【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.
Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made in our parking garage for all new arrivals. We aim to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience!
All are invited to There Is No Tomorrow, a Phoenix Casino soiree to celebrate our beloved guests. The festivities will begin at 1800 hours on January 20th and end at 1800 hours on January 27th. Please look forward to 168 hours of delight.
In an effort to raise happiness and encourage better guest relationships, attendance is required. The house will assist guests that are too shy to appear of their own accord. Please note that black tie attire is mandatory. As always, we hope you enjoy your stay! 】
PARKING GARAGE
ANY CAR IN A STORM
PHOENIX CASINO HALL
WELCOME TO THE NEXT 168 HOURS
Phoenix Casino is a-flutter with activity and packed to the beak with guests. As a famously ever-changing space, the staff would be remiss if they didn't deck the crown jewel of the Golden Peacock out. The casino glitters from top to bottom, shining brighter than diamonds, rubies, sapphires, opals! Party-goers are shiny and glamorous with picture perfect makeup, fluttering gowns, and sharp suits. Card tables are packed and the slot machines are a-ringing as guests play, play, play! Prizes, luxury, booze, attractive people, it's the place that everyone wants to be at.
Those people being dragged inside by some invisible force...? Silly, they were so excited to come that their bodies moved before they realized what was happening. Those are struggles of joy and definitely not the casino's infamous ghost hands dragging unwilling guests to the party at the behest of the house. Look, they're literally hurling their bodies at the card tables with unrestrained glee!
All clocks indicating day hours and night hours have been removed from the casino. Once a guest has entered, their Watch will jam, making it impossible to keep track of the time. You don't need to worry about that tonight.
▶ All characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. Suits will not manifest until characters are accepted into the game.
▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's January event.
▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. Any current characters posting to the TDM should note they are current in their subject header.
▶ The top level directory is for new characters only. We want to make sure new characters are prioritized and receive attention! If you would be interested in a game invitation, you can note that in your comment header. This month we also have an ongoing ATP / EMP where players can connect. Please feel free to utilize this for all of your peafowl needs!
▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort!
▶ Smut threads that take place on this TDM can be used for rewards. If both parties in the smut thread join the game, you may retroactively apply the character's initial card values to your 52 bank. If one character does not join the game the thread will not be applicable toward rewards (as that character would not have a card value). The character that does join would still receive a small payout for the encounter. Hopefully it was a fun thread regardless!
▶ We ask you to kindly add content warnings to your threads as appropriate.
▶ If you do not currently have permissions and kinks listed in your character’s journal we suggest leaving a note in your top level of any limits or boundaries for other players to reference.
I'm afraid they frequently encourage drinking here, monsieur.
[ really, after everything mona has experienced over the last year, witnessing the iudex attending this party simply doesn't surprise her. rather, she pities him; mona understands the initial displeasure from such a debauched setting, especially if he is seeking water of all beverages. at the very least, the alcohol being served doesn't appear to be of special origin. that would've made for an interesting first encounter.
mona approaches neuvillette's side and plants a hand on her hip. having given him a clearer view of her now, he'll see she is wearing a short, stylish dress with a garter, choker, and gloves. she soon gestures towards the gourmet food laid out in superfluous proportions. ]
I could conjure a little Hydro for you, but you might find it distasteful to drink it.
( decades in the court have left him with a sharp eye and a sharper ear, and the combination of 'monsieur' and 'hydro' has him turning to face the woman with a searching look. at first glance she is unrecognizable; then again, he has seen so many faces in the opera epiclese he would be unlikely to recognize her even if she hailed from fontaine.
nonetheless, he affixes a polite smile onto his face. )
My thanks for the offer, but I'm afraid I will have to decline.
( he may prefer water above all else, but he can and has imbibed other drinks in the past when left with no other alternative. so long as it isn't fonta, he should be able to make do. )
Though you appear to have me at a disadvantage, Madamoiselle....?
