All That Glitters Gold...

[tigs]

Positively irritated now, Siyaebi sighed deeply towards the gentleman at her elbow. "Not that I'm complaining, but glinting very inhuman teeth is not a way to be secretive about one's race." Ignoring the headache which was quickly forming between her eyes, she allowed him to lead her past the doormen, who seemed to be in mild conversation. Hopefully that egocentric and foolish young Director would not get them noticed. Si didn't like to have her hunting routines... imperfected. A flaw was not something she was fond of.

She ignored the closeness of the two in front of her, though minorly her mind hoped they'd go and start a Cast of their own with this newfound romance. She was not looking forward to spending any matter of time in a cast with such amateurs. Surely, Jiaro dear would listen to her observations and perhaps choose more... qualified members. "Oh Jiaro, what would you do without me?" She questioned to the air with a significant smirk. Jiaro's favoured femme, she was allowed slight ego, but only where her social position was concerned. Everything else was treated on very level-headed grounds. She was not invincible.

"You don't seem like the dancing type. Would you rather cut the folly play and just get to business, my dear sir?" She stood near the entrance and off to the side, observing the room with it's naive bubbling atmosphere. San had done a good job retrieving the necklace, but she had to wonder, what those two would do without their slave rat? She didn't even know if they could hunt valuables for themselves! Oh the thought brought laughter to the rosy hues of her lips and she surveyed Ja'mediahs for his answer.

[Vyn]

In a far corner of the room, a handsome gentleman spoke cordially with a cocky-looking aristocrat. The two appeared to be finalizing a debate of some sort, which ended in a short shake of hands and the passage of coin bags between those hands. With that the first gentleman tilted his gray eyes away from the Englishman he'd been speaking to and drifted into the crowd.

Handsomely bronzed hands caught a lovely girl dressed in a silken grown, the male leaning in to whisper something into her ear. His whispered words and a nod of his head sent her gliding through the building toward the man he'd been speaking to previously. A low smirk appeared upon his handsome features, growing instead of fading as a familiar name was spoken to the air by an equally familiar voice.

Slowly the handsome male tilted toward the newly entered figures, running his sharp eyes over each of them in turn. Three he knew...One he didn't...and two who had just managed to strike a rather dissatisfied chord in the handsome gentleman's eyes. With all the grace of the feline he truly was, the masquerading male made his way toward the two off to the side of the entrance. A canine in anthro form, hiding quite nicely in flashy mortal garb...and his lovely Egyptian doll.

With a swift motion that defied his previously languid movements, Jiaro slid up behind Siyaebi and ran teasing nails up the Marionette's delightful form.

"I'm not at all sure..." His voice was as silken as ever, smoothly English though he allowed that foreign hint of African to slide back into his voice. Usually it was kept away from his English accent, preferring not to have to explain away strange origins to ignorant mortals, but Siyaebi was special, sharing his heritage in a sense. "Why, my lovely one...do you have plans of leaving with this gentleman?"

His gray eyes slid now to the canine on her opposite arm before he straightened, lips gracing Siyaebi's ear before his attention was placed fully upon the anthro-formed Director. Jiaro took a step back, offering the other male a mockingly polite bow before tipping his top hat slightly and causing his long black locks to fall off to one side, held in place as they always were by the ruby-studded golden band.

A tempting trinket indeed, but quite off limits. Jiaro had killed once for this toy of his, and he'd do so again if given the chance.

Despite the golden hair band and his crimson gloves, Jiaro was dressed in nothing more than a handsome black dress suit. Not exactly the most flashy of outfits, but it suited his purposes for the night well enough.

[tigs]

A melodic chord of laughter escaped impishly smirking lips of the marionette as a purely.... sextastic (for lack of better word) sound met her ears. There could only be one tantalizing body pressed behind her, and she knew whom it belonged to. Oh, she knew quite well. "Fancy meeting you here. Spoils the surprise, perhaps, either way, it is not important. I've only just arrived, my leaving arrangements are... to be determined." Her head had turned so she spoke the words almost against his neck. Confusing to those who did not know them, as it was both intimate, and explainable on a less sexual level, as the music was rather loud. It was however one would take it as, to them anyway, Siyaebi knew just what it was to her.

