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<blockquote data-quote="Lylandra" data-source="post: 7430166" data-attributes="member: 6816692"><p><strong>Enter Fordren</strong></p><p></p><p>Shortly after, we both receive an invitation to Vantrys' engagement party. So we both dress up in our finest evening gown and suit and take a carriage to the estate. Once we arrive there, we are both pretty surprised to see a fancy carriage parking there bearing the Fordren Industries crest, which indicates that a certain businessman could be present as well. After Fordren was absent during the engagement party of Cecilia and Goodson, we kind of dismissed the thought that he could show up.</p><p></p><p>“Now what would we do about him? I didn't even bring my weapon. I mean, no one usually needs a sword at an engagement party, right?” Auryn says hastily and somewhat nervously at the thought of going unarmed into the lion's den.</p><p></p><p>“Don't be afraid. First, I'm pretty sure you won't need to fight anyone today. Second, even if, I'm also sure you don't need a weapon to defend yourself. And third, I brought mine with me. It's a... habit.” Carlyle says calmly before offering Auryn his arm. “Shall we?”</p><p></p><p>As we enter the entrance and are guided towards the ball room, we realize that this is nothing short than a gathering of the who's who of Flint's industrial circles. It seems as if the whole party waited for our arrival as all eyes are instantly upon us as we approach the group gathered around the happy pair of Nathaniel Vantrys and Cecilia Fordren. </p><p></p><p>“Ah, our final guests! Welcome, Mr. Gabriel Carlyle and Ms. Auryn Galadin.”</p><p></p><p>Francis Fordren's strong and confident voice echoes through the room, granting us even more attention. He then shakes the hands of each of us with a really firm handshake and introduces us as close friends of the newly engaged. </p><p></p><p>Auryn quietly complains to Carlyle that Fordren's handshake could have easily crushed her hand and that she didn't expect such a firm grip from someone who rather resembles a slender intellectual than a brute.</p><p></p><p>“Oh that's not too unusual.” Carlyle explains. “Many businessmen actually train their 'crushing handshake' as it makes them seem more powerful and more confident.”</p><p></p><p>“Must be another strange risuri custom” Auryn sighs before elaborating that , where she comes from, such things like establishing hidden hierarchies are resolved via gestures and other formalities. </p><p></p><p>We then congratulate both Lord Vantrys and Cecilia and wish them good luck with the planning of their upcoming wedding. We engage in a bit of small-talk with the other guests and while Vantrys and Cecilia are keeping Vantrys' trusted friend occupied, Fordren approaches Auryn and asks her for a bit of “Ms. Galadin's” time. Auryn suppresses a quick laugh when he speaks that name, but she cautiously agrees even if she makes sure to stay in sight of everyone else.</p><p></p><p>To Auryn's surprise, Fordren asks her how she's been doing after their split-up eight years ago. When she returns that she's been faring more than fine, he surprises her a second time and asks her about her thoughts on what happened during her time on his estate and afterward. She eloquently returns the ball to him before answering the question and asks Fordren about his thoughts and views. </p><p></p><p>Without taking much of a breath, Fordren serenely and honestly tells her that he thought she was fascinating and impressive ever since the day she arrived on his island and that he really enjoyed every minute he had with her. He then confesses that he even reveled in the fact that she, the epitome of beauty, was his possession and his alone, before adding that he does regret the death of “the boy” and never meant to harm anyone in the process. </p><p></p><p>It takes a lot of Auryn's discipline to stay calm during his revelation. She then takes her turn while eyeing her opponent and all of his reactions closely. Auryn tells the story about being rescued from that cursed Yerasol island by a noble captain and his faithful crew who brought her to Flint. There, she sought refuge with these foreign people who welcomed her with open arms. She found both friends and allies in Risur and despite her need for revenge and her desire to act according to the rules of her people, she decided to stay peaceful for now. </p><p></p><p>For her reason why, Auryn explains that violence and hatred can easily create a maelstrom that consumes everyone, including the people she holds dear and who