( please state your name and occupation for the court. )
[ a good answer, she thinks. better for him to acclimate sooner than later. struggling against the current here usually results in unfortunate circumstances. it's more suitable to play along, even if it's something as simple as accepting a drink.
still, rather than return his smile, mona arrogantly lifts her chin and lowers her lashes. regardless of his position in fontaine, she is still prideful enough to assert herself in front of him. introducing herself to others is something she enjoys, as well. it's the perfect opportunity to gain their admiration and respect. that, and mona is just eager for praise. ]
I am Mona Megistus, meaning the Great Astrologist Mona. I write for the column 'All Things Astrological' in The Steambird.
[ she gives neuvillette a firm look, and then, at last, smiles. ]
Perhaps you have heard of me. If you have not, I'll be certain to change that.
( and praise she shall get, though perhaps from a slightly different source than she was expecting. )
Mona Megistus....
( he murmurs the name under his breath. steambird, the astrology column.....ah, yes! recognition immediately flares in his eyes, a light clicking on, and what was previously a smile born simply from politeness turns real, more genuine. his voice too, grows ever slightly more animated. )
Yes, I remember now. A dear friend of mine is quite the avid fan of your column. She reads them to me every chance she gets which, in her words, isn't nearly as often as she'd like.
( the trials and tribulations of being the iudex of fontaine, forever burdened by court cases and stacks of files to read through. )
It's a pleasure to formally make your acquaintance, despite the...circumstances.
clearly, neuvillette would have heard of the esteemed mona megistus, genius astrologist of her time and revolutionary columnist. she did not teeter from the brief few seconds he mulled her name over. absolutely not. rather, she instantly brightens with his response and preens, shedding a little of her haughtiness. ]
Oh? I'm pleased to know a close friend of yours reads my work. I do my best to make the material entertaining. Astrology is a respectful art and deserving of attention.
[ her ego is swelling as usual. but that's fine, isn't it? shouldn't a woman pride herself in her accomplishments? anyway— ]
And it is a pleasure for me, as well.
[ apologies this meeting had to happen here, neuvillette... ]
It is up to you whether to consider this fortunate or not, but I'm a long-term guest. Should you need any assistance, I can provide it.
( a talented writer and gifted astrologist, left to fade into obscurity in a den of iniquity and sin. it seems a waste.
but the young lady seems unruffled by the goings-on around them, and indeed blends in with the atmosphere far better than he. who is he to assume her wants and preferences simply because this place does not meet his own? )
You have my thanks, Miss Megistus. ( a dip of his head. ) Please rest assured that I will repay you for any assistance to the best of my abilities.
( if not with chips then with any information he might be able to glean. and now, with the requisite formalities out of the way—he sighs once more, some of the tension ebbing from his shoulders, a wave receding back into the ocean. )
I admit, I am not well-versed with...diversions of this sort. Though they do feature quite prominently in numerous court cases I have overseen, there has been little need for me to engage with them on a personal level.
[ with her clairvoyance, she would not mind at all exchanging information with neuvillette. there are quite a few interesting people that live in the resort, some less than savory, and it would benefit them both to be considerate of each other. mona does not think she would accept his chips, however. she has plenty of her own.
(though, she won't readily admit as to how she earned them. at least, not yet.) ]
I understand, [ mona says, reaching for a glass of champagne off a passing waiter's tray. she takes a small sip before continuing. ] In Mondstadt, I spent a majority of my time studying the stars and researching. I found my arrival here to be challenging.
[ the house took advantage of that and assigned her a diamonds suit. mona was since compelled to seek companionship. ]
( he wishes, once again, for the soothing weight of his court robes. the solid grip of his cane between his fingers. but he has neither here and neuvillette once again finds himself adrift, not unlike how he had been all those centuries ago, left to his own devices in the middle of the fontemer sea. before focalors had turned her gaze towards him and invited him to take part in the greatest play to ever grace the stages of fontaine.
and now it seems he must yet play another role, this time as guest rather than overseer.
he settles instead for clasping his hands before him. the frown has returned to his face, a thin line cutting across as he gazes at the crowds. )
You speak of this Game 52, yes?
