It's 2051, almost 3 years after the most lethal Talon's Loot in a long time, the one that shook things up between the key players. In case you're looking for a recap - it's really been a mess. Gia Boutella made her way to the top of her family & used the opportunity to avenge her parents by reuniting with her stepsister Melina. Joining forces with a few willing participants seeking their own justice, they plotted against the people who rigged the last games, killing a lot of their loved ones in the process. 

What happened resulted in a few otherwise strong organizations weakening into near oblivion. The Collective turned on their own for not respecting their own rules, dispersing into a few smaller organizations. The Boutella family "died out" with Gia, who vanished shortly after the games. Sicarios are still around, tho mainly focused in other parts of the globe, and the only surviving participant seems to be The Midnight Club, reappearing under the new leadership. Saint, who managed to keep his organization (read: cult) under the wraps, selling technology and weapons to all sides, was forced into the light as well, making his dealings somewhat more public (and less lucrative, but don't worry, he managed).

Of course, some new players came to light, mainly representing a better (well, depends on who you ask) version of the predecessors. Keep track of this, you'll most likely be friends with some.

Different families in New York struggled to gain their power when in the end there was the Savaş family that landed on the top, mainly through the arranged marriage between the only surviving Boutella daughter. They are still struggling to prove their place, but things seem to be going well for them - and those working with them.

Sanctum is also on the rise, doing a fine job recruiting new believers for this cult of technology, weapons and destruction that brings glory. The charismatic leader took a rather sentimental turn, adopting two daughters under his wing, hopefully, to take over once he is willing or ready to step down - the biggest surprise is discovering Saint has loyalty left in him.

Another small, yet powerful community seems to be the Angelmakers, a group of expats from Europe whose rules of conduct seem to position them higher on this foul moral ground. They started out as a group of poison-savvy women fighting to get out of horrible situations. Knowledge passed from one to another, promising to be used only for good - getting rid of abusive husbands, primarily - which escalated into a whole thing. While you can consider Angelmakers were once a force of justice, it seems like money does corrupt very easily.

Then, we have the everlasting Midnight Club, rising from the ashes of the last loot, with one leader dead and the other in an early retirement (let's say). The new leadership is more keen on keeping the riches than chasing revenge, but their motivation seems to be based on many different things at once. 

In the end, there's another wild card making its name in the city, or at least it seems like it. Avalon is not your regular organization - it feels like a society of its own, perhaps. The address is familiar, the leader does not hide his connection to it, but everything else seems quite new and very different than your usual run-of-the-mill players. Avalon specializes in drugs - mainly organic, non-synthetic, or so they claim - and they pride themselves on their out-of-this-world experiences, whatever that means.

Now, coexisting between these might have been tense, so the idea of a joined event brings both a sense of unity and competitiveness. Things can go either way.

And you'll step in in the middle of this.
I'm offering some roles to help you start from a good point, rather than a whole blank place.

But first, let's do some rules & calendar.
• Rounds will last for 144 hours, which is 6 days. Casting is an exception, lasting for around 48 hours.
• Please be mindful of the relationships & personalities of the extras.
• It's a story-writing contest, so outfits are not required, but I encourage you to be creative.
• Your characters co-exist in the same place, but I do not expect anything more than that.
• The deadline is real, please try to keep it.
• Try to focus on the important bits.
• Ask, ask, ask! I am happy to provide resources and options, answers, and help in general.
• Give to get: super simple rule when it comes to impressions - the more I get, the more you get (also, quality over quantity)
• Lastly, this one is a little bit more goal-oriented & character-oriented contest than the last one was, as we will not officially write the TL. 

The calendar is below.
Casting: starts 26.03. ends 28.03.
Round 1: starts 28.03. ends 03.04.
Round 2: starts 03.04. ends 09.04.
Round 3: starts 09.04. ends 15.04.
Round 4: starts 15.04. ends 21.04.

That's it, follow the next post for the roles, paper people & the round.

Last edited by Zaralee (16/04/2024 at 10:10)

CASTING ROUND

A little bit on the state of the world & more.
We're playing in 2051.

It’s been almost three decades since the world took a turn for the apocalyptic. After humanity tripped over the thin line they were threading between actual change and another great war, inflated egos and nuclear threats went a bit too far and the threats could not have been left as threats only. Big red buttons were pushed, big egos deflated as Europe turned into a wasteland, and while the regular government still exists, it has the same amount of power that “Don’t walk on the grass” signs used to have: most acknowledge them, but few actually obey. Instead, the real power is in the change of it - no one holds the power for too long.

The good, the bad, the ugly - everyone wants the same: food, water, air, security, and future. The fight to get it has gotten rougher, crueller, and more corrupt than ever. Security is a rare commodity, and even though paid and highly skilled talent is a valued part of society, it’s still a competitive world. In the society of assassins, the biggest and most prestigious thing one can win is the Talon’s Loot.

The competition made out of five tasks is named after Casimir Talon, the first assassin to ever declare themselves the best in the world after calling for the competition and winning it back in 1806, and then again in 1809 to prove they are still the shit. It’s unclear when the actual Loot became as valuable as today, but the contest soon got the attention of the right circles and in recent years winning means three years of security: money, contracts and prestige. Talon’s Loot means the best crime syndicates and families will have you on their retainer, the governments won’t bother you, and there is a bit more security in the future for you, but there’s some fun entailed as well - the winner gets to set up the challenges for the next competition.

The information about the Talon's Loot is here.
Please read the introduction & the information about the groups carefully.

---

KEY PLAYERS & ORGANIZATIONS

Savaş family
After Boutellas officially exited the scene, different families in New York struggled to gain their power when in the end there was the Savaş family that landed on the top, mainly through the arranged marriage between the only surviving Boutella daughter. They are still struggling to prove their place, but things seem to be going well for them - and those working with them. They deal with everything from drugs, clubs, fashion & other types of luxury - and the dirty work behind it.

Sanctum
Saint's little project, otherwise known as a cult has been doing a fine job recruiting new "believers" in technology, weapons and destruction - it allegedly brings the glory. Almost immediately after the last Talon's Loot, their charismatic leader took a rather sentimental turn, adopting two daughters under his wing, hopefully, to take over once he is willing or ready to step down - the biggest surprise is discovering Saint has loyalty left in him.

Angelmakers
Another small, yet powerful all-female community is a group of expats from Europe whose rules of conduct seem to position them higher on this foul moral ground (or so they claim). They started out as a group of poison-savvy women fighting to get out of horrible situations back in the days before WWI. Knowledge passed from one to another, promising to be used only for good - getting rid of abusive husbands, primarily - which escalated into a whole thing. While you can consider Angelmakers were once a force of justice, it seems like money does corrupt very easily.

The Midnight Club
Might as well add "everlasting" into their name, the Midnight Club rose from the ashes of the last loot, with one leader dead and the other in early retirement (allegedly). The new leadership is more keen on keeping the riches than chasing revenge, but their motivation seems to be based on many different things at once. 
Originally started as a collaboration of the Asian-based collectors (of art, artefacts, weapons, and more). The organization turned into a small republic with two leaders selected to decide for the group. They are a well-protected, tight-knit circle leading opulent lives and holding the most wealth, able to obtain and get anything one might want.

Avalon
A wild card, Avalon is not your regular organization - it feels like a society of its own, perhaps. The address of their HQ is out in the open, their leader does not hide his connection to it, but everything else seems quite new and very different than your usual run-of-the-mill players. Avalon specializes in drugs - mainly organic, non-synthetic, or so they claim - and they pride themselves on their out-of-this-world experiences, whatever that means.

---

ROLES
1. Angelmaker
Established within the group & close friends with Liesel. This person is usually in charge of the recruits, higher up on the hierarchy.

2. Angelmaker
New to the ranks, joined through her established friendship with either Liesel or Antonida (you decide). Has previous connections to MC.

3. Angelmaker
Trainee. Has a history with Antonida, from her time before Angelmakers.

4. Sanctum: Weapons Design
talented person scooped up by Alicia somewhere along the way of her trips to South America. They became friends somewhere along the way.

5. Sanctum: Technology Developer
Working directly for Saint, they have been working together for at least 5 years now (could have started very young).

6. Sanctum: Recruiter claimed by Mira
Recruiter, normally working with Verena, they can be friends. This person’s job is communication, making them well-connected.

7. Sanctum: Assassin
New to the Sanctum. Could be recruited by Alicia or Saint himself, there was some potential they had seen in them. This person has been previously connected to the Boutella family.

8. The Midnight Club: Art Dealer
New to the game, someone from Rowely’s past which is why people believe this person got their membership offered to them this quickly. Can be an illegitimate child, a past lover or just a friend.

9. The Midnight Club: Associate
Which for MC means a nicer way to say a gun-for-hire. This person joined through their connection with Enzo & Sing family. Regardless of gender, they are (at the moment) just friends with him.

10. The Midnight Club: Procurer
Meaning that you procure things the MC needs, when they need it. Usually, it would mean art. Now, it can be everything they might need. Friendly (or more) with Enzo.

11. Savaş family: (NAME) Savaş claimed by Bambi
Mrs Savaş, formerly (bastard) Boutella. Balram's wife. This is an arranged marriage of around 3 years. They've been friends for far longer, which is why the marriage works for both. Currently, they keep up appearances for people, but the connection is not romantic.

12. Savaş family: Consigliere claimed by Schogo
A close friend to the current boss, Adnan, consigliere has been around for a long time now, advising the family through different situations.

13. Savaş family: Fixer
Think of this as some type of publicist, but more involved with the dark stuff. It can range from some public image recovery, to actually fixing things themselves - more likely to give some orders on how to make it happen.

14. Savaş family: Assassin
Part of the personal guards of the future boss, this person is fairly new to the game, but selected personally by either Adnan or Balram (you choose). Currently, there are no romantic undertones in that connection.

15. Avalon: Recruit
Recruit, new to the job, got into it through Nera. You’re fairly new, but seem to have potential - according to Nera, that is. Your relationship seems to be on a fast track to positive.

16. Avalon: Liaison claimed by Tric
You're Avalon's contact since they arrived in NY a few months ago because you know all the right people & it seems to be useful to them. Slowly, they become your only job, and you are now considered part of the inside circle - only, there’s very little you actually know about them, despite knowing Nera for a while now.

ROLES might be updated a little bit - just added connections here and there.

---

Requirements
Name (first, last, code - whatever you wish)
Role
FC
Age (keep it over 24, pls)
Personality (tell me all I need to know about your person)
Relationships (some might be influenced by the role you picked)
Interests (up to 3)

Last edited by Zaralee (28/03/2024 at 14:44)

CAST

Cheatsheet of people & relationships

Sanctum
The leader is Saint, whose first name is more or less familiar to those close to him. He has two adopted daughters, both working within the Sanctum business - Alicia & Verena.

Savaş family
The current leader is Adnan Savaş, whose son Balram is meant to inherit the chair any day now. Andrei is their long-standing bookkeeper.

The Midnight Club
The leaders are Enzo & Rawley, with Santiago as their procurer (long time at his job).

Angelmakers
Led by Liesel, her second-in-command is Antonida.

Avalon
Leopold & Nera are seemingly the leaders.

CHARACTERS: ANGELMAKERS. Liesel & Antonida


Liesel Agos
Leader of Angelmakers
FC: Ivy Levant
Age: 32
Relationships: Closest to Antonida, has complete trust in her. Some believe she holds a friendship with Verena, and even Saint.
Key traits: Perfectionist. Self-righteous. Charismatic. Introverted. Aesthetic-oriented. Art lover. Snob. Ambitious. Visionary.

Liesel’s obsession with aesthetics has never been an issue - she was born rich, with good taste and good connections. By nature, she’s not a follower, but rather a trendsetter. She’s enjoying the idea of being influential - she’d just prefer to do it from the backstage, pulling the strings. Liesel is not the type to enjoy the spotlight - at all - and grabbing a lot of attention from an early age has been torture, which was only emphasised when her family died in strange circumstances, leaving her in the care of her relatives. This situation found a way to solve each other when she was approached by one of the better-known Angelmakers, allowing her to take reigns of her own life. What no one saw happen is Liesel deciding she wanted more, quickly bringing her capital to the order before landing on the top of Angelmakers. 

Antonida Yudina
Second-in-command of Angelmakers
FC: Kelsey Asbille
Age: 28
Relationships: Closest to Liesel, who brought her into Angelmakers.
Key traits: Independant. Smart. Observant. Analytical. Private. Cruel. Doesn't believe in second chances. Intuitive, trusts her gut.

The original mission of the Angelmakers might as well have been part of Antonida's story. Married young to a violent man whose demons would find her more often than not, she felt alone for the majority of her life. That is until luck made her cross paths with Liesel. She did not ask for help, yet she got a way out of her situation, and as her gratitude, she joined Angelmakers. While one might consider Liesel to be the visionary, you can definitely conclude that Antonida is the one bringing structure and action to the game. She's smart and intuitively knows how to take care of things, she doesn't give up easily and nothing can throw her out of balance. She's a true survivor, able to take care of herself and those she deems important. 

CHARACTERS: SANCTUM. Saint, Alicia & Verena

The Saint
Leader of Sanctum
FC: Mads Mikkelsen
Age: unknown
Relationship: Adoptive father to Alicia & Verena. Has connections to every key player.
Key traits: Charismatic. Mysterious. Entitled. Arrogant. Dominant. Egocentric. Cocky. Manipulative. 

The mysterious aura around the charismatic Saint is hard to describe. He is both cruel and kind, equally seductive and harsh, rough exterior matching how he behaves most of the time, yet a hidden touch of warmth is always present to lure you in. He’s not the type to make friends, but he can charm anyone into his bedroom easily - and the type of superficial relationships suit him well. He’s efficient, doesn’t take things personally, and when he says a job is a job, he means it. He’s more intelligent than people give him credit, usually just doesn’t bother proving anything to anyone. After the events of the last TL, his activities became known to most - he leads his cult (not his choice of words) preaching about the future of technology, surrounding himself with smart, talented young people who are in the heart of the organization that manufactures & sells high-tech weapons. He also adopted two children, Alicia & Verena, training them to become his heirs.

Alicia
Member of Santcum
FC: Savannah Lee Smith
Age: 27
Relationships: Close to her adoptive father, Saint, but closest to her younger sister, Verena. She's on good terms with Tara.
Key traits: Assertive. Calculated. Harsh. Over-rationalizes. Passionate. Hot-headed. Loyal. Stubborn. Zaelot.

Heir-apparent to the Sanctum, or so she believes. Raised as the oldest child who seemed to have taken all the heat & all the risks, Alicia is not the type to shy away from…well, anything. Her personality varies depending on who’s talking: spontaneous turns reckless, passionate goes to hot-headed & intelligent goes calculated easily. Her interests heavily align with Saint's, she prefers doing over theorising & always likes to think ahead. She’s not keen on accepting people into her circle, keeping her friendships very close-knit & very much ready to call her out when needed, but at the same time, she's not afraid to venture outside her comfort zone to seek out new allies.

Verena
Member of Santcum, normally doing communication jobs.
FC: Whitney Peak
Age: 25
Relationships: Close to her adoptive father, Saint, but closest to her older sister, Alicia. Friends with Tara.
Key traits: Soft-spoken. Smart. Private. Kind. Selfish. Spoilt. Stubborn. Likes to keep up appearances. Organised. Judgmental.

Verena has always inspired either admiration or jealousy. On the outside, everything seems to be going perfectly for her. She’s intelligent & inspiring, her father’s favourite, it feels like she’s the person of the moment - inside & outside of her circles. Verena seems to focus on her (or rather, Sanctum’s) mission & those who know her know she likes to gossip, she loves to have a good time & she’s a loyal, understanding person. She’s an overachiever, always seemingly eager not to use her advantages openly. She’s harsher with her sister & softer with her father than with most others - unless there are people around, of course. She likes to say she is still finding herself, but most know that she usually knows more than she lets on.

CHARACTERS: THE MIDNIGHT CLUB. Enzo, Rawley & Santiago

Enzo Scanavino
One of the leaders of the Midnight Club
FC: Charles Melton
Age: 33
Relationships: Good relationship with Santiago. On good terms with most MC members. Friends with Liesel. 
Key traits: Realistic. Proactive. Not afraid of hard decisions. Well-read, well-bred. Witty. Non-committal. Ambitious. Cynical. Hedonistic. Self-indulgent. Shallow. Snob.

Three years ago, when he was only 30, his name was written in the "will" of Ophelia Song before she vanished to her well-deserved retirement. Some suspect he might be her child, and some believe they are related, but Enzo himself keeps his lips tight, not indulging any rumours. He works hard, believes in progress, and doesn't backtrack. He's young, handsome and very good with words, a charismatic leader they needed, right? His only alleged downfall might be his peculiar taste - rumours include many perverse things, but no one has been able to put the pin to it just yet. 