Her hand, which had been placed lightly on his thigh as she'd leaned into him, shuddered and grew tight a moment when his lips grazed her ear. Such an enticing beast, he should know better than to play games in public. Siyaebi really had no shame sometimes, and she liked mischief more than you'd expect. But she'd behave this night, if not solely for their company... Speaking of which, it seemed Jiaro had taken more particular notice of him.

"I'm sure he'll introduce himself, a rather interesting character I've recently come across. Aribas'Tama was... seeking him out and I happened to have been following her and the Cannibal out of curiosity. They didn't live up to your expectations." The last words were said with a particularily noticeable glint in her eye, made solely for Jiaro to comprehend. She dissapproved, and was curious as to what that meant to him. Did he truly value her experienced opinion? Or was he to treat her like a mindless doll? She'd known him enough that games were beyond them now, but minor tests were just... informative.

Her eyes travelled to the two curiously, would they come and greet their master? Or would they continue their parade without care? Love was such a pathetically dangerous thing, and Siyaebi had all the supportive reasons to think so. Just ask her.

[silverdust]

It seemed the god had decided to make his appearance, but what should he expect dallying with members of his cast? With a tight-lipped smile, he copied the Puppet Master's bow, deeper but not by much. He knew his place but he'd be damned if he was going to resort to groveling. The nature of his sins was not an easy thing to overcome.

"Ja'mediahs," he intoned, his voice holding the same tight politeness. "Director without a cast. It is an honor, Jiarokumo."

Though his eyes danced to the ornament, he knew much better than to covet it. A veritable god was no one to strike the wrong cord with. These political games were growing tiresome, but the acting had to be done to make sure he might live through the night. He eyed the pair on the dance floor with mild disdain. Their displays were certainly not of his taste, actually this whole evening had been mildly disappointing. He was often less direct with his hunts, preferring the subtle approach of attacking the patrons one on one. So much less complicated and wasteful. But here he was thrown into the masquerade's center, and still staggering slightly for his bearing. This new type of hunt would take a whole different approach, but his mind was already formulating. However with these new variables in the mix, this night seemed totally out of control. And being a Director, he did not appreciate the feeling.

He glanced at the marionette and her master. Theirs was an intimacy he felt was best left alone, he had no interest in it. It did not make him uncomfortable, he was far too used to the games played among his kind, but rather it did not involve him in depth as of now, and he was not the kind to go seeking recognition. Perhaps the cast would depart, and he would be left alone to further the hunt, his own way.

[Vyn]

Jiaro purred at his pet's closeness, but he would have to wait...for now at least. There was company to deal with, and this silent Director was quite appealing company...though not at all in the same way beauties such a Siyaebi appealed to him. Nonetheless, he was forced to momentarily pull back in greeting before snaring the Marionette into his embrace once more with a manner that was possessively teasing.

"A pleasure Director, Ja'mediahs." The male grinned handsomely. "I'm sure my name proceeds me, but manners are manners. I am Jiarokumo, Puppet Master of the Cast of the Original Sin."

A low, seductive purr slid off his lips, an exceptionally strange sound considering his current form. Nonetheless his cold gaze momentarily flashed to the dancing 'couple'. A quirk flickered in his dark orbs for a moment before returning to the Director.

"My pet," The term was used with sadistic endearment, purposefully contradictory in his affections to her. "mentioned that my Director has been causing you trouble?" His tone altered with the continuation of his speech, adopting a cold sort of displeasure in the stead of the playful teasing he'd displayed toward Siyaebi seconds earlier. "If she has than that is quite...distasteful."

