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nothing-ventured;

“It makes more sense for those with families to be able to participate in the celebration,” she said with a small shrug, brushing the compliments aside. 

Working the celebration was the only way she’d attend these days. If she had not agreed to do so, she would be home in sweat pants curled up in front of her television watching anything non-ascension day related. This way she at least forced herself to get out and had other things to focus on rather than memories of attending with her dead family. 

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m on the clock,” she said with a small shake of her head. After a moment’s hesitation she added, “I wouldn’t say no to a coffee, though.”

       “ I’M TEMPTED to call you a spoil sport, but I’ll settle for treating you to caffeine, its the next best thing and the least I could do. ”  She nodded with a smile, disappearing to a nearby stand to order the detective her request.

It was actually somewhat reassuring that someone besides herself (or those she’d seen at the Mourning Mass this morning) seemed dejected by the mere idea of the holiday.  She was well aware from her intel on the cops they didn’t have in their pocket yet the oh-so-sad history of Briesie Venture, and while she could sympathize with the loss of a parent, she couldn’t relate to moping over it so many years past the point.

“ Has there been much trouble today?  From what I hear from less upstanding citizens is you can get some easy and cheap metalfire today.” She handed Briesie the cup of coffee, returning quickly to her side.  “ Something about a new street gang to flood out the pricing and what not.?  I’d keep a keen eye out. ”

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amelie-demoux;

Amelie let another look of amusement cross her face as Ferra gripped her wrist and pushed her back into herself. The gesture would seem benign to anyone who didn’t see the almost bruising pressure Ferra was using to press her backwards and Amelie replaced the bolt of fabric with her free hand, still smiling at harsh words. “Oh? Is the seedy underbelly of the city really what does it for you, Ferra? I would have assumed it was all black velvet curtains and red satin sheets, but I suppose a dark alley suits you just as well.” As soon as Ferra released her wrist, Amelie stepped into Ferra’s personal space and all but whispered, “Darling, I’d certainly love to see you try.” Moving just out of reach, she continued looking over the wares, eying some iron bracelets that she could add to her collection.

     RAGE BOILED like iron inside the pit of Ferra’s stomach, and it took everything within herself to suppress it.  Amelie should count herself very lucky that there were several witnesses-- or rather, several witnesses with morals.  Ferra did have a bad habit of enjoying a good show.  She channeled the frustrations into a low, quiet grumble that she waited to expel once Amelie had moved out of range to hear it.  She begrudgingly could admit (at least silently and to no one but herself) that the teacher had won this bout, but she was hardly the one to back down from a challenge.  Especially one as brazen as that had been.  “ Come by the club tonight, dear, and you’ll have your wish.  Unless, of course, it’s a school night. ”  She set several doxins down in front of the bracers that her counterpart had been eyeing, her conniving smile twisting high into her cheeks.

“ Treat yourself. ”  She winked at the shopkeeper warmly before turning her gaze stone cold again meeting Amelie’s Eyes before turning on the balls of her feet to march off.  She cast a final glance over she shoulder, and called.  “ You’ll need it. ”

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altruistic-elariel;

He laughed. “There is always good liquor here for you, darling.” He gestured towards a table. “Come. Sit. Tell me about your terrible day and how I can help.”

     SHE PLOPPED beside him happily, draining her glass in a few quick gulps and offering it to a girl passing by who quickly rushed to refill it.  It wasn’t long before it was back in her hand.  “ Your existence helps plenty.  I just hate all the damn gloating and pretension of all these damn mist worshipers.  They have no idea what they’re even celebrating at this point.  All they want to do is day drink. ”  She sighed, taking a much smaller sip this time around.  “ But enough of that.  At least business will be good tonight-- for both of us.  It seems far more crowded in here than normal at least.  Anything new and juicy to share to cheer me up, maybe? ”

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badasswithbrass;

