Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Finding a Date(1x1)

Chiara was in a bit of a pickle. She had a fund raising event that she had promised she would attend, but her wife was busy with her duties, and her husband was busy with his business and other commitments. She knew Draeval would take her if she pressed him, but she didn't want to. She also didn't want to go alone, because she was really terrible with crowds and being social. Luckily for her, she had overheard some people speaking in the tavern about a man that sold an escort for a price. It had been hard to track him down, and part of her was really repulsed by doing this, given her previous lot in life, but she was desperate. She'd also come to learn that quite a few people that were in this profession honestly seemed to enjoy it.

So she'd gone through the transaction, and she'd given the time and date that she needed the escort for and now she was waiting at home. Part of her was afraid that he simply wouldn't show up, but she'd gone ahead and gotten ready anyway. She had her long dark hair piled on top of her head in a mass of curls, and she had some pretty red jewels threaded through them. She was wearing a red dress with a low cut back, that came to about her knees, with a pair of black flats that had a red bow on the toe. She was already fairly tall for a woman, and she didn't like the added height of heels. Her makeup was very minimal, used only to enhance her natural features. She was also carrying a small black clutch, and she was pacing back and forth in her tiny living room. The cabin was unusually quiet tonight, it was almost as if her pets could pick up on her nervousness.

The djinn had been forced to endure a long week of various tasks. Beyond being a capable escort, he also had a plethora of duties stacked to his name. After attending to a heavy dose of chores, as well as his own personal upkeep, the blonde received something quite peculiar. A letter written on fine parchment was delivered into his hands, the male doing well to gently unfold the delicate paper while electric eyes scanned across the contents. Brow seemed to loft when he was requested for something a little more vanilla than his typical clientele subjected him to.

"A fund raising event?" He murmured to himself, a single finger lifting to curl into the end of his swooping golden bang. "For what, I wonder? Oh is this poor woman sure she wants one of my caliber? Mm I suppose there is no harm in trying. But I should find something a little more suitable to wear." The djinn was infamous for his scantly clad garments, barely there loincloth accompanied by an open long sleeved robe. With that, he went to work. It wasn't too difficult for the bronzed brute to switch attire, lucky little magical thing he was. A swoop of fingers starting from toes glided along the length of his tall frame, pushing upwards until his neckline was reached.

The male was now garbed in rather fancy clothing. A Victorian dress shirt neatly tucked into a pair of black brush cotton pants, double breasted vest and a black regency tailcoat with velvet trim. While he hated to do so, he even dared to adorn shoes for the fine festivities. A pair of leather lace up boots fit snuggly around his feet, which caused the male to gag. He hated footwear, much preferring to go bare for such occasions. But where paying customers was involved, he could not be picky. Despite the complete change of clothing, buckled leather cuffs remained firmly situated on his wrists. He tugged down sleeves to conceal them properly, somehow doubting they'd be of use to him tonight.

A top hat? No, he decided to do without. He believed such luscious locks as his own deserved to breathe, and breathe they did. But a cane did well to complete the ensemble, tucked beneath his arm as he checked himself once more in the mirror. "Hmm...to keep my ears as they are or change them..." He pondered. Red and gold trimmed feathers lined the outer cuff of each ear, levitating tear drop jewels swaying freely beneath each. The jewels had to remain visible, their purpose important. So instead he altered the color of the feathers to that of a midnight blue color, far better to match his outfit. "There."

Dressed and ready to go, he hummed a jovial tune as he took a carriage to the address given. Once he had arrived, he told the driver to hold so that they could take it to where they wanted to go. Stepping up to the door, knuckles lifted and rapt thrice on the wooden entrance of Chiara's home. Now all he could do was wait for an answer.

Chiara seemed a bit startled when there was knocking on her door, but she'd soon get herself under control. So the man had shown up after all? She couldn't say she wasn't relieved, she really hadn't wanted to go to this thing alone. Her fluffy white dog got up to go to the door with her, and when she opened it Kalt would sniff at the djinn and then sneeze.

Chiara shot the dog a look, before returning her attention to Jihan, "I'm glad you showed up. I wasn't looking forward to going to this thing alone." She seemed pretty soft spoken, and she'd give him a little smile, "Come in for a minute, I want to grab my shawl." She'd shut the door behind him, and Kalt would sit on the ground in front of Jihan, looking up at him. There was an enormous grey tom cat laying over the back of the couch, and a pretty red cardinal in a cage on the kitchen counter. She was obviously an animal lover, because there were 3 dogs beds by the fireplace, and only one of them was occupied when Kalt went over to take it.

