Opportunities Arise (Pre-Ball Topic)

Sitting in the main meeting room of Las Noches, Saraiyu held open a fancy invitation. Real Vellum? Fancy golden gilded writing? It even smelled of decadence. Just the sort of thing to get the Corona's attention. She spent a few minutes just looking at the envelope before opening it. The Sotaicho had a hollow bring this back when it was taken in, somehow knowing that if the hollow had an odd story it would be brought to one of the group.

How she had found it, and who she had sent with this message, was a mystery Saraiyu intended to find out.

Still it was a nice invitation. It could probably be a trap, it could probably be sincere. Saraiyu had called any of the Espada who would answer such an informal summons. It wasn't a required meeting, but it would put them a bit more on her better side.

(Since the layout of Las Noches is kinda.... not decided yet, I'm keeping details vague on anything.

It can never be said that Dagon's followers weren't a loyal lot. If he said to fall on their swords they would have without much hesitation. As a result it might be forgiven that as he traveled to the meeting spot a procession of 5 hollows escorted him there personally. Only 1 had he requested. Ok, requested is probably an inappropriate word. It was more like performing a vulcan mind meld and subjugating his will to Dagon's. Sounds unpleasant but it has its rewards. Maybe.

At the door Dagon waves his hand and dismisses the other 4. It would seem to be rude to have one of his cultists in the room but even more so if he had an entourage. As the door opened the tag along, who shall be known as Stan from now on, bellowed: "Your Eminence your beauty radiates into every corner of the room!"

This display of affection would probably not be the least disingenuous emotion Dagon showed all night but he had learned that a good and warm welcoming was the key to a good evening. Stan then bowed deeply as Dagon looked on unmoving. Stan's eyes move upward showing the signs of his mind having succum bed to Dagon's. He speaks with the authority of the Segunda himself. "The integration between my followers into yours is going smoothly as can be expected."

One of the worrisome elements that many hollows seemed to have was the lunatic fanatics that called themselves the Esoteric Order. They were a strange bunch but treated Dagon almost like a God and if he bowed, so would they. Most of his followers stayed on as assistance in his department proving themselves useful at many tasks. Stan-Dagon speaks again, "It is the betterment of us all if things are handled swiftly so other tasks can be accomplished with more efficiency"

With no one else there, Saraiyu had to bother with one of the newest Espada. He had been a pain to deal with and his powers made him annoying. His people had even tried to infiltrate her core servants and had been slaughtered as a result. She brooked no dissidence among those who answered directly to her, though it did remind her of the days long gone when she had been similar. Many hollows and arrancar looked to anyone more powerful than them as gods, especially if they had unusual powers on top of it. Since coming to the Espada many many years ago though, she had seen so many different types come through here. Either they lived and were made stronger from it or they were killed and it ended here with them. The Siren had been one of the Former and she thought the one standing before her might be one of the latter if he kept annoying her.

Saraiyu's eyes narrowed at the fake compliments and leaned back in her seat with a small jingle of bells in the otherwise quiet room. This was going to be a headache and she rubbed her forehead. "That was painful. If you are going to compliment me, come up with something better Segunda. Fake flattery is second only to fake loyalty on the long list of things I kill for."

She stopped rubbing her forehead and gave the new Espada a long look. "So is trying to put spies among my people. Your followers are annoying, if they continue to bother me I will shred all their minds and bodies. I don't care if it takes a bit longer to merge fully, as long as they understand that I don't really give a fuck about them as long as you are brought to heel here."

From the ceiling of the meeting room vines began to sprout and move down into the room. At the table the vines stopped in front of each seat, including the empty ones. From the ends of the vines, an assortment of fruits and vegetables began to grow. The vines slithered back up to the ceiling leaving their bounty behind.

Behind Sarai a bunch of vines sprouted from the ground winding around each other. The center of the bundle of plants opened and Sofie, the fraccion of Sarai stepped out. Her vines remained as she bowed to the two Espada. In a soft voice Sofie greeted the two.

"It is nice to see you both in good health. Corona, I thought you all might like some refreshments, but I see not everyone has arrived. I hope this pleases you."

Meetiiiiings, one can never get enough meetings as an espada. Once again the leader has called forth her followers which included the odd snake known as Levi. The naga slithered her way into the room and held back on her usual boastful greetings seeing that creepy guy and angry leader was looking angry as usual. "Good evening Everyone." Levi said casually as she took a bow.