Arianne enjoyed the atmosphere of the parlor- it was calm and relaxed. She wasn’t one to choose sides… she simply didn’t care. And here, no one was expecting her too. She had found the one man in the city who seemed to be absolutely neutral when it came to the war brewing in the streets. As she walked about the parlor, she reached out- adding her own abilities to the pool of calm that permeated the air. She let her eyes drift over the patrons. Some she recognized, others she didn’t. Which was fairly usual. She was sure Morgan knew all of them but she didn’t keep tabs like he did… It was then as she glanced up her eyes seemed to lock for a moment with someone and she gave a little smile. A quiet invitation to talk to her if they so wished.

      MORGAN’S PARLOR had always been a place of solace for all-- that much was a well known fact.  What was less known was Ferra enjoyed the sanctuary of it as much as anyone else.  At her own club she had an aire to maintain, but here she was just another face, and Morgan made sure none bothered her.

Several familiar faces littered the main room-- she recognized several regulars (which predictably included some of her father’s colleagues and subordinates).  But she focused solely on the one familiar face she was looking for.  Accepting the two cocktails from the bartender who’d served her without needing to ask what she wanted, she made her way over to Ari and dropped gracefully beside her, putting one of the drinks in the girl’s hand.

“ Are you working tonight?  I desperately need a distraction after that hell of a ‘holiday’. ”

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julierelekal;

“Ms. Yomen!” Juliere exclaimed, raising his brows with a hearty grin and reaching for a firm handshake. He ignored the jabs; if he had ever gauged Ferra correctly, it was better to let them break upon his smile. “If the Survivor of the Flames could manage his calling, I certainly can’t be kept from mine, especially today. Besides, this suit breathes like I’m in the Mists, and Mass ended about an hour ago.” 

Juliere had to keep a laugh contained. Today was simply not Ferra’s day to celebrate, and by the Survivor, she was bitter about it. Although if Juliere had his way, Sliverists would admittedly have no reason to celebrate ever, and even their bad days would be numbered. 

Preferably a number I can count with my fingers and toes, he thought, his internal grin fading. The sooner Elendel was rid of Sliverist scum, the better. 

In the beginning, Juliere had targeted the hypocritical aristocrats within his own religion, but Sliverism took heresy and blasphemy to a whole new level. His smile returned. They would get what they deserved for worshiping a tyrannical usurper. 

Today’s operations didn’t target the Iron Syndicate directly, but they did bolster the Burning Word’s resources and position in the city’s drug hierarchy in preparation for the Word’s upcoming plans. A lot of Metalfire experimenters (who were more likely to pay whatever price Juliere’s people gave them) only used today, and Juliere had made every effort to undercut the Iron Syndicate’s prices, strategically positioning his dealers to intercept Metalfire seekers from the residential blocks before they could get to where the Yomens typically sold. This was critical, as their Metalfire resources were admittedly very limited at the moment, and capitalizing on their profits today would be ideal. 

Judging by the direct glance she had given his dealers and the “minions” crack, Ferra was likely seeing his plan in action. Well, perhaps this calls for boldness, he thought. 

“As you can see, my friends and I are all about,” Juliere said, blatantly confirming whatever suspicions she had as he gestured to the crowd. “Today, every man, woman, and child under the Survivor’s gaze is my friend. Though I must say, I’m pleasantly surprised to see you about today. I would’ve thought that, given the nature of the celebration…” He deliberately trailed off, a trained expression of bemused confusion across his face. 

He braced himself, unsure how she would respond. He had thankfully had little time alone with Ferra, but that meant little experience with her too, every prior meeting with her formal and brief or indirect. Still, he knew from the balls they had attended that she had a heart like iron. 

That was fine. Let it break against his steel. 

       FERRA HAD BEEN in the business of false niceties and forced smiles nearly her entire life and never before had it been a challenge, until now.  She’d never admit to anyone (including herself, in truth) that Juliere had an uncanny way of making her skin itch-- especially now with how blatantly defiant he was trying to be.  Him masking the conversation they were really having with religious innuendos must have been icing on the cake for him.