Chiara seemed to be a little nervous now that he was here, "It won't take long." She's hurrying off down the hallway to her room to grab the black shawl off her bed. She'll stand back there for a moment and take a few deep breaths, before she's returning to the living room. "Did you need anything?" It was a long ride out to her place, she figured he might need to use the restroom. If not, she was ready to go!

She probably didn't look a thing like his typical clients, she was very tall, with a flat chest. She wasn't outrageously gorgeous either, but one would probably call her pretty. She also didn't really seem to know how to act around him, even if one wasn't magical, it was easy to pick up on her nervousness. Clearly this wasn't the type of thing she normally did!

Jihan put on a bright smile when the door opened, tipping his chin politely in her direction. "Good evening to you my lady." Although he seemed slightly amused at her hurried state, stepping into the home when invited. He chuckled and nodded in her direction. "Of course, take your time. I am in no hurry." This wasn't technically his event, after all! When she had taken off to grab her shawl, he would step forward and take a decent look around the abode. Quaint, but not over done. It appealed to him, in a homely sort of way.

But his attention fell to the various animals that littered the living quarters, a smile creasing his lips. He spoke fluent feral, thanks to his djinn connections. Kalt was the first he had taken a shine to, moving to kneel down before the large while creature.

Hello to you. Fear not, I shall bring her home safe and sound. That is a guarantee. He whispered to the canine, throat muscles tensed thanks to the tone and pitch changed to meet that of feral ears. He then reached forward to pat pat the canine on the head, pushing himself up to stand once more. He also purred a greeting towards the cat, and chirped another to the cardinal. He was an animal lover himself, if only because he could actually talk to and understand them.

When the woman returned, a large smile appeared on his face. "Let me guess, this is your first time dealing with a man like myself hmm?" He could practically smell the nerves firing off one by one on the woman. Even if she was not a bombshell knock out, that didn't seem to concern him any. "Well allow me to ease any fears you may have. My name is Jihan, and I am quite friendly I assure you. It is my job to ensure you have a fantastic evening, and that I keep you entertained and happy. I only do what I am asked to do, and I will keep an eye on you for the duration of the evening."

He'd take a step back, moving to offer his arm for her to take. "Ask me anything you feel you must, and I shall answer upfront and with truth. But my first question would be what is your name? I'd hate to address you as 'hey you' for the entire night." An amused chuckle rumbling in his throat. "And the second, what sort of fund raising event is this we are attending?"

Chiara typically wasn't in a rush either, but she was just so very nervous. The animals would be surprised that Jihan could speak with them, and it would be Kalt that would reply. "Usually only Draeval can talk to us! Take good care of her, she needs a good time." His tail would be wagging like mad while he spoke he was obviously pleased with Chiara's choice, and excited he could communicate with someone else.

It's really a pity that Chiara missed the fact that he could speak with her critters, instead she's pulling her shawl around herself tighter and nodded, "I...normally wouldn't...hire someone..." It was obvious that the idea of buying his time wasn't sitting well with her. "Do you...enjoy your job? I'm not making you do something you don't want to do?" She had her own issues with it for personal reasons that she likely wasn't going to give away to a stranger. It was plain that this job was going to be extremely vanilla, she didn't seem like the wild and crazy sort at all. When he pointed out that she hadn't even given him her name yet, her cheeks colored, "Oh! It's Chiara." She wasn't used to having to give out her name, as she typically didn't tell people, but he was right, it would be awkward to call her by 'hey you' all night.

As for the event, she seemed to relax some when she started talking about it. It's a nice dinner with some sort of entertainment for the evening. I paid for two plates because the proceeds go to the local animal shelter. I...had been hoping one of my significant others would have been free to take me, but they were both busy. So here you are." She tended to babble when she was nervous, it was something she didn't typically do.