Though Jiaro would not admit such things, he valued the opinion of his lovely Egyptian doll. After all, a doll she might be, but she had the keen wit of any Egyptian queen. Alas, he didn't need Siyaebi's opinion on Aribas'Tama and Unikaeja to make one for himself. His attention abruptly returned to the grumpy Sin and a low smirk spread over his muzzle.

"Well I'm sure she was here to judge your worthiness for something...and saying as you are a castless Director, than I'll only assume she believes you must be worthy of my Cast."

Jiaro's devilish smirk deepened, his eyes flashing for a moment. He was in a playful mood, more so than usual, and so he decided a game was in order. By the end of the night, Jiaro would either be leaving with a new Director, or none at all.

[tigs]

Siyaebi positively glared at her lord, but the twist of her lips was pure enjoyment. His teasing embrace was just entirely what she'd needed, and at the same time it was torture. He knew this well, that devious seducing Puppet Master. All through the introductions she remained silent, merely smiling and acting much like a porcelain doll. It was the act she played with Jiaro in public. A mindless slave, with looks to impress, and a rarity to gain envy. How many other Puppet Masters could say their choice Marionette was an Egyptian Patchwork?

"I'm sure you didn't appreciate her interrogating you so, and I've already apologised for my intrusion." She commented, watching the Director curiously. It seemed they were further interrupting his hunting, but she could tell Jiaro was in the mood for some fun, and that meant he'd best get used to being held up.

Pleased that her dear Jiaro had indeed valued her opinion, she rested in silence again with a superior smirk towards the others. Good, she'd not have such oblivious fools ruining the name of her mighty lord. This Director they had with them was just so much more... intriguing! Anti-social perhaps, but really, both Jiaro and her liked their moments of solitude. And to be truthful, Jiaro was the only one whose company she sought out. All others were of little to no importance, she was by no means a social butterfly, and her tactics of seduction had their use... she needed no others to play with.

Siyaebi chuckled and shook her head, his games could be so amusing sometimes. Though it was not meant to be at the Director's expense, she was sure, he wasn't fond of humiliating or embarassing his possible future members from what she'd seen. "Worthy, I'd say yes, but willing? Well, he seems reluctant to join any social organization, but one of such power sure seems a tempting idea. I couldn't help but investigate this further, my lord." She spoke to both in part, wondering if Jiaro would let him in, could Ja'mediahs possibly turn him down?

[silverdust]

There, the mention of the Cast. Further embroiled into this web. So much had come of this night, he wondered if the spirits were making fun with him again. The steps would have to be tread lightly, or he could just abandon this whole facade and act as his nature directed him. Neither was a very wise choice. But he couldn't refuse the games of a god and his Nefertiri.

He gave another nod, tipping his hat slightly. The flash of fur and markings would deign him a gentleman of eccentric taste in this masquerade. His voice held its customary dryness as he spoke. "I am certainly flattered by such a recommendation yet..."

He once again surveyed the two dancers, spinning as music box figures in the menagerie. His eyes glinted in distaste, something he was sure they would pick up on even though his words carried a tone of the opposite. "I have heard that female directors are a rare and sought after kind, for they are reputed to be better than males in their management. While it is true that you're charge arrogantly sought me out-"

Slip. While Jiarokumo himself had shown his ire towards the two, he shouldn't insult them in their master's eyes, what if he still favored them? But then again, what the hell, if he was in an unlikely audition for this cast he might as well show them what they might expect. He couldn't keep up these elegant words for long. He continued, his tone a bit colder, harsher. "She is young still, her stupidity and arrogance can still be attributed to that. Given the rarity of her type, wouldn't she be of more value than I?"

He couldn't say he believed in the words he was saying, Aribas'tama had in no way shown him that she was anything other than a child and worthy of the lofty description of a female Director. His words were blunt, yes, but the pretty words winding paths about each other didn't suit him. He glanced at Siyaebi, daring nothing more in her lord's presence. She seemed content to play the treasured poppet, and so he would concede as well to her switch into a more submissive role. He nodded at her assessment of Aribas'tama's incursion, following the thread further. "She brought it upon herself to attempt to judge me worthy of my title, though she her opinion was neither aked for nor cared for. Her and her lover interrupted my hunt, preferring to leap into these human charades. I went along to salvage what I could from this debacle, and the night might not turn out such a waste if things go accordingly."