Professor Rawley Bradfield
One of the leaders of the Midnight Club
FC: Tom Mison
Age: 40
Relationships: Close friends with Santiago. Tolerates Enzo. He's friendly with Adnan, likes Andrei. He's allegedly seeing Alicia. Has an ex-wife, as of recently. Friendly with Tempest.
Key traits: Intelligent. Well-spoken. Detached. Confident. Charming (understatedly). Skilful. Authoritarian. Can get very gloomy. Hidebound, traditional. Sophisticated, sometimes slips into pretentiousness. Overthinker.

Rawley was the right-hand to Raphael & Ophelia for years before the last Loot, voted unanimously to be the next leader of the MC. He's often a slave to traditions, he enjoys them and sometimes likes to subject other things to them. He's a level-headed person with a good sense of the world, one might consider him a natural leader, but there is no joy in the work he does, not that he wishes to find it. His dedication to the MC is unwavering, despite the small glitch in his plan that is Enzo. While one might have attempted to undermine him, Rawley is taking the high road (allegedly) and ignoring his existence entirely. 

Santiago Sanchez
Procurer for the Midnight Club
FC: Justin Baldoni
Age: 38
Relationships: Close friends with Rawley, they go way back. Seemingly in a good relationship with Enzo. Friendly with Tara.
Key traits: Charismatic. Highly ambitious. Diplomatic, or prefers to stay neutral. Suave. Friendly, and very approachable. Attentive. Hedonist. Vindictive. Secure. 

Santiago is the type that makes you do a double take - charismatic & well aware of it, you can see the confidence in every movement. Unlike many who have been accepted to the Midnight Club, Santiago doesn’t have a gold-pleated safety net to fall into. You might think of him as a first-generation wealth and a man who is about to start it all, in a very nice way. He's been a long-time friend with Rawley, going as far as their childhood years, and although they do not see eye to eye most days, they seem to back each other up whenever needed. While most can agree on Santiago's personality and how it translates to the outside world, the majority can't pinpoint his motivation or goals exactly - and that's what makes him more fun, in the end.

CHARACTERS: SAVAS FAMILY. Adnan, Balram & Andrei

Adnan Savaş
Head of Savaş family
FC: Anson Mount
Age: 49
Relationships: Widower as of a few years ago. Balram is his son, and Vittoria is his daughter-in-law. He respects and considers both Tempest & Andrei to be his friends, aside from working with him. Friendly with Rawley & Santiago. On good terms with Saint. 
Key traits: Stoic. Protective of his family. Strict. Calculated. Organized. Power-hungry. Sly. Unprincipled. Ambitious. Respectful. Loyal.

There's very little you can do to stop Adnan when it comes to his goals. He started working with the Boutella family very early in his life when his brother started collaborating with them. When Angelo passed away, he welcomed Gia with open arms & his trigger finger set to shoot if there was trouble. Luckily for everyone, he's good at waiting for the right moment, so once Gia was on the run, he found his way to the throne. Luckily for him, Angelo had a few more children who could solidify his claim & he married his son off in hopes of doing just that. His wife passed away a few years ago in a car crash. Nowadays, he's dealing with his son & his reluctance to step up, trying to hold onto things & keep all he's built so far.

Balram Savaş
The future leader of the family.
FC: Toni Mahfud
Age: 26
Relationships: Adnan is his father, his mother has passed away. He's married (arranged marriage) to a friend of his, Vittoria, for the sake of appearances. Normally gets annoyed by Andrei, but sees his value; he's on friendly terms with Tempest.
Key traits: Self-centred. Observant. Spoilt. Lazy. Easily distracted. Humorous. Determined. Genuine. Hedonist. Talented. Procrastinator. Blunt.

Have you had the chance to meet Balram, you’d easily conclude he is vain, self-centred and very much focused on nothing but himself. He’s born an only child, very much awaited, wanted and doted on by his parents. He’s been in the spotlight his entire life, basking in it, actually, and if there’s one thing you can count on when it comes to him is that is keeping true to himself, no matter what - and for the better or for worse, he’s not ashamed of it. Guilt is not part of his dictionary. Once you’ve befriended him, you might as well pen him down as a friend for life. He is perfectly capable of compartmentalizing - his marriage, his duties, his life - and basically everything in between.

Andrei Balakirev
The bookkeeper
FC: Michael B. Jordan
Age: 37
Relationships: Close friends with Adnan, not a huge fan of Belram. Allegedly seen around to Antonida. Friendly terms with Tempest.
Key traits: Smart. Loyal. Persuasive. Charming. Reliable. Witty. Private. Aloof. Strong-willed. Easily annoyed. Possessive. 

Part of the magic that kept Andrei close to the top this long is his ability to recognize potential threats & still be able to detect which ones should be handled. Another part is definitely the charm he naturally has, helping him navigate the NY life. He's always one step ahead, he's easily recognizing opportunities and likes to invest properly. He's good at recognizing subtle signs and doesn't pity people easily. He's very private, believing in keeping people in the dark about himself and his habits usually help to keep them at a distance, which he doesn't mind either way. 

CHARACTERS: AVALON. Leopold & Nera

Nera
Leader of Avalon
FC: Olivia Cooke
Age: 33
Relationships: Close to Leopold, no one is sure in which way.
Key traits: Ethereal. Well-spoken. Direct. Determined. Resourceful. Extroverted, most days. Opportunistic. Selfish. Non-apologetic. Resilient. Charming, when she needs to be. Lies easily.

She might be elusive in reality, but there’s a very outgoing version of Nera people usually encounter. She’s well-spoken and direct, you don’t want to get in her way - and she’ll tell you that in so many words. Charming and opportunistic go hand-in-hand, apparently, and she normally makes her way through obstacles in life, reaching her goals, no matter who’s left behind. Nera changes the story of her past with each telling and retelling, although people believe she might have told the truth once or twice before - never super certain when. Nera is amazing at making people believe something is their idea originally, which seems to be what happened with Avalon - if you want to believe the stories.

Leopold Renard
Founder (& leader) of Avalon
FC: Tony Thornburg
Age: unknown
Relationships: Close to Nera.
Key traits: Eccentric. Charming. Smart. Observant. Private. Philosophical. Visionary. Elusive, hard to figure out. Open-minded.

Very few people who have crossed paths with Leo have had nothing to tell about him. He comes from a long line of society disruptors that always seem to balance on the edge of the abyss, sometimes crashing into it, sometimes keeping themselves alive by a thread. Leo turned a wild card, vanishing from his life, only to reemerge in the last few years with a fresh new idea of open-minded reality induced by hallucinations. He believes the enhanced reality is the only true way to experience life and discover yourself - but the truth is, more than a few have lost themselves along the way. To his benefit or not, it's up for the time to decide.

DONE. Only relationships will be added as roles are picked.
And I did not get rid of my beard problem. Sorry.

Last edited by Zaralee (30/03/2024 at 11:32)

Tempest

Name: Tempest

Role: Savaş family: Consigliere

FC: Scarlett Johansson

Age: 39

Personality:

Tempest is outgoing and approachable... her mood can easily be described as flirtatious and charming. Often calls smiles and compliments her best weapons. While she is observant and detail oriented, she still prefers to see the bigger picture instead. Goal-oriented and hardworking... Tempest usually doesn't stop until she gets what she wants. She has a perfectionism streak and likes to do things in her own instead of letting others do them... especially if they are important. Never liked to share things. Quite honest and direct. She plans ahead and tries to be prepared for everyone. Not afraid to get her hands dirty if needed. Tempest keeps her calm demenour at all times... but if she gets angry things turn ugly. Loyal to those that earned her trust. She tends to keep her feelings and personal life to herself. Stubborn as hell. Easily annoyed and frustrated once things don't go her way.

Tempest's Relationships

Adnan: Close friends and one of the few people she trusts and is loyal to. Grateful for the opportunities he had offered to her over the years... and the position she reached within his family due to their friendship.

Balram: Friends for a few years now... though it hasn't reached the level of trust yet that she shares with his father. She does enjoy his company and yet she is a little wary how working with him on a profession level is going to be.

Andrei: They have been working along each other for years now... they know each other and yet there are still a few things between them that remain private.

Rawley: They met for the first time a few years ago... exchanged some words and would occasionally run into each other. Loose acquaintance is how she would describe their relationship the best.

Knows most of the important players due to her line of work.

Interests: Adnan, Andrei & Rawley

Last edited by schoggettchen (29/03/2024 at 08:44)

Name - Ostara “Tara”
Role - Sanctum, recruiter
FC - Mica Arganaraz
Age - 29

Personality -
Prideful, or tries to be. Lover of anything expensive. Grateful but jealous. Witty. Withdrawn sometimes. Greedy. More perceptive than she gives herself credit for. Feels like an absolute fraud/imposter. Plays loose and fast with morals, not that she has many. Leans into the feeling of really shouldn’t but will. Enticing. Master manipulator or just a people pleaser? We will never know. Liar liar pants on fire. Egotistical. Influential. Hopeful.
(Sorry for this trait list it derailed and I went with it).

Tara would grasp the reins of her own destiny if she could procure them. Instead life has been a bouncy carriage ride and she holds onto the vehicle for dear life. In her youth she wasn’t known for differentiating what’s best on the first try, or the second for that matter. No Tara is the type of person to stumble onto something good and simply hold on for dear life. Tara is your typical come from nothing which means nothing to lose.

Relationships -
Verena picked her up and she’s holding on for dear life. They are on good friendly terms and go back a few years now.

Alicia remains rather distant at this point might be mainly since their paths have not crossed much. They know of each other and the two have started to bond over beliefs which Ostara is easily influenced by.

Saint might know she exists, she’s unsure. She has started down the path of seeing the light with money from technology and weapons, she’s invested. Doesn’t mind the destruction, its fallout and a necessity of the world.

Knows about Santiago, he might have heard about her, who knows? They might have said hi at some event at some point in time, and she’s interested in bleeding any of the other clubs dry of money— I mean he seemed pretty chill.

Interests - Verena, Alicia, Santiago

Last edited by Mimira (28/03/2024 at 21:17)

(this banner might be changing but for now...)

Vitti's deets...

NAME:
Vittoria Savaş aka Vitti

ROLE
11. Savaş family: Vittoria Savaş
Mrs Savaş, formerly (bastard) Boutella. Balram's wife. This is an arranged marriage of around 3 years. They've been friends for far longer, which is why the marriage works for both. Currently, they keep up appearances for people, but the connection is not romantic.

FC Giulia Manini

Age: 29

TRAITS:
Ambitious | Confident | Cunning | Deceptive | Discreet | Egotistical | Gregarious | Materialistic | Passionate | Resourceful

Personality
Sometimes you have to play the cards you’re dealt. Somehow, Vittoria managed to land on both feet no matter the odds against her. Lucky perhaps? At any rate, a life full of surprising twists and turns has led her to the present circumstances. Marriage to her best friend and all the extravagances that come along with that. Never doubt it, she seeks out luxury and leisure. She has high standards for her surroundings and her quality of life. Big houses, big fun, and lots of relaxation. She’s a social butterfly, living her best life, always up for a good time when it's expedient to herself. She can be headstrong, hot-tempered, and vivacious… but who would expect less from a Boutella? And even though she was born without the silver spoon she certainly inherited a bonafide silver tongue and the talent to wield it decisively when need be. If she learned nothing else from her explosive family (no pun intended… or well, maybe a little…) it’s that you have to look out for numero uno. That doesn’t mean she isn’t dependable and quite loyal to those she cares about… if you make it onto that short list you can be sure she is a confidant worth the measure.

Relationships
Balram - Husband & best friend.
Adnan - Father-in-law; respects him but doesn't know him as well as she thinks she should.
Andrei - he is around the family a lot so she is acquainted, they haven't gotten to know each other more than pleasantries and she's picked up on some tension between him and Balram (unsure what to make of it atm).
Enzo & Santiago - traveling in the same circles (parties/lavish events) & have been introduced at some point and become acquaintances. Intrigued by Enzo.
Saint - Has been introduced at some point, unsure if he remembers but she certainly is well aware of his notoriety. Is aware of his adoptive daughters but there's no connection so far.

Interests
Balram | Adnan | Enzo

CASTING-DONE

Last edited by BambiFoxx (29/03/2024 at 14:45)

As I noticed, it might be needed, so here are FAQs

1. On choosing a role, it's useful to know the goal of the contest. So, what is the goal?
To put it briefly, one of the goals is to navigate through the world, see who’s trying to revive the TL & either help them achieve it or stop it for the sake of your family/group/circle/cult (whoever you join) or perhaps despite them.

You are playing your own game, too. And for those ambitious, it can mean climbing the ranks. If you're an assassin, it can mean getting invited to the next TL. So many more depend on your character.

While the last content in this world was very task-oriented, this one is more character-oriented, emphasizing societal relationships & interpersonal ones, too.

2. Are any of the relationships pre-set, in a sense of limitations?
Most likely not, but please use some logic in this. A good example would be that Adnan would not be disloyal to his son, going for his wife (he is not aware of their arrangement), but also wouldn't be very accepting of another love interest of Balram's. Another example would be that Rawley might not be trusting of anyone in Enzo's circle. Saint would be inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to anyone his daughters might bring to Sanctum. Liesel & Antonida share mutual respect and most likely would not try to undermine each other.

3. Are you addicted to bearded men?
Sadly, I've come to realize I am. However, I regret nothing. Some might grow a beard soon.

4. Am I aware you all planned on this "T" letter names?
I am, now. I love it.

5. Are there some limitations on the relationships?
I would say no, I mean, as long as you keep it on the realistic side & take into consideration groups/personalities, the sky is the limit. Things were set in such a way that you do not have to make one introduction - unless you want to - during the contest. It might not be all friendships between your person and extras, but you can set it in a way there are no strangers.

6. Are there, tho? Any strangers, I mean?
Nera & Leo can be considered new to the playground, but what is even new when it comes to power? Power recognizes power, so people are willing to learn names and connect them to faces when needed.

Last edited by Zaralee (29/03/2024 at 13:39)

Form

Name: Tori, Astoria Louie
Role: Avalon Liaison
FC: Lui Wen
Age: 35
Traits: adaptable, suave, affable, unflappable, self-effacing, amoral, unassuming, shrewd, cynical, jaded, indifferent - all work and little play
Personlity: A long since disillusioned lighthearted-idealist whose social intelligence and attention for detail, and willingness to sacrifice just about anything but most of all herself, made Tori a lasting name of consequence in a world of shifting sands.

The sleek persona of her work may have started as an act, but these days it’s been honed to such perfection the performance have started to blur and obliterate the person behind it. The only thing all her own is her well-hidden cynicism, slowly bored to death by the unoriginality of the world she lives in.

Money-motivated and always working, she has long favoured a non-partisan position making her connections across the board, which is why the exclusivity towards the quick to rise Avalon group came as a surprise, to herself as much as anyone else.

Background: Well-known for knowing everyone of value, Tori being the name and life she branded for herself, being the unabrasive, inoffensive hand between.

Less-known is that she was born the daughter to pharmaceutical magnate, whose greatest hobby in life was experimenting with his own genetics by, famously, fathering an armada of children by the means of eggs harvested from renowned beauties across the globe. His hubristic hunt for creating a perfect heir inadvertently also birthing a sibling rivalry which would lead to his impending doom.

Not-known is that as a youngster – with the terrible prospects of being unassuming – Tori were left to her own devices of exploring and finding delight in the reprehensible past time of poetry and prose. Indulgence which led to covert explorations of the black markets, of forbidden and long lost arts, and uncovering a taste for more hardcore writings, like protesting manifests, proclamations of the downfall of capitalism. Ideas which led to friendships and a community of insurgents, who in time rushed down the slippery slope of radicalisation to terrorist intent before imploding with little consequence, except for Tori, who crawled out bruised and distorted.  Going on to climb to the life she now leads by the use of her wits and the fumes of her father’s crumbled fame.

Unknown is what drains her accounts and enslave her to hunting pay checks which vastly exceeds her own already rather lavish lifestyle.

Relationships:
Nera & Leopold – Tori seldom indulged in her own opinions of her work partnerships, but she liked Nera and that was more something. Leopold is still a bit of a cautious approach. They are well-acquainted by now, in a business sense and perhaps in another sense too.

Generally knows all the players, cordially or even genially, or more. While this woman likes to envision herself an island, both Rawley and Liesel are people whose company she would seek out to relax in and who she holds in higher confidence, and that’s usually what people call friendship, is it not?
Interests: Nera. Leopold. Rawley.

Last edited by tricole (31/03/2024 at 16:34)

Round 1. The Legacy of Talon's Loot

March happens too quickly to comprehend for most, are you one of them? Perhaps, perhaps not. It's been three years since the last Talon's Loot. You might have forgotten about it, but most have - aside from those who have lived through it. Still, the rumour has that something is brewing and that is enough to get people talking.