Jihan smirked with a nod of his head, reaching up to brush the thick bang from the right side of his face. "Of course I enjoy my job. I really do not see much problem with it. Some may frown on the concept, thinking it a bit low in standards. But I try to look at it as a way to meet interesting individuals, go places I normally would not go. Tonight you are asking me to take you to a nice event for a good cause, really I hardly see how that is torture." He'd flash her a sly wink, grinning from ear to ear. "So I wouldn't think too much of it tonight. Just enjoy yourself, let me sweat the small stuff instead."

He would move to take her arm into his own, standing up straight as he moved to open the door. "Chiara? A very lovely and unique name, it suits you. And one of your significant others? Well then, consider me intrigued. You must tell me all about them, if you so wish, on our way to the event." He had heard of polygamous relationships before, but he hadn't really encountered someone who performed this deed until now. He motioned to the carriage still parked out front. "If you are ready, we shall be off."

Chiara blanched some, "I meant no insult." Hopefully he wouldn't take it that way. He put some of her fears at ease though, "As long as you won't be uncomfortable for the entire evening, it's fine with me. I've just...never done anything like this before." His wink drew a brighter smile from her, "You remind me of someone I know." That someone wasn't her favorite person, but they both seemed to have a sort of roguish charm to them.

Chiara wasn't used to being touched, but she tried to relax when he took her arm to lead her to the carriage. "Do you know what it means?" Name meanings had been a sort of hobby of hers for awhile, though people usually easily guessed hers. "Yes, one of. I have two." So far, "I'll tell you what I can, if you'd really like to know." She couldn't give too much information away on Ferous, because she would be likely to get upset about it, but Draeval was another story. "We can go." Sadly, she doesn't even bother locking up, they were so far out into the forest she didn't see a point to it.

"A carriage? How very appropriate, and you didn't even know what the event was." She'd give Jihan another smile, and hopefully he would help her into the thing, and she'd settle herself, getting ready for the carriage ride. Once she was settled in, she'd return her attention to Jihan, "Thank you for accompanying me. I really am terrible at these sorts of things, but it was for such a good cause I couldn't say no." She was obviously fairly wealthy, though her house didn't show it.

Jihan bellowed a laugh. "No insult taken. Trust me, I am far too laid back to let your curiosity bother me. Besides, it is only natural if this is new territory for you. And uncomfortable? Ah hardly. I have been placed in situations before that would constitute as that. But this is tame in comparison." If only she knew! "No, I cannot say I know the meaning of your name. Mine means 'the universe'. That sounds a little arrogant does it not? But of course, I didn't pick it myself."

He would open the carriage door for the young woman, using his arm to help usher her into the comfortable cabin. Fingers grasped the silver handle and he hoisted himself in close behind. With the door closing behind him, he'd settle at her side. He kicked up a leg so that ankle could rest over his knee in a masculine cross, reaching down to grasp at the toe of his boot to give it a squeeze. His foot didn't hurt necessarily, but it felt foreign to have it covered in such a manner. Soon enough they were off, the carriage rolling along the road towards their given destination.

"Yes, if you'd like to talk about them I am certainly a good ear to speak to. I am a temple of secrets and knowledge, all kept securely locked within this head of mine." Smirking to himself as electric eyes studied her face carefully. "You are most welcome, and I'd think nothing of it truly. You speak as if you are imposing on me, when really this is what I do. I am not a free man, I really don't get to make choices readily. But I cannot say I am truly miserable in my life." At least, not entirely. "It is just something one has to grow accustomed to. We all have different lots in life, and some struggle more than others. The term 'life is not fair' is about as true as it gets, despite how much of a cliche it is. I take what I have and run with it, and right now I am very pleased."

Chiara seemed a little confused, "Well...most people don't pick their names. Mine means light. I used to have a hobby of trying to figure out name meanings. Some of them are easy, but some...not so much." She would let Jihan help her into the carriage, and she would settle herself comfortably on one side. It was a bit of a ride to the city, so they had some time to chat. She'd cock her head to the side when he messed with his shoe, "Is your foot bothering you?" She seemed honestly concerned enough, though he hadn't known her for very long at all he could probably guess that she was actually worried about it.

"I guess the thought of slavery just makes me uncomfortable. It's more common where...I come from and I came here to get away from it. Not...anything against you personally. I suppose I tend to over think things too much." Her significant others were a much better topic, "Well...one of them is very secretive and doesn't really liked to be talked about. She's probably one of the best...beings I've ever known though." She'd smile, "The other one though...he's definitely a ham." Her smile brightened, "He owns several of the businesses in town. He's very smart too." Neither one of her significant others was run of the mill, that was for sure. "We can't always be together because of his...gifts...but I wouldn't trade him for anything."

