Raiha

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]The Lady of the house sipped tea from her cup with a delicacy that most of the nobles could only stare in wonder at. Being thoroughly Western, her ability to drink daintily from a teacup without a handle was no less than sheer genius to them. She noted that Dolan was safely engaged in pleasant conversation with her maternal Uncle C.Y. and as such would no longer be in any danger for virtually the rest of the evening. Lord Dewi was charming her younger sister with all the grace and charm she'd expect from a blood noble, while the secret police that had been ordered to guard her party looked mildly out of sorts. After hearing of a dangerous revolutionary here, and noting that there was a distinct lack of such, had certainly dampened their moods. Suddenly, Di's nostrils flared and she whipped her head to one side to look down the corridor towards the door. One of the younger cousins, Li Shu had just backhanded her venerable chamberlain for accidentally stepping on his toes. In a blaze of something akin to annoyance, Di Ahn stood in a ruffle of silk, throwing her napkin to one side and excused herself.[/i] "If you'll pardon me everyone, I believe something requires my immediate attention. I'll return shortly." [i]Amidst the nods of her peers and even her superiors, she shuffled down the hall, her skirt fluttering over her toes gracefully. Li Shu was still standing in the middle of the path, with an indignant expression on his overly haughty face. Her mouth twisted in a decidedly unpretty scowl, the mistress of the house grabbed her cousin's ear between two of her fingers, and jerked him so hard he was thrown off balance. He fell to the floor with a quite audible 'thunk' and placed a slippered foot lightly across his throat. She leaned down while waving off her chamberlain with a graceful twist of her wrist.[/i] "...in the event that I ever catch you slapping around my servants ever again, I will chain you to the ceiling and use you as a festive decoration." [i]Li Shu gasped for breath and nodded furiously, or tried to. You try nodding when you have a foot at your throat. She released him in a flurry of fabric and haughty disdain and swept off down the hall to go apologize to the chamberlain. He scurried off, avoiding the dinning room all together. Just as Di Ahn was passing the front door, a knock was heard. She turned in an instant and gestured to her guards to open the door. A remarkably well groomed gentleman bowed to her from the threshold and she automatically let him take her hand.[/i] "Lady Di Ahn? I was sent here to wish you many happy returns of the day on behalf of the O'Griffy family." "Charmed I'm sure." [i]Di Ahn smiled up at him in a dazzle of spark and color, noticing that he did not, in fact, resemble his father in any way, shape or form.[/i] [/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]Sorry about the lateness of my post, I'm not sure when I'll have my PC back from repairs, so my activity is going to be pretty limited for the next few days. I'll try to keep up with what's going on and make a post where I can.[/SIZE][/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Well just so you know for tomorrow, when you...post... ...you're about to start waltzing with your niece, Ella Macey Almagest. She's a very graceful dancer due to years of practice as well as a natural grace and instinct for rhythm. The goal is for the pair of us to have fun times while maintaining a sort of father, daughter relationship. Only not really.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[RIGHT][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/marieevangeline-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/daedalusavatar.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/vincentavatar.jpg[/IMG][/RIGHT] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]Macey stood, and as she did, looked down at her newly torn skirt, then across the floor, then down back to her skirt again. Goodness knows exactly how she managed it, but the tulle and silk of her skirt had caught in the door, and now a good bit of her right leg was visible. Vincent raised an eyebrow, then politely turned his head to one side.[/i] "Oh bother." "Who knows. You may just start a new trend." "In poor taste and improperly kept clothing? Of course if I do change my outfit, the headlines in tomorrow's society notes will read 'Macey Changes Dress Every Half-Hour While At Father's Birthday Celebration.'" [i]Her expression vexed, Macey turned and jerked open the now somewhat broken doors and found one of her personal servants lingering in the curve of the wall. At the sight of her mistress, she curtsied and then went downstairs to the party, presumably to get Marie Evangeline's attention. Any fashion question went instantly to her more equipped and competent sister, and since Macey's servant knew trouble when she saw it, best to anticipate need. Vincent turned to Macey with a courtly bow.