Andrei stood by the window overlooking the park, which he is sure would have been very impressive back in the day when the park still resembled the image usually shown in history books. A quick check of his watch, he pulls his sleeve down, uncertain of what's happening - it's almost 10 minutes past the meeting time, and Adnan is late. He worries, for a moment, considering what to do next, before turning around to head to the door. Same moment, the man walks in, opening both sides of the glass-paned doors. He flashed a rather warm smile to Andrei, brows darting up.
"Please don't tell me you got worried."
"It's 10 past."
"Trust me, you'll be as curious as I am when you hear this," Adnan makes his way behind the desk, Andrei sits in front of him. "It's about the Loot." A spark of curiosity makes Andrei's eyes light up, Adnan smiles at him. 
"Talon's Loot?"
"The only interesting one, with a promise to become even more interesting."
Before he could continue, Balram walked into the room, closing the door behind him. Adnan looked at his son who found his way to the sofa, leaning back in it. "You're late, son."
One short sigh leaves his lips as he holds back from rolling his eyes. "You were late coming in, I just missed your entrance. So, catch me up and I can go pack?"
"Pack?" Adnan is a little bit surprised.
"I asked B if he could take over the shipment coming into-"
Adnan raised his hand, shaking his head. "No need to explain more," he replied, glancing at his son. 
"We might take a few days while we're on the island," Balram announced with a smile. "So, before I go, tell me about this, well, whatever it was."
"Talon's Loot," Andrei says, curious to find out more.
"Run by who? Verity's dead, sadly, the winner was never elected." Balram leans in, a bit more interested. 
"A winner from the past," Adnan says, replaying the words as he heard them this morning. "A returning champion coming to be a one-man jury."
Andrei's curiosity was peeked, but Balram seemed bored already.
"Amazing story, I believe, but I have to leave. You'll catch me up once I'm back, yes?"
He left before the reply could come from either, doors behind him closed, Andrei glancing over to Adnan expecting a bigger reaction. Instead, his brows furrow to reveal some deeper lines on his forehead. "What do you make of this?"
"Nothing," Andrei is serious and very calm about it. "Until someone comes out in the open, I think there's nothing to think about."
"Sounds like something," Adnan replied. "Feels like the past is coming to bite us in our ass after all."

One short blow and Liesel is on the ground, hand in her face as Antonida helps her up.
Blonde stretches her lips into a wide smile, but the brunette is not as happy. "Please remind me again what this means for us."
"Some traditions die hard, Antonida, but this one might be a fun one,"
"Despite this being the opposite of us," Antonida shrugged, helping Liesel get up. "Honestly, where did you even get this from?"
"I talk to people," her voice is light, unlike the topic.
"People who talk about the past, instead of the future?"
If Antonida hadn't known better, she might have interpreted this as a green-eyed banter. Luckily for both, she knows better. Liesel fixes her hair, pulling her gloves up a little bit, gesturing for another round.
"We're here to stay, aren't we?" Liesel asked.
"I suppose."
"In which case, we might need friends outside our own ranks." Liesel pushes her hair back, cracking her neck. How she got the information was completely irrelevant - if it pans out, it means they might have an alliance in this place. "Don't you think?"
"I guess. I'm happy to see you making friends," Antonite replied, throwing a punch when they returned to their positions. "I just hope," she continues, slowly, "that you've been making the right type of friends."

Doors flung open as she made it into the room, a flowy dress following her as she did. 
"What is that perfume you're wearing?"
"Oh, you noticed," Nera grins, finding a spot on the cushy ottoman behind him. Leo lies on his stomach, a towel covering his ass, as someone she doesn't recognize gave him a very tough massage. "Vanilla, tonka beans and something else, I forgot." 
"Still smells nice," he mused from the table. "What brings you here today?"
"I just got back from a very nice lunch," she started. "The word is out. Apparently, it's not a secret anymore."
Leo propped himself on elbows, glancing at her. "The Loot?"
"They had a very cute name for it," she continues. "Re-do Loot, yes, I think. I mean, saying an old winner is hosting all previous contestants who did not win."
"Scandalous?"
"Perhaps," she replied.
"Giving the public a chance to vote on it, too."
"So, it's no longer a secret, then."
"Apparently, not."

"There's been another one," Rawley stepped into the greenhouse, seeing Santiago sit there. What he did not expect was Enzo sitting there with him, almost as if hiding in the shade of a palm tree. 
"It's how gossip starts," Santi says, trying to ignore the sudden change in mood Rawley had.
"Please," Enzo smiled. "Don't stop on my account, please continue."
"It's nothing," Rawley says, looking for a way out.
"Come on, old man," Enzo chuckles. "Share."
"It's a stupid rumour," Santi rolled his eyes. "Apparently, word on the street is that there's a Loot coming."
"What?" Enzo chuckled. "What do you mean?"
"Yeah," Santi nodded. "People Rawley is talking to say that an old victor is returning from the dead, or retirement, or both, to host another loot, according to their own rules."
"Oh, wow," Enzo mused. "Where's this coming from?" He turned to Rawley when asking, giving the man no choice but to talk to him. Reluctantly, he does.
"A few of my informants shared it, and now others are saying the same thing. Old winner, a new batch of nobodies, with other winners selecting their heir."
"Sounds almost poetic," Enzo deliberates after a long pause. There's a bit less mockery in his voice than normal, but the smirk remains.
"Sounds like a pathetic attempt to revive something that should have died a while back," Santi remains unimpressed, rolling his eyes. 
"Preposterous," Rawley says. "The Loot was always..."
"An insane tradition?" Santi throws another annoyed comment.
"Don't be so bitter," Enzo cuts in. "I hate to agree with the professor, but there was something enticing about the game."
"Hell froze over." Santi chuckles. "You two finally agreed on something."
"Which is my cue to leave," Enzo says. "Let me know when you get the thing, Santi, okay?"
"Or if the Loot starts, whichever comes first."

"What?"
Verena speaks loudly, leaning on the table as he sister picked through a destroyed gun, pushing her lips together, focusing. "I asked you, where'd you get that information from?"
Alicia looks up with a smirk. "Some things should remain unspoken."
"You cannot open this topic only to shut me down, it's a mean thing to do."
"Get over it, Vere, that's basically all I know."
"I find that hard to believe," Verena disagrees, rolling her eyes. She believed that her sister always knew more than she let on. Maybe she was projecting, maybe not. "So, another Loot?"
"Do you think C could be behind it?"
"I could be behind what?" Saint surprised them both, entering the room.
"The Loot rumours," Alicia replied coldly. "Are you planning an event without us?"
"I hate to disappoint, but I have no intention of butchering the Loot like that," he replied.
"So, you heard about it," Verena continued. "Why butcher?"
"The whole point was to have the best decide on the best, there is a hierarchy, and for a good reason," he continued. "You do not let the mice decide on what cats should do next." 
His tone went cold towards the end, both of them knowing not to poke the topic open at this point. 
"Please go get ready, I have something new I would like to show you."

What happens next is different in each story, but you are all still sharing the same place of existence in this universe, so let me announce it takes place in March, around 2 weeks into March, and while your stories should have different things happen, it should culminate in the one single event where, accidentally or not, the key players will have a chance to rub elbows together.

As per usual, this goes into your plot which is incoming! 

Requirements
Name (first, last, code - whatever you wish)
Interests (up to 3)

Last edited by Zaralee (02/04/2024 at 22:38)

Name - Ostara “Tara”
Role - Sanctum, recruiter
FC - Mica Arganaraz
Age - 29



Interests - Saint, Santiago, Verena

one

“An old building,” Ostara hadn’t come here for him, like the day she arrived it was due to Verena. Though by default she was here because of Saint, because of the message he spread into the world.

“Correct,” Saint sat down, it was one of two velvety green wooden chairs where you weren’t sure if you could ever get up again. He crossed his legs and folded his hands neatly on top, without actual high ground he still held control.

“B—“ she licked her lips and gave a thoughtful pause.

“Yes—“ he said, gesturing for her to take a seat across from him - “questioning my judgment?”

“No,” one was quicker, extra heartbeat or her answer leaving an uneven rhythm to breath. Tassels of dark brown curls fell over her eyes as she plummeted into the position of a foldable chair. From here the room felt impossibly large, towering bookcases lined the walls and a desk made for giants centered the room.

“You can,” but she shouldn’t have, was the implication, - “explain to me what’s going on in your head right now?” His head tilted with intention.

“I shouldn’t have brought it up, old habits,” she shifted in the chair, unable to find comfort within the furniture made for the very same purpose.

“Instinctive. Is it not your talent? Making sure we know whatever it is we need to, inside and out.”

The earrings jingled when she agreed, - “and yours?” Which in hindsight as it felt out form her lips formed into a silly question as if she was some silly schoolgirl. He was the undoubtable leader.

“The house is of importance, have you thought about it?” He asks, - “how the past and the present intertwine effectively affecting each other,” she shook her head and let the silence wash over them. - “You should. It will illuminate how you see each passing day, until it all makes sense.”

“You said the first day advanced technology is indistinguishable from the future the same way it was in the past?”

“Why is it a question?” He goes from composed into a smile reaching his eyes, with cheekbones so high she thinks they’d touch his eyelashes if he blinked. - “Do you find my previous statement inaccurate, it would ripple across time and cause me right now to be inaccurate as well.”

“No,” she shook her head again, - “I find you make it a point not to lie. Provoking. Directed. But true perhaps by omission sometimes.”

“See you already know me,” he smiled like the wolf from the little red riding hood. The same wolf which caused an array of mixed feelings as a young woman.

two

Ostara tiptoed the line of malnourished in a lanky figure boiling down to genetics, or so one would assume. She was seemingly not a noteworthy person, despite gaudy jewelry and prominent features yet easily overlooked. The sleeve of her dress swivered some dust off a nearby, wobbly candelabra as she raised her paddle.

“Number twelve holds the highest bid, do I—“

“A book?”
“Yes,” Tara twirled the paddle between her hands.

“Sure,” Verena shrugged her shoulders, - “who voted first?” Her high cheekbones had become prominent with the broadening of her lips, already she knew Tara too well, without a doubt she looked too much like her adoptive father right then.

“The MC—“

“It’s childish, Alicia will find it funny,” without skipping a beat Verena raised her paddle once, maybe out of appearing united as a front or finding a hint of entertainment. - “Except not very smart. Do you usually rack up problems?”

Ostara could have lied it would have been easy, though she wasn’t aiming at an elegant swan dive into the club scene. Nor a splash. She had a brick tied to her foot and expected to go deep, before fighting for her life to get out. This was the Ostara signature mark. - “What do you think?”

“Yes. I trust you know what you are doing,” Verena folded her hands in her lap as the MC raised their paddle high into the air. The auction didn’t reflect what she had seen in movies, maybe the situation would have been avoided if the suffocating silence hadn’t filled the room.

“I don’t,” she admitted, catching an entire weather forecast roam over Santiago’s face as he watched her raise her paddle again. - “You are the intelligent and rational one.”

“Thank you, flattery won’t make me smooth over a garnered bad reputation for you,” she spoke in a matter of fact voice. - “What was even the name of the book?”

“Can’t remember,” an arrogant smile slipped over her lips. The look upon Santiago’s face says that she shouldn’t have when they announce the winning bid going to number twelve.

“When I see a good opportunity—“ They are standing in the overgrowth of the mansion threatening to overtake them as well if they stay still for long enough. A ”tch,” leaves his lips, - “I had to test the waters.”

“Had to?” His thumbs were sticking out of his pockets, - “the temperature won’t continue to be to your liking.”

“What?” She laughs, a cigarette lit between her lips - “it didn’t burn a hole in your pocket now did it?” He peers at the clock around his wrist, - “I was curious what would happen.” So simple but it rang true, it was the pure inhibition to not poke the bear, the exhilaration of watching the event unfold in real time.

“Whatever— even if I had the time it wouldn’t be spent on this.”

“No. That’s okay,” Tara smiles and tilts her head, - “some people are not made for competition,” she shrugged, smoke rising between them.

“If not already you look stupid, childish,” he remarked, - “don’t play the game without reading the rules.”

“You can have it, if it means that much to you,” Ostara offers, folding her arms from the cold wind washing over them.

“No. Don’t bother with empty gestures,” a sour note curdles in his throat, a coating layer emerging into his speech.

three

Some people possess a hollowness, usually referred to as passionate or hungry people. Auntie’s clientele consisted of hollow people, her auntie was one as well, someone whose appetite was never satiated. Only stopping once they consumed their own being. Ostara had watched it many times, that would never be her, no she was just the cook, the maid, the shadow which went unnoticed not the monster. - “I forget, you haven’t seen our production sites yet?” It’s posed as a question though it never was, Alicia looked up a hollow stare causing a shiver down Tara’s spine.

“No,” her ring taps against the coffee mug, she only drank it past noon if she would be out late, if there was a purpose to venture out.

“About time,” Alicia sits crossed legged up on the metal table, waving a filing-tool in her face. Except this was just not a proposition, this was a golden ticket, Tara smiled and bobbed her head.

“Maybe,” she weighed the idea in her head. A laughter brought her attention back.

“Jeez what is there to think about? Truly?” She swiped the file once over the gun before gesturing frantically again. - “Understanding, applying the world’s physics towards technology and weapons is the ultimate truth. Beliefs in symbolic gods died out for a reason once technology advanced to where they replaced fraudulent gospel. Saying maybe makes you sound stupid and you can thank me for this constructive criticism.”

“Appreciate your time,” Alicia gave a short smile and turned her attention back to the gun.

“She probably meant it’s not her area, hence wasting her talents,” Verena interjected from over the corner in a red vinyl couch, city lights illuminated the room from the window spanning two sides of the wall.

“Time to broaden her horizons,” the tool clanked against the table while she tinkered with mounting a new addition to the weapon.

“Anyways,” she sipped her coffee and poked at the tools splayed out on the table, - “backing up to our previous point Santiago told me a few tidbits about the property—“

“Before or after stealing the book? It changes the implications of the information,” again Verena added to the conversation, tearing her eyes from the screen.

“Before, thought by now enough time should have passed for his ego to inflate again and all is good in the world.”

“Depends. I’ve heard he doesn’t take kindly to being once overed,” Alicia lifted the gun, a small screen connecting to the control panel lit up as she spoke.

“Rawley and you share many intimate chats about life and friends?” Verena asked from her corner, a smile on her lips and foot dangling.

“Tell us what you found out?” She asked, ignoring her sister and focused her attention on Tara.

“Yes, so he told me the property contained secrets which hadn’t been documented during its erection—“

“Exact wording?”

“It’s not in the blueprint,” Tara dug into her purse, fishing out a ledger, - “I found some passage which wasn’t mapped out.”

“Yeah—“ Alicia was already flipping through the pages, - “the house belonged to Mikhail Solovoyo, we knew this,” she shrugged and closed the ledger.

“I didn’t.”

“Could have asked. Not using your talents wisely,” a smug smile crept up on her face with the gun leaning against her shoulder.

“One of the former winners?”
“Yes, 2036 to be exact.”

“Didn’t he die in the 2045?” Verena asked perched on her seat.- “With all these details and the newly announced loot wouldn’t it be comical if C was behind it? Even I would’ve arranged it the same way.”

“He would’ve told us,”in a smooth movement Alicia was down from the table and leaning in over it.

“Would he?” Verena questioned while pocketing her phone. Ostara imagined he wouldn’t have, additionally according to her sources other factions had a far greater need to assert their reputation. Perhaps it was all it was, a damage control, a coverup for something else?

four

Tresses of hair are slicked down against her skin from a wet bag of frozen chicken nuggets. - “The stove would cook them faster,” Alicia’s grin goes from ear to ear, - “what happened?”

“Poor judgment, impulse control and a pool cue—“ Tara groaned, experiencing a new sensation of brain freeze.

“Probably not that bad,” Alicia rolled her eyes, jacket already plummeting to the floor as she stepped inside, - “let me have a look.”

“Some people—“ she trailed off into a murmur as Alicia lifted the bag.

“I’ll just get you a new one, it’s not even cold anymore.”
“That bad,” she wobbled towards the couch.

“Try ducking instead of leaning into the hit. Beer?”

“Beer. Tequila. Diesel, if it takes the edge off, sign me up,” she dove into the couch, - “what brings you around?”

“A data drive,” she popped the beers and slung a pack of chicken tenders along.

“General direction of contacts I should tap into?”

“It was lost during the last loot,” beer and chicken was exchanged, - “I was thinking you’ve got Santiago’s ear.”

“I could get it.”
“And you’ve got leverage.”

“The book,” Tara agreed, - “you think they have it?”

“Possibly,” she held the beer by her lips as she spoke and there was a sense that there was something left out by omission.

“Either that or Savas?” She rested her head against the couch watching the neon purple pulsate above them.

“Sources point towards MC,” which was the point where she let it go glancing at the woman who now also watched the light above them.

“Want to stay for some chicken?”
“Nuggies?”
“I’ve got tenders as well—“

five

She caught a glimpse of him reflected in the mirror, Ciaran left people blind without being a car wreck fire. No it was more long lasting he was the dry ice people forgot to be frightened about. Tara refocused, wiping away a smudge of free roaming lipstick with her finger, - “have you seen Godot?” Ciaran asks standing still in the spacious hallway, a napkin dangling from his fingertips like bait on a hook. She watched as his image in the mirror turned blurry from fog, - “the play.”