She'd make eye contact with Jihan again, "What about you? Is there someone special in your life?" Just because he was a slave didn't mean he didn't have feelings and she figured there were probably people he'd come to care for more than others.

Jihan chuckled. "Well in my case, I literally did not. It was a name my first Mistress gave to me, if you must know. I'd tell you my real name, but we are all allowed our little secrets." Cracking a cheeky grin at the woman as the carriage drove on. "Light? That is a lovely meaning. Does it relate to you as you are now at all? Sometimes names do, but at others it is just a meaning." He'd pause as he looked down at the shoe he had been toying with. "Bothering me? Ah no, not really. It is just a strange sensation, wearing shoes that is. Normally I go barefoot, which is my preferred way of being. But I wouldn't worry over it, a small adjustment I am more than happy to make." He'd chuckle as he tugged at the collar of his tailcoat.

"Not many find slavery all that appealing. It is an acquired taste. For me, it was the perfect solution to a running problem I faced. I'd go into greater depth, but that doesn't apply to our current evening out. Let's just say it provides me a service all on its own, without me having to actively seek what I desire." A smile appeared as she spoke of her significant others, nodding his head in time to show he was listening. "It sounds to me as if you have the best of both worlds, which not many can make claim to. It is a pity they could not accompany you this evening. But allow me a moment of selfish indulgence, because now I get to hog all of your time." Grinning from ear to feathered ear at such a blatantly flirty statement.

At her question, he reached up to rub at his chin thoughtfully. "Well yes, as a matter of fact I do. I have several close friends that I consider very important in my life. It is rather difficult to find loyal and stable individuals in my line of work. Far too many are solely concerned about themselves, while others are not...so good people I guess you could say. But if you are wondering about my relationship status, I am in one. It is a bit complicated, even I will admit. With what I do for a 'living' as it were, we try to make the best out of it. I take each day as it comes, that is all I can do."

Chiara would tilt her head, "Well why not wear something you were more comfortable with? Trust me, there will be all types there...this...area...it's a pretty unique place. At the very least you could probably take off your shoes, I'm sure nobody would notice." Chiara was pretty easy going, it didn't take much to please her. He had shown up, and that was all that she'd really asked for.

If anything, his further explanation seemed to relax her further, "You're...an incubus then? Or...something similar? My female...partner will sometimes feed in the same way." Which might be more information than he wanted to know. His flirty comment has her blushing, and she ducked her head. She wasn't used to such phrases coming from anybody but Draeval. "You're a bit of a tease, has anybody ever told you that?" She didn't sound upset or angry, and she was smiling as she said it.

He talks about his own significant other, "Ah...it is hard to find people who...understand eccentricities in relationships. I've heard my own fair share of insults for being a polygamist. But...I don't see what's so wrong with it. Is it really so terrible I love two people and they love me back?" She would shift in her seat, "Do you get to see them often?" Hopefully he wouldn't be angry at her for prying, she was only curious. "I can go months between seeing the people I care about. It's...rough sometimes."

Jihan bellowed a quaint laugh at her offer, shaking a hand to the side dismissively. "While the offer is appreciated, it is alright. To go without shoes in this attire would indeed look peculiar. I am a bit...obsessive compulsive about matching. Sounds dreadful doesn't it? But to remove the shoes, the rest of the garb would have to alter as well. It's not worth all of that I'd think. Besides, I am comfortable trust me. It just feels odd is all." Which was the truth.

He then huffed a breath, shaking his head. "No, not an Incubus. But I suppose you could say I have one common trait with them. I do feed off of their...ahem...carnal energies. Which is the main reason I put myself in slavery to start with. Steady source of food as it were. But the technical term for my kind is 'djinn'. I am an odd sort, one of the seven deadly. Lust is my curse, where as the other six embody one of the other sins you see. Each feed off of that particular energy source, in their own way." He'd crack a wide grin, leaning forward to waggle his brows in her direction. "I am only as much of a tease as you let me be."