At her words The segunda's body almost went rigid and his gaze for the first time fell upon her as his Avatar's also. The jovial expression he once exhibited became hard and stoic as he speaks. "No offense was intended. Only to make others feel more comfortable. Doing so promotes comradery and fellowship or so it's been said and written but if you wish to speak in earnest. I will oblige"

Stan's head drops slightly as his mind is relinquished from Dagon's grip. He looks up at the opposing figures and those who have entered the room and suddenly felt really small and alone. Stan thought he might shrink away but had not given permission. Just as he was considering this a horrible shriek emanated from Dagon's body that sounded unlike anything that had come before it. The few hollows outside the room immediately became stupefied and those that were mercifully enough distance away turned their attention to it. It must have lasted less then 10 seconds but felt to had least gone on for 10 minutes.

As the pitch became lower it became recognizable as a voice or rather, many voices. They spoke in a language unknown until finally they settled on a common tongue.

"I will speak then directly if you desire" The voice emanating from Dagon sounded rough and surly with a twinge of northern dialect.

"Although it may be more merciful to others around us if we follow protocol and not dispense with pleasantries, hollow as they may be" This time the voice that came forth was that of a young southern belle. Each time Dagon spoke a new voice seemed to erupt from him as if the voices were just dying to speak.

"As for my followers, they are merely that. Do with them as you like. Kill them if it pleases you. They are instruments and easily replaced if need be" The voice that came out was a snarky old man and what followed sounded more akin to wheels spinning out of control. This is what passed for laughter to Dagon. Obviously he had not quite mastered that voice talent.

Used to her fraccion's odd entrances, Saraiyu reached forward and took a bite out of a cucumber that the older looking arrancar produced. It was delicious an crisp and bounced back with a bit of juice spraying from it as the bells attached to her mouth chains rattled. She should give the woman a raise. "Its perfect Sofie. I doubt everyone will show up, this was not a required meeting. I just have some interesting news to share."

The second in command, a large naga woman who Saraiyu trusted a lot more than some of the others, slithered in and the Corona gave a nod. "Take a spot, just a few more and I will explain why I asked you all to meet me here. I hate repeating myself."

When Dagon replied though, Saraiyu turned and stared at the odd Espada. It really...mistook what she meant. She stared at it blankly as it spoke before letting out a mean laugh. "I meant the fake flattery, flowery words about my supposed features or that bullshit. I let you join the Espada for a few reasons, but your way with words wasn't one of them. You can keep the puppet for your talking though, it makes much less of a headache than your other attempt to speak."

While she spoke, one hand messed with the chain leading from her nose to her ear and she jingled her own bells lightly. It was a soothing sound, one she liked and knew that it bothered some others. That Dagon was going to be a minor problem if she didn't keep up the pure force towards it. She couldn't let him get away with anything, she felt. She definitely couldn't trust him. She didn't like those who came to the Espada of their own free will like that, they normally had their own agendas.

"Your permission in killing our new recruits much appreciated. I am so glad I don't have to worry about your tender heart getting hurt." A fake smile, a fake tone and a fake approval radiated from the amused Corona. "Still, I would appreciate it if you speak to them a bit more about the important lessons in like, for example don't fucking make me angry Dagon."

With her permission Dagon assumed direct control of Stan's mind again. To Stan this was a Godsend as dealing with these figures was proving too difficult for his mind. "I am glad to hear you say that. Most find my voices... irritating and causes undo stress when not needed. This is far more presentable" The Avatar stated in a stoic fashion before smiling in what seemed like a genuine manner.

"I will do as you command and speak to them. Shall I make an example of this one? It may inspire terror to those who have become complacent." Dagon asks through his Avatar and then laughs in what actually sounds like a genuine laugh. Dagon himself meanwhile had began to look at the newcomers and studying their demeanor. They were a motley crew it seems. At least this would probably be what Dagon thought if he had even the slightest care in the world. They were no threat and he found them quite perplexing. Truthfully he found all humanoids perplexing but that is what makes them interesting too.