”Not an avid visitor to the theater,” she crossed the room in two strides, taking the offered napkin, - ”am I in for a treat?”

“Depends,” he smiled, resting his weight in the perch of a dresser from a deep colored wood, - “while outdated references remain, it reflects over the sameness of the everyday.

Waiting for Godot while outdated to our standards showcases unlighetend people’s never ending wait for life to happen,” hands resting in his pockets, the overhead lights cast a vast shadow.

“Outdated?” She wipes the corner of her mouth carefully.

“From a time when they put their fate in the hands of their god, and they wait as if their existence is enough. As if someone is answering their call,” in the background they could hear Verena click-clacking down the stairs.

“Is there not?” She tucked the napkin in her pocket, - “an answer?”

“There is,” he nodded absently and pulled out their coats from hangers, - “like I said technology.”

“Right—“ she nods as Verena in the doorway. Tara slips into the coat as they all start leaving out the door.

The girls chatter the car ride there, sparkling drinks in hand as the city moved to the pulsating strobe lights and blinking neon signs, in a life of its own. They pass alleyways where the neon light can not reach and it’s in there dreams go to die. The night progresses into a slow dull motion as she’s sunk into a divot of a theater chair. In the middle Ciaran excuses himself and leaves. She clocks the coincidence with several other of the leaders standing up in their booths. Verena shares a glance with her and she thinks it’s probably none of her business—

Complete!

Last edited by Mimira (03/04/2024 at 20:52)

Tempest

Name: Tempest

Role: Savaş family: Consigliere

FC: Scarlett Johansson

Age: 39

Personality:

Tempest is outgoing and approachable... her mood can easily be described as flirtatious and charming. Often calls smiles and compliments her best weapons. While she is observant and detail-oriented, she still prefers to see the bigger picture instead. Goal-oriented and hardworking... Tempest usually doesn't stop until she gets what she wants. She has a perfectionism streak and likes to do things on her own instead of letting others do them... especially if they are important. Never liked to share things. Quite honest and direct. She plans ahead and tries to be prepared for everyone. Not afraid to get her hands dirty if needed. Tempest keeps her calm demeanor at all times... but if she gets angry things turn ugly. Loyal to those who earned her trust. She tends to keep her feelings and personal life to herself. Stubborn as hell. Easily annoyed and frustrated once things don't go her way.

Tempest's Relationships

Adnan: Close friends and one of the few people she trusts and is loyal to. Grateful for the opportunities he had offered to her over the years... and the position she reached within his family due to their friendship.

Balram: Friends for a few years now... though it hasn't reached the level of trust yet that she shares with his father. She does enjoy his company and yet she is a little wary of how working with him on a professional level is going to be.

Andrei: They have been working alongside each other for years now... they know each other and yet there are still a few things between them that remain private.

Rawley: They met for the first time a few years ago... exchanged some words and would occasionally run into each other. Loose acquaintance is how she would describe their relationship the best.

Knows most of the important players due to her line of work.

Interests: Adnan, Andrei & Rawley


Cred to Nina

The Legacy of Talon's Loot

I.

Lips pressed together, Tempest stepped into the elevator… tablet in her hands and she used the brief moment of silence to quickly read over the latest messages and news. There wasn’t much new these days which was either a blessing or just the calm before the storm… and over the years she hadn’t had the best experiences with the latter.

The elevator dinged as it came to a halt on the 15th floor… one of her eyes was still glued to the tablet as Tempest stepped outside.

“Tempest,” Balram’s lips curled into a smile as he lifted one of his hands to greet her.

She returned the smile before switching off the tablet, “Balram… are you not staying for the meeting?”

“Actually, I’m about to leave for a short trip to St. Barts.” He explained with a warm smile, “I should warn you though… you are about to enter a meeting with conspiracy theorists.” He chuckled before slipping past her to step into the elevator.

Eyebrows arched up, Tempest turned her head to look at him, “What are you…” Her question remained unanswered as the elevator doors were already closed. Shaking her head, she continued her way… knocking on the glass-paned doors before pushing them open. Adnan and Andrei sat at the large table in the middle of the room.

“Hey,” the blonde greeted both men with a smile before settling down on the table across of them. Legs crossed, she leaned her hands on the table, “Your message sounded quite urgent… did something happen?”

“Talon’s Loot.”

Tempest arched up an eyebrow as she first looked at Adnan and then over to Andrei, “What about it? It has been three years since the last one and there has never been an official winner announced.”

She had already been working for the Savaş family during the last Talon’s Loot… albeit her position had been a smaller one and she hadn’t been as much involved as she usually was during these days. Honestly, she didn’t remember much from the last Talon’s Loot, other than the absolute chaos that had been left behind.

“And yet it seems that someone plans to bring it back,” Andrei explained, arms crossed in front of his chest. 

“Mhm,” the blonde licked over her lips, “And any idea who the mysterious player behind the Talon’s Loot might be?”

"A winner from the past… a returning champion coming to be a one-man jury,” Adnan replied hands clasped together as he leaned on his elbows.

“You think it is true?” She asked eyebrows knitted together.

“I have no reason to believe otherwise yet. What do you think?” Adnan told her, “Judging from your reaction, I reckon you haven’t heard anything about it.”

Tempest shook her head, “No information has reached my ears yet. But I will certainly ask around… if there is indeed someone planning to bring back Talon’s Loot, it shouldn’t be too hard to find more information.” She leaned back in her seat, hands clasped around her knee, “The timing is certainly interesting… why now? Why not earlier?” Head tilted to the side, she kept her gaze locked on Adnan,” As long as we have no idea who might be behind it, we should be careful. The last Talon’s Loot caused quite the chaos.” Her eyes darted over to Andrei, “What do you think about it?”

He shrugged his shoulder, “I’m not too worried about the Talon’s Loot. As right now we don’t know anything. It could be just a rumor… someone simply having fun.”

“Maybe… but we should still be prepared. We don’t know who is pulling the strings in the background… we don’t know what exactly they might be planning.” Tempest pointed out.

“And we don’t know what they might want from us,” Adnan concluded, “As you pointed out there was a lot of chaos after the last one… something I would like to avoid this time. Tempest, ask around. If we have heard about it, so will have the others.”

Andrei tilted his head to the side, “I hope we aren’t investing too much time only to find out it is just a silly rumor.”

“Mhm, we will hopefully soon know more.” Adnan said lips pressed together. His gaze moved over to Tempest, “There is something else I would like to discuss with you.”

“I’m all ears.”

“There is an auction happening in two days.” He placed a file on the table between them, “Two-day trip and I’m looking to buy a special piece.”

Eyebrows knitted together she pulled out a piece of paper from the file… it was a photo of a revolver collection. There was nothing special about it at the first glance but Tempest knew Adnan well enough to know that he must have very good reasons why he wanted them.

“Very well.” She said with her lips twitching into a smile, “I will see to get it done.” She slipped the photo back into the file… money wouldn’t be an issue for Adnan, especially not when he had his mind set onto something, “Might also be a perfect opportunity to ask around. There is usually someone important at those events.” She rose from her seat… file and tablet in her hands.

“Great. Maybe the others have heard a bit more about the Talon’s Loot and whoever might be behind it.” Adnan replied.

“Mhm, always a possibility.” The blonde mused as she followed Andrei towards the door, “I will get in touch with you once I’m back.”

The door feel shut behind her and with a smile playing on her lips, Tempest turned her head to look at Andrei, “You got any plans this weekend?”

“Scared to go alone?” he replied, a playful smile twitching on his lips.

“Bored fits it better.” Tempest chuckled, “Who knows maybe it could be fun?” Shrugging her shoulders she stopped next to him outside the elevator, “And maybe you will even find something that catches your eye.”

“You plan on bidding too?”

“Depends…” The blonde mused as she stepped into the elevator, “If there is something that catches my attention, why not? So, are you joining me or not?”

Andrei entered the elevator as well, lips still curled into a smile, “I will… after all, it could be fun.”

“Great.”

II.

The auction... goes with Andrei. Runs into Rawley & Santiago. Stays the night and bids on the revolver collection the next day

III.

Talk with Adnan

Last edited by schoggettchen (03/04/2024 at 18:04)

Vitti's deets...

NAME:
Vittoria Savaş aka Vitti

ROLE
11. Savaş family: Vittoria Savaş
Mrs Savaş, formerly (bastard) Boutella. Balram's wife. This is an arranged marriage of around 3 years. They've been friends for far longer, which is why the marriage works for both. Currently, they keep up appearances for people, but the connection is not romantic.

FC Giulia Manini

Age: 29

TRAITS:
Ambitious | Confident | Cunning | Deceptive | Discreet | Egotistical | Gregarious | Materialistic | Passionate | Resourceful

Personality
Sometimes you have to play the cards you’re dealt. Somehow, Vittoria managed to land on both feet no matter the odds against her. Lucky perhaps? At any rate, a life full of surprising twists and turns has led her to the present circumstances. Marriage to her best friend and all the extravagances that come along with that. Never doubt it, she seeks out luxury and leisure. She has high standards for her surroundings and her quality of life. Big houses, big fun, and lots of relaxation. She’s a social butterfly, living her best life, always up for a good time when it's expedient to herself. She can be headstrong, hot-tempered, and vivacious… but who would expect less from a Boutella? And even though she was born without the silver spoon she certainly inherited a bonafide silver tongue and the talent to wield it decisively when need be. If she learned nothing else from her explosive family (no pun intended… or well, maybe a little…) it’s that you have to look out for numero uno. That doesn’t mean she isn’t dependable and quite loyal to those she cares about… if you make it onto that short list you can be sure she is a confidant worth the measure.

Relationships
Belram - Husband & best friend.
Adnan - Father-in-law; respects him but doesn't know him as well as she thinks she should.
Andrei - he is around the family a lot so she is acquainted, they haven't gotten to know each other more than pleasantries and she's picked up on some tension between him and Belram (unsure what to make of it atm).
Enzo & Santiago - traveling in the same circles (parties/lavish events) & have been introduced at some point and become acquaintances. Intrigued by Enzo.
Saint - Has been introduced at some point, unsure if he remembers but she certainly is well aware of his notoriety. Is aware of his adoptive daughters but there's no connection so far.

Interests
Belram | Adnan | Enzo

The Legacy of Talon's Loot - DONE

Pᴀʀᴛ Oɴᴇ ﹣ Tʀᴇᴀsᴜʀᴇ Hᴜɴᴛ- DONE

I looked beyond the diamond I held dangling near my lobe to the door swinging open after the briefest of knocks. His body filled the space within seconds and I arched a brow at his piercing gaze locking with mine in the reflection. Barely a second passed before I spun around, laying the earring on the vanity carelessly and giving him my full attention.

“Well?”

“Well… it was nothing, as I guessed.”

“It didn’t seem like nothing.” I laughed softly as he rolled his eyes dramatically in response.

“Nothing to me, then…” He shrugged as he moved closer, running his finger along the delicate gem. “Father is on about the prospect of the loot…”

My brow rose even higher, if possible. “THE loot? Talon’s?”

“It would seem. Some gossip… rumors. Bullshit if you ask me.” He shrugs again, continuing to admire the jewel a moment more. “Father believes some past winner is up to some scheme, personally I think too many people have too many ideas of the events going on. Either way, it’s no concern of mine.”

“You’re not even a little bit curious?”

My pulse was racing a little at the prospect to be certain. It had been years, and a majority of my family had become victims to that damned loot… too much treachery, too much destruction, too much death. That loot had left me the last of my line.

“Not especially, no. At least, not until there is something concrete to be curious about… I’ve no interest in gossip.”

I chuckled, shook my head, and slipped the earring from his fingers as I stood up, coming within inches of him at my side. I wore a lengthy black chiffon robe over a satin chemise, despite it being the middle of the day at that point, and neither of us was overly concerned about his presence in my bedroom nor my state of dress.

“You love gossip.”

He smirks, “only when it’s useful to me.”

“Ummhmm… well, it doesn’t seem like your father to get wrapped up in some inconsequential rumors. At least that’s not the impression I’ve gotten of him over the years. And why summon you so insistently if it’s really nothing.”

Balram shrugged again, “Maybe he’s getting bored in his old age.” I laughed, about to chastise him at the ridiculous comment. His father was mature but hardly about to step into an early grave. “Anyway… I came to see if you were up for getting away from this cold?”

The unexpected change of topic wasn’t exactly unwelcome. Or shocking really. Balram rarely wasted time discussing things that didn’t interest him.  We had that in common.

“A trip?”

He grinned, instantly aware of my interest.  How he managed to see through me so easily could have been chalked up to our lengthy friendship but I knew it was more than that. It was a little unnerving at times, but I had long given up trying to understand or deflect against this weird intuition he had.

“How’s St. Barts sound to you?”

I rolled my eyes while he moved to set a carry-on on top of my bed, “You know perfectly well that it sounds thrilling.”

“Pack light, we can just grab whatever while we’re there… the jet’s already being fueled… we’ll leave within the hour.”

⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️

It took less than a day for reality to set in.

“So we weren’t really here for some rest and relaxation… or to just get away from the cold.”

Cracks exposed the age of the building within seconds, and a musty ancient odor… that of old books, tarnished metal, and old moth balls assaulted my nostrils the moment we crossed the threshold. That alone could have ruined this little adventure for me if not for the buzz of activity within. Antiques, jewels, and tomes of all sorts cluttered the tabletops and curios within. Some rooms were dedicated to silent bidding while an auctioneer stood at the front in the main salon swiftly managing the rambunctious bidders competing for their desired items.

“Since when don’t you love a good vintage sale?”

I wrinkled my nose at his teasing since I really had no good comeback. The man simply knew me too well. As we wandered through the estate, several items caught my eye but it took only a short while for me to realize that Balram wasn’t as intent or enthusiastic about… well, really anything. Well, maybe I shouldn’t say he wasn’t intent… he was most definitely that. I frowned.

“Are we looking for something in particular?”

He was startled for a moment, glancing towards me with a raised brow. He even tried to brush aside the question with pure nonchalance. I pressed my lips together, unrelenting… which I suspected he hoped I would. Seconds passed before he gave a rather dramatic sigh before his lip curled at the corner.

“Fine…” he muttered, hooking his hand under my elbow to casually lead us to a less crowded section of the room. There was no doubt that my curiosity was heightened. “I got a tip that I might locate a piece of mother’s jewelry here that I’ve been searching for for some time.”

As far as revelations go, that was not one I would have predicted. Balram rarely spoke of his mother, I knew it was a sore subject for him and I never forced the topic. Her sudden and tragic death hit him pretty hard. We’d been friends already for many years but that death and the considerable amount of violence within my own family at the time… it just seemed natural that we both leaned on the other for mutual support and companionship. He was my safe ground when the world was utterly rocky and I tried to be that for him too.

“What jewelry? Why?”

He nodded, completely attuned to my confusion. “After the accident, things disappeared. It seems someone broke into the car and swiped the jewelry as she lay dying in the wreckage.”

There was bitterness and rage in those words, even after all these years. And I understood… I empathized. I slipped my fingers between his as I felt the shock and outrage as if it were my own loved one he spoke of even though I only knew his mother socially. It was our friendship that fostered those emotions and I gripped his hand trying to offer some reassurance.

“What are we looking for?”

He gripped out intertwined fingers and leveled me with a sharp, purposeful gaze before describing his mother’s necklace. It wasn’t flashy or excessively expensive but it was the oldest heirloom and he wanted it back.

Unfortunately, try as we did, the piece was not there. His disappointment was contagious and we were on the verge of giving up when one of the auctioneers appeared to give us hope. Another batch of jewels were to arrive for tomorrow's sale.

There was no way either of us would take the offer to sleep in that dilapidated place overnight so we located the nearest hotel from the mountainside estate. It wasn’t anything to write home about and shockingly only had one vacancy, but it was clean and at least they had a decently reviewed restaurant on site. We ate mostly in silence except for the brief hints of Balram’s impatience. I could tell he was annoyed with the delay and unfortunately, our waiter was the recipient of that irritation.
My rather hefty tip helped to alleviate any animosity before we finally retired to our room.

“We’ll find it.” I finally muttered after his ceaseless tossing and turning. There was a moment of silence from his side of the bed with the covers under him pulling snuggly over me. It took a few seconds to finally twist around to face him. He didn’t bother tugging the spare blanket any higher over his bare torso, but it wasn’t something I hadn’t seen before.

“I’ve been looking for a long time.”

“Well, now you have someone to help you look… you don’t always have to do everything alone.”

“You’ll be bored outta your mind in a day or two…”

I smirked, “I’m surprised you haven’t grown so in all this time.” I paused, growing more serious. “It must be very important to you.”

“It is.”