A shrug bobbed his shoulders, blazing pupils swimming through the darkened electric sea of his eyes. "I really do not know much about love, or why it exists. I've spent the better part of my immortal life attempting to understand it, but it is a rather complex emotion. I see nothing wrong with loving two individuals, as long as both are aware and comfortable with the idea. I may be promiscuous in body, but when it comes to my heart it is a different matter entirely. I wouldn't let the opinion of others weigh on you too deeply, there is little sense in it. As long as you are happy, what right does another have choosing your life for you?" He hummed, tapping at his chin. "Not as often as I'd like, admittedly. He is a busy, important man...a high ranking official as it were. We really aren't allowed to take our relationship public either, for various reasons. I've been asked why I stay, what forces me to endure such conditions. Well it is love, devotion and a willingness to sacrifice for what I feel is right. Sometimes it is rough, but I think a healthy relationship should have obstacles to be faced."

((Sorry I didn't reply yesterday, I really wasn't feeling well ))

Jihan's comments about his clothes brought a smile to her face, "You really are like him. He...takes a certain pride in his clothing and looks as well." She'd pause, "Even if you aren't fond of it, I do have to say you look very nice." She was pleased that he had taken some care with his appearance and had dressed appropriately. "I'm sure you'll turn some heads when we get there."

As for his feeding habits, she turned a bit pink and looked at her lap, "I meant no offense. Though...that sounds interesting. I...knew someone once that was bound by lust as well. I believe his way of dealing with it was to take many wives and lovers." She saw nothing wrong with it, but they'd already gone over that about her. His flirtatious comment had her laughing, and she seemed more at ease now than she had been when she'd first met him, "You're terrible." It was obvious by the smile on her face that she was just teasing him a bit.

"I'll agree with that." Love was complicated, she definitely knew that one well. "To each their own. It must be hard to go through that, but I'm sure it's worth it." Just like it was worth it to her to stick it out for her lovers, even though she didn't see them often. She had been surprised to hear that it was a man who had won Jihan's heart, because she'd been expecting to hear about a woman, but again, she wasn't judging. The carriage was probably slowing a bit as they neared their destination, and some of her nervousness came back, "Are you ready?" The real question was...was she ready? She never did very well in these types of situations with crowds.

Jihan canted his head curiously. "Am I? Well then, I am glad to know he and I have good tastes. That means your choice for an escort this evening was even better than you thought!" He'd comb his fingers through those tussled sun blonde locks, allowing the single heavy bang to spring back into place. "Well thank you for the compliment. You look most ravishing this evening I must say. If I am turning heads, it will only be because I have you on my arm." A wide smile reappearing on his lips.

He then held up a hand and waved it dismissively "No offense is taken, trust me. It is difficult for me to feel offense, especially anything in regards to my given job. I've heard it all, and one learns to drown it out after a while. No sense in lingering on what cannot be changed." He would have agreed with her on the issue of him loving a man, had he known her thoughts. In truth it came unexpectedly to him as well, but life was indeed full of surprises. Once the carriage had arrived at their predetermined location, he scooted over and grasped the handle, clicking it free so they could leave the confined space. Once outside, he held up his hand in offering for her to take so he could assist her out. He turned to look upon the building which they were set to enter. Arm in arm he would smile, nodding quickly. "I am always ready my dear. No need to feel nervous, we will be perfectly fine." Giving her hand a comforting pat pat.

It had been... quite a while since he'd attended a social event. Press conferences didn't particularly count, and even that had fallen to the wayside in lieu of war, politics, and the collapse of a monopoly. One could barely even consider the most recent act of charity as anything charitable. When orphanages explode, you help the survivors, yeah?

My Angel and Olympian Productions, while impressive companies, were nothing compared to the near-empirical Lode Corp but were still ample excuse to attend a charity event. His need to be a social butterfly was eating at him again; or perhaps saying that he needed to resume being a social butterfly to eat would be more accurate.

A fresh summer line needed publicity, anyway. Amidst the trivial socialities and champagne, he wondered to himself what had possessed him to think such a cordial event would be anything but boring. In the very least, an ample buffet line was a promising idea. Unlike Chiara, he had failed to even bring a date; not for lack of one, but more in hope of finding another. It left him unusually bored, almost stagnant in spite of his vibrant attire.