have sworn to protect her. </p><p></p><p>“This is what truly sets us apart. Even if I know that I am important for my people, I care for my friends and acquaintances and they care for me. Therefore, I will not put my desires above their well-being. But you... you only ever cared for yourself and acted on your desires no matter the consequences it would have on others.” </p><p></p><p>Fordren grins dimly and returns that she might have a point there. Still, he doesn't show any signs of regret or misery, even if he listens carefully. </p><p></p><p>“So, I decided to offer you a deal, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: Let the past be past. This doesn't mean I'll forget and neither that I'll ever forgive. But I will refrain from seeking vengeance. As long as you swear to respect me as the person I am and never try to possess me or any other eladrin ever again.” </p><p></p><p>Fordren raises his eyebrows in a quick surprise before stating that he would agree to her proposal. But he has one other condition that she should agree to: That she won't actively avoid him in public. Auryn replies that she'd have no reason to do so as long as he honors his part of the bargain. </p><p></p><p>“Then we have a deal. You are truly so much more fascinating and intriguing than I'd have ever thought, Auryn Galadin” he says gleefully as if their agreement was just the icing on the cake that is the engagement party of his niece. </p><p></p><p>(<span style="color: #008000">Yes, I did a lot of sense motives regarding Fordren's claims and promises and he seemed totally honest. Auryn had been looking for any signs of disrespect or dishonesty or hidden threats, but to her surprise, she found none. Had he made one mistake, especially if he'd called her Charusheela, she'd busted his good reputation by telling everyone what he did to her. With this outcome, she even has the tiniest spark of hope that Fordren might actually learn a thing or two from his experiences with the Risuri and her own example. </span></p><p><span style="color: #008000"></span></p><p><span style="color: #008000">Regarding “the boy”, it refers to the one moment when Fordren shed a single tear in my backstory during Auryn's remembrance ceremony for Zahir. And again, means of address. Not only did Fordren call Auryn by a name he had chosen for her when she was his captive, he also used an informal address thus violating proper courtesy. He did address her formally during this scene and used her risuri name though. </span></p><p><span style="color: #008000"></span></p><p><span style="color: #008000">Also, this whole dialogue was just perfect and Tiz played Fordren almost too well. I imagined it as two different kinds of predators circling each other, waiting for a mistake of their opponent. A mistake that never came.</span>)</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, Carlyle spends some time with the happy pair of Lord Nathaniel Vantrys and Cecilia Fordren while always keeping a close eye on Auryn and Fordren. </p><p></p><p>“Seems like the uncle of my dear Cecilia has quite a taste for otherworldly beauty.” Vantrys comments on the scene after noticing Carlyle's continuous attention on the two. This immediately earns him rough pokes from Cecilia's elbows though as the young lady seems quite jealous.</p><p></p><p>“Ouch. I didn't... I think you know what I mean. It's not like she's just pretty. She... transcends every meaning of that word. If I were you, Gabriel Carlyle, I'd be cautious or else he might just snatch her away from you.”</p><p></p><p>Carlyle blinks a few times at this “friendly warning” of Vantrys and then smirks slightly. </p><p></p><p>“Oh, if you knew... besides, I doubt that Fordren will ever join the RHC as an agent, so the risk of him replacing me as Auryn's partner is close to zero. Though having him work as Delft's subordinate is quite a thought.”</p><p></p><p>(<span style="color: #008000">Yeah, Vantrys doesn't know about Auryn's past. She had planned to tell him after Goodson's demise to warn him more implicitly about Fordren, but didn't want to put a heavy weight on his relationship with Cecilia. And Carlyle would never tell anyone about it without her consent. Also, he didn't want to leave the impression that he had more than a professional but close relationship to his partner. The creed of discretion.