I nod at the solemn response. It would have been easy just to turn around and leave him to his agitation. Balram wouldn’t have cared if I had, he would have continued to focus on his relentless search with or without my involvement. And it wasn’t as if I made a habit of butting into his personal matters. But that night felt different as if something more mattered and needed to be said.

“Tell me about your mother.”

I think it startled both of us when I finally spoke, but perhaps Balram’s shock was more striking. For a moment, I thought he’d refuse but in the end, he spoke, and spoke… and shared some more. Until the wee hours of the morning, we talked about his mom and those that I’d lost over the years in a way we’d never done before. I liked to think it was a bit of healing for both of us.


⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️


I was rather grumpy about the early rise Balram insisted upon but his impatience to return to the estate was unbound. I reminded him that arriving early wouldn’t make the auctionable inventory appear any sooner but it was like speaking to a deaf person. It was my turn to be snappy at the restaurant staff but imagine being forced to rise before noon just to rummage through some antique trash looking for one tiny treasure. And to be rushed through the meager breakfast then having my coffee poured into a to-go cup of all things. If "Looks Could Kill" should have been the theme of the day. But the obnoxious satisfaction on his face when we arrived to find his prize easily attainable was the tip of the iceberg. Never mind that I was secretly ecstatic for him… it was the principal of the matter!

I’ll admit, he redeemed himself somewhat with a lovely emerald brooch and matching earrings he secured with his bidding. Hearing thank you was a pleasant surprise as well… I knew I wouldn’t dare hold my breath for an apology.

“Hey…” grabbing his forearm made Balram glance away from the cashier, “Isn’t that your father’s bookkeeper and Consigliere?”

I caught the frown on his face a split second before it disappeared. Andrei and Tempest were both engrossed in something in the room just beyond where we were and hadn’t noticed us as of yet.

“Looks like it.” He muttered before gathering his winnings and hooking his arm under mine with purposeful strides in the opposite direction.

“Shouldn’t we say hi?”

“And spend time discussing the weather, or worse… accounting?”

He muttered as if it were the dullest thing he could ever imagine. I shook my head with a chuckle and let him lead us away from his father’s employees and the battered old building altogether. That didn’t stop me from wondering how strange it was that we all ended up on that mountain at the same time. It couldn’t have been a coincidence… I was sure of it.

Pᴀʀᴛ Tᴡᴏ ﹣ Wɪᴛʜɪɴ Tʜᴇsᴇ Wᴀʟʟs - DONE

Balram being bored often led to some unexpected consequences. I had grown used to and accepted his unpredictability, perhaps much more than others. When the whim struck, it only took a few minutes for me to agree and less than a few hours to have the hotel staff racing around frantically to meet our demands before our guests started to arrive.

With the hour both the bar and the dancefloor revved with raw energy. The hired DJ had rhythms bouncing vividly from one wall to the next, some of our invitees shimmied and swayed swiftly in tune. A pulse of heat permeated the path I took within inches of the dance floor but I avoided the pack of gyrating and bouncing bodies. Instead, I steered towards one of the three private rooms that had been set up per our instructions.

“Why private rooms?”

He shrugged, “I want to see what they’ll do.”

“They who?”

“Whoever shows up.”

“So you aim to gather intel tonight?”

“You make it sound so straightforward. I’d like to enjoy myself too…”

I’d shaken my head. Even though Balram hadn’t stuck around to explain his cryptic motive, I gathered one of two things. He needed a distraction… and he couldn't seek that distraction so close to his father’s interested eye. But clearly, there was more to wanting a warm body.  There was more going on that he wasn’t sharing. That had been earlier that morning and I’d barely had a moment to speak with him longer since then.

“Well, well, if it isn’t one of our illustrious hosts…”

A faint golden hue is shown from several wall sconces in the darkly paneled room. It took me a moment to adjust but quickly I laid eyes on several individuals casually laid back on the Chesterfield sofa. Rich, thick velvet drapes hung dramatically at varying points, giving an air of romanticism and decadence. Much as I imagined speakeasies may have looked in their heyday. How the hotel’s staff managed to locate a functioning gramophone was unclear but the big band vinyl humming from the corner fit the atmosphere to a tee.

“I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves…”

Several half-hooded eyes responded, as well as lazy, relaxed grins.

“Of course,” some chuckles filled the room but my gaze was drawn to the man on the edge of the sofa, who in a flourish poured a measure from a gilded decanter “Join us… you’ve met Vittoria Savas haven’t you Nera?” He uttered, elevating an etched crystal lowball in an obvious offering.

I must have hesitated although I didn’t intend to. Many things ran through my mind in that instant though, the key point being Balram’s comment earlier about who, what, and where. In my opinion, something was interesting in finding several of the club’s leaders cozying up in some dark room. But I’d shared drinks with him and a couple of others in that room before… I shouldn’t be acting so weird that night. But perhaps all the talking about the Loot that had continued to surface in the past days since the St. Bart's trip had me on my guard. How much did any of them know? How much did any of them care?

“Can’t say that I’ve had the pleasure, but I’ve certainly heard of you Vittoria…”

Nera almost purred as she leaned forward and tugged a matching gold-plated tray closer to where she sat. I wasn’t naive, nor could I be considered anything close to moral. I had an inkling of what some clans did behind closed doors… or sometimes even open ones. Though, I’d never had any exposure to Avalon… or their dealings. Nera grinned, splitting then lathering a line in the groove of her thumb and forefinger.

“Do join, it’s always nice making new friends.”

I wasn’t sure she was being forthright but the atmosphere was chill and the small group seemed to be in the best of moods. They scooted to make room for me after Enzo made little work of Nera’s treat against his nose. A glance around proved there weren’t other options so I settled between them while slipping the amber drink from his fingers.

“I was just roaming around checking on guests but there’s no reason I can’t sit for a spell…”

“You’ll do more than sit, I hope.”

“Such as?”

Both Nera and Enzo chuckled again beside me, but he spoke next, “relax, unwind…”

“That’s for the guests to do, I’m just trying to make sure that happens.”

“All work and no play is rather dull.”

“There’s a time and place for everything…”

“And I’m here… and now. With the best tailor-made grade-A candy around. I don’t mind giving a taste, I’m sure you’ll love it.”

“Tempting…” I smirked, “but maybe I need to keep my wits about me tonight.”

“Oh, don’t be paranoid. It’s not a trick or a trap.”

Enzo reached past me, tugging the powder tray front and center.

“Or maybe it is…” Nera chimed in, “But it’ll be one helluva ride regardless. Best you’ve ever had, if I do say so myself.”

“Quite the humble brag.”

“Honey, there’s nothing humble about it, or me.” I laughed, I could hardly stop myself. Nera was interesting, to say the least, and I wasn’t sure becoming friends was out of the question. “Have at it… excuse me for a moment.”

Suddenly, she rose and stepped away, moving to a pair of chairs where Santiago sat with another individual I didn’t recognize just out of earshot.

“She’s right, you know. Best stuff I’ve ever had…”

I turned to Enzo, sunk back with his eyes closed, ankle across his knee, and arm stretched across the sofa back.

“And that’s saying something I’m guessing?”

“High praise, indeed.”

“So only the best of the best for you?”

His lips curled devilishly, “Let’s say it’s more about limitations.”

“What do you mean?”

Peeking one eye open, I suddenly felt like his gaze pierced straight through me even though his smile did not falter. He shifted, brushing against my thigh as he did to split what remained on the tray.

“It’s rare.” He trailed a bit like Nera had earlier and lifted his hand towards me. “Exclusive… special.”

A tingle raced down my spine and I knew I should leave. If for nothing else than appearances sake. I had little doubt that this was just how Enzo was… that my presence was little matter. I was certain there wasn’t anything special about his conduct, that he would behave similarly regardless of who sat beside him, but I felt self-conscious nonetheless. Because my whole life was built around a facade. And what others might witness, what they might perceive, or assume would matter greatly to me. But then of course an easy excuse formulated… I could stay instead, see what he might let slip. He was the head of his club… Nera too, Balram surely would take an interest in their curiosities… right?

Besides, I was meant to mingle with our guests. Who would think twice about it anyway? And wasn’t Balram out to enjoy the evening himself too? Avalon’s strains were purported to be all Nera claimed, I’d be silly to pass up this opportunity to try her personal stash.

And so I did... test it out, directly from Enzo’s finger. Perhaps that was going too far but it was too late for second thoughts.

It didn’t take long for the hazy feeling to hit and mellow out any uncertainty I might have had. And our conversation was fairly mundane… I think. I mean, I learned he was single, but didn’t I already know that?  He wasn’t chatting at all about his connection to the previous leader of Midnight Club but somewhere in the back of my mind, there was a rumor about their connection. And I can’t be sure I was completely level-headed when I blurted out something about the Loot, or had I imagined that?

“I’m not sure there’s much to think about…” I recalled him saying, “it could be interesting.”

“I think it’s a dangerous idea… who would want to bring that back?”

“Who knows why some people do what they do…” He poured another glass of whiskey for both of us. “You’re worried about it?”

I blinked down at the drink trying to remember where I was trying to go with this topic. Wasn’t I supposed to be learning something about him?

“I don’t recall putting this brand on the menu.”

He was smirking when I looked up, “That would be because it’s mine.”

I laughed softly… unwittingly. Was he even trying to be funny? “I don’t recall listing the party as BYOB either…”

“I could hardly depend on this place living up to my standards.”

“Ahh… right.” I took another sip of the dark liquor. It was so smooth there was hardly a burn. “Something about exclusivity…”

“And what’s wrong with that?”

“Oh,” I frowned, then giggled. I was finding it quite difficult to contain my mirth. “Nothing really. It’s just… well, if you take your rare things with you everywhere you go, don't you run the risk of them becoming quite common?”

“Things are things… it’s the moments and memories they induce that matter.”

I giggled again, “You’re being far too philosophical for me in my current state.”

“Do I confuse you, Vittoria?”

“Vitti… if you want.”

“Vitti then…”

I wrinkled my nose, thinking perhaps way too hard.

“Confuse, I’m not sure. Maybe. Yes, I guess.” I shrug looking directly into his eyes. They were the strangest shade of brown, not dark but also not light with a tawny ring. I blinked. He looked expectant, and far more alert than I felt. “What was I saying?”

His grin was far too pretty. Pretty? Handsome then… charming. Disarming.

“You were about to tell me why I confuse you.”

“I doubt that.” He smirked. I laughed. “It’s just weird I guess. You talk about special and exclusive and limitations but you’re rather bold about it. Willing and ready to experience your sought-after rare moments at a whim… whenever, wherever.”

He laughed. “I can be very indulgent when I come across things I like.”

“I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t enjoy yourself” I shook my head, grinning still, and shrugged. “I guess I just think some of the best moments in life are the ones you can’t or shouldn’t tell anyone about.”

“Is that right, Vitti?”

My mind felt scrambled and I wasn’t at all sure I was saying things that should be said.

“Anyway… it was nice chatting with you, Enzo,” I murmured, rising, stumbling, and almost flopping back down onto the seat. His reflexes were sharp though, something I would remember the next day and wonder about. Somehow he kept me on my feet.

“Anytime.”

“I should see to our other guests.”

Why did I tell him that? And why were his eyes that strange color?

“As any good hostess would. I’m sure we’ll chat again soon.”

There go those giggles again, “Yes… when I’m not buzzing so hard from the Avalon merch.”

“I don’t know…” I hadn’t realized his hand was still hooked under my elbow until he released it just then. “It’s been interesting.”

“I think you’ve lied to me then, you’re far too easily entertained.”

After assuring my bearings I turned away, trying to shift through my foggy thoughts on what I might have said of interest only to feel my heart race erratically at seeing Andrei. I should have noticed him entering the room but I couldn’t recall it. I’d been distracted. And definitely spaced out. Foolish. He certainly noticed me… our eyes locked. I didn’t know he and Nera were friends. They sat together, looking thick as thieves. Maybe I was exaggerating. I wasn’t sure. They looked chummy at least.  But I didn’t stick around to see what else I might learn, or see.

I needed to find Balram before I forgot everything I thought I knew.

Which, in the end, wasn't much of anything.

Pᴀʀᴛ Tʜʀᴇᴇ ﹣ Bᴇʜɪɴᴅ Tʜᴇ Cᴜʀᴛᴀɪɴ - DONE

“Why do you think he wants us there?”

I watched him turn in the reflection as I set the backing to my dangling earring.

“Father being father, as usual.”

“You’re too dismissive of him sometimes.”

“He hardly needs a champion, Vitti.”

I pressed my lips together, twisting sideways to look at him squarely.

“Now you’re being patronizing…”

He sighed, dropping the fabric tucked under his collar.

“You know I love my father…”

“I do know, that’s exactly why I’m saying what I’m saying.” I rose, strolling barefoot across the room with the feathery tail of my gown dragging in wake across the pristine marble floor.”Did you come here for help with this?”

He sighed again with a clipped nod. I smirked, lifting the collar and begging to reposition and twist the fabric into a knot.

“Who knows why he wants us there? It’s certain to be some sort of scheme.”

“Well, he can hardly spring another marriage on you so no need to fret so much.”

“That, at least, was one of the better ideas he’s had.”

“Now ungenerous… you’re in a mood tonight.”

“He’s up to something.”

“As are you, usually.”

“What a suspicious wifey…”

“You might have the rest of the world fooled by your laziness and  excesses, Ram, but I know there’s more to you than meets the eye.”

“Handsomeness? Intelligence? Talented?”

“Arrogant? Spoilt? Stubborn.”

I grinned, tugging the bow into its proper place completing his ensemble with a pat of my hands flat against his tuxedoed chest.

“You can hardly blame me for being suspicious of Father… he’s been acting strange ever since he heard of that loot foolishness.”

“And I’m still not so sure you should be considering it foolishness. There were whispers about it at our party as well. Everyone is hearing about it. And there's always some truth behind every rumor.”

“Are you so keen on it… after everything that’s happened?”

“No.” I shook my head before leaning to slip on my heels. “You know that I am the least interested in that mess.”

“If the rumors are true… it could be an opportunity for redemption… or revenge.”

Chills raced down my spine. “Considering all that’s happened, I’d end up on the receiving end of that last bit.” I shook my head again. “Besides… you know I’m a lover, not a fighter.”

“Any new adventures I should be made aware of?”

I pouted playfully. “Sadly… none. I’ve been quite the loyal little bean.”

He smirked, “For the best I suppose. If it’s any consolation, we seemed to have convinced father of the whole thing.”

“I’m not so sure about his right-hand man…”

“Hmm. Perhaps. I’m still far more interested in Andrei’s partying with Nera than his lack of conviction in our marriage. I haven’t figured out what to make of that yet.”

“Or Antonida showing up at the hotel but not our party?”

He nods, frowning. “That too. At least Rawley and Alicia are behaving quite expectedly. They were sharing a room the whole time everyone else was at the party.”

“What are you trying to figure out by all this?”

He shrugs and grins. “Who knows yet.”

“I feel like you have an inkling.”

“When I have more, you’ll be the first to know.” I pressed my lips together in sheer doubt. He just chuckled again, “We should be off, don’t want to keep the Grand Sire waiting.”

⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️⏺️

The night was, well, mediocre at best. Or maybe I was just too distracted to find much interest in what we were there to see. Things were happening, but I couldn’t say what or even with whom or why. Balram and I joined Adnan and Tempest for drinks before the show. The conversation was pleasant but utterly unremarkable. Did I find it odd that Adnan had brought his concierge along as his plus one? Maybe. Maybe not. He hadn’t dated as far as I knew in years. And she was one of his closest confidants.  So maybe it made perfect, safe sense. What didn’t make sense was his disappearance during the middle of the performance. Or rather, the length of his disappearance. At least thirty minutes passed before he returned. And every fiber of my being knew something was off… and I also knew that Balram hadn’t missed nor dismissed the vanishing.

“Just some business that could not wait…”

I suspected Ram wasn’t buying Adnan’s dismissive excuse any more than I when the show finally concluded. But what was I going to do about it? Even though I respected and appreciated Ram’s dad, I wasn’t close to him.  And certainly wasn’t in any position to question the man about his actions or matters.

Ram, however, was not so beholden. And I knew his sudden disappearance, although far less lengthy, just before we planned to leave had something to do with everything. There was definitely something going on behind the scenes. It had taken some upheaval through the years but I learned to trust my intuition, and the rising hairs on the back of my neck left me feeling exceedingly troubled.

THE LOOKS


CASTING-DONE | R1-DONE

Last edited by BambiFoxx (08/04/2024 at 07:02)

Form

Name: Tori, Astoria Louie
Role: Avalon Liaison
FC: Lui Wen
Age: 35
Interests: Nera. Leopold. Rawley - or any other potential fun you feel like throwing my way!

I. Going, buying, gone

“Astoria.”

Tori turned her head to look at Nera, just in time to see her lips to purse around the ‘o’ and catch the little chuckle which followed. They left the company of some acquaintance of Tori’s after a short hello. Someone who had insisted on the full thing. Astoria Louie. It was nothing and everything.

“Hm?”