His summer lines often drew on a blend of vernal viridians and autumnal vermillion in stark contrast, offset by bold, if slim and slight uses of violets. In such, his favored peacock feathers were a prime candidate for summer's virility-turned-fashion. Ever one to challenge period-normalcy, a typical suit had been supplanted with an original, effervescent frock. The upper body was patterned in the eyes of a peacock, migrating from blue shoulders to green arms and torso; the sash that cinched it shut matched the warm sunny-gold hue of the ruffles escaping from beneath the Eaton vest inside the opened jacket, which flared below the lithe waistline into a convincing, fabricated version of the regal bird's tail. The stark contrast could be considered distasteful to some, but he preferred drawing out the true vibrancy rather than retiring the suit to a cool-toned affair of mediocrity. Body-fitted regal blue trousers defined long sprinter's legs effectively, until his mid-calf boots interrupted, matching the greens and off-putting it in flavors of violet and mauve to draw out the purple accents hidden in the peacock feather design sported along the upper torso. The boots, like nearly anything, were overly detailed, and sported a surprising heel that would have boosted him to nearly 6'4'' had he been standing--instead of leaning, pinching his nose, and waiting for anything more than the appetizers he had vacuumed up his share of before the event truly even began. For such a trim man, he had a bottomless stomach and was already getting stares.

That was nothing new to the reputation of 'Brian Muriel'. Many considered him half-mad; his outlined eyes often darting to and fro didn't help the perception, nor did his other eccentricies. Thankfully many older, charity-dwelling denizens didn't read tabloids and yellow sheets religiously, leaving the whispering among the younger generations.

There was nothing normal about Muriel. Today, his eyes shone like the sun, brighter than his oddly placed orange linens which only amplified their gaze--nor the violet shadow overtaking it, matched by darker lip liner. Even his hair earned fascination; what appeared black in base managed to draw interesting, prismatic highlights in certain lighting, particularly as the long hair pulled up into a short tail behind him and left shimmering curtains to either side of his face--though not so long as to match the peacock-eye earrings finishing up the wardrobe. They were, in fact, the only ACTUAL feathers on this particular wardrobe, the rest all fascinating tricks of fabric and print, however convincing. It was, in fact, fairly unusual to him. He knitted his gloved fingers together, twiddling his thumbs in nervous energy.

...Why hadn't he brought En, in the very least?

Because he was trolling for a new date.

Why hadn't he remembered these events were mostly attended by stuffy, wanna-be nobility that was already taken? He'd seen his share of droll events while at Lode's side. ...In fact, he purposefully traumatized the old mogul and his friends by choosing the most outlandish attire. Still, in trying to actually be social again, he couldn't wear his cocktail dress and stilettos and expect much positive response. Even something as 'tame' as his current attire was enough to draw odd responses.

Then again, bringing En wouldn't have been much better. As much as Luci could... estrange people, his modern partner could double the bizarre reception.

...Luci retired to his phone, already ripe with new messages, alerts, and voicemails anyway. He paused to eye the fine dinnerware, and pondered, sending a text to an old humanitarian friend. How many dollars, I wonder, do they spend trying to convince these old coots to give their own money?

Well, whatever responses he earned brightened his day; of course, it didn't take much to keep him happy. His face held smiles well--almost too well, as it contorted just to accommodate it while he let out a quiet giggle.

Ticktack. I bet Spot in the shelter would like this shrimp. It's really good shrimp. I don't think he'd find much use for the all the forks, though. ...Hm. That looked like some collectable Sterling. He glanced to and fro, considering being his typical impish self but deciding against it as he was already receiving odd looks.

Chiara gave a small smile, sure even better! She'd just not let Jihan know that guy wasn't one of her favorite people at all. He compliments her, and her cheeks burn, "Thank you." She wasn't used to compliments like that, they always took her off guard.

They're arriving then, and she'll let him help her out of the carriage, "Thank you." She'd give him a small smile, and his arm would get a squeeze before they're heading in with a few other guests. It's obvious the event is pretty fancy judging by the type of people that are there. Chiara makes a few hellos to some snooty people that she really didn't want to be talking with anyway, that much was obvious by her posture and behavior. It isn't long before they are closer to the buffet, "Would you like something to eat or drink?" As soon as the question left her lips, she'd recognized the person standing in front of her. It wasn't as if his outrageous outfit blended in well.

