Exodus: Guns And Gore 44 Introductions

"There's my date!" Dessi stood in the dining room frowning at QJ. "Tell me that's not what you are wearing.

"This isn't what I'm wearing." He smiled at her and then stopped to appreciate her efforts. "Very lovely Dessi." She wore an embroidered light green dress that was worn off the shoulders.

Dessi smiled and spun once. "Thank you QJ."

Aji walked in from the formal dining room, where several other voices could be heard talking. "QJ, you've finally arrived. Come with me to your room, I will a.s.sist you."

QJ followed the dark elf up the stair, she was wearing a simple white robe since she wouldn't be going anywhere. It was his first time on the second floor, the last time he was here the whole house seemed on the verge of collapse. She led him through a set of double doors and into the Grand Master Room.

QJ whistled. "This is my room?"

Walking through the double doors, an immediate right led to a s.p.a.cious bathroom. It was modestly decorated with dark wood paneling and marble floors. Off the Bathroom was a huge walkthrough closest that led to a sitting library. The sitting room exited back into the bedroom which had a nice desk and several full wall built-in shelves for books. "I'm guessing the last tenant was a big reader?"

Aji shrugged, "maybe before his days as a blood-sucking monster." She walked into his closet and came out with a moment later with his clothes. "Undress sir, I may need to do some last-minute adjustments."

QJ nodded and disrobed, "Those are very traditional fas.h.i.+ons. Shouldn't I be more Guns and Gore?"

Aji shook her head, "I saw them in the Exodus shops and really liked the look. I think this will be quite das.h.i.+ng on you."

QJ tried on the clothes while Aji watched. Black tuxedo with tails, black vest, white s.h.i.+rt, and black bow tie. "There's a reason no one wears these kinds of clothes anymore."

Aji handed him a pair of black leather shoes and topped it off with a rose on his lapel. "Think so?" She walked to the doorway, "Dessi! Could you come up here for a moment?"

"d.a.m.n... I need to get a t.i.tle." Dessi walked through the doorway and started snooping around. She froze in place when she spotted QJ. "Well... you clean up nicely."

QJ gave her a doubtful look. "Tails aren't too much?"

"Cla.s.sic gentleman. We are going to turn some heads." Dessi pulled him in front of the mirror next to his closet door. "See?"

"You do look nice Dessi," QJ bowed low and escorted her to his doorway.

Aji watched Dessi leave. "Where's Cleo?"

"Doing instances at the Keep. Why?"

"You told me to prepare her an outfit." Aji crossed her arms in front of her chest, "You know how hard it was to work around her wings?"

"d.a.m.n... I totally forgot." QJ sighed and held out his hand. "Come."

A moment later Cleo appeared in front of them, she was wearing her yellow armor. "Is it time for the ball QJ?"

"Yes, thank you for all your hard work, Cleo." He smiled at Aji and bowed his head, "very nice work Aji."

"Everything else is ready, I'm going to help Cleo with her outfit."

Half an hour later, Dessi, Cleo, QJ, Ringo, Lotte, and Breeze boarded a luxurious coach that pulled up in front of Briar Rose. Breeze and Lotte were both going with boys from their freshmen cla.s.s and had planned to meet them at the Palace Ballroom.

"Is this your coach QJ?" Ringo ran a hand over the red velvet seating.

"Yep, it was completely refurbished by the Jol clan, they did a great job." QJ sat next to Dessi, she had slid an arm through his.

Dessi wore the slightest fragrance of jasmine, the sweet scent tickled QJ's nose. "The Red Dome tent has made an awesome Guild HQ for us QJ. I have to thank you again."

Ringo smiled slightly, "that was pretty generous of you QJ."

QJ gave them both an innocent look, "haven't I always treated the 3rd year cla.s.s good?"

Dessi kept her face expressionless, "maybe?"

All of their hud's dinged at the same time, by agreement Breeze opened hers since she was closest to the middle.