Elaine Watson's footsteps slowed to a pause outside of the meeting room.  Great.  More bickering.  Who was upsetting the Corona now?  She shrugged and shook her head to herself before letting her robe sleeves hang a little past her hands, she tugged her hood down and put her sleeves together as she entered the room.  Might as well try and seem some kind of presentable, even if the kitty ears didn't help her intimidation factor.  Not that she cared much.  She didn't really rely on her appearance for confidence.  She had enough of that in her own ability.  

She made her way into the room and stood a healthy distance from Dagon.  She didn't like the smell of that one.  She considered saying something about his arguing with the Corona, but she figured Lord Saraiyu could handle that herself.  She tensed up visibly when he talked about making an example of that guy.. what was his name, Stan.  They weren't exactly the good guys around here, but even for Hueco Mundo, that seemed excessive to her. Still, she trusted the Corona to not let this kind of derpness go on. Or at least she was loyal enough not to argue if she decided to let it.

"Greetings, Corona." She said simply with a slight bow, a little too disturbed by the current scene to be much more talkative then formalities.

The sound of a kind of squawky-honky noise would alert the espada and their pawns to Steinn's not so subtle arrival. In came a Large Nord astride an equally large Ostrich-esque hollow. Steinn surveyed the meeting, and took a swig from his flask (more a jug, really.) The sexy snake-lady, the kitty-girl, the creepy dude, the Corona, and the Corona's handmaid. Not too many here yet.

He rode up to Abelinde first and stepped off his mount. Looking down he gave the usually bubbly snake-woman hug. "Good to see you Bel! How long has it been since I was home? A month or so? I dunno anymore." He let her go and shrugged. Clearly the man had started drinking before coming here, but anyone who knew him would know he's not trashed yet. He sauntered over to the rest of the group, coming upon Elly whom he placed a single hand on her head. "Evening Little-one." He said whilst rubbing the little kitty-eared hood. Walking by the segunda with little-more than a nod, he took a knee to the corona. "Greetings my Queen. And greetings to you as well handmaiden," he added to Sofie.

At Dagon's words, Saraiyu looked from servant to master. The servant was worthless to her and even if she asked, it would never appreciate her pleas to spare it. It didn't matter one way or the other... Sarai put it from her mind and let a small smile through. "Do what you please Segunda. The only order I shall give in regards to this is if you do wish to make a spectacle, don't make a mess in here. We still have a meeting to finish, yes?"

The Corona watched two more Espada fill into the room, Elly the Quatro and Steinn the Quinto. Good, enough had entered now. The rest could be off dithering, it didn't matter. "Welcome to you both. Its good to have so many show up to an informal summons. I have a surprise for you all."

Holding up the quite elegant invitation, Saraiyu waved it a bit so they knew this was what she was about to talk about. "It seems that the Sotaicho is holding a ball and wants us to attend as the, and I quote, 'Guests of Honor'. Us and our second in commands and potentially some servants. Now I know things are tense of sorts between us and those killers, but this is too fucking good to not go to."

Leaning forward with a harsh jingle from her bells, Saraiyu slid the envelope across the table to one of the others, before standing up and pacing. "Go ahead and look. All I can think is its a trap or she seriously thinks peace is an option and is trying to be nice. I don't even know at the moment. Opinions? Thoughts? Reasons why its a bad idea to go? Its good you just assured me you can be presentable, Dagon, or else I'd leave you out even if you wanted to go."

Elly continued to glower at Dagon, but her expression brightened a bit when Steinn walked in. He was imposing sometimes, but he generally livened the place up, and she couldn't help but adjust her hood to hide her face a little less after her rubbed it. She didn't have much time for pleasantries before the Corona made her announcement. A ball? That's what this was all about? The Shinigami wanted to dance with them? Jeez... She opened her mouth to make a quip about the last time she'd gone dancing but decided against it. When Saraiyu asked for their opinions, however, she spoke up.

"I think we should go." She said, pulling her hood down, and moving closer to the table, reaching out to gently pick up the card. "I mean, honestly, I think it being a legitimate dance is the WORST case scenario. If they try to spring a trap on us, we just level the place." She gave a shrug. "I'm more afraid of how silly some of us might look in a dress then any trap they could come up with." She flicked the card back into the middle of the table. It was noticeable that she said a dress and not dress attire.