“It’s pretty” The outing had Nera in a good mood. Tori was sure she already knew of that full name, but it had not been the topic of friendly banter, commentary, or whatever this was.

“’What’s in a name’” Tori cited, aimlessly. Eyes browsing the space around them, fingers kept neatly to herself as they cruised through the light crowd of people.

“Got a regal-ity to it.” They were passing through the house, not really stopping at the mash-up of displays. Not because there wasn’t anything noteworthy, there was every tell that there could be, would be – the clientele present, for start, filled with familiar faces – but it was the mix match of arrangement which made it hard to focus. You’d be better to know what gems you were looking for than to sift through the masses.

“Or reeking of pompous past glory,” Tori said with a light smile. Just like this house.

Nera made a noise of disagreement.

Tori had never liked it, the very real name bestowed upon her, pressed in black on her birth certificate. Or rather, she had ever only bore it as an association, never as herself. “No one ever called me that. I was always Loulou when I was little.”  Then she had been Asta, or Astra, a silly joke about ‘Per aspera ad astra’. At least before their little group of freethinkers had concluded the use of Latin was just ‘too bourgeoise’. Ah, well look at her now.

“Have you always been Nera?” She tasted the name a bit extra on her tongue she articulated it. It lay low in her mouth as she spoke it. Nera.

“Born and bred. Don’t you like it?”

Tori didn’t bother to decern if the statement was one of the lies, everyone was entitled to a name taken if it was the case.

“Do you like it?”

There was pause as she thought, but then the response came with conviction. “I do.”

“Then I love it,” Tori said plainly, as she side stepped to gents who stood firmly rooted a display of guns. They were many of them there. Guns, and men ogling them. Nera threw her that said ‘really?’ more than the spoken word could have, in the unimpressed way. “It’s you,” Tori said with a smile which only spoke of approval.

Any other name didn’t always smell as sweet. It was all in the context, imbued in the meaning behind it.

“You never told me what it is we are looking for?” Tori said instead.

“You are free to look at whatever you wish, there could be some fun find here, but we just need to make time for the book auction in a couple of hours.”

“Books?”

“Books.”

*
“I’m not in the habit of seeing you all alone,” Tori said rolling up to the couple of leather armchairs situated in the back of the dim lit bar. In one sat the straight-backed professor, suited as usual, elbow on the armrest, legs crossed at the knee, a polished, brown oxford pointing towards the ceiling. The whole look completed by the tumbler in his hand. Tori herself had a martini in her right hand, the left gesturing towards the empty seat.

“Please,” Rawley said returning the gesture, “I saw you at the house, you have no time to greet old friends anymore?”

Books had been procured. However curious it had seemed to Tori that Nera unwaveringly had gone for the bundles of lower value rather than the more singular and more expensive volumes, it told her that there was another play at hand. One she would have time to query about further on. The goods would be delivered to them tomorrow and then they would fly back, but for tonight they were hosted here. And Tori was just a little early down for the dinner date with Nera. Purposefully early, and the professor good luck for a run in and a chat.

“What do you think I’m here now for, expressing my seething hate?” She tilted her head, relaxed into the seat and adding an adoring smile. “My doors are always open.”

He returned for the smile. “Here for work then. They are keeping you busy.”

“Which has been ideal for me, to be honest.”

“They are paying good for the privilege?”

She didn’t deign that with an answer. “Found any loot to bring back home?”

“This and that, there was enough to find something interesting. You?”

“A bit of that, not much this. But Nera knows what she wants.” She could be vague if he was. “I think I saw a bald eagle circle over the trees as we arrive.”

“It seems like the environment for it.” He gave her a look but humoured her switch of topic.

As far as she knew him, he was more of a city rat like her. Though he might consider specifically rat to be an insult.

“I didn’t think birds of prey were the migrating kind, but it does seem like they are returning for the season. To put their talons into us.”

He chuckled. “The rumour seems to have taken a good grip on us, yes.”

“Do you know who?” She asked plainly before sipping her drink.

“There are a handful of previous winners still alive. Your guess is as good as mine?”

“Are there songbirds too returning for the season, from their southern summer pastures?”

“One can wonder where they spend their winters,” he said and looked long into this glass before he drained it and sat it down in the side table. She was rather sure he was in wonder about that, or she guessed the less-than-ideal dual spearheading of the Midnight Club, which was his reality, would have been resolved long ago. “Three years, like clockwork we shouldn’t be surprised by that.”

“I wasn’t as surprised that it has come to rear its head again, more so that it already has been another three years,” she said, soberly, looking down at the speared olive in her glass while tumult that had followed was recalled, and then too continue with more vigour. “Time pass to quickly, a sign I’m getting old perhaps. Not you though, you have your ways of keeping young.”

“Perhaps you should get one for yourself.”

“Some way or some one?” She teased good-humouredly.

“Which ever works is best in my experience, but it seems your leisure time is up for now.”

She followed his gaze and saw that Nera had come down. Tori smiled at her, then finished the last of the drink. “Always a pleasure Rawley,” she said and then left for what she suspected would be an equally delightful dinner.

*

The moment they had taken flight, Nera promptly took to unbundling the books which their sole purchase consisted of. One after one, she unloaded them at the table between them. Tori simply watched as she seemed to check the titles. The first one to warrant any further interest was “The Beekeeping Bible”, which Nera flipped through and then put down with the rest. The only other to receive the same interest was called “Hive and Honey”, the annotated edition of the beekeeping classic – riveting content to be sure, but this one was examined with more success. The self-satisfaction lit Nera’s face as she withdrew a small drive from within the pages. And some of the mystery was revealed.

“I didn’t know beekeeping handbooks generally came with digital material – but then again, what do I know about beekeeping.” Tori looked at the drive in the palm of Nera’s hand.

“Blueprints,” Nera said, still with that smirk. “Supposedly of an old weapon.”

Tori nodded silently. This was the first she had heard of it, and it did make her wonder. 

“You want them?” The question came off hand from Nera, with an eye to the books on the table before them as she reached in behind the lapel of her jacket, pocketing the drive there. Safely kept.

Tori glanced at them, but she took a beat too long to reply – Nera was already halfway out of her chair. No need for an answer.

“I’m going to take a catnap before we land,” she yawned.

Tori sat still until she heard Nera settle down into the recliners. The spines of the volumes had pulled her gaze and refused to relinquish it. Reaching out, her fingers almost unfurled by themselves before she paused, hovering just above a bright cover. A pause, asserting the smallest of control, before giving in and picking it up.

II. Talons

“I forgot to ask, how is our beekeeping ventures going?” Tori asked, the day’s meetings were through, and she had accepted the invite to round out the day with a drink. “The hives installed on the roof yet?”

Leopold threw her a bemused look over his shoulder as he headed straight for the drinks cart.

“Enjoyed the light reading?” Nera grinned widely as she took a seat in the sofa.

“Keeps me up at night,” Tori said in reply, claiming one of the armchairs.

“Files were encrypted, next we'll need to get the key or code or” Nera waved a hand in the air. “Decrypt them, that is.”

Tori murmured a ‘thanks’ as Leopold came over handing her a glass. “Well, if there is anything you need –”

“We'll let you know,” Nera said with a chuckle, accepting a glass of her own from Leo.

Tori hid behind a drink, ay, she might be predictable sometimes.

“But tell us, what have you heard about this Talon's Loot?” Leopold asked, he had settled on the sofa next to Nera.

“That someone graciously has taken upon them to keep up the two-hundred-year-old tradition.”

“So noble.”

“A past victor?” Nera asked. Well, not really asked.

“Then you have heard as much as me.”

“Have you heard anything who it might be?”

Tori looked at Leopold as he spoke, from the start she had had a worse time to get an idea of him than of Nera. “Tradition dictates last winner host the next. The 81st didn't have one, and – unless anyone has found a way to stitch throats close and revive life to long dead limbs – Verity is not in a condition to play hostess.”

Nera and Leo shared a look, there was something of a smile in there too. After these years, there were times with the three of them when Tori had felt as if they were closing in on forming a trio. But then there was always these looks between – a secret shared or mind aligning in one thought, the unspoken could not know, and they were blissfully sobering, pushing her back to know she looked at a duet. She knew herself to know she could easily be entranced by others. She’d taken on the work as a consultant, a while the exclusivity and more immersed dealings had come with time, she was still a separate entity. That was the situation and that was how she liked it. At least that was what she told herself. Still, she wondered what that silent conversation had conveyed.

“There are other past winners alive,” she rattled off a few of the later ones, “but except for the Saint, they are off any radar I know.”

“Hm.”

“I heard they are inviting the public to vote too,” Leo said, he looked intrigued by the fact. That or at the prospect.

Tori looked away. “There’s another thing…”

Normally she wouldn’t have been able to list of Talon’s Loot winners from the last decades from the top of her head. When separate happenings had co-aligned, it had caused her to refresh her memory. The books had kept her up at night, while the chapters and topics of them might not all have been thrilling reads, some to bleary-eyeing proportions, it was a full immersion after starvation, making her obsessed enough to find delight even in the weary. What could collectively be gleamed from them, however, was a whole another story. Curious who the owner might have been, marginal notes said it was someone involved but it was slip of paper between two pages which had completed the puzzle. A small note from a love used as a bookmark, dedicated with a name. Expressing tenderness, and a hint of horny. Tori knew she had met him, years and years past, but she seldom forgot a face.

“We might consider what it means this irregular loot comes back to play, at the same time that the remains of Mikhail Solovoyov’s earthly possessions are being auctioned off and you pinpointedly sweep up these blueprints.”

III. Cheek

“This has potential for fun,” Nera said, encouragingly.

“Does it?” Tori said dryly, then covered it up with a smile.

They had arrived at Balram’s bash. The same party scheme and faces.

“You are no bore, Tori.”

Looking over, she caught Nera’s eyeroll and reaching into her purse to produce a small snack. The words were a prompt or a demand. The product in her palm an offering. Tori paused, pushed a stand behind her ear and looked at Nera with a smile, compliant and accepting. She could do this for tonight.

“This must excite you, hm?” Tori had picked up a tail from the trip to the bar for another round. “It seems to have dragged out all the relics.” She was referring to the people, she felt little character coming for the place itself. Much the amount she had managed glean from Balram himself in the brief encounters they’ve had. 

One could wonder who a new Loot would turn that on its head. Out with the old in with the new. No one was ever long for this world. Well, few. But tonight was not one for spiralling down that road. Nera had seen to that.

“There is much which excites me,” he said in all honesty, “newer faces too.”

“Nera,” Tori said, handing over the procured drink, melting back into the seat next to Nera she had occupied before “are you acquainted with Enzo Scanavino?”

“We’ve met, I believe.”

“Of course we have, I’d not forget such a face or fancy.”

“Oh, do you hear that, I’m one to make an impression,” Nera leaned into Tori with a giggle, as if the adoration had overcome her.

“Of course you are,” Tori murmured, lips closed to Nera’s ear. Senses heightened the smell of amber and vanilla – and something more, like almond? – was overpowering. In the best way. She pulled back.

Following a dive into her new drink, Nera came back with a raspy chuckle.  “He got tongue as smooth as that cheek.” 

“Sounds like you are the one with smooth cheek,” Enzo retorted, having invited himself to join them. Tori stuck in the crossfire between them.

“No need to emasculate him due to his lack of growth, some just can’t keep up with the standing fashion,” Tori said, throwing a glance from you to the other. “He can’t be held accountable for his lacking genes – ” 

“I must interject –”

“ – in that sense,” she finished. “We can’t all be perfect.” She had good experience with imperfections in genetics.

“I still object to me lacking anything, an active choice – I can assure you. The others can grow their bushes, but this doesn’t compete.” He traced the well-defined edge of his jaw. It was undeniably –

“Stunnin’,” Nera said just as Tori thought it, so obvious in agreement Tori cracked with laughter.

The tongue curled around the same flattery and flare, twisted around unoriginal words – in more or less creative use – and lulled in pleasant laughter. But she would fool herself when she later ignored the fact that smiles had been genuine. She couldn’t afford to recall the rush with fondness.

Nera was generous with her company and Enzo did not turn down a trip, but Tori soon exited the equation.

That was what she did, had made a life of doing so well. Well, not always in these surroundings or for so simple purpose. It was connection, workings in all form. The one in-between. In time she removed herself from between them and claimed a car to take her home, leaving Nera to claim the night as her oyster – however she wished it to be.

IV. The first act

Ducking into the car, Tori found a tuxedoed Leo sitting in the interior, darkened windows shutting out the night and the city on the other side.

“Nera’s not joining us?” Tori asked as the car set into motion.

“She’ll join us there,” Leo said, longing in the relaxed way of his, only the usual carefree picture was disturbed by a slight tugging at his collar. It was followed by one at the bow tie around his throat, threatening to unravel it.

“Too tight?”

“Do you know how to work these things?”

As a reply she scooted over closer to him and loosed the tie to start anew.

“I would have thought someone like you would have learned,” she said as she wrapped the silk around her fingers.

“I guess I would’ve, if I had cared for it.”

“Then why not do without it completely?”

“One must play into some the expectancies of society, to use what they recognise as power and influence to claim their acceptance, as we are to convince them to revolutionise their lives.”
“So, the product itself not good enough to convince them?”

“I think we both know it’s good enough and that still everything else we are doing matters a great deal.”

“To liberate them from themselves, a tie is an inconsequential sacrifice,” she said quietly, laying the last smoothing hand to the tie. Of course, she understood what he said and knew it to be true even without his forceful words. It was not simply a silver-tongue which was enough to shake her, but one which declared with such conviction. Charisma to inspire awe and credence. Thar which was all the more dangerous. Lessons that she had learned.

“In a fashion.”

She scooted back into her place, returning the distance, before she looked at him. “Better?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“There are pre-tied ones, you know,” Tori said, smoothing the skirt of her dress. “There were even self-tying ones which were popular at a point.”

“But not anymore?”

“Someone found a way to reprogram them, to contract and suffocate the wearer. First introduced at one of the Loots, if I recall correctly, quickly fell out of fashion after that. For a while after, some men even wore open collar to opening nights,” she smiled a little.

She had not only seen the footage of the assassination, but been at the gathering, no one had been able to cut through the reenforced straps before the man had stopped thrashing. But she didn’t have time to into the detail because the car pulled up outside the theatre.

*

The carpets of the Metropolitan lay red as ever, but these days they were coloured by the blood spilled by the patrons who walked them, praising sophistication and admiration for the art to hide their barbarism. Tori had always adored the building.

In the foyer Tori found herself to kiss the cheek of Liesel, exchanged a few words before she rejoined Leopold, now in the company of Nera, at the railing overlooking the entrance, champagne in hand. They chatted a little and as the first bell rang, they sought their box.

As the audience took their places, she located Liesel, occupying the same box she always did. With some search Tori found the familiar face of Rawley too, across the hall, in the company of Santiego and offered a small wave as greeting. 

Theatre was had never reached out to grab her attention and admiration, neither had she sought out to understand it, how to make it full fill her. To her it was more in the company and to her delight she found that Nera was one to add a bit of commentary here and there in undercut whispers which wouldn’t carry past the box.

It was a bit into the second act when her company started to shuffle beside her. Beside her both Nera and Leo stand and head for the back without a word. Left on her own she sat still, back straight. A quick glance over the balcony she found movement in familiar places, Liesel stood with one last lungful glance at the performance, the tails of Rawley disappeared through the back door. If there were more of them, she had not caught it. On the stage the act went on and when her company returned sometime later she acted like nothing ever happened.

Done!

Last edited by tricole (05/04/2024 at 17:38)

Round 1 is now closed, and Round 2 is (about to be) open.

Round 2: Memory Lane

Well, the secret meeting between key players seems to be less than secret, there's very little anyone could hide in a place like this. So, the Loot seems to be worrisome for the big shots which never was super shocking nor very weird, but given this is still an alleged situation, why worry?

Adnan might be checking his house top-down, trying to figure out if someone is attempting a bluff. Enzo seems to be unbothered, while Rawley is checking in on all of his informants relentlessly. Liesel seems to be happy to address the challenge, while Saint seems to be eager to avoid the repetition of the previous Loots which is strange, given he is a winner of one of those, and on another hand, who in the world could figure out what's happening in his mind. Then, Leo & Nera seem to be looking forward to whatever is happening, or about to happen.

The first week, things seem to be heating up - the three different versions all tell a whole different story on what is about to happen, but they all agree on one thing: an old champion making a comeback. Eyes seem to point at Saint, Verity is dead, the last Loot remained without the winner and some of the contestants managed to vanish without a trace. Unless things go further back - there's no public service keeping track of them or what they do once the warm sunshine of the Loot victory no longer shines on them - but, who wants to go that far down the memory lane? Maybe you might, maybe you'll have to.

The second week, things seemed to be boiling over. You're all trying to do whatever you need to get to your individual tasks and make sure everyone is happy, alive and thriving (in your house). Or make sure no one else is? Who knows, this is why we're doing these things individually. 