If Jihan still had his arm linked with her, he'd probably feel her grip tighten. "Hello Luci." She'd give him a very small smile. "I had no idea you cared about animals." It's not meant to be as mean as it likely sounds, she just never saw him as the animal lover type. "Jihan, this is Luci. The one I was telling you about in the carriage. Luci, this is Jihan, my escort for tonight." She didn't seem embarrassed about it, she was fairly sure Luci knew she was in an open relationship.

Jihan tipped his chin in her direction. "You deserve it. A lovely young woman should be complimented regularly for their beauty and charisma don't you think?" He really was terrible! But perhaps in a good way. As they headed into the event, the djinn did well to scan his eyes over the crowd and study others in the closest of quarters. It was a habit for the male, a slight defense mechanism on top of it. Good to see who may be trouble, and who would be better to target for conversation.

Wading through the crowd, he would smile and nod in a polite greeting to any the woman addressed. Not much for nobles himself, even if his life seemed to be packed with them, he was happy to move on rather than get hauled into polite non-nonsensical chit chat. Arriving at the dinner area, he'd hum and eye the choices. Of course nothing here was of any use to him, but he did want to try and appear normal for the sake of the woman he accompanied. "I think just a glass of red wine will do for now, until I build up more of an appetite." So to speak. But it was then a brightly dressed individual appeared before them, causing the blonde beauty to take a moment and marvel at what he was seeing.

The color patterns chosen made his eye visibly twitch, the urge to blurt out how over the top the outfit was seemed high. Yet he had to hold his tongue, if only because he was on duty at that moment and couldn't afford a slip. Instead he put on a smile, holding out his hand towards the vibrantly colored creature. "Ah good evening to you Luci. It is a pleasure to meet you." Awkward? Not for him, very little ever was. If his hand was taken he would shake it briskly in return, the sway of tear drop jewels effortlessly clacking together beneath ear feathers. Despite his pleasant demeanor, he had a hundred and two burning questions in the back of his mind. Easy now!

He was never one for subtlety, short of when he was stuffing something in his pockets. As much as he prided himself on appearance, he prided himself in UNIQUE, almost blinding appearance. The other’s response was nothing unusual.

Still, Chiara’s familiar voice drew him out of his reverie, snapping to attention and blinking vividly as he stood abruptly; she might be used to the odd gloss, and sharp focus to his pupils in his gaze, but it wouldn’t be particularly surprising if it put off her new companion as he quickly glanced to and fro before focusing on them. “Ah, heh. Chiara, darling!” He tried to be cordial—overtly so enough that she probably found it odd. Then again, he half suspected to turn about and find Populus looking over his shoulder disapprovingly. Still, he was often too impulsive to restrain things… like his sarcasm. Especially without finding the war goddess he expected lurking in the shadows; nope, all clear. “No, dear. I just enjoy exploded orphans. I only take animal guise for the bestiality.” He snarked, crooked grin creeping over his face while he loosely gripped his chin. “…Of course, ancient contract demands I make clear I am being facetious.” He lowered his voice marginally, if only not to air that kind of business. Whoever overheard could probably blame it on his publicly accepted insanity. …If she could restrain the impulse to smash him for his bluntness, it was worth applause; even if she DID strike him, he’d answer with a shrug. Typical.

Instead, a new suitor surfaced, drawing a raised brow. Releasing the grip of his chin, he extended his hand with one arm remaining wrapped loosely about his torso. Despite the flamboyant exterior, he had a fairly solid grasp: an eternity in business and negotiations makes a formidable and statesmanly handshake fairly necessary. “Oh, you’ve been talking about me?” He offered playful wink to Chiara while releasing her consort’s hand, tilting his head while returning his sights to her companion and giving him a once-over. “I love your ear-pieces by the way.” It was a minor variant of one of the many pieces Chiara had surely seen him with by now. The back and forth of his eyes seemed to be a perpetual habit, observing those around as he muttered, “I am Brian today, by the by.” It was nothing unusual to get confused on which alias substantiated itself where.

Jihan, like many people before him, was due to probably be confused by the odd actions of the old spirit; Luci raised a hand while leaning to the side, palm out and moving it through the air like he was polishing a window with an invisible rag. His eyes betrayed deep curiosity. Without speaking another word, he glanced between Jihan and Chiara, lips pursed for a moment before standing upright, placing both of his hands on his hips and puffing out his chest. “I wasn’t aware you had such good taste.” He teased. “So? What do you think of the new My Angel release? Events like this are often good places to launch the pricier lines for public view.” He gave a once-around for a view. Now to find anyone bold enough to actually WEAR it. “I was going to wear the new gentleman’s line, but it’s too subdued to catch any attention in a place like this. Preparing Father’s future fashion with the new suits, so to speak.” Crafty little hobbit.