A pale gentleman dressed in white appeared on the hud. "Greetings Guest of the Star Crossed Ball. Tonight's Events will start with Introductions. This goes according to your Rank. If you are here with a higher ranking partner, then you will be introduced as escorting them. You will be issued a number, please be ready when your introduction is made. The introductions will stop after the Lord and Lady ranks.

Ringo glanced at Breeze and Lotte who had both recently attained the rank of Lady. "What does your number say?"

Breeze looked first since her hud was already up. "Tier 8 rank 13."

Everyone started checking their huds, Dessi was technically the lowest at Tier 8 rank 41.

Ringo smiled at her ranking, "QJ... What is your ranking?" She displayed her at Tier 6 rank 4. "Should be relatively the same as mine right?"

QJ displayed his ranking, the small group turned suddenly quiet, Tier 3, rank 1. "That can't be right." He pulled up his ranking profile, his Viscount ranking had been removed. In its place was Sandhealer Faction Leader: [Equivalent Rank/Foreign Duke].

"Um... QJ? What the heck did you do in Dunjai?" Breeze looked like she wanted to cry, "how am I suppose to catch up with you?"

For once QJ looked confused, "well... Sierra Sandhealer is the leader of the Sandhealer Faction, not me. I merely helped her with a faction quest."

"You'll be introduced right after the King's Children." Ringo couldn't keep the grin off of her face, "Let's keep our eyes on the prize tonight. Get Guild Quests, the higher the better."

QJ nodded, "No worries, I think we will definitely land something nice."

***********

The Grand Ballroom Hall had three sections. The upper balcony was filled with influential people that didn't have enough pull to land an invitation. Directly below them was the dining area, the main table was directly in front of the dance floor. The dance floor itself was a vast expanse of gold-infused marble.

The OP guild met in the main hall outside of the Ballroom. Cedric joined them and moved further up the line with Ringo.

"We have to move up QJ, the tier three banner is much closer to the main door." Dessi smiled up at him, suddenly glad that she had asked Ringo's ace to the ball.

QJ walked with Dessi down the hallway. There was almost no one next to the Tier 3 banner. Princess Lilly waved at him from the Tier 2 area. Annabelle was with her, she stared at QJ for a long moment before turning away.

Dessi pointed to a Gold door off to one side. "The King will come through there, announcements will start shortly after."

A cold hand on the back of his neck made QJ jump slightly, he already knew without looking who it was. He kept a straight face when he turned to face her. She was dressed in white, with elbow-length white gloves. A gold tiara sat on her dark hair, warm green eyes smiled at him.

"h.e.l.lo QJ." Angel smiled sweetly, letting her eyes wander over him. "You look good enough to eat."

QJ laughed aloud, causing more than a few people to stare. "Going to eat me, Angel?"

Angel nodded, "probably later." She patted his shoulder and continued walking down the hall. She walked to the Tier Two banner.

QJ shrugged at the look Dessi gave him. "Spider Queen from TAP, she has taken over a territory here."

"She's beautiful." Dessi stared at her when she walked away.

"You are beautiful also Dessi." QJ smiled slyly since she made him come to the Ball, he was definitely going to tease her a bit.

Unexpectedly Dessi blushed and dropped her eyes. "Thank you, QJ."

The gold door opened and a moment later a procession of people walked through. The King of Maelstrom was wearing silver robes that s.h.i.+mmered in the light. A brief sound of trumpets followed by the introduction.

An old man in a black suit carried a large parchment in his hands. "His Royal Majesty King Quilyn of Maelstrom!"

There was thunderous applause from within the Ballroom as the King and his retinue proceeded through the doors.

QJ watched as the introductions proceeded. He held out his hand, "Come."

A moment later Cleo appeared, it had been decided that this would be the easiest way to bring her. QJ smiled at her dress. It was quite short and seemed to be made of yellow glitter. She wore gold sandals on her feet that hovered slightly over the ground. A small white scepter with a star on the end finished off the look. "Does that scepter work?"