( a distasteful game, really, but even he with all his authority returned to him can do little but comply with the rules set forth by the house. there things he too must do, that require a safe - though perhaps not expedient - completion of his stay here. )
If I may ask, are ( mmmmmm ) acts of intimacy the only method of completing it?
( unfortunate if so; he has always struggled to form bonds, physically or emotionally. )
[ the little suspicious pause does not go unnoticed. however, she understands. truly, she does. ]
Yes, you would be correct. [ there's an apologetic note in her voice. ] As long as one person—finishes, then you will obtain their card. It is even possible to collect a second or third from the same individual. So long as their rank has changed, that is.
[ even a genius astrologist like mona would not have expected a reality where she would be discussing intimate matters with the iudex. and yet, here they are, gently tiptoeing around crude language in an establishment that encourages sex at every turn. she can't help but be concerned for neuvillette's future.
the twists in one's fate can be formidable. ]
Winning Game 52 appears to be our means of returning to our original worlds.
[ mona idly swirls the champagne in her glass. ]
Not only that, we do face consequences for not participating.
( catch him talking about heaving bosoms and rounded behinds any time he has to refer to tits or ass.
but he hasn't descended that far, not yet, and thus is content to keep the discussion surface-level as he accustoms himself to his new life here in the resort. everything she says falls in line with what little he's been told, though in far less detail than he would have liked.
perhaps that's where he ought to begin, even if the mention of repercussions has him frowning deeper. )
[ you jest, but mona has already referred to her ass as her 'rear' in conversation. yes, she got teased...... ]
Look here.
[ setting aside her glass on the nearby table for a moment, she unravels her glove so that he can catch a glimpse of the symbol imbued into her wrist. relatively elegant in design, it is in the shape of a lovely diamond. there are a few additional stars included, too, fitting for her occupation.
mona drags the thumb of her other hand over it. the symbol does not smudge. ]
If you avoid having relations long enough, your suit will act against you. It could encourage you to quickly seek a companion out, manipulate your thoughts and feelings, or stimulate bodily reactions. The urges will not relent until you've been satiated.
( he leans slightly forward, so that he might catch a better look at the mark on her hand.
such a small thing, almost charming in its decorative appeal. it's difficult to believe something so trivial might have such powerful control over their minds and bodies, and yet he is here in a decadent hotel rather than back in his rooms in the palais mermonia, a fact that lends credence to her words. )
That does sound rather troublesome. ( to put things lightly. ) And how long is 'long enough'?
( the more he learns, the better he can prepare here. though who he might willingly seek out as a companion remains yet to be seen. )
[ she withdraws her hand, fitting her glove back in place and retrieving her champagne. ]
It is different for everyone. To some, it may activate as soon as a week or so, and others, over a month.
[ basically, you're fucked.
mona lifts her glass to her lips to take another small sip. the refreshing, fruity flavor is pleasant and offers some reprieve from the intensity of their conversation. then, upon lowering it again, her expression softens slightly. ]
the answer she provides, no matter how unpleasant, is enlightening. indeed, he would do well to be mindful in this place. which leads him to his next one, one that only comes after much internal deliberation. he almost takes a glass of champagne for himself, simply to give his hands something to do, then decides against it. )
If I may ask… Did you find it difficult to ( ah ) seek out partners here after your arrival?
( a deeply personal question, one he already regrets asking as soon as the words leave his mouth. )
If it is too personal a question then you need not answer. I do not mean to offend, or to pry in areas where I am unwanted.
[ oh, what a bold question. however, neuvillette himself seems to recoil upon having voiced it. the reaction isn't overt, but mona still does recognize the flicker of remorse that flashes across his noble features. she pities him once again, but does not fault him, either.
reassuring someone isn't something she often does, but... mona will do her best. ]
It was not difficult. Rather, the opposite. I believe this world accommodates everyone. It will purposefully create situations in which you can find a partner.