[/i] "Will I see you later this evening? Perhaps for a dance?" "I'd be delighted." [i]Caught up in the spirit of jest and finally feeling a bit less glum, Macey held out her hand to Vincent and let him kiss it. Unbeknownst to them, one of the more gossipy servants saw, and quickly disappeared down the stairs as well. Macey let Vincent leave first, and then backtracked to her bedroom to find Eva there, wondering exactly how it was she had made it back first.[/i] "So......? Did you bash his head into the bench?" "No dear sister. I was nice." "Well to each their own. But back to the serious issues. Get out of that skirt this instant. It's a disaster." [i]Macey rolled her eyes at her sister's official tone. If she hadn't known better, she would've sworn that her sister felt a wardrobe malfunction her own personal responsibility. Eva swirled a new skirt down from one of the open chests she'd dragged into the middle of the room. Macey instantly glared at her sister with a jaundiced eye.[/i] "It's not black. I'll have to change my entire outfit." "You always wear black. Why not shake things up?" "........ .......it's not black." [i]Eva set her hands on her hips, with a perfectly good silver skirt draped over her wrist. The two stared at each other, unblinking, until Macey tossed her head with an audible sigh of resignation and began to untie her skirt. Eva grinned in triumph and helped her sister out of her black lace corset, pulling the ribbons quickly and efficiently, as her sister held out her arms carefully to make the job easier. Ten minutes later, the ensemble was pronounced complete, and Macey stood with her sister behind her, both staring into the full length mirror. Macey had to admit that in this color her skin no longer resembled that of a china doll's.[/i] "...it's still not black." "But at least you look alive again." [i]Macey threw up her hands in frustration and swirled back towards the door, her sister bounding up next to her. Arm in arm, the two stepped down the hallway, across the foyer, and into the ballroom once more, their entrance noticed by virtually everyone with eyes. Perhaps it was because Macey no longer resembled a gothic bird of prey. Or because she and Eva nearly matched and looked more like twins than ever. But then again, it might've just been because both of them were gorgeous. Her Uncle Daedalus strode up to Macey from the dance floor as Eva slipped off to dance with one of the young officers of the Royal Guard.[/i] "You look good in silver Macey. Brings out the color of-" "If you complete that sentence, I will redecorate your brain with alchemy." "Always a pleasure my dear. Won't you honor me with this next dance?" [i]Macey narrowed her eyes at her Uncle for a moment, then let him take her hand and lead her down to the dance floor. Several heads turned, ones that hadn't seen her make a reappearance. Floating on the strength of her Uncle's rather impressive presence as well as the fact that she'd gotten her dreaded meeting with Vincent over, Macey was finally beginning to have a good time. And as she held up the hem of her skirt to avoid tripping, she smiled in a rare display of ivory teeth and a glitter of dark eyes flecked with red. Her Uncle let her spin around him, then drew her back for a dip and turn. Across the floor, she saw her sister doing much the same, albeit with a man at least 20 years younger than their Uncle Daedalus.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Lethargy']\ [SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen][B] Tire factories[/B] smell awful as well, and are probably equally, if not [U]more[/U] harmful. Should they be illegal as well? I don't think olfactory annoyance should be a reason for something to be illegal (I realize that you were just expressing why you are personally against it, and not stating a legal issue, but my point still stands).[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Actually I have lived near tire factories as well as dog food processing facilities and while they are not easy on the nose, they are in fact useful. And serve a purpose. For the common good. Or something like that. Then again, I never said I was personally against anything. I was speaking facetiously. Sarcastically. Wryly. With dry humor and wit. I've hung out with people who smoke pot and done some of it myself. ......while possibly also doing other things that I hear are illegal now. I gave a lap dance to a guy smoking marijuana while at my senior prom oh...4 years ago. But then again, does it really matter? Since you were wrong in your assumptions I suppose that your point doesn't stand, but I'll forgive you just this once. Whip our your grain of salt, and take it with any post I make in the Lounge. Ever.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]Ohh, I assumed he'd be at the party...but okay, I will wait for that. I have no idea what my character will do after the party is over, so I'm pretty much going to wait to see what you and/or Shy posts on that (I assume there will be another Landmark or something?)[/font][/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Sure there is, I know this one for a fact, but I can't talk about it! It's a secret! * coquettish giggling* After the party I suppose you could be attacked by hordes of camera wielding reporters dying to get your take on the preceding evening's party.