It had been obvious to him that the Murder and the Cannibal were lovers. After all, what self-respecting Cannibal would allow himself to be dragged along as a lovesick puppy if he weren't smitten? At least that in some respect showed Aribas'tama's skill to control. However, he wondered in a vague sadistic glee, did that mean she was going to have to sleep with the whole cast to gain their respect? He wondered how Jiarokumo would handle her if it were the case.

((Sorry if this took awhile, I was eating dinner ^^;)

[Vyn]

Jiaro kept the steel grey orbs of his shifted form pressed tightly against Je'mediahs, but the slight curve to his lips wasn't at all cruel. Seems his day had been going pleasantly enough and no heads would be rolling from this endeavor: definitely a good thing for his companions. He knew he was making the Director uncomfortable, but there was no other way to get what he wanted.

Jiaro smiled as Je'mediahs' true colors began to shine through. He was a Sin and more sinful than most, he was not always this light-stepping Canine that he was in a great Lord's presence. However, both sides appealed easily to him. He knew how to keep his place, and his mind was cold and quick. Yes. He was forming up to Jiaro's opinion of a proper director quite nicely.

"I claimed her for those exact reasons: rare in type and rank, lovely. Another beautiful female for my collection." Jiaro sighed, obviously disappointed that this method had wrought such undesirable results. After all, pretty little females, no matter how intelligent, should know their place before their Lord.

"As we can tell, they have failed...just as your plans for a hunt were quite nearly ruined by the fool hardy kit and her Puppet." Jiaor's sharp gaze slid toward the two dancing figures, eyes narrowing into slits. He was not at all pleased to see her so...involved...in another. A female in his Cast should adore Jiaro, and Jiaro alone. Siyaebi was a perfect example of how a female should be: a doll in public, intelligent when spoken to, and a tigress in bed.

For a moment it was his lovely Doll which had recaptured his attention. Enticing a nod from the Annihilation before he placed a teasing kiss upon her ear. "True enough, my pet. Worthy in all aspects...but quite unwilling."

"Nonetheless, as you are attempting to do. I must salvage what mess my current Director has made for me as best I can. After all, what sort of image does this give me? To know that my Director rushes about causing trouble among the cast? They'll think I have no control." He shook his head, growling low beneath his breath. "What I really need is a Director like yourself: cold, cunning and possessing enough reason to keep your place around your superiors. Whether or not your respect is honest is of no consequence to me: even a convincing liar is better than a foolhardy kitten." Jiaro waved a hand slightly, dispelling his thoughts from Aribas'tama and Unikaeja, he was more concerned with getting the answer he wanted. "So, Je'mediahs, what will it be? And, no tip-toeing around this one. I want an honest opinion."

[silverdust]

Bluntness, he could possibly respect that. Jaku's petty games had annoyed him, and it seemed Jiarokumo kept his games for his marionettes, which was fine with him. He had no time for senseless dilly-dallying anyways, it was not how a cast should run.

"It would be idiotic to refuse such an invitation," he replied shortly, daring to glance the god in his eyes to show his acceptance. "If you would have me become your director, then I shall. However, there are...ties I must attend to."

He looked once at the dancefloor and the sparkling jewels and metals, for once not important in the light of this new development. But they did remind him of what needed to be done. He looked over at the royal pair, the monocle reflecting the sudden coldness of his eyes, gone of the gentlemanly spark they might've held before. "I have amassed a large collection of gold and other valuables, which must be transplanted to my new location. I am afraid I cannot leave my previous theatre without my collection. Surely you might understand, Jiarokumo?"