[ throwback to the day she arrived here and a magic leash and collar latched her to another guest before demanding mona refer to the stranger as her master. unmentionable events ensued afterwards, lest the charmed item never release them.
there's a hint of a flush in her cheeks, but she does stand proudly. ]
And it is alright. I'm not offended that you asked. I, too, would be concerned about my fate.
( that is....a relief? is it a relief, to know that this game 52 has been so carefully refined that even factors such as these have been taken under consideration. neuvillette looks unconvinced, but files the information away for later use nonetheless. )
I see. That is good to know.
( at the very least, she's painted a much better picture of the expectations set out for them here in this place. )
Thank you, Miss Megistus. ( sincerely. ) I owe you a great deal. If there is any way I can repay you, within reason, then I will do my best to accomodate your request.
( a favor from the iudex himself....don't waste it, mona. )
[ mona tilts her glass to one side as she peers up at neuvillette. the stare lingers, the sharp, striking hue of her eyes vibrant under all of the chandeliers above them. and then, seemingly satisfied with what she's decided, a smile returns to her lips.
her chin is lifted again, and mona makes a little noise of amusement. ]
If I may, I would like to demand three things.
[ yep. very greedy. ]
Firstly, that I may refer to you by your first name. Secondly, that we remain in contact after this party. And thirdly... that you escort me to the floor for a dance.
( how.....demanding. and yet he had said she could make any request within reason. in truth, the majority of her requests are quite reasonable, and he cannot see any need to turn them down. however... he lifts a hand to his chin, thoughtful, before lowering it again. )
I'm afraid I will have to decline your first request. ( because what even is his first name. ) You may, however, refer to me simply by my surname without the use of any title.
( it is, perhaps, a paltry concession, but at the very least she can count herself as one of the few comfortable enough - or privileged enough - to speak to the chief justice of fontaine so informally. though he supposes the title of chief justice means nothing here regardless. )
I will grant you your second request. Indeed, I believe it would be in my best interests to remain in contact with you for the duration of my stay here.
( there is so much he has yet to learn after all, and mona seems a reliable and pleasant source of information. )
As for your third.... ( another sigh. ) While I have no immediate objections, it has been quite some time since I last took to the dance floor. You may be better served in the hands of a different partner.
( there had been some insistence from furina in the early days that he learn, as dancing would be a necessary and integral part of all the salons she would be attending—and of course the great chief justice must attend as well. but between his dislike of attention and the mounting case files on his desk, his attendance at all those parties had dwindled rapidly towards near zero and what little skill he had gained had been left to wither away, unused. surely mona doesn't want her feet stepped on. )
Alright. I shall adhere to those terms and use your surname. I quite like it, too.
[ although neuvillette gently rejects her first demand, the second two are met with amiable agreement. mona is ultimately satisfied. though, it is also a shame; she would've liked to speak his first name aloud. when was the last time the iudex heard it from another? has anyone ever been so familiar? mona will have to quietly stash ▆▆ away, a lovely title that she perceived through her magic alone.
there is further amusement to be found in the weariness of his sigh. rather than the small noise she made before, mona actually giggles now. the sound is relatively quiet, but still cusps on something cute and feminine. ]
However, I do take enjoyment in being the first of your dance partners in a long while. Dancing is often something I do sparingly, but since we are here... I thought it was only fitting to make an attempt.
[ she takes a final sip of her champagne and passes the empty glass off to a waiter. then, like a gentleman would do for his lady, mona lifts out her palm with her fingers slightly curled.
the gesture is clear: please take my hand in yours. ]
( happily for all parties involved, he remains blissfully ignorant of her divination.
less happily, his caution goes rebuffed, and he has no choice but to place his hand in her waiting one, gloved fingers wrapping around hers firmly but not tightly. she will only have herself to blame if toes are stepped on in the course of the next five minutes.
since she has gone ahead and made the first move, it seems only prudent to ask, as he guides them towards the dance floor: )
Do you also plan to lead then, Miss Megistus?