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]My plan generally is to get together with Shy and a few other people and do a White Elephant gift exchange because god knows I could use a broken toilet seat around the house.... .......and for those of you who have never done it, you are missing out in a serious way. Other than that, I'll probably dive 450 miles north to go home to see my family after Christmas and do all the happy fun times that I didn't get while home alone in my cold empty apartment. On the plus side I have a tree now. And it has a pink Aeris bow for lack of a star. How cool is that?[/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Aaryanna_Mom']Making other's decisions for them is an unavoidable part of government. I understand how you would find this frustrating, but you yourself stated that it's a logical fallacy since on some level making the decision for others is necessary. Especially when it's behavior that is detrimental. And to be clear, if I thought it would help, I could and would support making cigarettes illegal. I've lost relatives to cancer from that and though you could argue it was their choice, it is a harmful substance. [/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Mum's right. Government likes to make choices for the people it views too stupid to do anything but vote for them. There's a word for this, I think it's...um... bureaucracy? Seriously folks, I have to tell you. I live in southern California in one of the drug capitals of the state and while marijuana is illegal and I really think it should stay that way... ...I find that legalizing it makes no real sense. I could quite literally jump the wall surrounding my apartment complex, take about ten steps into the neighborhood next to mine, and go to any street corner and get a bag of the stuff if I REALLY wanted to. However, like Charles, I'm capable of letting loose without the aid of any drug. Wait, I forgot. Is sex a drug? Because sometimes it's harmful to others and sometimes it alters the state of one's mind. And it sure is addicting as hell. But seriously, while I think making substances illegal does nothing much, and it pretty much tells a nation's citizens: "We think you are far too stupid to do anything without our input. Bugger off... ...wait, go vote for us first." I can't honestly say that legalizing anything would fix current problems. Gun toting, Constitutional, Libertarian, free choice, personal responsibility nut that I am, I still think that marijuana is naughty. That and it smells like the hind end of a yeast infected cow.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[RIGHT][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/vincentavatar.jpg[/IMG][/RIGHT] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]Macey excused herself from the meaningless conversation she was holding with one of the blood nobles of her extended family and turned around to bump directly into her ex husband. Vincent bowed to her by way of excuse and she curtsied back as deeply as she dared to. Regardless of her dearest sister's antics, she didn't feel that smashing a goblet over his skull would be the best way out of what was sure to be a deeply embarrassing conversation for the both of them.[/i] "Macey Ellen. I do hope you're having a good time." "About as good as one can expect Vincent. These parties are like coal mining. Hot and close and everyone's shoveling something." [i]He chuckled with an easy smile, one all too familiar to her. As he muttered some nicety to her, she began to notice people all around them looking and whispering amongst themselves. As soon as she did take notice however, she felt the tingling behind her eyes that meant tears were only one smart remark away. A burning sensation traveled up her sinuses and lodged themselves permanently in her forehead, with only her willpower to keep it from advancing further. Her focus on Vincent returned just in time to hear him say.[/i] "...my only regret is that we finally met after your sister poured champagne down my shirt." "It's alright, nobody will remember in a few hours." [i]Which was true after all. The doings of the noble born, while interesting, were always eclipsed by personal vanity. If they weren't directly involved, their attention quickly jumped to the next most exciting event. Unfortunately the conversation, with the pressure of quite literally dozens of people surrounding them, began to press down on Macey's sense of control. Vincent smiled at her in a conciliatory way, mistaking the near vacant look in her eyes for embarrassment instead of agony. It didn't help that her cheeks turned pale for lack of visible blush. All the blood had already drained from her face. He laid a gentle hand on her gloved one.