Cleo shook her head, "no, but when Aji showed me I absolutely loved it!"

"Well, you look very nice Cleo." A flood of warmth washed over QJ's thoughts. Cleo moved behind him since she was part of his escort.

Ten minutes after the introductions started, QJ was next in line.

"Introducing The Sandhealer Faction Leader QJ, escorted by Lady Dessi." QJ walked out with Dessi on his arm, and Cleo following behind. Their applause was moderate, but there were plenty of whispers from curious spectators. He smiled at his luck, Dessi and he took up the last two seats at the King's long table. Cleo moved toward one wall where retinue members stood by.

"I don't mind saying QJ, no one from the Academy has ever sat at the King's table." Dessi was watching everyone at once, occasionally she would point someone out and whisper their ident.i.ty in QJ's ear.

Annabelle and Lilly were seated next to Angel on the far side of the King's table. QJ was more interested in the people coming in. So he didn't take the time to identify everyone.

The introductions took about an hour. Immediately upon finis.h.i.+ng an orchestra started playing, the King stood and walked to the floor with his wife. His entire table stood and walked out with him.

Dessi looked at QJ nervously, "you aren't going to step on my feet right?"

"Probably, but it's your own fault for wearing that dress in front of someone my age." QJ teased her, the usually modest Dessi wore a dress that hugged her full b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

Dessi winked at him, "always figured you for a leg man."

QJ shook his head, "nope."

They both laughed and then started dancing after being cued by the King. Dessi had thought that QJ would immediately sit down after the first dance, but instead, he stayed through the first five dances. They were the last couple from the original group to leave the dance floor.

Dessi leaned against him as they walked back to their seats. "That was very sweet of you QJ."

"When carrying such a lovely rose, it's natural to want to show it off." QJ kept a straight face when he said it.

Dessi smiled and let him seat her. "If you get to fresh, I'll tell Ringo."

"Oh? What if I do this." QJ bent and whispered something in her ear.

Dessi's face turned beet red, quickly she grabbed for her gla.s.s and took a long drink. "I wouldn't dare tell Ringo that."

QJ laughed and grabbed his own gla.s.s. "Sorry, I'll stop teasing you now."

"..." Dessi.

"Going to ask someone to dance." QJ stood up and walked toward the middle of the table, both Annabelle and Princess Lilly glanced up at him. He stopped next to the King. "Forgive me, your Majesty, would you permit me a dance with Queen Iya?"

The King glanced at his wife, who had been pestering him to dance with her again. "Of course good sir! You have my blessing."

QJ escorted the Queen to the dance floor. She was probably his mother's age and was still fairly attractive. However, QJ knew that if rumors were true, the King barely spoke to her anymore. He danced with her for several dances before returning her to the King.

He stopped next to Annabelle's seat on the way back, deliberately she moved her chair back as if to stand up. He put a hand on the back of her chair. To the casual observer, it appeared as if he pulled her seat out.

"Of course I'd like to dance with you QJ." Annabelle smiled sweetly and slid an arm through his.

They danced the first dance in silence before QJ finally spoke. "I was going to ask you to dance Annabelle."

Annabelle leaned against him, her hair tickling his ear. "You should have asked me first."

"Oh? Why is that?" QJ held her close, he could feel at least two weapons. A small dagger and a hide-out gun.

"Did you bring my Magnum Opus?" Annabelle's brown eyes smoldered, "I didn't realize you were a skilled gunsmith.

"Sorry, the Magnum Opus was for my girlfriend."

She pinched his waist, making him jump. "You have a girlfriend?"

QJ nodded, "fraid so. Why are you pinching me?"

"I don't believe you." She fluttered her brown eyes at him.

QJ shrugged, "she's the Keep Commandant. Stop by and introduce yourself sometime."