But she had her own bullets in the chamber.

“ How fortunate for you...to have so many friends. ”  Her head cocked to the side and she shifted her weight, posturing herself to seem far more relaxed that she truly was.  At least with heels, there was no one was looking down on her, including him.  “ Such a contrast to your precious Survivor, if the Words hold any historical truth.  Perhaps had he had as many as you then he’d have actually lived up to his title ?? ”

The smile that graced her face was no longer forced for any onlookers but confidently smug-- a look she was more than well aware was her signature, but she hardly cared.  Insulting someone else’s flimsy excuse for a deity was hardly the best quip she had.

“ I’ve made my a couple new friends myself today.  You know, given the nature of the celebration. ”  She used his own words, intentionally.  She wasn’t letting him irritate her.  At least not about that and not anymore than she was on her own.  “ Some more noteworthy than others.  There was one sweet little thing.  Such hopeful young eyes and a bright smile.  So eager and chatty, too.  Shoot...what was her name... ”  She tapped a single black-lacquered finger against red lips, feigning a pensive look sideways. 

“Veronica ?? No... that isn’t right.  Viv ??  No.  It was something unique, innocent and cute.  Like her.

                ---OH !!  I recall.  Valarie !!  Funny, she had just gotten out of mass too. ”

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dangerousdevotion;

The woman’s come-hither gaze made Nalini’s lips curl, which was all it took to break any hesitation she had against following her–this looked to be a fun chase. Who was really following whom had yet to be decided, and that was just part of the fun. “I’ll take your word for it, for now.” She stepped up beside the stranger, a little too close for decorum, near enough that Nalini had to tilt her chin to look up into her face. That, of course, required a slow sweep of her gaze across the valley of her collar, up the line of her neck, lingering just briefly over her lips…

The name Yomen sounded out like a cathedral bell and Nalini locked eyes with the woman, Ferra, realizing exactly who she was in that moment and yet…sensing an opportunity that lay beyond the initial reaction, the most obvious response, death to the sinners who must be purged by fire and all her usual. Now, without her robes or her sermons, Nalini was a nobody. She had ditched her family name long ago–as if the Harms mattered to anyone anyway–and nothing marked her as one of the Survivor’s blessed followers besides her gift. She was a knife poised on its edge, waiting to fall in either direction–or to cut.

Why not see how deep into the flesh of the Iron Syndicate she could sink herself, before the inevitable twist?

“Nalini Harms,” she said, turning her distaste for the name into a coy smile as she shook the offered hand (so soft, so elite, so deceptively fragile). “What business is that? Tonight my only business is pleasure and, well, you’ve already promised not to disappoint.”

" THE PLEASURE is all mine, I promise-- ”  Ferra rarely allowed anyone (even those related to her) stand so close without expressed permission-- yet the protest quickly died in her throat the second she traced Nalini’s eyes.  Though not easily phased by such attention, it did surprise her. She was used to being the predator, not the prey.  It was not an easy thing to adjust to but she was also never one to back down from a challenge.

“ But, if that is what you’re looking for tonight then you are in luck. ”  She mimicked the woman’s dominating posturing, though did so subtly, shifting her weight onto one hip.  She opened her clutch to retrieve a pen, then met Nalini’s eyes as she grabbed her hand.  Holding eye contact for just a breath longer, she began to write the address to her club across the woman’s palm.

“ This... ” She said, elongating the word until she was done writing, “ Is my club, Spikes. In the First.  You should come by tonight-- we’re doing a special little extra show in honor of the holiday.  If you like that kind of thing.  If not, just ask for me-- I’ve got a private lounge I can entertain you in.  Drinks on the house, of course, either way.  The girls do a great job, but we’ve got a banging DJ and a killer dance floor too if you’re more of a doer than a watcher.  Which I certainly hope for my sake, you are.”