[/i] "I really do miss you Ella." [i]The sound of him using her nickname in that old, familiar tone of voice sent shockwaves down her spine. As her mouth worked in honest pain, she breathed once, and then felt herself choking down a hysterical sob. Two thin trails of tears streaked down her face in an instant beyond her power to stop, and the only thing people noticed after that was her dashing for the exit while pressing a black lace kerchief to her face. She dashed through a side door, her skirt held up just high enough to avoid her tripping and sprawling across marble steps. Servants watched her ascend a flight stairs as fast as any harried page, then leapt aside as she threw open the french doors to a secluded balcony and slammed them behind her with the sound of breaking glass. One maid noticed that Macey's skirt had torn on the jagged edges of the door, but felt it quite improper to mention it. Once quite alone, she sank down onto an elaborately carved stone bench and allowed herself the luxury of tears.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Well I figured that Macey's more immediate, as in siblings, family would be upset by his presence, not Aunties or Nephews. But either way well done, and gosh I'm so special.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]My goodness, I turn my back on your for a second and you get covered in champagne. Oh dear me. How tragic. Something must be done! *cough* But seriously, it stands to reason that Sakura's character will utterly loathe you with all the protective hatred that only a sibling can summon up. But seriously. I just realized that if anything does happen between our privateer and Macey Ellen, it'll technically be a non blood related Uncle with his niece. Which is about as creepy as things can get without us all being from some Louisianan swamp.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Aside from the mildly clumsy sentences I forgot to edit, not a bad start considering everything. The Syndicate: A shadow organization that has for all intents and purposes set itself up as the government behind all world governments worth getting behind. Think Illuminati. That kind of creepy, but not the Tomb Raider Illuminati. More the evil, unkind, not friendly at all types that do more than just sit in brightly colored shiny chairs in a big circle. My character: A representative of the Asiatic Union; China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, etc. And by a representative, I mean she represents the governments of said countries as an agent that fights the Syndicate in all its forms. However her specialty will most likely be infiltration and subterfuge of her own.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[RIGHT][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alecialeanna-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/leonhartavatar.jpg[/IMG][/RIGHT] [left][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]Macey Ellen glided across the grand ballroom and accepted a flute of champagne from a beleaguered servant, lightening his load somewhat. Her eyes rolled as she took a sip, taking in the ever growing crowd, noting her ex husband in the crowd. He grip tightened on the stem of her glass so quickly that it snapped underneath her gloved fingers and she quietly deposited it in a large arrangement of begonias. The sound of wry chuckling caught her ear through the sounds of lively chamber music. She turned in a sparkle of opals and silver to see her own father, standing quietly in a corner with a mildly amused expression on his face. Quickly, she dropped him a light curtsy, ever graceful in the tulle and silk of her gown.[/i] "Good evening father. Many happy returns of the day." "Oh I hope so." [i]He took her hand like the courtly gentleman he was and led her down to one of the balconies surrounding the grand hall. Once there, he turned to her with a serious expression on his face, and she gazed up at him through her extraordinarily long lashes like any obedient daughter.[/i] "Now I know it may be difficult for you to face Vincent tonight, but you do understand that it may be politic for us to avoid any unpleasant scenes." "Naturally father. But I can not promise anything." "Just don't smash glasses into the fireplaces dramatically or call him names in a loud voice and we should be fine." "Well, I can promise that I suppose. ......oh yes, your present is still in my office at the labs." "That can wait until tomorrow of course. Lord knows I'll be getting a boatload of presents tonight from well wishers and attention seekers." [i]Macey shrugged her shoulders eloquently and turned back to watch the now seething crowds of people. She bobbed her head in his direction once, then left the relative privacy of the alcove and began to mingle with the crowd, always mindful of the fact that at any moment, she could turn and bump into her once husband. Instead, she bumped into the charming couple, Alexander and Alecia. Not that she minded seeing happy couples together in wedded bliss, it just stung her a titch. They both fell back a tiny bit, probably because the sight of their Aunt Macey Ellen was probably not one that brought with it feelings of happiness and good cheer. Be that as it may, she nodded to Alexander not unkindly, and proffered her hand to Alecia with all the good cheer she could muster in her non intoxicated state. Her niece shook it with some enthusiasm, while her husband gave her a rather formal bow for the occasion.[/i] "Nephew Alexander and Niece Alecia. How good to see the two of you here." "Hello Auntie, I hope you're well." "As well as one can be these days. But I hope you two enjoy the party. And for goodness sake Alexander. Loosen up. Nobody is going to cook you."[/FONT][/COLOR][/left]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Plot Points: The Dinner Party; Timeframe is now, but it won't end for a few posts just yet. The Yuletide Ball; Timeframe: Around Christmas in real time for most of us. But the planning will be extensive, so there can be good leadin. As far as a universal interloper goes, I haven't found one yet. Help me![/FONT][/COLOR]