"Perhaps I will." They danced two dances, talking quietly about Maelstrom politics. Her dark eyes stared at him, "I can count on you right?"

"Haven't I come through in the past?"

A tap on his shoulder caused him to turn around. "Enough of this QJ, it's my turn now." Angel smiled sweetly at Annabelle before shooing her away with a white-gloved hand.

Angel gave off a dangerous aura, even the spymaster was weary of the unknown royal.

"Careful Angel, she's an important person in Maelstrom." QJ shrugged helplessly at Annabelle as she glared at him and then walked away.

"c.r.a.p QJ, when did you start flirting?" Angel squeeze his cheek with her fingers. "It's those d.a.m.n Silverleafs again?"

QJ laughed and continued dancing. "What do you think of Cleo?"

Angel stole a glance at her former soldier. "Strong and getting stronger. Giving her to you was a good choice."

"The Drones are getting stronger also. When you need them, we will be ready." QJ finished the dance and started walking her back to her seat.

"You are my only ally QJ, and my good friend." Angel kissed his cheek when he held her chair for her.

QJ went back to his seat to grab a gla.s.s of wine before heading out again. He danced with Breeze and Ringo before finally grabbing Lotte's hand and pulling her out on the dance floor.

"Finally asking me to dance QJ?" The music slowly significantly and the lights dimmed.

QJ nodded, "the best for last." He glanced up at the starlights. The ballroom had a retractable ceiling, the stars and moon were s.h.i.+ning brightly.

"That makes me sound like dessert." She pulled him close, deliberately causing their tempo to slow.

It was very nice, Lotte's hair smelled like mint and she danced lightly on her feet. "There are a few different replies I could make to that, none of them would be appropriate."

Lotte smiled sweetly, "you are such a handful." Something caught her attention and she stopped dancing. "QJ?"

QJ glanced upward to where she was looking. A ball of fire was approaching in the distance, as it got closer more people started noticing.

It entered the ballroom through the open ceiling. A beautiful bird of fire that glided easily on the air. It had the entire rooms attention, the King's guard quickly moved in front of him to block any attack. The bird hovered for an instant, long flaming wings sending waves of warmth through the room. It bowed it's head to the King and then retreated back through the Star ceiling. In its place was a black basket. The crowded ballroom erupted in chatter.

"Was that a Phoenix?"

"Did you see it fly? So beautiful."

"What did it leave behind?"

A sentence from the King silenced everyone. "Bring it to me."

The nearest guard cautiously approached the basket and picked it up. "It has envelopes in it, your Majesty. A lot of them." The guard walked back to the table and sat the basket in front of the King.

The King stared at the basket and then looked back at his guard. "Read one."

"Yes, Sire." The guard picked up a black envelope that lay on top, and gently opened it, a white chip engraved with a Phoenix, fell onto the table. There was a short sentence. "You have been invited to the Grand Opening of the Casino Phoenix Royale, tomorrow night at 8 pm." The guard looked up at the King before turning the envelope over. "This one is addressed to Princess Liliana Strom."

The King's serious look faded as he leaned back in his chair. "So it' like that." He motioned for his guard to continue. "Deliver them at once."

There were forty invitations. Some of them were royalty, others were merchants and civil leaders. QJ was one of the last people to get one. He glanced at it quickly and opened it up.

"Phoenix Royale? Can you bring a date?" Dessi asked casually while sipping her wine.

"Don't push your luck Dessi, I see you coming a mile away."

"Please share your Guild quests if you get one!"

QJ laughed and shook his head. "Denied!"

A messenger stopped next to the table and placed a note in QJ's hand.

System Message: An important leader has requested a meeting. Do you accept?

"Yes."

Meet the King

Quest Type: Royal Faction

The King of Maelstrom has

requested a personal meeting

with you. He will send someone

to pick you up after the Ball.

QJ whistled softly, "now we are talking."