The third week in, the dust has settled, and just as someone has made a way down with a rag, ready to remove the thin layer from wherever it has fallen, but slowly. A perfect time for a party, don't you think? Those usually mean so much more - or less, but this particular Saturday, a birthday celebration will coax out a lot of people who might avoid these occasions normally. You'll get into your car and drive a bit outside the city, a large guarded mansion complex, guns left at the door, rules of guests imply protection, and so much more. Adnan turns 50 in style and apparently, in peace. Edit: Adnan decides to announce he is stepping back from the leadership position during the evening, basically crowning his son right there and then. Saturday slips into Sunday, you return to the city at some point.

Oh, but we'll end with a very nice delivery already waiting for you as you return to the residences of Angelmakers, The Midnight Club residence, the Savaş building overlooking the park, the Avalon brownstone & Saint's suite at the One66 Hotel - wherever you might go to.
 
Deep green coloured metal box, fingerprint opening, one short card addressed "Read me first" written in old cursive, a few precisely picked words written inside it. 

I have what you're looking for. Choose your champion & you might have a chance to win it.

Under that, deep green metallic-looking paper, a black wax seal with a golden leaf, and an invite to the 82nd Talon's Loot.

Requirements
Name (first, last, code - whatever you wish)
Interests (up to 3)

Please let me know when your round is finished.
And snippets are incoming, each with a timestamp. I'm hoping to finish them with a bit more stories coming in from you, so Angelmakers go first.

Last edited by Zaralee (05/04/2024 at 21:25)

Snippets - make sure you check the timestamp.

Liesel & Antonida, last Sunday of the round

Things did not add up.

For a while now, or even longer.

She's not certain why she's been so blind to it, but part of the reason might be sitting in front of her, both of them watching as some young girl is trying to figure out her next move, clearly stressing out over it. Brows furrowed, Antonida pays more attention to Liesel than recruit.

Stone-faced, unless you count the flames burning behind her blue eyes.

“You'll burn a hole in my temple at this rate,” Antonida replied nothing, throwing a short smile, but Liesel was not about to give up. “What's on your mind, Antonida?”

“Nothing,” she lied, unconvincingly.

“Liar,” Liesel smiled. “You love recruiting.”

“You *hate* it,” Antonida replied honestly this time. “Why are you here?”

“Scouting for talent, I guess.”

“Are you really hung up on this, this—”

“I am not hung up on the Loot,” Liesel turns towards her, finally. “It's Talon's Loot, Antonida, it's—”

“Mindless killing for no purpose,” Antonida finally said - even if she just mussed, under her breath.

“Because we only kill those who deserve it,”

“We try to—”

“Do we? And who decides on that?” Liesel replied, now unnerved. She glared in her direction, before she smiled to relax her face, reaching out for her hand. “Look, I truly want to do this, okay? And you might be my best talent, my best chance—”

“What if I said no?”

There's a moment of silence, Liesel's surprised look went from Antonida to the girl. It’s like she froze in time, one slow blink as she parted her lips slightly in surprise. She swallowed the dry air, voice silent, a bit harsher than normal.

“You won't, I just know you wouldn't do this to me.”

Liesel thought she knew, but Antonida was no longer so sure.

Alicia & Verena, sometimes during week 2

There's very little either of them can do about his decisions - Cairan never explained his decision. Very little, actually.

"Take the shoes I was going to wear," Alicia mused from the bathroom, water running. Verena looked over her shoulder, glancing at the shoes. "Did you hear me?"
"I did," she replied shortly. "I'm sorry."
"Why?" Alicia rolled her eyes when she saw her sister step in. "You did nothing, Vee, absolutely nothing. You shouldn't be sorry about anything."

She quickly raised her shoulders, arms crossed on her chest.

"Call me?" Alicia replied as she was about to leave. "After it's done, I'm still curious about it."
"Of course, the second I'll get a minute."

With that, she left. Alicia closes her eyes, leaning back, careful not to wet her hair, sensing an incoming headache. She remembers something Rawley said a while back, about Verity Bakbek. How she managed to get away last minute. How she burnt all the bridges as she was not ready to cross them again.

No one does, with him. No one who is smart enough to get out is foolish enough to believe they might some day have the reason to return.

Nera & Leo

Otherwise flowy dress draped behind her, soaking from the rain, as Nera made her way across the hallway. Leo was waiting, going over some files, and she stepped in.

"It's pouring," she says, throwing her bag to the table. "How did it go with Antonida?"
"As suspected," he replied nonchalantly before closing the book he was reading, setting it on his lap. "Luckily for us, Liesel is the one in charge."
Nera scoffed, walking over to the bar, pouring herself a drink. "What, no mutiny?"
"Coup d'etat might be an option if things were reversed," Leo replied. "It's hard to imagine people raising up against money."
"Fucking boring,"
"Agreed," he sighs. "Absolutely boring to death."
"Enzo?"
"I hate to say it," she took a sip, standing still for a second before replying. "He would like to have some fun," Nera replied, but it's somewhere between statement and question. Gray area no one is certain about. But hey, she did enjoy Enzo - he did not care about much other than himself, not really.
"Rawly wants his files back, which I cannot say was unpredictable," Leo picked up the conversation. "I'm afraid we might have rushed it a bit too much," he continued.
"Why?"
"We could have waited a bit more," he says. She scoffed.
"For what? I mean, the only question that will remain after all of this is going to be your motivation," Nera replied, finishing her drink.
"Our motivation," he corrected her.
"I highly doubt anyone would think of my motivation," she chuckled. Someone else might have been bothered, Nera was indiferent about it.
"I'm just afraid the truth will be quite disappointing."
"Fuck it," she concluded. "Sometimes, it has to be."

Snippets incoming!

Last edited by Zaralee (05/04/2024 at 17:03)

Taking this one

Form

Name: Tori, Astoria Louie
Role: Avalon Liaison
FC: Lui Wen
Age: 35
Interests: Nera. Leopold. Rawley - or any other potential fun you feel like throwing my way!

Lunch  /  Rooftop dinner  /  Party

V. 101-time

“There was something I wanted to see if it perhaps remained,” Rawley said, having brought up the topic of the auction, “never even made it there before I found out it had already been sold.”

Tori and Rawley were lunching. He’d come to her with the suggestion, even let her pick the place. Him being someone who liked to be in charge, it angled this to be something more of a topic rather than a simple social call – but the conversation had yet to head somewhere pointed, or perhaps it had just started.

“Really?” Tori said, lowering her fork to the table. “It was something of a fortress, wasn’t it?” After she had come to understand who the previous owner had been, it all made a little more sense. She cut into another strip of seared tuna. It was miso marinated, sesame coated and melted in one’s mouth – paired with the bitter greens it was an absolute delight. It was a shame one could barely get a hold of this quality anymore; the seas dead and grown ones never did get up to this standard. “If they bought the whole estate, I can imagine they’ll need to be a bit of weeding though,” Tori added before she took another bite, one could wonder what they were looking for in that place though.

When he didn’t add to his line of conversation, she picked it up instead. Sometimes it was easier to give what was asked for instead of simply offer. “What was so not interesting that you didn’t bid for it the first time but interesting enough to go back for it?”

He took his time, focusing on the food part of lunch.

“I did agree to lunch, but better decide before it’s over, I have a bit of a busy afternoon.”

He swallowed – and perhaps some pride with it. “You bought your fair share of books.”

“I didn't buy any books, mind you,” Tori said without a blink, paying the plate in front of her more than the man. It was easy to gleam from a bit of acquaintance that she was well-read, well-bred even, but she never had shown personal interest books or differencing delicacies the Midnight Club ferried. It was something she had left to her past, or tried to, lately. She had disposed of the books after her study, no need to clutter her life with objects of potential obsession.

Once she looked up, she found his eyes were pinning her, un-humoured.

“Nera is expanding her library, what can I say,” she shrugged, whatever it was he wanted – he did have to offer her something more. It was his interest that had them here across for one another.

“The property belonged to Mikhail Solovoyov,” he said, pushing his plate to the side. Done with the food part of lunch, he finally seemed ready for the conversation. Men never could do two things at once.

“I know.”

He only slightly paused at her insert. “Misha had a habit of stowing away important files and documents, often between the pages in his extensive library.”

“Ah,” she breathed, barely audible, they were getting somewhere but she let him lead on now that they were rolling.

“I lost some… files way back, had them traced to him. After ’45 I hoped them lost, at best.”

Tori crossed the utensils on her plate, leaning forward to show care for what he said, because she did. Whatever she would be able to do about it or not.

“It would bad timing to say the least to have them fall into the wrong hands and with the books you acquired –“

She heard the insisted collective you on used on his part. It was true that she was insnared and the tangles held firmer tie before. But not yet back bound to this, surely.

“Have you looked through them, or would you be convinced to be so?”

“Raw – “ she started quietly.

“I’d make it worth your time, of course.” His fingers were tapping at the wood of the table.

“Rawley,” she said with a bit more force, “Nera knew what she was buying.”

His lips parted about to speak but her ever so slight shake of the head had them close without emitting a sound.

“I haven’t combed through them myself,” she confessed. “It would seem a few more must have known about Misha’s idea of safe keeping. But then if it indeed was a habit, who know how many files where there in that library.” She pushed her lips together, considering. “What’s on the files?”

His chest puffed with the frustration, but he didn’t let it sound. Simply held it and breathed out slowly. “Could you get them?”

Her eyebrows climbed. It wasn’t a small ask. And with the more precarious territory they were approaching with the loot.

“I know,” he said, touching a temple with two fingers. 

“I’ll look into it.” It was a harmless promise. Because she would, a greater interest into what the files contained had formed after all. How far had Nera told the truth? And what was it the professor could not confess to?

“I appreciate it,” he said.

She nodded. “Coffee?”

“If it doesn’t cut into your precious afternoon.” She grinned.
The waiter came to clear the dishes. Tori poured the last drops of wine down her throat, smiling amiably as she let the empty glass be taken away with the rest. Two double espressos, one of them macchiato, were ordered and received.

“Just how much talking are there between you and your present.” Tori asked, gripping the cup by the ear with two fingers. 

He arched an eyebrow.

“No, you are right. I don’t wish to know,” the nonchalance was thick in her voice. She was unsure how much she would be able to do for him, but she could give him this. “Merely suggesting a topic of conversation might be the new summer house Sanctum acquired. Maybe she could take you there for some quality time.”

He didn't say anything at first. He'd always had a good straight face, but there were no doubt cogs were turning.

She chuckled a little and then savoured her shot of caffeine.

*

Liesel held out a bottle of red for inspection and approval. Tori gave the label a glance and then nodded, with this she trusted Leisel whole heartedly.

Tori half sat on the barstool by the island while Leisel corked up the wine. She had visited Leisel’s a handful of times before and always liked it. A fingertip followed the shifting shades of grey in the countertop. It was strict, stark. Minimalist in a Tori had adopted for herself but where her own space remained merely bare and bleak as a lack of expression, Leisel’s was precise and purposeful. The harshness of stone and angles juxtaposed by curves and wood accents.

“How are you? How’s work coming along?”

“Everything is all more shaken up, with talk of the new Talon’s Loot.” Leisel said, ending with a bit of pressed lips as she poured the wine into a carafe. She was no heathen as not to let it air, even if just a little.

“Tell me about it,” Tori said with laughter in her voice. The Loot presented itself as the big thing threatening on the horizon, and that seemed to have pulled a whole greatness out of the woodworks, escalations of monumental proportions. Possibly. Three years ago, going into it, it had been just another Loot – until it had been turned on it’s head. This one – it was already something else, just no one knew quite what yet. Well, obviously someone did know.

“What’s Avalon’s stance about it?” Leisel drew two wine glasses from an upper cabinet.

“Excited, I suppose.”

“And you?”

“It seems determined to happen, one way or another.” She said with a shrug and picked up the carafe to follow Leisel and the wine glasses to the living area. “You are open to it.” It wasn’t quite a question. Leisel hadn’t exactly told her but, it was the inkling she had picked up on.

“It is a possibility,” Leisel said plainly, once seated. Tori poured the wine one handedly, focusing on not letting a drop slip the wrong way – that seemed like something of a crime in this place. And then the question came – what did she know about it?

Tori drew a breath – what did she know about it? There was this uncanny feeling she had, of knowing more and of knowing less. But she couldn’t exactly say that. Looking back at the time a week and a half from then, so much had been unveiled.

They spoke a bit about it, back and forth. But what stood enshrouded in shadows would mostly remain known by the contour until it stepped out or until they found a light source to reveal it. They didn’t yet.

“Are you happy with your arrangement with Avalon?” Liesel asked.    

Tori buried a laugh deep in her gut – because happiness hadn’t been something she had valued in her decisions in over a decade now. Outwardly, she considered the words.

“It has worked in favour and in their favour. That’s a happy partnership, isn’t it?”

“They are a curious pair, aren’t they?”

“Doesn’t any powerful leader in this city have some kind of quirks?” Tori said, eyebrows raise at just one of those.

“He’s a little more than ‘quirky’, isn’t he? Leopold Renard.”

“Eccentric, yes. He’s enlightened,” she said it with a bit of shrug which as close to an outward critique she would give on what she thought about that, “but I don’t believe it makes him more unpredictable. Neither should it be assumed that it makes him naïve.” It was part of her fair assessment, in a way which she did when she started a partnership with anyone, and one she had since revised many times over.

“But you like him.”

“I believe I like Nera more, actually,” Tori said and sipped the wine. Meeting Lesel’s eyes she found them unyielding. “What?”

Liesel put her own glass to her lips, but the knowing set of her gaze remained one she put the

Tori tilted her head, inquiring. She wouldn’t repeat herself.

“There’s something in the way you look at him.”

“Look at him?” Tori said, as if the statement was the silliest thing. “Whatever you think you have seen, there’s nothing to note.”

“It is a sad truth, if one is attracted to the male sex, a man comes along, more or less often, to catch ones attention,” Liesel said words searching for something more and studying Tori as she spoke.

“And one still has to act on that for it to matter, in the years that we’ve known each other, have I ever been one to act on basic lusts?”  Tori stared her down and chuckled. Of course, Tori was self-aware enough to have notice, but it only made her more careful. Anyway, there and then she would not get into her own idea of her sexuality or modes of attraction, or how the burn of the past would teach some to stay away from the stove. “You are getting a bit too personal for my liking, Liesel.” It was said in all well-meaning, with a smile in her voice.

“Then just drink more wine so you can let something slipe,” came the dry response. It brought forth a low laughter from Tori, and then she did as told, having to trust there was no malicious behind Liesel’s concern – or what ever it was her line of questioning was.

“You do like commanding people do you.” It was said as a joke but something in Leisel expression made Tori drop the smile. She paused for a beat before she spoke. “Anything amiss?”

Liesel waved away the concern and smiled a smile that came off less assuring than it was intended. “Some people are voicing concerns.”

“About you?”

“At least my leadership, but nothing to worry about.”

Tori felt the unsaid ‘yet’.

“Some people?” Tori asked, a bit pointedly. Liesel grimaced.

Leisel and Antonida had always seemed like a good pair to Tori, complementing each-other but in much of one mind. But then a united front was what one presented; lesser internal struggles never made it to the light if one wanted to continue to stand strong. Now there were visible abrasions to consider.

“I see,” Tori said with some sympathy.

Tori didn’t push further, and even though they finished the bottle that night (it was just too good not to) Liesel must have gotten what answers she had wanted, at least for now,  because neither did she.

VI. A conceptual trinity

Glasses clinked together; cheers emitted to the endeavour before them. They were up on the roof of Leo’s brownstone. The plates which had held the nights dinner were empty, mostly scraped bare. As the night had descended upon the evening the heaters had been lit along with lantern, to fend of the chill coming with the growing darkness.

“When did you first figure out the fact that we are hosting?”

Tori took her sweet time swallowing her drink, then put her glass back on the table. The cold might not be bad, but she still pulled her coat closer around her.

“You could just have told me to make the whole a bit easier,” she didn’t quite manage to polish away all the tartness to the voice. It came from a set of her neck, which had not been present earlier in the evening – then it had been pleasantly graceful.

“What fun would that have been?” Nera said with an undertone of laughter. “Besides, we had to make sure that wit of yours is top notch.”

It had in fact been Enzo all out right asking her how the planning was going which had tip inklings and guessing games into confirmation, dots finally connecting properly. The first second of surprised on her face when he had asked had been genuine, but one she managed to play up into a great act of  “I absolutely do not know what you are talking about” with a played up smile, followed by “or do I?” and then escaping any trap to have him pull it out of her, intertwined with bit more teasing that she normally would – and then of course the finally of leaving him empty handed in double a double sense.

Mostly to try to play someone else the fool when she had been made to feel like one. When she had asked Nera outright the next day, there had been no denying. Rather the opposite.

