Dance of the Northern Lights

[Sam]

It was that time of year again! It was time for the annual 'Dance of the Northern Lights!' An event celebrated by the most elite of the Kingdom of Micqueot. A celebration that commemorates the beginning of winter by acknowledging the aurora borealis dancing above in the night sky.

Winter it was indeed, sheets of white snow covering the cobbled streets of Micqueot. It was a marvelous scene painted in a grayscale... as the grey of stone, the black of night, and white of snow mingled together. But that scenery was quickly dissolved by the sudden presence of warm lantern lights as a man in a black coat began to light up the street lamps of the city.

Soon warm red-orange lights began to bloom across the city decorating the grey city in warm hues. Even so, the brightest of lights shined at the center of town at the Château. The lord's manor. Bright white lights shined from within the castle-like structure. Shining like the North Star does in the black winter sky.

Meanwhile...

Through the cobbled streets, a trot of hooves was heard belonging to a set of chestnut horses guided by a driver dressed in white. Once completely within view it became more and more obvious it was a carriage. What wasn't so obvious however was that within it was Charley who was sipping a spot of tea. His two attendants Sonja and Jack were in there with him enjoying some tea with their employer. Of course, Charley was invited to the ball! As the top actor in all of Micoquet, it would make sense to invite him to the noblest and regal of parties in all the land. If anything ever since his scale to stardom Charley had been a common guest and in fact, he was very much appreciated by the party-goers as he was full of all sorts of party tricks.

"Oh how much longer until we arrive? I'm getting rather anxious! I'd really like to show off my new trick."

The prodigious actor spewed as he looked out the window of his carriage. The streets were clean and devoid of people... likely because they were all partying at the manor. At least those of status... the 'peasants' as the nobles referred to them would party just outside the manor at the town square. Sonja, one of his attendants a young woman with brown hair looked at a watch she had on herself.

"With all due respect its barely been four minutes and twenty-five seconds since we got on the carriage. You must understand, patience is rewarding."

She said adjusting her black-rimmed glasses, to which Charley pouted. Waiting was for buffoons! It was boring. But no matter, he'd get his time. Perhaps meanwhile he could get his revenge and kill time! By drinking more tea. Or perhaps by playing a dandy game of chess. But before he could make any suggestion of this wonderous game of chess he had envisioned the carriage stopped. Had they arrived? So soon? Truly! Sonja was correct, patience was indeed rewarding.

The doors of the carriage were opened up by the driver dressed in a white suit wearing a round hat of sorts. Charley motioned to Sonja to get off first. The brunette woman did so... followed by the redheaded Jack and finally Charley himself wearing his most regal and extravagant suit. That was his usual one with a broad collar. The outside of the palace was filled to the brim with people of all walks of life but the palace guard did seem to be making a distinction creating a walk-way for the noble folk to make their entry.

"Right this way sir!"

Charley and his group bowed in gratitude and followed the guardsman dressed in a blue coat with a bicorne hat looking somewhat like a french soldier. The group followed in unison in a single file line lead by Charley himself until he arrived at the Château's wide wooden door. In front of him seemed to be a few of the important guests awaiting their turn to enter the regal building.

"Great... more waiting..."

Steam poured out of Charley's ears at his clear annoyance as his face turned a light shade of pink. Sonja looked at him fixing her glasses a bit which made a glint of white light shine off the lenses brightly.

"Don't worry sir. It'll be our turn soon. Just know you aren't the only anxious one. Why.. my hands are shaking and Jack won't stop sweating."

Charley turned to view them both, taking note of Sonja's shaky hands and Jack's sweaty red face. The actor's eyes opened up wide at the prospect.

"Goodness Jack! Have my handkerchief lad! You'll need it. You don't want to slip on your own sweat now do you lad?"

---

Charley - #c165d8
Sonja - #918f8d
Guardsmen - #fcfcfc

[Vio]

^{Ashelynn #1}

---

Cold was the weather without, the crest of winter’s wave befalling Micqueot as any other solstice, but from within the grandiose innards of the Mayor’s Chateau radiated the welcome warmth of colossal fireplaces. Alight with choice timbers from the finest forestries, the air of the grand ball was rich with the sweetened fragrance of seasoned maplewood burning on such great hearths, sparked by the spice of expensive incense burners. Hung from the centre of the ceiling, a great chandelier cast lights of all colours through arrays of crystals and stained glass, reminiscent of the very event that the people of Micqueot so reverently celebrated.

The eve had already seen the arrival of an astounding number of guests, half-filling the vast chamber, all of whom shared one thing in common — higher positions within the status quo. Many more were yet to arrive, filtering in in small packs dedicated to specific households, hierarchies, and hailings. Each at a time, the herald’s loud voice boomed to announce the entry of such esteemed guests, and not just from Micqueot. Nearby islands and domains had also sent ambassadors of sorts, perhaps through invitation or request, to attend such festivities.

