too badly for it, but still, it is rather difficult to be a demon in a very human realm. Personally, I do not find it terribly dissimilar from your own culture. It makes it a trip that is almost nostalgic...

[ Attention turns to Genji as they pry for his answer, and Sebastian takes that diversion of attention to glance Arthur's way and be sure he's able to slip away. He won't draw any attention to it, but assuming all goes well, he'll just look back to the Araneans they're entertaining with a slightly smoother smile. ]

"You don't know that. Don't false flatter." Hux gave her a sharp look--he is not one to give in to false flattery; flattery he believes, yes. But he has never met this woman before, and he doubts she knows about his ability with weapons. "I could be terrible weapons, and if that is the case, I would be a horrible help, at best."

Still, Hux picks up one of the strange futuristic crossbows; it reminds him of one of the the items some of his troopers could specialize in, but not something he prefers. Still, he trusts he could handle it.

"Luckily, I can help you learn. Pick up one of these." A beat, then, "My name is Hux."

House Khah ends up being a good choice, if only because they're the most military-leaning of the houses, and if 76 knows anything, it's that. He's not really one for tennis or video games, but in the end it doesn't matter because he has enough military accomplishments to brag about. That, combined with the impression he made with the queen, means that some degree of attention is on him, for better or worse.

He has stories, at least, and it might be easy to overhear him talking about conquest in something he calls the Omnic Crisis. It's clear he's not the greatest embellisher, but the gist of it is apparent--after the major governments of his world failed to end the conflict, he and four others singlehandedly prevented the extermination of their species through asymmetrical warfare and covert operations. He's been rebuilding every since. He doesn't exactly run out of material in that department, given that he's spent a lifetime fighting, but when pressed he elaborates on other topics, most notably the nature of his artificiality. 76 was chosen for genetic enhancement as part of a classified and vaguely controversial program, capable of all manner of superhuman physical feats, despite his apparent age--possibly this explains a few things.

Through all this, however, 76 is acutely aware of his place in the hierarchy--he's not as advantaged as he could be, of course, but even an "artificial" man is better for a magical recruit than being left on their own. He keeps his eyes peeled for any fellow COST recruits that might be in over their heads, sidling up to them or waving them over if it looks like they need a buddy or a rescue.

Isn't that

nice.

Edited 2018-05-14 18:29 (UTC)

As she is given leave of the conversation with Khah's great matron, it is his well-timed invitation that helps her keep her head, swimming as it is, intact. With all her limbs attached, albeit shivering, she carries herself across the width of the party hall and directly to the side of her fellow recruit, though she knows him no better than she'd know a name or unfamiliar face from a list. In pairs, they are all safer. In trios, as they are now ( the shadow of her unseen companion, with its eyes closed, polite in the face of polite society ), they're even safer.

It's not a rescue she needs, but the association of such. Every step must be measured.

She admits as much: "I can't tell if I've gained us something or lost us something. Even here, among what I understand, there are still so many foreign variables." Bleak honesty, as she seizes at a nearby platter of Aranean hors d'oeuvres, unidentifiable meats and all, and sets one behind her teeth. Almost petulant, if she were not steady of eye. Already looking for the next move, most like. She asks: "How is your night going?" Looking for more than simple pleasantries, by the flat cadence of her voice.

a brimming glass of spiders

HOUSE KHAH.

HOUSE JANKEH.

HOUSE SHAIY.

Armitage Hux | OTA

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mingling

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weaponry

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mingle mccringleberry

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76 - ota

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