… He graduated into a murmer, eyes drifting aside, “…If I can resist destroying him before he awakens.” Chiara probably had discovered just how tough to deal with the Young King was lately, with her rotation—but at least she wasn’t bound to listen to his commands. Lucky.

If Jihan was confused it was nothing out of the ordinary. It was difficult to ever determine when his madness ended and bizarre truths began, even to those who knew him. Chiara had an unusual leg up in being officially married to his other half.

Chiara had blushed at Jihan's compliment, "Of course I do. Doesn't mean that I'm used to it though." Then they had made their rounds, and were near Luci. When he greeted her in that manner, there was a slight tenseness to her that Jihan might have noticed since they were standing so closely. His comment about orphans just has her rolling her eyes, "Is it some sort of sick hobby of yours to try and goad people into striking you?" Well, he did seem to have a thing for it.

"Yes, I have." She wasn't going to deny it, there was no point. "Impossible as it is for you to believe, I don't completely hate you." As for calling him Brian, she'd shrug, "What's wrong with calling you the name I gave you?" Unintentional as it might have been, she had named him Luci after all. Belatedly she realized how similar the two of them would seem, and she skipped over that topic and on to the next. "I do recall someone once telling me that he'd love to talk designs with me. I also believe that same someone might have said he would teach me the art of swordplay. He dropped the ball there too."

Despite her remarks, she'd look over the outfit, "It is...bold. Why don't you ever model any of the women's line?" That last bit isn't sarcasm, she knew full well he could pull it off. "This print would make a pretty dress." Mention of his Father has her arching a brow, "You think he's going to wear this?" She'd shake her head, "Nevermind." Her attention would return to Jihan, she was being rude. He seemed somehow eager, so she'd ask, "What do you think? You're male at least, and you seem to have an eye for fashion." He might have some nice input. She'll not speak about Luci's Father for now, it might make him angry.

Jihan was a bit perplexed by this new addition, something he hadn't quite prepared himself for in retrospect. When the hand was extended to him, he took it in for a firm shake. While he looked like some beautiful man, he wasn't lanky in the strength department. Once the formalities had passed, he'd merely smirk in the direction of the interesting individual. "While watching orphans spontaneously combust is amusing, I fear the flesh shrapnel is lacking. Not enough meat on their bones thus the enjoyment is not long lasting. If you really wish to witness a show, find obese children. Not only are the fatty entrails sticky enough to cling to the surface of a wall, but if you get hungry there are leftovers." He cooed in such a sickeningly sweet tone, it was terrible! He flashed Luci a bright smile, pearly whites practically gleaming. When he made note of those levitating jewels, he would reach up to flick at one absently. "Yes, they are quite nice. Thank you for saying so."

When Luci mentioned Chiara had good taste, he would release a low chuckle. "Oh my, I see I have met my match in flattery. I best keep my eye on you, Brian. Lest I become bested all too quickly." It was always hard to tell when he was being serious, or when he was just being a blatant ass. He had that knack. When the woman asked Jihan to comment on Luci's attire, he'd press his lips into a thin line. He wasn't sure how to word it without coming off wrong, or out of sorts. Instead he would glance over the bright garments, humming to himself. "Well, I can say we won't lose him in the crowd." And that was all he could really offer, that was safe at least. "But I cannot say fashion is my precise forte. I run with what works, and in my case I did just that." The remainder of the conversation was lost on him, not knowing the parties in question. Thus he couldn't really add his two cents without sounding rather out of it.

Instead he smiled and slid back, resting thick fingers on Chiara's shoulder gently. "Could I get you anything? I wouldn't want you to break away from your current conversation, and I am more than happy to provide." Blazing pupils swam through the inky darkness to fall on Luci, tipping his chin in his direction. "For you as well sir? They have quite the selection here, to feed your belly or your vices." Of course Jihan's definition of vice was lax, and what he typically partook in constituted as downright illegal. But he didn't seem to be concerned about that here.