But amongst the guests — amongst the nobility and the entrepreneurs and the celebrities — one woman had found herself securing a seat at the party through more unusual means. Formerly a bearer of noble titulature, she sat at a table along the side wall of the ballroom, watching men and women enter from the main doors through smoky blue eyes as she silently composed machinations of unscrupulous design. A cigarillo between her lips, resting gently upon her fingers, the platinum blonde gently took in the flavourful smoke and let it linger in her mouth as she pondered the possibilities of slipping herself into the good graces of certain attendees.

Dressed more to suit the elegance of the occasion than to demonstrate extremes of professionalism, she sat with one leg over the other, concealed by a dusty rose gown of gathered skirt. With a platinum grey bolero, and hair tied into a loosely braided bun that almost gave off the impression of a ball of wispy smoke, there was no denying that she fit the part. But unlike many a lady who entered, she bejeweled herself not, for she saw no need to beautify herself with such articles as precious metals and gemstones.

“I do wonder,” Davidoff Ashelynn uttered to herself through a mouthful of smoke, before inhaling the whole mass without so much as a light cough. “Just how many of them have their fingers in ignoble pies,” she added, though not to any degree of audibility. Stood beside her table, a young man with short brown hair kept beneath a flat cap and dressed in a suit that was admittedly probably a size too big for him raised a finger and opened his mouth, then swallowed and straightened himself out. The boy, a street youth by the name of Chester, had already learned his place. He needed not to be reminded of it as he stood there silently, somewhat awkwardly, and watched the formalities and the processions ongoing…

---

Davidoff Ashelynn | #c3aead
Chester | #8d1399

[Sam]

Finally, after fifteen minutes or so of waiting it was finally Charley and his group's turn at the door. Two identical men dressed in black suits and cravats with noses sticking to the heavens introduced Charley, Jack, and Sonja in unison. It was a bit unsettling, to say the least, the way the men spoke so eloquently and in unison.

"Welcome all Charlemagne Q. Hatter! The Prodigious Actor and his entourage! Sir Jack and Lady Sonja."

Charley jumped up, pulling out his cane and removing his top hat tossing it into the crowd. He then curled up and rolled down the stairs much the surprise and the collective gasp of the people in the ball. But before he hit the ground he landed on his feet at the bottom of the stairs now with his cane and a new top hat in hand thanks to Sonja who gave it to him. His arms opened wide as if a spotlight was shined directly on him.

"I have arrived! Bahahaha!"

He laughed out loud. Cheers and clapping from some of the ball members were heard. Flashy entrances were only par for the course for the prodigious actor. Sonja and Jack simply walked behind him as a few of the guests approached to greet Charley and his entourage.

"You really outdid yourself this year Charley?"

One guest asked Charley.

"What are you going to do next year?"

Asked another.

"Yea how will you top this?"

A third asked him, Charley for his part simply laughed out loud putting on his hat properly and holding his cane. Of course, he had a flashy plan for the following year and of course, he planned on stepping up his game. But he wondered if he was going to share it or rather keep it to himself. In the end, he couldn't contain the excitement and decided to share. The inquiries sparking his enthusiasm further.

"Why! Of course, I do have a plan for next year! I'll be shot in by cannon like a human bullet! Bahahaha."

Charley laughed out loud. The group guests around his collectively gasped in disbelief. That would most certainly be quite the entrance. Sonja frowned looking over at Charley.

"Sir, we should probably get going and meet the Mayor. After all, he so graciously invited you."

The brunette wearing glasses said. She turned to Jack who was waving at a group of girls in the corner with a dorky smile. Sonja elbowed the redheaded young man to snap him out of it.

"Right, Jack?"

She asked him. Jack jumped up at the unexpected below being brought back to reality.

"Huh? What oh yea! We should do that."

He replied still confused as to what he'd been asked. Charley furrowed his brow and tapped his chin. On one hand, he wanted to further discuss his future entrance... but at the same time, Sonja was right. Greeting the Mayor was the proper and polite thing to do. Letting out a sight he slouched forward dangling his arms and looked at Sonja with the tail of his eye.

"Very well..."

---

Charley - #c165d8
Sonja - #918f8d
Jack - #f3a754

[Vio]

^{Ashelynn #2}

---

“A strange man, that Charlemagne,” Miss Davidoff commented, observing the oddity that was Mister Hatter as he made his rather bizarre entrance. She could not say she had never heard his name. He had made an impact in the North, renowned already for his acting career and prestigious plays. Whether or not he suited the part was neither here nor there, for despite his clowning around, he was somehow equally elegant in his mannerisms. The sign of a good actor was his ability to switch cleanly between roles.

^{“Boy,” Ashelynn said:
“Stop daydreaming.”}

“Uh— Um! Y— Yes, Ma’am,” Chester stammered, shaking his head and straightening up. She had followed his gaze, for the youth had been captivated by the actor’s antics in a way that only an innocent dreamer could be. The boy had likely never seen anything of the sort given his background — she had plucked him from the streets. Arguably, his life was better since that fateful day just a few moons ago, for he looked at least a little more the part of a servant boy and not some scruffy urchin. Old habits die hard, however, and she was very familiar with that.