[right][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/marieevangeline-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/fauntleroy-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/right] [left][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]Macey Ellen Almagest, formerly Archard-Almagest continued to breathe normally, even as one of her personal servants laced her up into the black corset that had become the mainstay of her wardrobe. Granted, this one was accentuated with more silk thread lace than usual, and decorated with particularly fine black satin ribbons. With each tug, any normal girl would've gasped for breath, but such were the results of Macey Ellen's long years of wearing corsets that she didn't even flinch. With a few well placed twists, and the clever placement of about six silver hairpins, her long black hair was swept up and back into an elegant knot. Finally the servant finished with the smaller details, such as the placement of small silver combs and hair ornaments, and departed, allowing Macey to observe her image in the silvered mirror above her dressing table. Impartially, Macey decided that she was desperately pale. Her skin the color of brushed porcelain, with nothing to bring warmth to near translucence of her flesh. Of course, it probably didn't help that she hadn't appeared in public for months. Perhaps some makeup really was in order, even though she hadn't worn it in years. She applied a light blush to her cheeks with one of the smaller brushes that she and her sister had collected over the years. Speaking of which, just as she was about to dip one of the tinest brushes into a light blue dye, Eva herself descended upon her twin like a miniature bolt from Mount Olympus,[/i] "Not that color Ella, you want this one. It brings out the color of your eyes." [i]Moving with all the deftness of an accomplished painter, Marie Evangeline herself applied a sparkle of pink and purple across her sister's eyelids, faint, yet visible, when she blinked. Macey frowned inwardly, but didn't protest. Her sister had always had a way with makeup, potions, anything cosmetic. Macey f ound it odd that everyone thought it necessary for her to dress in whatever would bring out the color of her eyes, when they were black; the absence of all color. Five minutes later, she prounced the poor mourning divorcee complete and flounced out of the room in a whirl of blue and silver. Sighing with resignation, Macey shrugged her bare shoulders, and opened her jewelry box. She reached down and contemplated.[/i] "Opals or sapphires?" "You should always go with the opals dear sister. They bring out the color of your eyes." [i]Macey frowned slightly, and resigned herself. Her elder brother, a mincing fop at times but usually concerned for her general well-being picked up the elaborate chain of opals set in silver. He fumbled with the clasp at her throat, and she rolled her eyes.[/i] "You can't possibly be intoxicated already Fonty. The party hasn't even started yet." "It is never too early to be intoxicated." [i]He held out his arm to her like a proper gentleman, albeit with a mild sway to his stance. His younger sister frowned and then smiled briefly. Might as well. She stood, the folds of her black skirt falling down around her thighs, and let him take her arm and lead her downstairs.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR][/left]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]It appears Sakura and I accidentally switched our ages as we both edited. Oh Sandy and Shy. Your collaboration remains woefully -but anyway the family tree is so happy and shiny. It brings me joy. No references to Macey's pet project in the Chronicles either.... ....oh bother.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[IMG]http://stockroom.com/common/images/products/B834/B834.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://exoticpets.about.com/library/graphics/reptiles/ballpython1.jpg[/IMG] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]That's right. I want a snake. And a blender. And Oven Mitts. And mixing bowls. And a new mop. Yeah, when you get to the age where you live alone without your family, you start wanting domestic items. I kinda want a queen sized bed too. .....chains and whips optional. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]I'm not really sure what to do myself, I've set up Eoghan's story to get him to the party in Nice, so I guess I'll just play it from there. Anything you particularly want me to do D'Ann ?