</span>)</p><p></p><p>When Auryn returns, Carlyle seems quite delighted that she managed to exorcise this ghost of hers without bloodshed or a scandal. </p><p></p><p>“Like I told you: You didn't need your weapon. And now that this is all over... I heard that there's quite a formidable dancer waiting to be asked for a dance. So.. shall we?” </p><p></p><p>Now this is an activity where Auryn doesn't need to be asked twice and so the two use the rest of the party to dance and enjoy the festivities. And as it turns out, Carlyle is quite a capable dancer.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lylandra, post: 7430166, member: 6816692"] [b]Enter Fordren[/b] Shortly after, we both receive an invitation to Vantrys' engagement party. So we both dress up in our finest evening gown and suit and take a carriage to the estate. Once we arrive there, we are both pretty surprised to see a fancy carriage parking there bearing the Fordren Industries crest, which indicates that a certain businessman could be present as well. After Fordren was absent during the engagement party of Cecilia and Goodson, we kind of dismissed the thought that he could show up. “Now what would we do about him? I didn't even bring my weapon. I mean, no one usually needs a sword at an engagement party, right?” Auryn says hastily and somewhat nervously at the thought of going unarmed into the lion's den. “Don't be afraid. First, I'm pretty sure you won't need to fight anyone today. Second, even if, I'm also sure you don't need a weapon to defend yourself. And third, I brought mine with me. It's a... habit.” Carlyle says calmly before offering Auryn his arm. “Shall we?” As we enter the entrance and are guided towards the ball room, we realize that this is nothing short than a gathering of the who's who of Flint's industrial circles. It seems as if the whole party waited for our arrival as all eyes are instantly upon us as we approach the group gathered around the happy pair of Nathaniel Vantrys and Cecilia Fordren. “Ah, our final guests! Welcome, Mr. Gabriel Carlyle and Ms. Auryn Galadin.” Francis Fordren's strong and confident voice echoes through the room, granting us even more attention. He then shakes the hands of each of us with a really firm handshake and introduces us as close friends of the newly engaged. Auryn quietly complains to Carlyle that Fordren's handshake could have easily crushed her hand and that she didn't expect such a firm grip from someone who rather resembles a slender intellectual than a brute. “Oh that's not too unusual.” Carlyle explains. “Many businessmen actually train their 'crushing handshake' as it makes them seem more powerful and more confident.” “Must be another strange risuri custom” Auryn sighs before elaborating that , where she comes from, such things like establishing hidden hierarchies are resolved via gestures and other formalities. We then congratulate both Lord Vantrys and Cecilia and wish them good luck with the planning of their upcoming wedding. We engage in a bit of small-talk with the other guests and while Vantrys and Cecilia are keeping Vantrys' trusted friend occupied, Fordren approaches Auryn and asks her for a bit of “Ms. Galadin's” time. Auryn suppresses a quick laugh when he speaks that name, but she cautiously agrees even if she makes sure to stay in sight of everyone else. To Auryn's surprise, Fordren asks her how she's been doing after their split-up eight years ago. When she returns that she's been faring more than fine, he surprises her a second time and asks her about her thoughts on what happened during her time on his estate and afterward. She eloquently returns the ball to him before answering the question and asks Fordren about his thoughts and views. Without taking much of a breath, Fordren serenely and honestly tells her that he thought she was fascinating and impressive ever since the day she arrived on his island and that he really enjoyed every minute he had with her. He then confesses that he even reveled in the fact that she, the epitome of beauty, was his possession and his alone, before adding that he does regret the death of “the boy” and never meant to harm anyone in the process. It takes a lot of Auryn's discipline to stay calm during his revelation. She then takes her turn while eyeing her opponent and all of his reactions closely. Auryn tells the story about being rescued from that cursed Yerasol island by a noble captain and his faithful crew who brought her to Flint. There, she sought refuge with these foreign people who welcomed her with open arms. She found both friends and allies in Risur and despite her need for revenge and her desire to act according to the rules of her people, she decided to stay peaceful for now. For her reason why, Auryn explains that violence and hatred can easily create a maelstrom that consumes