“Know your place amongst these people,” the Undying Baroness did say, taking in yet another mouthful of smoke and letting it work its way down like some sort of fine wine. “Over there, Lord Coriander and Lady Cilantro are descendants of two long-established families of spice farmers and herb merchants whose matrimony united formally feuding bloodlines,” she explained with a soft gesture to an oddly skinny husband and wife both dressed in leafy formal attire.

“Mister Bösendorfer,” Ashelynn continued, this time with a motion towards a moustachioed man in a white dinner jacket decorated with lines and musical notes, “inherited his father’s business in the wake of a tragic accident revolving around the installation of a grand piano on the third floor of a manor home. Quite a coincidence, considering their family have been building pianos for generations.” The woman smirked a knowing smirk, having her own interpretation of the story. Despite not being there, she suspected foul play, for no nobility nor businessman attained prestige through complete honesty. Alas, that was not her point.

^{“You are not like them,” she said sternly:
“Nor will you ever be, Chester…”}

^{“Wh— What about him, Ma’am?”}

^{“Did I not already tell you,” Ashelynn said, turning her head:
“Not to speak unless I specifically—?”}

“Welcome all, Arthur J. Raffles!” The call echoed as strongly as any other, drawing appropriate attention to a man of moderate stature and trim physique, clad in a pristine black and white pinstripe suit, with lively green eyes and taut blond hair slicked back but showing distinct traces of curls at the sides. Under one arm he politely carried a collapsible opera hat, while his right hand held a small brown paper parcel.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” he called out politely, offering a bow to the audience before making his way down the steps into the ballroom proper. This was a man that Ashelynn knew not of — a new face to the forefront of aristocracy and fame. It seemed the eve would not be so boring after all.

---

Davidoff Ashelynn | #c3aead
Chester | #8d1399
Arthur J. Raffles | #87196b
The Heralds | #eeeeee

[Sam]

Walking through the fanciful crowd something minor had peaked the eccentric actor's attention. A boy and a woman... more specifically the boy's glittering eyes when he'd seen his entrance. That was exactly what Charley was searching for. That look of awe and inspiration when someone sees something new. Sure, his entrance had been welled received and even a few of the ball members had astonished looks in their faces.

But nothing compared to this young lad's look of amusement... it was different from Charley's perspective. It was the face of someone who'd seen something new. Something different and unbeknownst... something so avant-garde that to them that their eyes were filled with utter fascination and stardom. That was the very look the prodigious actor strived to put in peoples faces. It was his passion one could say.

"Would you mind a minor detour, Sonja? I want to speak to this lady here and the little lad as well."

Sonja sighed.

"Sure, whatever but we aren't skipping on saying hello to our host."

Charley smiled like a child who'd just been granted permission to do as he pleased by an adult. He quickly made his way toward Baroness Ashelynn and her servant boy Chester. The eccentric actor did a bow before them his slick hair flipping in front of his face as he did so.

"Good evening M'lady, good evening lad!"

He said before straightening himself out and fixing his hair with his left hand. A broad wide smile plastered on his face as he reached into his coat and pulled out two tickets lined in gold to the local theater.

"M'lady, I couldn't help but notice this young boy's awe at my performance. In fact, for flattering me I'll give you two free tickets to my next show. Oh, my name is Charley by the by."

Charley winks doing some weird finger pistol-like motions with an extremely smug smile. It is clear he prides himself in his work and especially in his quirky persona. Just as he's doing these introductions a new face entered the ball. Some Arthur guy Charley had never heard or met in his life ever. He made an odd face slightly scrunching up his nose before leaning toward Jack and Sonja.

"Lass... Lad... have you ever seen this man?"

He inquired them.

"Never sir."

Jack immediately answered.

"Yea... I've never heard of this guy."

Sonja fixed her glasses, she had a mildly frustrated look on her face. As if the fact she didn't know about this odd new face completely and utterly irked her.

[Vio]

^{Ashelynn #3}

---

“Good evening,” said a voice — a voice rather familiar in its own unique way. A man of a little over six feet in height, with slick lavender hair and vivid yellow eyes. Moustache and beard neatly tended, there was no denying that this was the esteemed actor, Charlemagne. It seemed strange that he would make such a detour, rather than first attending the presence of the ball’s host, but one glance revealed that nothing about this man was normal. However, he was at least a known individual.

Young boy’s awe…? Ah, he must mean Chester, Lady Davidoff assessed as Mister Hatter spoke. Just what she didn’t want to have to deal with; her servant’s interests. Even so, she could not exactly turn down the offer — it would be an extreme violation of the kind of conduct and etiquette expected of their positions. This was a social event, after all, and being unsociable would go hard against the grain.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Charley,” Ashelynn said with a smile, deceptively realistic and earnest despite its falsehood, “and thank you for such a gesture. Ashelynn, Davidoff Ashelynn. I am somewhat familiar with your performances, though I regret to say I have never had a chance to attend one in person,” the woman lied. This was the gold standard to which she had acclimatised herself — feigning understanding and even ignorance where necessary and masking intent or lack thereof. She looked to her own company.