[/SIZE][/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Trebuchet MS"]Well factoring in speeded courier travel pace, I'm guessing you'll make it by roughly dinner time. I hope anyway. It'll be quite swell. With toasts! And stuff.... But seriously folks. Everyone can keep posting as they see fit, there's no huge rush.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]I will have my sign-up posted this weekend. I've been having trouble finding pictures of the appropriate standard, but I've collected a few and I just have to choose which one I want to use.[/font][/QUOTE] [COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]*ahem* As ex wife, I kinda want to see my choices you know... Before I make any serious COMMITMENT... But seriously, I wanna know what I'm getting into here.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Well the point was for it to be a daguerreotype, read: ancient photograph from the old days etc etc etc. However, I do have a very sharp and sexy version of the picture as well. I just had a friend run it through photoshop in the name of making it look ancient enough to pass for something printed in a Victorian Era paper. I'll go wake him up and get him to fix it in a few minutes.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]......*pout* You discussed that with me to. See? This is why divorces happen. Haha. But anyway, sorry I stole your position Sakura, but Sandy and James and I had been having little midnight collaborations to develop things so yeah. Me first FTW![/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]Name:[/i] Macey Ellen Almagest (Formerly Macey Ellen Achard-Almagest) [i]Age:[/i] 27 [i]Your Position inside the Almagest family:[/i] Last daughter of Leonheart Almagest through Lady Patrice. [i]Your Portrait:[/i] First Published under the society notes portion of the local newspapers. Taken when Macey appeared for the first time in public after her divorce. [i]Your occupation:[/i] Scientist and Liasion for Prometheo Laboratories. [i]Your Story:[/i] The youngest daughter produced of Leonheart's first marriage, Macey married young to a man severaly years her senior whilst witstanding a great deal of family pressure. The marriage, unfortunately, was a near complete disaster due to the obvoius family interference as well as Macey's passion for her work. Vincent Achard was not a bad husband in his way any more than Macey was a nagging bitch of a wife, but the true reason for their separation remains shrouded in mystery. To the public anyway. It is hard to say whether the marriage was one sparked by love or by a need for a business merger. In retrospect, Macey's come to the realization that it was most definitely a merger. Despite the obvious flaws in her character that led to the downfall of her marriage, Macey remains completely dedicated to her work, with her obvious social failures driving her like a goad. This naturally involves work that could be considered morally questionable, but Macey's all consuming passion for her research leads her to make remarkable discoveries more often than the average scientist working at Prometheo. Besides her dedications to the success of Prometheo's experiments, she also has a pet project that has very nearly taken over her entire life. Her goal is to discover the inner workings of the human heart, by whatever means necessary. Out of her entire family, perhaps two people know of it's existence, as Macey can be both close mouthed, and extremely secretive when motivated properly. She's also an expert at rhetorical fencing and hedging, and thus, is often set up as the 'face' of Prometheo to avoid suspicions, and to reassure the public of the Laboratory's legitimacy.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]So I have a business trip this weekend, but one of the joys of a laptop is that it can go with you virtually anywhere. Except the shower. .........yes....... But anyway I hope to find INTARWEB during my long sojurn away from OB and hopefully I'll be able to make yet another dashing appearance. Keep up the glorious work everyone! Viva La Revolución!!!!![/FONT][/COLOR]

[i][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]“Is something here making you upset? The color of the carpet perhaps? Or the taste of the wine? I know the Oriental vintages are strange to a European’s tongue…” His expression was so bland, so obviously painted over, that she knew, with her years of court breeding, that he was in fact extremely uncomfortable with the goings on. However unfortunate this was, there were appearances to keep up, and with them, obligations.[/i] “I’m having a wonderful time your Grace, regardless of how things may appear.” “Come now, it’d be churlish to lie to your hostess.” “I find that lying is an integral part of every relationship humans have with one another.” [i]Satisfied for the moment, Di leaned back, a sandalwood fan appearing in her hand as if procured by magic. She waved it lazily, fighting back the slow, lazy heat. Collin merely settled him expression into one of blank contentment.[/i] “I must say, I adored your play…” [i]Here she leaned much closer to him, her lips quite literally brushing against his ear, so intimate he could smell a faint scent of old fashioned perfume on her neck.