Tori chuckled. She knew Nera was teasing and there was rather heart than malice behind it, she had learned by now. Still, it felt like she had been made to jump through loops. At the same time, it had all changed once the words had been spoken out loud. They were hosting the new Loot. As she had come to know it, she had been invited passed another door into this partnership, melded into their space in another way. Something she had accepted but still hadn’t overthunk enough to properly figure it out. Nera’s teasing might just have struck a nerve.

“Anything the matter?” Leo asked and Tori realised just how tense she’d gotten.

It was easier to realise in the stark contrast to his languidity. She forcedly let out a breath to relaxed. “A small matter of pride,” she chuckled, “don’t worry I’ll get over it.” And she did in that moment. It wasn’t show it to begin with. At this point, it was still a subconscious fact to Tori, that growing into this partnership a repressed side of herself had started to awaken.

“I might wish you to tell me though…”

“Of course.”

“You have dealt out varying versions of rumours.”

“To know who are talking with who,” Leo filled in. Tori already knew it, Nera had explained the idea a few days earlier to her.

“Anything you wish to confirm,” Nera shrugged, “just ask.”

“Having an old victor host gives a new loot legitimacy,” Tori said, “but it’s not just a false rumour to bring them in.” She looked from Nera and then her eyes landed on Leo. It was the only thing which made sense, she just didn’t know how yet.

“I went by the name Xavier back then,” he said a hint of a shrug.

“Youngest to ever win,” Nera chimed in, “but he’s not one to brag.”

“I’m not?” There was a bit of a chuckle all around.

Tori recalled what she had read up on past victors, wondered if she should have guessed it. “You disappeared after.”

“Turns out you are not all beloved and bulletproof after, even when you come out on top.”

The night moved on, a joke turning the conversation to be a bit lighter again.

Leo was heading back in to get another liquor he wanted, and Tori watched his back retreat. With his ties to the loot, the revival made a bit more sense though he hadn’t given anymore insight to it, and it was too much to ask for in one night.

Nera chuckled from the other side of the table, as she sat down with a refilled drink, it pulled Tori’s eyes to her. Nera was grinning a bit, in that all knowing way of hers. Tori narrowed her eyes a little at her. With bits of Leos past and motivation in view, Nera’s became the more curious one.

“What’s your motivation for all of this?”

“My motivation?” Nera laughed. “What more motivation do you need, to get to have everything at our fingertips and pull some strings to shape this petty little corner of out world?” She cocked her head and looked absolutely delighted about it.

Tori smiled, but behind it she tried to discern, if her perhaps Nera was one she should have been more wary of from the start.

VII. Out with the old...

“What do you think of him?” Tori asked, standing close to Nera, looking out at the reaction of the room as the bomb of the evening had been detonated.

It had come as a surprise that it was not only Adnan’s 50th birthday, but the start of something new for the Savas family with Balram taking over at the helm.

“I like his wife.”

Tori followed Nera’s gaze over to where the new head of the Savas stood together with his wife, nestled with an arm around her waist. Thick as thieves.

“I know Adnan to be smart,” Tori said, considering, “but I didn’t know him to have this high of an opinion of his son. Which makes this all the more curious.” When the known truths logically didn’t mesh, it stood that there were hidden facts behind the happening.

“It doesn’t change anything,” Nera said, and Tori wondered if she did so because she had more knowledge about it than she let on.

“I still have a few rounds to make,” Tori said, another round of congratulations among them.

“Yes, I’ll see you later.”

And she left Nera’s side to head into the crowd of people which seemed all to keen on demanding her ear.

*

“Anything to report on?” Rawley was at her side.

Tori dipped into her drink to find the moment to prepare for this. “I’m not sure this is the place.” She smiled.

She could see in the set of his face that he wouldn’t just take that and simply leave it for another time. Time had started to be of a matter. Moving in closer to his side she studied the room, as if the conversation was commenting in the fascinating gathering. “It’s not an ask I can pull off.”

“Tori…”

“I thought perhaps it would be something which you could benefit of at least getting your own copies of.” She laughed a little, not that it had anything to do with the conversation. “You should well know I can’t make that vanish and reappear in your pocket without raising considering suspicions.”

“One can do much if one has a mind to.”

“Then why don’t one keep their dealings in order to begin with?” She spoke calmy, but the frustration instead showed in her choice of words. “I would have thought you well enough of as not to need to make side deals and steal into your own treasuries.”

A quick study of the files had made it quite clear, and Nera had not been coy of admitting it was information held as insurance. Every part new the value of it. If lost, it would be missed.

She looked at him now. Who in the Midnight Club would stand by him if this came out? The rifting between him and Enzo already established to be exploited for this kind of situation. “I don’t wish to be parted with my own head yet. It’s up to you to break in and retrieve it at the risk of your own neck.”

She smiled and chuckled, just a catch up between people going back a long time. His own acting could perhaps be a bit more nuanced and friendly to sell it better, but at least he had been long enough in this game to keep the frustration, irritation unseen. A light touch to his arm, she tried to convey some soft of apology for the situation she had abandoned him to before she departed. But as she saw it there was nothing else to be done.

*

A breath of fresh air, or not so fresh, but to breathe the exhaust of the city rather than the expels of the thick cluster so humans inside. A minute to replenish her lungs and agreeableness before another dive in. There was a breeze, a little more than a breeze this high up. She almost wished it had been chilled with rain. Curel and harsh – it was not, only meek. Leaning the underside of her arms against the metal railing offered a bit of cold.

For the last decade she might have worked herself to the centre of the action, the goal had always also been to stay out of the centre of attention, and with the rumours spilling out and people securing their guesses made them nosy – there had a bit more light shone on her for her own liking. A few breaths, and she was determined not to let it show.

*


A breath of fresh air, or not so fresh, but to breathe the exhaust of the city rather than the expels of the thick cluster so humans inside. A minute to replenish her lungs and agreeableness before another dive in. There was a breeze, a little more than a breeze this high up. She almost wished it had been chilled with rain. Curel and harsh – it was not, only meek. Leaning the underside of her arms against the metal railing offered a bit of cold.

For the last decade she might have worked herself to the centre of the action, the goal had always also been to stay out of the centre of attention, and with the rumours spilling out and people securing their guesses made them nosy – there had a bit more light shone on her for her own liking. A few breaths, and she was determined not to let it show.

She was far from the only one who had sought some time on the balcony, and she wasn’t too surprised to find Leo approaching. He had an mostly empty high ball in his hand.

“An eventful evening,” he said and she couldn’t quite figure out if he was sarcastic or not. To her, yes. Very eventful.

“It all leads up to tomorrow,” she said, looking out over the city.

He leaned with his back against the railing. So relaxed and carefree in his manor, even with the plummeting depth on the other side of that metal rail. This close to the edge, she always did better keeping an eye on it, though it was a passive danger, she always had an eye out.



“Nera claim you are a bit … tepid towards it.”

“I pride myself on being tepid. One doesn’t get much done while running on a fever.” She glanced over at him. He looked a bit amused by it.

“Alright.”

“You have them quaking in their boots.”

“In what way?”

“Excitement. Dread. Complications?”

He grinned more heartedly at that, and she couldn’t help but to chuckle even though she also felt frightful by it.

“I’m going to retire for tonight,” Leo said, standing straight now.

“And I should head back in.”

“See you in the morning.” 

“You will, good night.” 

VIII. ...in with the new

Sleep had not been plentiful that night. Having arrived home in the middle of it, the first bit of sobering up happened in a couple of hours of sleep but a restlessness had awoken her, even in the state of dead tired.

Not one to stare into a white ceiling, she grabbed her bag and went for one of her swims in the early hours. She had an arrangement where she could have special access to it – usually in the odd hours when most of the city was sleeping. Only her strokes and kick to disturb the clear body of water. Clear water and movement to straighten her thoughts.

A swim and a steam later, she walked by her favourite bakery to pick up some orange zesty, cinnamon morning buns for breakfast, then by the way of car to breakfast at Leo’s. She found Nera in the kitchen.

“I brought buns,” Tori said, putting the cakebox down on a counter and removed her coat.

“Sadly, not the ones on display last night,” Nera took a second to look over from her dive into the fridge, grinning.

“Trust me, these are better.

“But, scheisse, don’t you look dewy this morning,” Nera said, removing a bottle of champagne and closing the fridge door. “Damp even,” she said in closer proximity to Tori’s combed back hair.

“Went swimming. And besides, you’re bright and shiny,” Tori said, Nera was good at looking put together. “And you stayed later than I, didn’t you?”

“Already had a hair of the dog. You need a mimosa?”

“Coffee first or I might start getting murderous in a bit.”

“Wouldn’t that be fitting, and something I’d like to see.”

Tori rolled her eyes.

They made their way to the sunroom where Leo already had taken a seat. It was all beginning. But even amidst the wary tendrils of uncertainty for what was to come, she couldn’t deny that she found herself enjoying this company.

A wee bit rushed but done!

Last edited by tricole (12/04/2024 at 13:34)

Vitti's deets...

NAME:
Vittoria Savaş aka Vitti

ROLE
11. Savaş family: Vittoria Savaş
Mrs Savaş, formerly (bastard) Boutella. Balram's wife. This is an arranged marriage of around 3 years. They've been friends for far longer, which is why the marriage works for both. Currently, they keep up appearances for people, but the connection is not romantic.

FC Giulia Manini

Age: 29

TRAITS:
Ambitious | Confident | Cunning | Deceptive | Discreet | Egotistical | Gregarious | Materialistic | Passionate | Resourceful

Personality
Sometimes you have to play the cards you’re dealt. Somehow, Vittoria managed to land on both feet no matter the odds against her. Lucky perhaps? At any rate, a life full of surprising twists and turns has led her to the present circumstances. Marriage to her best friend and all the extravagances that come along with that. Never doubt it, she seeks out luxury and leisure. She has high standards for her surroundings and her quality of life. Big houses, big fun, and lots of relaxation. She’s a social butterfly, living her best life, always up for a good time when it's expedient to herself. She can be headstrong, hot-tempered, and vivacious… but who would expect less from a Boutella? And even though she was born without the silver spoon she certainly inherited a bonafide silver tongue and the talent to wield it decisively when need be. If she learned nothing else from her explosive family (no pun intended… or well, maybe a little…) it’s that you have to look out for numero uno. That doesn’t mean she isn’t dependable and quite loyal to those she cares about… if you make it onto that short list you can be sure she is a confidant worth the measure.

Relationships
Belram - Husband & best friend.
Adnan - Father-in-law; respects him but doesn't know him as well as she thinks she should.
Andrei - he is around the family a lot so she is acquainted, they haven't gotten to know each other more than pleasantries and she's picked up on some tension between him and Belram (unsure what to make of it atm).
Enzo & Santiago - traveling in the same circles (parties/lavish events) & have been introduced at some point and become acquaintances. Intrigued by Enzo.
Saint - Has been introduced at some point, unsure if he remembers but she certainly is well aware of his notoriety. Is aware of his adoptive daughters but there's no connection so far.

Interests
Belram | Enzo | Nera

MEMORY LANE - TBD

THE LOOKS
TBD

CASTING-DONE | R1-DONE | R2-TBD

Last edited by BambiFoxx (08/04/2024 at 07:05)

Round 2 is closed, and Round 3 will be open in the evening.

Considering there's a delay as a general mindset (host included haha), we might take it a bit lighter/easier in Round 3 with a wrap-up/conclusion/set-up for more (doubt it) in Round 4.

I'll take the rest of the day to adjust it slightly & accommodate you with a bit more time

Edit: Hi, I'm sorry, I crashed last night after a very, very long day at work. Will publish the new round within this day.

Last edited by Zaralee (11/04/2024 at 08:30)

Round 3: The Invite

This round will be taking place over 2 weeks.

By the time you've gotten the invite, you can safely conclude you haven't been the only one. A few calls are being made in the meantime, strings pulled, while there is now a public countdown to the Loot, noting it will start in around a month, other invitees are showing up and new groups will appear.

There will be one host, one judge & different groups can claim a champion (person to go to the Loot) & try to win the contest for them.

But, this might be a bit aside from the point - you should focus on your little circle and if they accepted their invite to join the Loot. It will be explored more with each contestant, but to give a short overview of what has happened, here we go:
x Savaş family RSVP hasn't arrived yet, rumour is Adnan is regretting his decision to step down from the leadership position as Balram is eager to leave some of the old traditions behind (this one included), while Adnan might have ulterior motives for keeping the family in the competition.
x Sanctum seems to be keen on joining, with one of the questions being if they would go with their previous winner, or if Saint is not keen on putting himself into the new game while the rules are still unknown.
x Angelmakers' Liesel is keen on joining, although rumours say she is trying to get Antonida to see her side before she accepts the challenge.
x The MC seems to be the group whose leadership seems to be unanimously happy to participate - motivation aside, it feels like a good start. Their RSVP arrived the very next day.
x Avalon accepted the challenge, quite quickly, but the rumour has it there have been some changes to their leadership structure - or something is yet to come.

The good news is that some players might reemerge into this Loot, at least this is what everyone claims to know. Some claim the new Collective, the Latvian faction, will join the challenge. The Sicario delegate has arrived at the One66 hotel, allegedly with a little bit of a different hierarchy this time around. A few others stepped up since, but this is a topic of another moment or contest perhaps.

Round is - as per usual - paced to fit personal plot - but as every time so far, it will end with a chance to gather everyone in the same place, this time as a host announcement party.

It will take place upstate, a short drive from the city. The theme fits the invites if you wish to dress up. Once you arrive, once everyone on the list is there, Leo will step out as your Loot host. You'll find out Nera will step into the leadership of Avalon during the Loot to avoid any bias accusations.

It should be fun to understand, the reactions won't all be positive, but the whole thing seems to amuse Leo. He'd make sure everyone who wanted a word - positive or negative - had their time to speak to him (publicly or privately). Enzo seems to be as amused as Leo, liking this new version and he'd also ask more questions on the rules (with Leo avoiding to go into detail, not to uncover too much before time), before Enzo jokes he would not even begin to decide who MC will send as he has never seen eye to eye with Rawley, believing they could only join if allowed to join with two people. Surprisingly, Leo will like the idea, nod and announce this is the first rule change: each group will send 2 champions.

You can end your round there.

Requirements
Name (first, last, code - whatever you wish)
Interests (up to 3)

Please let me know when your round is finished.

Last edited by Zaralee (11/04/2024 at 10:59)

Form

Name: Tori, Astoria Louie
Role: Avalon Liaison
FC: Lui Wen
Age: 35
Interests: Nera. Leopold. Rawley - or any other potential fun you feel like throwing my way!

Game plan

•    Nera and Leo – discussing the responses of the other groups and about Leo stepping down, maybe also mention of Nera asking Tori to step up
•    Meeting with Liesel somewhere, discussing the Loot her problem with Antonida – Tori not giving much advice or judgement but sort of leading L to realise what she already knows that she must do. L being sus about Leo here too?
•    Rawley, an ‘accidental’ run in somewhere or something, Tori checking what to mend or where he stands. She might just try to suggest that participating and winning might just be the way to get him everything he ever wanted, a win over Enzo and files back from Nera? But the two contestant situation is not a thing until the end so maybe teak that a bit
•    Private conversation with Nera – a scene with Tori sort of making an effort to make sure Nera can trust her, (maybe Tori sort of starting to see Nera’s attraction being more than flirty friendship and using that, if I can mangage to big brain that somehow) – and either to make N see that Tori will be better continuing as the partner she has been or actually letting Nera decide as she on what she thinks is best.
•    A conversation with Leo, probably while they skip town a few days earlier. A sort of both of them trying to figure each other out situation?
•    The actual party and all what that entails

Story

Since I'll be too slow to finish before it closes, round comes here *click*

Last edited by tricole (19/04/2024 at 17:22)

Round 3 is now closed, and Round 4 opened.

Round 4: The Loot, Reimagined

There's quite a huge market now opening for champions - Leo seems to be enjoying the whole thing, taking Enzo's suggestion very seriously - and the number of those joining seems to be growing.

While things seem to be escalating on most fronts, the MC seems to be doing well - two champions have been selected and preparations are on the go. The rest doesn't seem to be going as well - Liesel accepts the invite to the games, making sure that her SIC is nowhere to be found at the time as Antonida took a trip to Europe at the time. On her way back, Antonida's plane gets lost in somewhere over Atlantic, with little hope of anyone's survival. Adnan & Balram still cannot see eye to eye, but eventually (and very reluctantly), Balram offers their participation in the Loot. In the end, Sanctum joins the Loot, still no champions in sight.

(most likey a bit of info here)

Please end your round & contest at the very beginning of the new Loot, with a gathering that might make you recognize some of the forgotten faces & old players.

Form

Name: Tori, Astoria Louie
Role: Avalon Liaison
FC: Lui Wen
Age: 35
Interests: Nera. Leopold. Rawley - or any other potential fun you feel like throwing my way!

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Story

Since I'll be too slow to finish before it closes, round 4 comes here *click*

Got home a few minutes ago, but let me announce the contest is closed! Thank you for sticking out till the end! Banners incoming in the belated section once I'm back from my vacay!

Thank you xx