^{“Well,” she said lightly:
“What do you say?”}

“Oh… Uhm, th— thank you, Charley— Sir!” Chester bowed, though apparently a little unnerved by the situation. Not only had he been approached and even offered tickets by the man who had captured his imagination, but the woman under whose thumb he was forever pressed was showing that unnerving dominance without making anyone spectating any the wiser as to their relationship. Somehow, Chester refrained from breaking into a nervous sweat, but attentions were soon more prominently focused on the new arrival.

^{“Arfur J. Rathles?”}

“Arthur J. Raffles,” Miss Davidoff corrected: “I have to admit, the name means nothing to me, either. I would hazard a guess that he is nobility from a different country entirely — perhaps here on a business venture? Though, of course, this is all speculation, and we should not let our lack of knowledge cloud our enjoyment of the evening. Have you spoken to our hosts yet, Charley?” A quick change of subject to keep the mood light and the suspicion absent seemed a good idea, if only so she could get a chance to properly assess the individual.

^{—— SOMEWHERE ON THE ESTATE ——}

^{“Raffles is in,” a slender fellow said:
“Now we just have to wait…”}

“That’s right, Shi Qian,” replied a young man — a boy even — who sat flipping coins, uttering to himself the sides upon which the coin would land, and seemingly getting it right every time. “Once he gives us the signal, we’ll be good to go! All we have to do is wait it out. Shouldn’t be too long.”

^{“Dawkins,” a broad man in a yukata and kasa exclaimed:
“Are you absolutely sure this is a good idea?”}

^{“You wanted to make a splash, right Goemon?”}

“Hmm~! He’s quite right. Now’s as good an opportunity as any, wouldn’t you say?” A sleek figure in a simple suit stood observing the others, top hat and tails something of a contrast to the raggedy look of the coin flipper, Dawkins, and the casual countryman look of Goemon. Only Shi Qian, slender and dressed in subdued colours that covered much of his form quite tightly, really well and truly looked the part.

---

Davidoff Ashelynn | #c3aead
Chester | #8d1399
Charlemagne | #c165d8
Arthur J. Raffles | #87196b
Arsène Lupin | #f0734c
Shi Qian | #eee975
Jack Dawkins | #75ccee
Ishikawa Goemon | #6d8dff
The Heralds | #eeeeee

[Sam]

"You may be correct... it might just be some sort of noble from a distant nation."

The brunette said lifting her glasses slightly. Even though the explanation could be seen as relatively satisfying and even though Ashelynn had been very clear in the fact that it was just speculation. Sonja could not shake off the sense that the whole thing seemed implausible to her... after all, she prided herself in the fact she was always caught up in current events. However, perhaps it wasn't good to dwell on the matter too long and instead try to pry her employer away from here. Charley still had to meet the host after all.

"You're very much welcome lad!"

Charley ruffled Chester's hair messing it up just a tad bit. Before frowning a for a moment. This woman had heard of him but never gone to one of his stage plays. To the eccentric man, the matter seemed less than plausible. How could someone hear about him but never view his acting in person? Preposterous! But no matter such ignorance was forgivable as Charley felt he was a rather forgiving guy. This was all in the guise that he honestly wasn't wisen enough to perceive the Ashen Baroness's manipulative schemes.

"That's ok. Now you'll have a chance to view my show then bahaha. In any case it's a pleasure to be your acquaintance Lady Davidoff."

He bowed politely.

"Oh? The host! Yes, I almost forgot! I was on my way to her before I decided to make this minor detour."

Charley tapped his chin for split-second thinking over his next plan of action.

"In any case, please excuse me as I must be on my way."

With that, he made way toward the host followed by his entourage. Every minute that passed more and more people arrived at the ball. It was quite the event for the nation after all... anyone worth their own would show up that was for sure.

[Vio]

^{Ashelynn #4}

---

As eccentric a man as Charlemagne was, Davidoff Ashelynn could still read him like a book. That brief glimmer of disappointment at her comment was readily noticeable, but he clearly wasn’t the sort to let it get him down — rather an opportunity. Maybe she would humour him and actually attend one of his theatrical displays; actually live the life of prestige she once held and was steadily reclaiming. Surely it would have been a change of pace. Enjoying the whimsy of life was one thing she never seemed to do.

^{“Of course,” Ashelynn replied:
“It was a pleasure.”}

Eyes of smoky blue watched as the man and his entourage departed for the host, though her gaze did not linger too long. A glance at Chester was enough to smack him out of his childish stupor, to which he promptly responded by straightening out his hair as best as he hurriedly could. Even so, eyes did not stop there. Taking in another mouthful of smoke, Lady Davidoff set her eyes upon the mystery that was Arthur J. Raffles as he casually made his way across the hall, offering handshakes and bows as he went.