[/i] “…revolutionary.” [i]His features remained frozen in a half pleasant smile, and the lady of the house grinned like a girl at a party; which of course, she was. When his tongue unlocked itself, he managed to speak once more in exceedingly hushed tones.[/i] “I wasn’t aware you held freedom in such high regard.” “On the contrary my good playwright, I adore freedom. Those who don’t have it want it. And are willing to do anything to obtain it.” “And how many slaves have you freed lately?” “Many. My chamberlain is one such freedman. He was given to me as a slave, but freed after five years of service. He remains under my house because he knows what treatment he’d get from my relatives if he left. Every servant in this house, with one minor exception, isn't bound to me as my property any longer, but simply as a servant. When you're as successful as me, you're allowed a little eccentricity. Most people just assume I'm a soft, tender hearted girl.” [i]While Collin kept a mildly skeptical look plastered on his face, Di smiled and reached over to stroke her newest accquisition’s ear.[/i] “And this one will be freed in time too. Provided he serves me honestly and honorably.” “You’ll forgive me for this Madam, but I never would’ve guessed.” [i]Her slave's ears by now had perked up considerably, and he was sitting a little straighter, confused beyond reason. Di shared a conspiratorial smile with him, and then appeared to look slightly beyond the top of his head.[/i] “All fencing aside, Dolan, I’m afraid that your life may very well be in danger if any more of this conversation was overheard. There are several secret police here, mingling with my guests, and I’d just as soon not see you detained. If that happened, how would I be able to enjoy any more of your plays? [i]She laughed aloud, a bright scatter of sound, drawing the attention of a few guests. Unseen by everyone, only felt by Collin, she nudged him with her foot and he laughed as well, smoothly covering over his surprise. She waved him off, riding the wave of light laughter as a convenient excuse.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[i][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]His piece concluded, the birthday girl joined in the enthusiastic applause from the audience. As he took his seat, Di suddenly remembered that her new gift was still kneeling in front of her on the cold floor. With a rather pompous gesture, Di flicked her hand, indicating her slave to sit by her feet on one of the dozens of cushions. He did so awkwardly, obviously unused to the Chinese style of lounging, instead sitting cross-legged and stiff backed. The lady of the house leaned forward as the next guests came in, greeted them, accepted their wishes for good health, and leaned back once more as they went off to mingle with the crowd. The courtyard was becoming crowded, packed with guests, all of them invited except perhaps for one or two that would eventually be found. Her chamberlain stepped across the hall to exchange a few whispers with her, while the other guests drank, snacked, and admired the Oriental style gardens that spiraled through the house.[/i] ?A little attention lavished upon the playwright would not go amiss, he doesn?t look like he?s having a great time.? ?Well that makes two of us.? ?My lady?? [i]Di Ahn?s expression darkened briefly until she caught herself and quickly hid it. [/i] ?Most of these people are only interested in my influence. I?m relatively sure that nobody here actually cares one whit about me growing one year older. On the plus side, at least nobody?s approached me with a marriage proposal yet.? ?About that?.there was a delegate from a member of the British court that came by earlier and -? [i]His voice cut off suddenly as he smelled trouble. The Lady of the house frowned as her dark eyes flashed with fire, and the venerable old man that had been her mentor as well as friend for years quickly smoothed his expression over into a bland smile. He gave her a quick bow and went back to his work. Her slave looked at her interestedly, and then quickly went back down to examining the cushions he was sitting on. She leaned over and brought her lips close to his ear. She spoke for his sake in English, with a slight accent, trusting that he would understand her.[/i] ?I want you to ask the playwright to come speak to me briefly. You?ll know who he is. And if you don?t, just ask one of the other servants. Go on.? [i]She smiled to herself in a rather self satisfied way, as he quickly leapt up to do her bidding, even though a look of confusion bloomed on his face. [/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"].........wow, sometimes life is a Dane Cook routine! But seriously, get better. Don't post until your legs are working again, cause you know, when you're all loopy on medication, writing tends to go downhill if you know what I mean. Just get well, don't post when you're hopped up on Opiates, and do us a favor and don't panic. Knee surgery isn't the worst, and they'll dope you up into oblivion anyway during/after/etc. Just keep telling yourself. "It's not like giving birth. It's not like giving birth. It's not like giving birth..."[/FONT][/COLOR]