everyone, including the people she holds dear and who have sworn to protect her. “This is what truly sets us apart. Even if I know that I am important for my people, I care for my friends and acquaintances and they care for me. Therefore, I will not put my desires above their well-being. But you... you only ever cared for yourself and acted on your desires no matter the consequences it would have on others.” Fordren grins dimly and returns that she might have a point there. Still, he doesn't show any signs of regret or misery, even if he listens carefully. “So, I decided to offer you a deal, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: Let the past be past. This doesn't mean I'll forget and neither that I'll ever forgive. But I will refrain from seeking vengeance. As long as you swear to respect me as the person I am and never try to possess me or any other eladrin ever again.” Fordren raises his eyebrows in a quick surprise before stating that he would agree to her proposal. But he has one other condition that she should agree to: That she won't actively avoid him in public. Auryn replies that she'd have no reason to do so as long as he honors his part of the bargain. “Then we have a deal. You are truly so much more fascinating and intriguing than I'd have ever thought, Auryn Galadin” he says gleefully as if their agreement was just the icing on the cake that is the engagement party of his niece. ([COLOR="#008000"]Yes, I did a lot of sense motives regarding Fordren's claims and promises and he seemed totally honest. Auryn had been looking for any signs of disrespect or dishonesty or hidden threats, but to her surprise, she found none. Had he made one mistake, especially if he'd called her Charusheela, she'd busted his good reputation by telling everyone what he did to her. With this outcome, she even has the tiniest spark of hope that Fordren might actually learn a thing or two from his experiences with the Risuri and her own example. Regarding “the boy”, it refers to the one moment when Fordren shed a single tear in my backstory during Auryn's remembrance ceremony for Zahir. And again, means of address. Not only did Fordren call Auryn by a name he had chosen for her when she was his captive, he also used an informal address thus violating proper courtesy. He did address her formally during this scene and used her risuri name though. Also, this whole dialogue was just perfect and Tiz played Fordren almost too well. I imagined it as two different kinds of predators circling each other, waiting for a mistake of their opponent. A mistake that never came.[/COLOR]) Meanwhile, Carlyle spends some time with the happy pair of Lord Nathaniel Vantrys and Cecilia Fordren while always keeping a close eye on Auryn and Fordren. “Seems like the uncle of my dear Cecilia has quite a taste for otherworldly beauty.” Vantrys comments on the scene after noticing Carlyle's continuous attention on the two. This immediately earns him rough pokes from Cecilia's elbows though as the young lady seems quite jealous. “Ouch. I didn't... I think you know what I mean. It's not like she's just pretty. She... transcends every meaning of that word. If I were you, Gabriel Carlyle, I'd be cautious or else he might just snatch her away from you.” Carlyle blinks a few times at this “friendly warning” of Vantrys and then smirks slightly. “Oh, if you knew... besides, I doubt that Fordren will ever join the RHC as an agent, so the risk of him replacing me as Auryn's partner is close to zero. Though having him work as Delft's subordinate is quite a thought.” ([COLOR="#008000"]Yeah, Vantrys doesn't know about Auryn's past. She had planned to tell him after Goodson's demise to warn him more implicitly about Fordren, but didn't want to put a heavy weight on his relationship with Cecilia. And Carlyle would never tell anyone about it without her consent. Also, he didn't want to leave the impression that he had more than a professional but close relationship to his partner. The creed of discretion.[/COLOR]) When Auryn returns, Carlyle seems quite delighted that she managed to exorcise this ghost of hers without bloodshed or a scandal. “Like I told you: You didn't need your weapon. And now that this is all over... I heard that there's quite a formidable dancer waiting to be asked for a dance. So.. shall we?” Now this is an activity where Auryn doesn't need to be asked twice and so the two use the rest of the party to dance and enjoy the festivities. And as it turns out, Carlyle is quite a capable dancer. [/QUOTE]
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