^{“Uh! M— Ma’am,” Chester stammered:
“C— Could I p— please be… exhumed?”}

“The word is ‘excused’, Chester,” Ashelynn replied, “and yes, you may. Please return promptly. I believe the ceremonies will commence soon,” she said with absolute authority in her voice, to which Chester replied with a frantic nod before scurrying off to do his business. To put it bluntly, the brat was terrible at hiding his needs, but at least he’d been more polite about it — he was learning. All the while, she never let Raffles leave her line of sight, suspect of his silence as he approached the host’s table alongside Charlemagne.

^{“Good evening!” Raffles said with enthusiasm:
“It’s an absolute pleasure to meet in person!”}

Those were the words that the Undying Baroness’ eyes were able to pick out. Any further conversation was hidden by fortune of position, backs turned to her, save that of the host themselves, who stood proudly and offered a broad hand to each approaching gentleman. Various articles — standard gifts of varying extravagance — sat upon the table, including bottles of fine wine, bejewelled trinkets, and an elaborate tapestry embroidered with silver thread that glimmered in the technicolour light of the chandelier.

---

Davidoff Ashelynn | #c3aead
Chester | #8d1399
Charlemagne | #c165d8
Arthur J. Raffles | #87196b
Arsène Lupin | #f0734c
Shi Qian | #eee975
Jack Dawkins | #75ccee
Ishikawa Goemon | #6d8dff
The Heralds | #eeeeee

[Sam]

"Priiiinccccesss!"

Charley drew out as he arrived at the guests' tables. The ruling monarch of Micqueot, Princess Antoinette simply stood at the other side of the table sitting on her throne with her pale blonde hair stylized in curls. She looked up at Charley her lips pursed as was per usual with her... a little detail that had garnered her the moniker 'octopus lips' behind her back. Charley couldn't help but chuckle as he remembered that fact, placing his left hand laced in white gloves over his mouth he smiled almost covering it up.

"Greetings Charlemagne! I loved your last show!!! It was the most avant-garde!"

The woman exclaimed loudly as he noticed Charley, the actor did his due and bowed gracefully. Meanwhile, Sonja covered her face in slight embarrassment... her boss was very brash but his charisma somehow made him simply brute force himself through almost any situation. Jack for his part simply picked his nose from behind something that prompted Sonja to immediately slap his arm... the red-headed man frowned pouting.

"Why are the men around me so incompetent..."

The woman exclaimed rolling shaking her head in disgust. Too busy she was with her problems that she didn't notice Raffles standing near her. The man turned to her and commented on her plight.

"Such is our way... but I assure you if you give us a chance we can prove ourselves. In any case where are my manners... Good evening Miss?

Extending his hand out Arthur asked for Sonja's hand. The woman obliged slightly blushing as Authur kissed her hand... she honestly wasn't used to getting all the attention... he was always Charley who got it. The man was impossible to not notice and for the very reason, he often outshined not just her but also Jack.

"Sonja! Er... um, you must be Arthur J. Raffles right?"

Sonja stammered still surprised by the reaction... how embarrassing... Charley hadn't even noticed since he was so busy talking to the Princess. Raffles for his part seemed rather delighted.

"The one and only! Well-"

Before Raffles could even finish his next sentence Charley turned around to spot the man. His eyes began to glow with enthusiasm at this new figure! Immediately the man went to introduce himself.

"Oh oh oh! Let me guess you're that new Raffles fellow right? It's always good to see a new face."

The actor exclaimed proudly, Raffles maintaining his demeanor nodded extending his hand to shake with the renowned actor.

"That's me! Oh, and you must be Charlemagne! It’s an absolute pleasure to meet in person!”

Truthfully the man seemed quite enthused to meet Charley and his entourage. Sonja let out a sigh of relief as Charley took back control.

"Mr. Hatter, Jack, and I excuse ourselves to go get some refreshments."

Sonja announced as she grabbed Jack by the arm and walked off with him. Charley simply dismissed them with a quick "Yes yes" and motion of his hands. He didn't care where they went... Sonja and Jack were adults they could take care of themselves. Right now his attention was locked on this Raffles fellow. Immediately leaping onto the chance the actor decided to ask the same question he asked others out there.

"Have you been to one of my shows before?"

It was a wise tactic to constantly advertise... if they had been to one then that was a conversation started. If not then it was rather easy to hook someone into going eventually. It was a rather effective scheme all things considered... but Raffles was a wise man. He knew how to play his cards right.

"Well yes I have and I must say my favorite act was the one about the cowboy in the West Blue... what was it called? Mmm 'Ovo's Redemption' I do believe."

Raffles said knowingly as he tapped his chin thinking over the showing. Charley nodded, that was one of his favorite shows too! Simply putting up the act of a sheriff who had lost it all. A man after revenge after his old life as a former bandito came to bite him back. It was a story that pulled at your heartstrings more than once. But its conclusion was extremely satisfying. The two spoke a bit getting deep into the conversation until Raffles looked at his watch promptly.

"Well that was wonderful but I have to go... besides the ceremonies will begin soon and a dear friend wanted to meet me for that, cheers!"

Charley sighed, he enjoyed speaking to Raffles so he was a bit bummed to see him go. However, that would soon pass... Charley was a charismatic guy so he would surely find someone else to speak with soon enough and like Raffles had said the ceremonies were to begin in mere minutes.