He wouldn't leave his gold for anything, that was his contract for joining a cast. After all, he was much more attached to his treasures than the company of others, so it seemed no loss to him either way. He wondered vaguely how Aribas'tama might respond to this, if only she would stop spinning about the floor she might be notified. What a silly young fool in his eyes, she was almost comparable to Quin'Seriibi.

[crystal]

Aribas'tama finally noticed Jiaro and left Unikeaj imediatly. She walked quickly over to them not hearing their conversation just looking at the most handsom male she ever seen. She grabbed a rose and stuck it in her mouth and went over to a table next to jiaro. "Why hello there handsom. I belive this is the second time I have seen you while in your cast." She looked into his eyes and laid a hand on his arm lightly. She glanced over at Unikeaj and thought evily to herself. He looked so confused and frustrated. She liked him inside but not more than Jiaro. Even though she knew him very little his smexy features stole her attention away.

Power was what she wanted and Jiaro was the most power Aribas'tama had seen. She felt so high and mighty after she had told Ja'mediahs that she was in Jiarokumo's cast, he had been a little less cocky towards her and had a tint of respect. Aribas'tama no longer wanted to rule the world. but she wanted just to be respected. She now thought that her games were done and over with. She would start to pay attention to things now and learn from things. She was a director, she was supposed to be intelligent, cunning.

[tigs]

Siyaebi waited patiently, allowing Jiaro to do his business as he would. Her tongue was better saved for ways of persuasion, business she left to the sophisticated mind of the one who held her so possessively in his arms. When it seemed Aribas'Tama had finally taken notice of Jiaro, Siyaebi laughed aloud at her words and antics, still held in his arms.

"Sorry doll, it seems you're being replaced. Oh, and..." She took the femme's hand and removed it from Jiaro's arm which was still held lightly at Siyaebi's waist. "You'll wait your turn when trying to get his attention. He's plenty occupied at the moment." Her smirk was devilish, positively mirroring that of an Eqyptian queen as she looked down her nose at the Director who had fallen from Jiaro's approval.

"You left your pet." She said shortly, tilting her head towards the dance floor where Aribas'Tama had left Unikaej stranded and confused. So silly of her. One had to be careful when attempting to move up in society. To make enemies was not wise, and jealousy was a powerful factor. Speaking of that... Siyaebi lightly stroked Jiaro's broad chest and leaned back, whispering words for only him to hear.

"Tell me if I am being too bold, my lord. I'm simply enjoying myself. If there's anything you need me to do... or want me to do..." She paused at that to give a silky chuckle which hinted at things best kept behind closed doors. "Just say the word." She finished, and then leaned forward again, awaiting the final touches to what she hoped would be the addition of the wonderfully bitter Ja'mediahs.

[Vyn]

Jiarokumo watched Ja'mediahs as he spoke, grinning with approval as the Director accepted his invitation. Perfect. This town was proving worthy of his attentions, quite worthy indeed. As the Director continued with his requests, Jiaro nodded respectfully, another pleased grin curling onto his lips.

So this canine was a collector as well? Yes, a Sin type could be expected of such a thing. Besides, Jiaro was something of a collector himself. This thought brought a devilish grin to his pale face, his attention falling to the lovely doll within his grasp, before quickly sliding back into the business mindset he'd taken previously.

"Of course, Ja'mediahs, I would not expect you to leave your treasures behind. In fact, there is a rather large room within my cast which I believe will suit your needs perfectly." He paused, momentarily thoughtful before continuing. "Will you be needing assistance to move your collection or will you attend to it yourself?"

And then Aribas'tama finally arrived, and what a spectacle she made of herself. A rose in her maw and everything. Jiaro's lips quirked upward in a smirk, a laugh just barely suppressed as Siyaebi removed the feline's hand from his arm.

Not once had he released his doll, and he had no plans to do so either. Even with his attention fully focused upon Ja'mediahs he knew that humans were staring in envy, male and female alike, and there was nothing Jiaro liked more than being the center of attention. So he kept his doll firmly where she belonged, his witty little kitten, and focused his cold eyes upon Aribas'tama.

