Jim Kirk (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
smartass_captain) wrote2025-03-22 04:13 pm
smartass_captain) wrote2025-03-22 04:13 pm
Entry tags:
Veilguarding - an open post for DAV AU shenanigans
It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. Masterpost for Dragon Age Veilguard AU overflow + psls
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[Which makes the woman the safer bet. Though Jim's not above giving the man an obvious up and down sweep with his eyes as though he's very pleased by what he sees before shifting to his date and pulling up a charming smile that's a little more full of intent than the wide eyed demure date he's been plaything all evening.]
Now, I'm not sure this has been a waste, dearest. There's so much.... [Another not-so-sneaky glance at the pair.] ...to admire about the evening. Ah, the Venue, I mean. You never take me out to socialize anymore.
[The barest of put upon pouts in his tone. Not that he would Dare complain to his patron, of course.]
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[ so jim's likely right on the money there. better not to risk causing too much fuss too early. as he slips more into the act they've both been playing, she steps into the other side, giving the couple a disdainfully appraising look, like she can't agree with her companion's assertion. ]
Which is why I brought you out tonight, [ she points out with the air of someone who is annoyed at having to share a prize. ] Thought you could use the enrichment.
[ her eyes follow his to the pair he has "chosen" and her chin rises slightly. the woman's head tilts almost imperceptibly, as she looks them over. curiosity perhaps. the man's eyes narrow. jealousy? hmmm... ]
Come now. Don't give me that look. Let's make a game of it. You find me someone worth your time and I'll bring you out more often.
Handsome companion you have there, [ the woman's voice rings out. not loudly, but pointedly, enough for jim and neve to hear over the crowd but not enough to draw extra attention. ]
Isn't he just? [ neve's possessive smile flicks to their two targets as the pair rise and meander over. ]
Pity, really. If he were altus... [ the woman gives jim another appraising look. neve, still playing the part despite the way her hair stands on end, shifts to hold jim's arm a little tighter. possessive but also comforting for them both. ]
If any of us were altus enough, would we be at this soiree? [ neve gestures around at the gathering. it certainly has the look of high society, but given the relic she and jim are here to find, and what she suspects it's here for, well... ]
Oh, we're all here for the same thing, [ the woman purrs, her eyes back on jim. ] Connections. So, tell me. How can I help your socializing today?
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He almost opens his mouth at the woman's invitation, but a dig into his sleeve makes him turn to look to Never for permission first. It's only when she gives a dismissive nod of her head that he whips his head back around, positively beaming for any kind of enrichment. He can't know what's going on here, but really isn't that for the best?
His kind are to be seen and little more unless making their pretty voices ring out is part of the entertainment. ]
My lady. My lord.
[Jim sweeps a practiced bow with all the grace of a once-lordling.]
I do hope there's to be some worthy entertainment here this evening. My most gracious patron hasn't let slip a single thing about the details of tonight. She's been having too much fun teasing me while I try to guess.
[He gives them both the biggest eyed pleading look he can muster. Don't you just pity the simple fool?]
I've always wanted to attend a real altus gathering though, and my lady has been so very gracious to allow me in as ah. As an honored attendant of course. I am here by her pleasure and generosity. There's so many things here I haven't ever had the chance to try before.
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Well, if it makes you feel any better, [ the lady says, her eyes glancing towards one of the side doors, ] they haven't told any of us much about what to expect tonight.
[ her companion slips an arm around her waist. possessively? no. to guide her away. likely so she'll stop flirting with jim and possibly to stop her from saying more. ] They have told us enough, my dear. It's a celebration, after all. Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise.
The surprise, dear is just what kind of relic is being presented. We all know that it must be something important or we wouldn't be here. A godly gift, perhaps?
[ the soft purr on the word "gift" at least brings a smile to the lord's face. something to note there. the lord might have a similar "gift" presented from her or he might have presented one to another himself. ]
Very much so. Now, come along. We wouldn't want to take up all of the lady's time.
[ the hand on her waist tightens and the pair heads off, but not before the lady gives jim another approving look-over. ] If you ever get tired of your plaything, I'd be happy to take him off your hands.
I won't, [ neve responds immediately. ] But it's cute that you think you have a chance.
[ the lady huffs, but says nothing in response. neve notes the pair as two to keep an eye and ear on later, turning to find another lead —
— and suddenly catching the eye of one of the elven servants across the room. a slave, more likely, someone with good reason to want to disrupt things or escape. the slave boy watches her for a moment before ducking through a doorway with the air of someone who wants one person to notice but not the whole party.
neve doesn't immediately respond, her eyes flitting around the room for a few moments longer to keep up appearances. she turns to face jim, leaning in against his ear with her hands high on his chest, on the pretense of adjusting his clothes — she has to be the model of a patron, after all. this is easy enough to pass off as gossiping about the pair they just parted from.
even though this time it's not. ]
We're headed across the room. Look casual. Elven slave caught my eye intentionally and disappeared. I want to know why.
[ and if they can free a slave during all this or maybe after? that will be a win, too. ]
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Was a time long, Long ago he would have avoided people like this. Killed them with kindness and a well placed rumor if he had to engage at all. Playing a part he's long since left behind is difficult enough Without having to do it in a den full of Venatori.]
Why do I feel like I just narrowly avoided being Eaten?
[Jim grumbles around grit teeth. His smile turns even more into a forced grimace for half a moment but then he's breathing deep and settling his expression once more.]
Rather talk to the slaves any day of the week. Lead on.
[A conversation and maybe breaking some slaves out of this shithole? It'd be a silver lining in this supremely shit day and plan.
[It's a solid plan even, Jim just hates everything about it.]
This way. Make it look like we're watching and judging those on the ballroom floor while we stroll past.
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at his encouragement, she begins gently guiding him around the dance floor, taking it slow and easy to make it look like they're simply discussing the last few people they've run into here. ]
Down a side hallway's a little more dangerous, given the host likely doesn't want anyone leaving this room or the immediate area. We'll have to be careful. Might need a distraction a few times.
[ meaning they might need to act like teenagers dipping into a side room to makeout if they're "caught".
the dance floor has begun to pick up by now and the majority of the attendees are looking elsewhere than their small, dimly lit corner. the door is just within reach. they just need the right moment. ]
Ready?
[ ready to go through and ready for a trap. there's no telling if the slave wants to help or if they're being threatened or coerced. anything could happen on the other side of this door. ]