***

As soon as Raffles was out he pulled out a baby Den Den Mushi from his coat and called out to the rest of the crew. A sinister smile formed over his lips as he hid in a shady spot away from the crowds. The snail rang for a bit but eventually, there was an answer from the other side.

"Gentlemen? Are we prepared?"

---

Charley - #c165d8
Princess Antoinette - #6573d8
Sonja - #918f8d
Raffles - #9eac83

[Vio]

^{Ashelynn #5}

---

Davidoff Ashelynn sat alone, observing at distance the conversation as it unfolded. Picking out exact words was near enough impossible, but Charlemagne and the far more mysterious Raffles seemed to be having a hearty exchange. Body language told her that much. The two men must have talked for a good few minutes before the latter parted ways, disappearing amidst the crowds of guests who had filled the hall.

Where in the world has that boy gone…? Ashelynn questioned in silence, once more swallowing smoke as if it were some sort of delicacy. Sure enough, despite the passage of time, Chester had not yet returned, leading the woman to give a rather half-hearted glance about the place to try and spy the youth. Don’t tell me he’s managed to get himself lost, she sighed, about to stand up when something bizarre occurred.

Smoke.

Thick, obscuring smoke suddenly erupted from the host’s table, billowing further to completely enshroud a sizable portion of the room, creeping further still with no immediate signs of abating. Like a dense fog, its limits encapsulated whatever it could roll over, prompting men and women to cough and splutter as it enveloped them and concealed them from the eyes of others. Though far enough away to not become caught in the initial surge, the rolling mass soon rushed over Miss Davidoff as well, but where others coughed and choked as plumes stung at eyes and throats, she remained composed.

A smoke bomb? How quaint, the Undying Baroness mocked somewhat, suffering no ill effect. Indeed, it was she who took a deep breath of the choking fumes as she walked along, hearing the panic of the people as they stumbled about in the cloud of confusion. I’ll hazard a guess that this is not the crown’s doing, the woman concluded, finding her way with a hand gently outstretched so as to not accidentally collide with the blinded masses.

^“Aiiii!”

^{“That scream,” she noted:
“The princess…?”}

^{“M’lady? M’lady!”}

“I’m fine… I’m fine,” Antoinette stated between sputters and coughs, establishing to Lady Davidoff that this enigmatic smoke was still lingering thereabouts. This was no trickery on royalty’s part, that much she had become certain of, but it was the next words she heard through the smoke that tipped her off as to the true nature of this stunt: “My jewels… Where have they gone?!”

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synopsis:—}
_{Ashelynn observes Charley and Raffles as they converse, but thick smoke suddenly erupts and consumes everything, allowing thieves to strike!}

---

Davidoff Ashelynn | #c3aead
Chester | #8d1399
Charlemagne | #c165d8
Arthur J. Raffles | #87196b
Arsène Lupin | #f0734c
Shi Qian | #eee975
Jack Dawkins | #75ccee
Ishikawa Goemon | #6d8dff
Princess Antoinette | #6573d8
The Heralds | #eeeeee

[Sam]

"Hehehahahaha, perfect."

Raffles hung up the den den mushi... the plan was in action. In a dark corner of the estate, the man put on a makeshift gas mask as the smoke began to billow out causing a great commotion! Sneakily he put his hands on the blank wall swiping the surface to create a window with panes and all. You see, Raffles was a master thief... one who had eaten the Mado Mado no Mi! A fruit that allowed him to create windows on any surface! On the other side the Princess was visible, rubbing his hands together he broke the glass and grabbed all the jewelry he could with great dexterity his back arched like a cat as his fingers moved about.

"Aiiiii!"

The woman yelped as she felt cold hands quickly remove her prized possessions off of her person. At this point, the room was in commotion as various voices inquired about the Princess's wellbeing.

"That's that!"

He announced quitely as pocketed the jewelry. Swiping with his fist across the window it disappeared... but the glass remained on the floor. With another quick swipe this time using his leg he opened up a window on the ground! Breaking it he dropped the jewelry on the other side for his companions to take only to swipe again causing the window to disappear. Soon that sack of jewels would pass over to his allies on the other side.

"Hehehehahaha!"

Raffles laughed maniacally as he began to move back toward the main scene. This heist was not quite over... now came the hardest part. Framing someone for the crime at hand, surely no one would be allowed out until the 'criminal' at hand was dealt with. Right?

***

Meanwhile...

The prodigious actor watched as Raffles left, he let a sigh as he took a quick look around the ballroom. There were many people around these parts this year, it was a marvelous sight... Charley would be lying if he denied he was a people lover. The setting simply made him relax, his figure now taking on a more calm posture.

"What a won-"

Charley was caught off by the sudden burst of smoke... he was forced to cough a bit as the smoke began to spread his eyes watering slightly. His back arched slightly as he put a hand over his mouth and nose... where did the smoke come from? Oh! The Princess! Charley turned around trying to find the Princess through the smoke but it was difficult to see. Surely this could be some sort of ploy or act? It seemed rather out of character. What followed almost proved Charley's deduction the Princess yelled out!