( will he take on the role of blushing maiden tonight? )
[ admittedly, their height difference is... something, but mona isn't anything but determined. she'll devote her attention her blushing maiden and guide him as she has been, short stature and all. the bit of alcohol she consumed will also numb some of her embarrassment should she make a mistake. though, if neuvillette is really as out of it as he says, then it likely won't matter.
once they've gotten themselves some room, mona adjusts their arms and hands so that she has a proper posture. her gaze is then lifted up to meet his. ]
Follow me. And do not fret, we won't go quickly.
[ and with that, she carefully steps out and begins. ]
( please, he does not fret. if anything, he merely....considers. perhaps overmuch at times, but nevertheless.
but he does follow her lead, and places his hands dutifully in hers as directed. there is no embarrassment to be found in being the follower rather than the leader; factors like height or gender ought not dictate what role a person plays on the ballroom dance floor. he wouldn't be much of an impartial judge if he made decisions based on stereotype alone. )
Very well. I will do my best to match your movements.
( and, if nothing else, the first few steps are blissfully accident-free. )
[ each step is small and deliberate enough that even mona doesn't find difficulty swaying in her heels. she even thinks it's pleasant. her memories of dancing have all been instigated by others, such an half-year parties celebrating the success of the steambird, or, more embarrassingly, in inebriated stupor after a few rounds of drinks in the tavern. those instances are celebrations in their own right; sometimes she just barely manages to complete her column piece on time.
mona's expression softens as she looks up at neuvillette. her grip on his waist and hand naturally tighten as she prepares to speak again. ]
Monsieur Neuvillette. [ a small pause, one punctuated with another step. ] You are welcome to my suite and my amenities once you have settled here. I fortunately live in comfort on a higher floor.
[ an eight, to be exact. ]
I had those support me at the start, and I'd like to extend that grace to you.
( her offer takes him by surprise, and there is a moment where he nearly misses his step before he quickly catches himself again. is it due to his status as the chief justice? even if it means nothing here, surely she must know that he would never accept her generosity without the proper recompense? )
That is...very generous of you, Miss Megistus.
( it feels almost too generous, leaving him at a loss of how best to respond. )
[ despite her arrogant demeanor, she does, on occasion, offer her support to others. mona can be fussy about it, though. she finds it difficult to be honest with her feelings if there's nothing to be gained. therefore, she'll most often presents these offers as a give-and-take. it's better than admitting she has a soft spot.
the seriousness of her offer lightens up with what she says next. ]
However, if you do outrank me, then I would be pleased to visit your suite.
[ how will it reflect neuvillette's personality? ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
goldmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
peacockstop2025-01-15 09:00 pm
party
[ really, after everything mona has experienced over the last year, witnessing the iudex attending this party simply doesn't surprise her. rather, she pities him; mona understands the initial displeasure from such a debauched setting, especially if he is seeking water of all beverages. at the very least, the alcohol being served doesn't appear to be of special origin. that would've made for an interesting first encounter.
mona approaches neuvillette's side and plants a hand on her hip. having given him a clearer view of her now, he'll see she is wearing a short, stylish dress with a garter, choker, and gloves. she soon gestures towards the gourmet food laid out in superfluous proportions. ]
I could conjure a little Hydro for you, but you might find it distasteful to drink it.
[ 'hydro'. purposefully said, of course. ]
no subject
nonetheless, he affixes a polite smile onto his face. )
My thanks for the offer, but I'm afraid I will have to decline.
( he may prefer water above all else, but he can and has imbibed other drinks in the past when left with no other alternative. so long as it isn't fonta, he should be able to make do. )
Though you appear to have me at a disadvantage, Madamoiselle....?
( please state your name and occupation for the court. )
no subject
still, rather than return his smile, mona arrogantly lifts her chin and lowers her lashes. regardless of his position in fontaine, she is still prideful enough to assert herself in front of him. introducing herself to others is something she enjoys, as well. it's the perfect opportunity to gain their admiration and respect. that, and mona is just eager for praise. ]
I am Mona Megistus, meaning the Great Astrologist Mona. I write for the column 'All Things Astrological' in The Steambird.