Even though there was little need to echo what Siyaebi had already announced, Jiaro formalized it nonetheless. "Your actions today have displeased me greatly. I expect the Director in my cast to be not only cunning and intelligent, but in possession of common sense. I will not risk my reputation on your whims. However, your interrogation of Ja'mediahs has proved useful: he is indeed a worthy Director, and he has now become your replacement."

Jiaro's voice was as smooth as always, though it was colder than ice and stated the finality of their conversation with simple ease. He was not a creature for pity, in fact he was quite sure that he had given her a very simple punishment. Mere replacement, it wasn't much in comparison to some punishments he'd dealt. After all, she'd leave with her life.

Finished with Aribas'tama, Jiaro's attention returned to his Egyptian Queen, his perfect Marionette. "Not at all, my pet." His grin twisted viciously, dangerous and attractive in the same breath. "You'd know if you were crossing any lines in front of me."

Siyaebi was an exceptionally lucky creature, for few gained such affectionate attentions from the Annihilation Puppet Master. However, even with the affections he doted upon her, few would agree that it was very safe to be in such a position as Siyaebi was now: held possessively in a fickle demons arms. Luckily for Siyaebi, Jiaro was in a highly pleasant mood and there was very little chance that he would be turning on anyone anytime soon, especially his finely crafted, Egyptian doll.

[crystal]

Aribas'tama had nothing to say to eigther the female which she despised no take that back, which she now hated, nor to the ex-puppet master. She glared at the director of jiaro's cast. "I hope your happy with your place in your cast." She looked at him angrily and walked stealthily into the crowd of humans. From that day on Aribas'tama had changed totaly.

[tigs]

Smiling without holding back, the look was almost frightening. The enjoyment she gained from watching the small femme's anger was quite a sizable amount. She leaned back in the arms of her wondrous lord, and bit her lip gently as a sharp pain lanced her side. "It seems I've been getting overconfident with my... condition." She'd known for quite some time what Jiaro had created within her. She'd not told him with words yet, but she knew he'd figure it out eventually. Perhaps she'd tell him more privately. The dress did wonders to conceal her, and her human form was very slimmed down, as if the cubs had found tighter areas to fit into.

"I'm glad that went well." She said calmly, as soon as that pesky, sad excuse for a director had left. She turned to their new director and did a barely noticeable bow with her upper body. "It's a pleasure to have you. I hope you Are happy with your place in the Cast." She mimicked, smirking with delight. Somehow, triumphing over another female was just a thrill for her. Jiaro had brought out her more devilish side, and it was easy to notice.

"I'd hate to be rude, but I request to leave your presence. You both surely want to get further aquainted, and I'm feeling a little... under the weather." Smiling enigmatically, she gave Jiaro's arms a firm, 'I'll explain later' squeeze, waiting to see if he'd give her permission to leave. By no means was she bold enough to walk out without her Master's consent. They were in the middle of an important development after all.

[Seeing as I didn't know until now, I'm going to post a little with her pregnant with the idea that this is at a different time than my other post with her daughter XD I just would hate to miss out on roleplaying pregnant Siyaebi]

[Vyn]

Jiarokumo watched the irate Director with an amused grin, his eyes dancing with sadistic pleasure. After all, what Annihilation type didn't take express pleasure from the misery of others. However, his attention was soon stolen away from his Egyptian Doll, his sharp eyes falling upon her face as she lightly bit down upon her lip.

What reason did she have to feel pain? And what did she mean by 'condition'? For a moment Jiaro's perplexity spilled into his eyes but it was quickly wiped away. Instead he focused his attention more on her request to leave, and the reassuring squeeze she'd offered.

"You may take your leave, my little pet, and we will talk later." There was emphasis on will, and he grinned coldly before releasing her. There was an obvious amount of curiousity in his gaze, but he quickly returned to his business-like mindset, his attention sliding to Ja'mediahs as he released his pet to do as she wished.