"Princess! Are you ok?"

He exclaimed trying to get a look at her, as the clouds cleared up he heard some of the servants call out for her. As the smoke began to dissipate the picture became a lot more clear. The Princess was for the most part ok... even she admitted to that fact.

"I'm fine I'm fine!"

However, something was missing. What could it be? It took a solid minute for Charley to notice and by the time it hit him the Princess had already announced it.

"My jewels... where have they gone?"

This was a terrible matter, narrowing his eyes as he scanned the room once more Charley saw it with different eyes. Who could have done such a horrible thing and why? That was the question of the moment.

[Vio]

^{Ashelynn #6}

---

A robbery in the middle of an event like this? How very bold, Davidoff Ashelynn considered, suspicions of culprits flowing through her mind as she continued to advance. Thus far she had avoided physical collision, perhaps through luck of positioning more than awareness, though at least she was occasionally spying silhouettes of people breaking the flow of smoke. As for the miasma itself, its spicy tang was akin to a stale curry — far from appetising and extremely off-putting despite her resistance.

Finally, she broke through dispersing fog, closer to the point of origin. The host’s table, where numerous gifts once lay, had been partially cleaned of its more valuable articles. Bejewelled gifts had been swept away, leaving behind the more cumbersome and perhaps more incriminating objects — those better left behind to avoid being traced. Whoever it was, they knew what they were doing, but it wasn’t just some of the table’s wares that had been pilfered. It seemed even the Princess’ own jewels had been stolen, and that was her priority.

“Charley, Princess,” Lady Davidoff said, sweeping smoky eyes over the two. Charlemagne did not strike her as the type to commit such a crime. He was an eccentric, already having nearly everything he could have desired. Meagre riches were of no consequence to a man such as Hatter. What could he attain through thievery that he could not through his much beloved performances? Nothing, likely.

“Is everything alright?” she feigned obliviousness.

“Princess Antoinette! What in blazes just happened?!” called the familiar voice of Arthur J. Raffles as he, coughing, broke through the diminishing smog. To see him here ruled out any suspicions on Ashelynn’s part — the most ambiguous of men was right here and showing concern and surprise. “I saw the smoke and tried to get over here as soon as I could, but I couldn’t see a thing,” he added, giving a look to the three. Eyes lingered upon the Undying Baroness for a moment longer, perhaps for good reason, for she now stood at full height — an impressive seven and nine that was not often seen within the Blues.

“How can you be smoking at a time like this?” he questioned, noting the cigarillo still within her hand. “How in the Four Blues are you not coughing from this… this smoke?!” Raffles barked, coughing rather heavily once or twice amidst his proclamation. His frustrations were clear and understandable. Perhaps a little too much so, in the woman’s eyes, but hardly could she judge a man whose identity was a mystery to her.

^{“I’d suggest you calm yourself,” Ashelynn replied:
“There’s no use letting hysteria cloud your judgement.”}

^{“But… But you—?”}

“Before anyone starts pointing fingers, I’d suggest we all take into account the facts. I’m sure in a situation such as this, the crown’s guardsmen will have already reacted and blocked off any potential route in and out of the building, am I correct, Princess Antoinette?” she asked, matter-of-factly. Smoke now had abated more readily, short lived as it was, and much of the great hall was visible again as royal staff worked to keep those present calm.

^{“Y— Yes, that is correct, Lady Davidoff!”}

^{“In which case,” the manipulative madam continued:
“Might I suggest a review of the guest’s list…?”}

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synopsis:—}
_{Ashelynn calmly makes her way to the host’s table, with Raffles showing up within just seconds. Where Raffles shows suspicions towards the woman, it is Ashelynn who acts with composure and suggests a course of action.}

---

Davidoff Ashelynn | #c3aead
Chester | #8d1399
Charlemagne | #c165d8
Arthur J. Raffles | #87196b
Arsène Lupin | #f0734c
Shi Qian | #eee975
Jack Dawkins | #75ccee
Ishikawa Goemon | #6d8dff
Princess Antoinette | #6573d8
The Heralds | #eeeeee

[Sam]

It didn't take long before a few people ran over to the scene in amazement. But the first two were the ones that took the 'cake' as they say for Charley. Baroness Davidoff and Mr. Raffles made their way quickly toward the table inquiring how the Princess and Charley were doing. Still coughing a bit Charley stood straight gathering his composure, his eyes were slightly watery from what had just transpired... as a Kettle-human he was quite accustomed to steam. But this was smoke, not steam... a different beast.

"I'm fine... thanks."

Charley says quitely, he narrows his eyes at both the Baroness and Mr. Raffles. They both were acting a tad bit suspicious, firstly it seemed like the smoke wasn't affecting Ashelynn all too much. No, rather it seemed she seemed rather fine... and Raffles was quick to point this out. Although Charley's suspension of the woman was cut short for that very reason. Raffles was making a bit of a scene in situations like this one didn't put up acts unless they had something to hide. On the flip side, Miss Davidoff seemed very calm.