[ she gives neuvillette a firm look, and then, at last, smiles. ]
Perhaps you have heard of me. If you have not, I'll be certain to change that.
no subject
Mona Megistus....
( he murmurs the name under his breath. steambird, the astrology column.....ah, yes! recognition immediately flares in his eyes, a light clicking on, and what was previously a smile born simply from politeness turns real, more genuine. his voice too, grows ever slightly more animated. )
Yes, I remember now. A dear friend of mine is quite the avid fan of your column. She reads them to me every chance she gets which, in her words, isn't nearly as often as she'd like.
( the trials and tribulations of being the iudex of fontaine, forever burdened by court cases and stacks of files to read through. )
It's a pleasure to formally make your acquaintance, despite the...circumstances.
no subject
clearly, neuvillette would have heard of the esteemed mona megistus, genius astrologist of her time and revolutionary columnist. she did not teeter from the brief few seconds he mulled her name over. absolutely not. rather, she instantly brightens with his response and preens, shedding a little of her haughtiness. ]
Oh? I'm pleased to know a close friend of yours reads my work. I do my best to make the material entertaining. Astrology is a respectful art and deserving of attention.
[ her ego is swelling as usual. but that's fine, isn't it? shouldn't a woman pride herself in her accomplishments? anyway— ]
And it is a pleasure for me, as well.
[ apologies this meeting had to happen here, neuvillette... ]
It is up to you whether to consider this fortunate or not, but I'm a long-term guest. Should you need any assistance, I can provide it.
no subject
but the young lady seems unruffled by the goings-on around them, and indeed blends in with the atmosphere far better than he. who is he to assume her wants and preferences simply because this place does not meet his own? )
You have my thanks, Miss Megistus. ( a dip of his head. ) Please rest assured that I will repay you for any assistance to the best of my abilities.
( if not with chips then with any information he might be able to glean. and now, with the requisite formalities out of the way—he sighs once more, some of the tension ebbing from his shoulders, a wave receding back into the ocean. )
I admit, I am not well-versed with...diversions of this sort. Though they do feature quite prominently in numerous court cases I have overseen, there has been little need for me to engage with them on a personal level.
( until now. )
no subject
[ with her clairvoyance, she would not mind at all exchanging information with neuvillette. there are quite a few interesting people that live in the resort, some less than savory, and it would benefit them both to be considerate of each other. mona does not think she would accept his chips, however. she has plenty of her own.
(though, she won't readily admit as to how she earned them. at least, not yet.) ]
I understand, [ mona says, reaching for a glass of champagne off a passing waiter's tray. she takes a small sip before continuing. ] In Mondstadt, I spent a majority of my time studying the stars and researching. I found my arrival here to be challenging.
[ the house took advantage of that and assigned her a diamonds suit. mona was since compelled to seek companionship. ]
Still, I would advise playing the game.
no subject
and now it seems he must yet play another role, this time as guest rather than overseer.
he settles instead for clasping his hands before him. the frown has returned to his face, a thin line cutting across as he gazes at the crowds. )
You speak of this Game 52, yes?
( a distasteful game, really, but even he with all his authority returned to him can do little but comply with the rules set forth by the house. there things he too must do, that require a safe - though perhaps not expedient - completion of his stay here. )
If I may ask, are ( mmmmmm ) acts of intimacy the only method of completing it?
( unfortunate if so; he has always struggled to form bonds, physically or emotionally. )
no subject
Yes, you would be correct. [ there's an apologetic note in her voice. ] As long as one person—finishes, then you will obtain their card. It is even possible to collect a second or third from the same individual. So long as their rank has changed, that is.
[ even a genius astrologist like mona would not have expected a reality where she would be discussing intimate matters with the iudex. and yet, here they are, gently tiptoeing around crude language in an establishment that encourages sex at every turn. she can't help but be concerned for neuvillette's future.
the twists in one's fate can be formidable. ]
Winning Game 52 appears to be our means of returning to our original worlds.