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altruistic-elariel;

���Just helping you blend in, Ferra dear.” Morgan said mildly. “It wouldn’t do to shout your displeasure from the rooftops on today of all days.” He peered at the woman over the top of his glass. “Unless that’s what your plan is. In which case, who am I to stop you?” One never did know with Ferra.

“ I WOULD HOPE you know I’m more subtle than that. ”  She paused momentarily, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.  “ Usually. ”  She knew Morgan was hardly someone she could pull one over on.  Lies never went far with him.  “ I’m under very strict instruction to smile and have ‘fun’.  Which usually requires good liquor, which is why I came to you. ”

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valalekal;

Nodding slowly and smiling, Vala thought for a moment. There had to be other people out there that were curious about Juliere. Even to Vala he was elusive. Taking a sip from her drink, Vala began walking away from the vendor. “Growing up with an older brother can be quite the annoyance, but also the best thing in the world. He’s my protector,” She looked over and smiled proudly at having an actual decent sibling. “When he went off to college, it was hard because our parents are so strict on going to church and political events, but then I went to college.” Vala felt the familiar anxiety of thinking about college well up in her chest. Her neck began to get hot. “But then I moved here and Juliere is here too. It’s nice being back in the same place as adults. Not having our parents around is really nice.” She shrugged. “Having a big brother can be a blessing and a curse.” As mundane as the topic may have been to Ferra, it seemed like it had been awhile since she had truly thought about Juliere and what he did for her growing up. Valarie needed to call him soon. 

      HEARING SOMEONE describe the person that she had come to know as an outright enemy (and a ruthlessly vicious one at that) in such an innocent way was so fascinating she didn’t even have to fake the smile that she countered with.  “ It sounds like you’re very lucky to have someone looking out for you.  Protective isn’t always a bad thing. ” She winked for emphasis, and threw an innocent glance her way as she fell in stride beside the younger Lekal.  “ Unless it’s coming from your parents, of course.  I’m sure there’s plenty you can get away with around your brother, that you never good around them.  I bet he goes way easier on you compared to most people. ” 

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nothing-ventured;

Briesie shrugged lightly, recognizing Ferra Yomen as she drew closer. Her family had extensive dealings with the constabulary, though Brie wasn’t aware of any formal charges that had ever been levied against either them or their company. Whether or not that was because they were legitimately above board or because the constabulary was decidedly not was a matter of rigorous debate between members of her department. Her smile grew somewhat forced, but she maintained it anyway. 

“I volunteered. I volunteer to work the festival most years so that others can enjoy it. Seems the least I can do,” she explained. “After all, that is in the spirit of the holiday.”

       FERRA DELIGHTED in making those around her feel uncomfortable-- such a forced pleasantries and adverse reactions to something as simple as her family name was commonplace, so she chose at a young age to enjoy it rather than try to decipher the meanings behind them. Everyone can be played if you study them well enough-- even those with more pristine records. 

“ How very generous of you, ”  The enthusiasm was missing from her tone, but it wasn’t quite sarcastic.  “ I’m sure everyone is chomping at the bit to get this celebration off.  You do Harmony proud.  At least let me buy you a drink. ”

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Incorrect Steel Mists Quotes ➝ 7 / ∞

@valalekal | @julierelekal

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Incorrect Steel Mists Quotes ➝ 6 / ∞

@dorienteniert | @nothing-ventured

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Incorrect Steel Mists Quotes ➝ 5 / ∞

@jaelatekiel | @tekielprodigy

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Incorrect Steel Mists Quotes ➝ 4 / ∞

@julierelekal | @amelie-demoux | @dangerousdevotion

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Incorrect Steel Mists Quotes ➝ 3 / ∞

@nothing-ventured | @incacoethes

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Incorrect Steel Mists Quotes ➝ 2 / ∞

@julierelekal