"I must agree with Miss Davidoff on this one. The guards should be taking care of it no time."

Effectively, the guards were on the case blocking any conceivable exit or entrance. Meanwhile, the other royal servants tended to the distressed guests helping calm the scenery.

"Right! Here we are, Princess!"

The twin herald's from the entrance came over with the guest list taking into account what Miss. Davidoff said. They presented the large parchment before the Princess who looked it over quitely.

"Here is what we will do! Everyone get in order! We'll call out attendance. Any odd person out will be held accountable."

Princess Antoinette announced firmly to everyone in the hall. This in turn caused some commotion amongst the crowd of people who murmured about the situation. Meanwhile, Charley scratched his chin wondering where Jack and Sonja had gone... this was no good. They needed to be around him lest they get pinned for what happened. They were guests attached to him and not technically on the list. This prompted Charley to remember Davidoff's boy.

"Miss. Davidoff! Where is your boy! We should find him quickly before the roll call starts. Make sure the lad is ok and that he doesn't get discounted from the list."

[Vio]

^{Ashelynn #7}

---

Eccentric he might be, but he’s sensible, Lady Davidoff assessed as Charley exclaimed his agreement — agreement with a plan that seemed to work well save for one small issue. And said small issue was also quickly raised by Mister Hatter, perhaps catalysed by the absence of his own entourage. The three of them were nowhere to be seen within the hall, which raised alarm bells, though perhaps more so from the eccentric actor than the Undying Baroness. Chester would not have been so clever or resourceful as to manage something like this, let alone brave enough.

“He must have gotten lost,” Ashelynn sighed, already having established this fact beforehand. “I was about to go and search for him before this transpired,” she stated, matter-of-factly, as she casually watched the attendants begin their work in organising the guests. This would take a while, perhaps, especially with the apparent commotion that the princess’ announcement had caused.

^{“Well, in that case,” she exhaled, eyeing Charley:
“We should move swiftly, before the roll call…”}

^{—— SOMEWHERE IN THE HALLWAYS ——}

“Oh, no… Oh, geez,” Chester murmured as he bumbled his way down the corridor, hands balled together in front of his heart and back hunched slightly as he nervously looked left and right. Eyes watched him wherever he trod, unblinking and emotionless in their gaze, rousing further anxieties within the pauper-turned-servant. The absolute fact of the matter was that he was lost within the labyrinthine halls of the estate, somehow, and was currently trying to find his way back to the main hall from the bathroom. To further add to his confusion, he’d ended up on an entirely different floor…

^{—— ELSEWHERE INSIDE ——}

“And there we have it,” Dawkins snickered, eyeing the bag that now sat within the broad hands of Goemon. “That’ll be the crown jewels, stolen straight from Princess Antoinette herself, which means that’s most of Raffles’ part done,” he continued, twiddling a coin between his fingers as his kasa-wearing companion shouldered the sack with one hand. It wasn’t a large haul, but who cared for size? It was the sheer value of such articles that would have them rolling in dough for a good while.

“Raffles’ Devil Fruit certainly comes in handy,” Shi Qian said quietly, prompting his three companions to actively look around for him, Dawkins eventually settling his eyes upon the shape of a man having stuffed himself into the corner of the ceiling, hands and feet flat against available surfaces.

^{“Get down from there, you idiot…!”}

^{“The Mado Mado no Mi,” the suited sir stated:
“To create windows that pass through any surface…”}

“Alright then, now for the juiciest part of the plan,” Dawkins grinned, beginning to walk ahead. “All Raffles has to do is frame somebody for the crime, and he’ll be out scott free, but while the crown’s got everyone under arrest within the banquet hall — and while all the royal guards are stationed at the building’s exits — that means we’ve got all the time we need to find the crown’s most prized possession…!”

^{“So, you were serious about that…?”}

^{“That’s right, Lupin,” the youth beamed slyly:
“We’re taking it… Micqueot’s Diamond Jeroboam!”}

^{—— OUTSIDE THE HALL ——}

How difficult is it for a boy to go to the bathroom, Ashelynn thought, now beyond the doors of the main hall and in the sprawling corridors of the estate proper. Time was of the essence, that much she was aware of, and as she began to walk she simply placed another cigarette between her lips. A flick of the thumb against the distal knuckle of her index ignited a small flame, put to the article’s end, before being extinguished by a small shake of the hand…

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Post Synopsis:—}
_{Ashelynn begins her search for Chester when Charlemagne makes an urgent point, now on a time limit. Chester tries to find his way through the halls of the building, while Dawkins and his band of thieves claim the jewels that Raffles stole and set their sights on the island of Micqueot’s most precious treasure!}

---

Davidoff Ashelynn | #c3aead
Chester | #8d1399
Charlemagne | #c165d8
Arthur J. Raffles | #87196b
Arsène Lupin | #f0734c
Shi Qian | #eee975
Jack Dawkins | #75ccee
Ishikawa Goemon | #6d8dff
Princess Antoinette | #6573d8
The Heralds | #eeeeee