[ mona idly swirls the champagne in her glass. ]
Not only that, we do face consequences for not participating.
no subject
but he hasn't descended that far, not yet, and thus is content to keep the discussion surface-level as he accustoms himself to his new life here in the resort. everything she says falls in line with what little he's been told, though in far less detail than he would have liked.
perhaps that's where he ought to begin, even if the mention of repercussions has him frowning deeper. )
Such as?
no subject
Look here.
[ setting aside her glass on the nearby table for a moment, she unravels her glove so that he can catch a glimpse of the symbol imbued into her wrist. relatively elegant in design, it is in the shape of a lovely diamond. there are a few additional stars included, too, fitting for her occupation.
mona drags the thumb of her other hand over it. the symbol does not smudge. ]
If you avoid having relations long enough, your suit will act against you. It could encourage you to quickly seek a companion out, manipulate your thoughts and feelings, or stimulate bodily reactions. The urges will not relent until you've been satiated.
[ she huffs. ]
Simply put, it can be dangerous.
no subject
such a small thing, almost charming in its decorative appeal. it's difficult to believe something so trivial might have such powerful control over their minds and bodies, and yet he is here in a decadent hotel rather than back in his rooms in the palais mermonia, a fact that lends credence to her words. )
That does sound rather troublesome. ( to put things lightly. ) And how long is 'long enough'?
( the more he learns, the better he can prepare here. though who he might willingly seek out as a companion remains yet to be seen. )
no subject
It is different for everyone. To some, it may activate as soon as a week or so, and others, over a month.
[ basically, you're fucked.
mona lifts her glass to her lips to take another small sip. the refreshing, fruity flavor is pleasant and offers some reprieve from the intensity of their conversation. then, upon lowering it again, her expression softens slightly. ]
Please be mindful.
no subject
the answer she provides, no matter how unpleasant, is enlightening. indeed, he would do well to be mindful in this place. which leads him to his next one, one that only comes after much internal deliberation. he almost takes a glass of champagne for himself, simply to give his hands something to do, then decides against it. )
If I may ask… Did you find it difficult to ( ah ) seek out partners here after your arrival?
( a deeply personal question, one he already regrets asking as soon as the words leave his mouth. )
If it is too personal a question then you need not answer. I do not mean to offend, or to pry in areas where I am unwanted.
no subject
reassuring someone isn't something she often does, but... mona will do her best. ]
It was not difficult. Rather, the opposite. I believe this world accommodates everyone. It will purposefully create situations in which you can find a partner.
[ throwback to the day she arrived here and a magic leash and collar latched her to another guest before demanding mona refer to the stranger as her master. unmentionable events ensued afterwards, lest the charmed item never release them.
there's a hint of a flush in her cheeks, but she does stand proudly. ]
And it is alright. I'm not offended that you asked. I, too, would be concerned about my fate.
no subject
I see. That is good to know.
( at the very least, she's painted a much better picture of the expectations set out for them here in this place. )
Thank you, Miss Megistus. ( sincerely. ) I owe you a great deal. If there is any way I can repay you, within reason, then I will do my best to accomodate your request.
( a favor from the iudex himself....don't waste it, mona. )
no subject
Is that so? Well, I won't refuse the offer, then.
[ mona tilts her glass to one side as she peers up at neuvillette. the stare lingers, the sharp, striking hue of her eyes vibrant under all of the chandeliers above them. and then, seemingly satisfied with what she's decided, a smile returns to her lips.
her chin is lifted again, and mona makes a little noise of amusement. ]
If I may, I would like to demand three things.
[ yep. very greedy. ]
Firstly, that I may refer to you by your first name. Secondly, that we remain in contact after this party. And thirdly... that you escort me to the floor for a dance.
[ she's very pleased with herself. ]
no subject
I'm afraid I will have to decline your first request. ( because what even is his first name. ) You may, however, refer to me simply by my surname without the use of any title.
( it is, perhaps, a paltry concession, but at the very least she can count herself as one of the few comfortable enough - or privileged enough - to speak to the chief justice of fontaine so informally. though he supposes the title of chief justice means nothing here regardless. )
I will grant you your second request. Indeed, I believe it would be in my best interests to remain in contact with you for the duration of my stay here.
( there is so much he has yet to learn after all, and mona seems a reliable and pleasant source of information. )
As for your third.... ( another sigh. ) While I have no immediate objections, it has been quite some time since I last took to the dance floor. You may be better served in the hands of a different partner.
( there had been some insistence from furina in the early days that he learn, as dancing would be a necessary and integral part of all the salons she would be attending—and of course the great chief justice must attend as well. but between his dislike of attention and the mounting case files on his desk, his attendance at all those parties had dwindled rapidly towards near zero and what little skill he had gained had been left to wither away, unused. surely mona doesn't want her feet stepped on. )
no subject
[ although neuvillette gently rejects her first demand, the second two are met with amiable agreement. mona is ultimately satisfied. though, it is also a shame; she would've liked to speak his first name aloud. when was the last time the iudex heard it from another? has anyone ever been so familiar? mona will have to quietly stash ▆▆ away, a lovely title that she perceived through her magic alone.
there is further amusement to be found in the weariness of his sigh. rather than the small noise she made before, mona actually giggles now. the sound is relatively quiet, but still cusps on something cute and feminine. ]
However, I do take enjoyment in being the first of your dance partners in a long while. Dancing is often something I do sparingly, but since we are here... I thought it was only fitting to make an attempt.
[ she takes a final sip of her champagne and passes the empty glass off to a waiter. then, like a gentleman would do for his lady, mona lifts out her palm with her fingers slightly curled.
the gesture is clear: please take my hand in yours. ]
no subject
less happily, his caution goes rebuffed, and he has no choice but to place his hand in her waiting one, gloved fingers wrapping around hers firmly but not tightly. she will only have herself to blame if toes are stepped on in the course of the next five minutes.
since she has gone ahead and made the first move, it seems only prudent to ask, as he guides them towards the dance floor: )
Do you also plan to lead then, Miss Megistus?
( will he take on the role of blushing maiden tonight? )
no subject
[ admittedly, their height difference is... something, but mona isn't anything but determined. she'll devote her attention her blushing maiden and guide him as she has been, short stature and all. the bit of alcohol she consumed will also numb some of her embarrassment should she make a mistake. though, if neuvillette is really as out of it as he says, then it likely won't matter.
once they've gotten themselves some room, mona adjusts their arms and hands so that she has a proper posture. her gaze is then lifted up to meet his. ]
Follow me. And do not fret, we won't go quickly.
[ and with that, she carefully steps out and begins. ]
no subject
but he does follow her lead, and places his hands dutifully in hers as directed. there is no embarrassment to be found in being the follower rather than the leader; factors like height or gender ought not dictate what role a person plays on the ballroom dance floor. he wouldn't be much of an impartial judge if he made decisions based on stereotype alone. )
Very well. I will do my best to match your movements.
( and, if nothing else, the first few steps are blissfully accident-free. )
no subject
mona's expression softens as she looks up at neuvillette. her grip on his waist and hand naturally tighten as she prepares to speak again. ]
Monsieur Neuvillette. [ a small pause, one punctuated with another step. ] You are welcome to my suite and my amenities once you have settled here. I fortunately live in comfort on a higher floor.
[ an eight, to be exact. ]
I had those support me at the start, and I'd like to extend that grace to you.
no subject
That is...very generous of you, Miss Megistus.
( it feels almost too generous, leaving him at a loss of how best to respond. )
I would not wish to be an imposition.
no subject
[ despite her arrogant demeanor, she does, on occasion, offer her support to others. mona can be fussy about it, though. she finds it difficult to be honest with her feelings if there's nothing to be gained. therefore, she'll most often presents these offers as a give-and-take. it's better than admitting she has a soft spot.
the seriousness of her offer lightens up with what she says next. ]
However, if you do outrank me, then I would be pleased to visit your suite.
[ how will it reflect neuvillette's personality? ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)