"You speak wisely and I will happily oblige. Spilling blood causes me no more... pleasure... then what you would benefit from. My service, as always, is at your disposal." The word "pleasure" seemed almost stuck in the avatar's mouth almost as if it had caused him some undo stress. Dagon would have to meditate on this later. The more he spent with these humanoids and the more time he took an avatar to speak to them it was almost as if he was becoming more like them himself. The consequences of which he was uncertain. Only time would tell. Perhaps this is why he felt compelled to come to this place or perhaps maybe it was the security that went with an organization such as this. Maybe it was a sign that he had developed these thoughts at all or perhaps he was just fucking nuts.

No matter what the case when the envelope was slid down he was greeted with what one could almost describe as foreboding, that is if Dagon experienced emotions like normal person would. He let the jibe pass over him unaffected. The Avatar speaks matter of factly, "New Experiences are often frightening but with them comes new opportunity for growth and development. We should go but we should do so with grace. If they invite us then we should show up en mass as a sign of good faith."

Stan smiles slyly. The implication here being that a strong show of power may intimidate their hosts into submission... or at the very least make them rethink whatever they were planning. If they were planning something then they would at the very least be in a position of great power to strike at their heart if they hoped to cut of our head.

Levi returned the hug with great enthusiasm, the large espada was easily her favorite. Mainly due to booze, but forged friendship through alcohol are always the best. Levi perked up once the corona began speaking, the invitation seem like a very fun time. Pluuuus she was reaching the sweet point on her inebriation. "Shinigamis are always fun, they're squishy, they're emotional, and it's a dance. I can't see any downsides."

"I'll have you know I look absolutely SMASHING in a dress little-one." Steinn said with a hearty laugh. He looked at the invitation. "I'm bringing the good doctor and my two girls, if I can't, I'll just party on the boat." He looked over to Cornelius. He was calmly standing around preening himself. "But yeah, I'll go. Gotta make sure you girls and...whatever the hell he is stay out of trouble." He thumbed over to Dagon.

Sofie gave a bow to Stein as he greeted her. Sofie liked Stein. She wasn't fearful around him like she was some of the espada. Sofie took a quick glance at Dagon. He was a wicked man, and Sofie wanted nothing to do with him or his pawns.

Sofie had no idea what this meeting was about. Her majesty hadn't informed her beforehand. Although Sofie had no real reason to be at this meeting, other than the protection of her queen. There were those among the espada who liked nothing more than to cause pain and despair, and killing the Corona's most trusted fraccion might very well cause that. Sofie hated fighting, which is why she only left the safety of the Corona's palace when the Corona did. If Saraiyu wasn't there it was no more than a large building waiting to be invaded. Sofie once again took a glimpse at Dagon.

The Corona waved around a large ornate, almost ostentatious invitation. So the shinigami had invited them to a ball, in Soul Society..

"You Majesty, if I may say something. Don't you find it odd that they invite us to Soul Society where we are at a disadvantage? Wouldn't it be less likely to be a trap if this ball were to be held where we were on equal footing? I've heard rumors about these shinigami, and their Soutaicho, and to be frank...I don't trust them."

"No this is not odd behavior at all. Where did you expect them to hold it? Hueco Mundo? The Human World? All of these locations put them at a disadvantage and goes contrary to their nature as much as ours to accept such an invitation. It all depends on the end goal. If we desire a fostering of relationships a small group making an appearance will suffice but leave us at a disadvantage. If we were to mobilize a large force we can protect ourselves as well as exude confidence in our ability. If we don't show up at all we appear weak or uncertain which may ultimately make us seem more vulnerable. There is only one option. We must make an appearance. The only question is to what extent." The avatar says with absolute certainty.

"As long as its just those three, I can't see a problem Steinn. I think it would be wonderful to see Cornelius all dressed up." Saraiyu smiled a bit at the ostrich styled hollow. That would be amusing to see, she couldn't help but want that.

"I'd say bring three at most, preferably your strongest or the ones most likely to listen. If you wish to go Sofia, I'll bring three of the full thralls. Elly? Meet me later so I can help you get dressed. I think this sort of event is outside your range of clothing knowledge."

The Corona looked around at the almost ragtag group and wanted to sigh. These really were the best of the best, no matter how kooky they seemed, though she worried about presentation. Dagon had a few points, and they would all need to be at their best, clothing and actions wise. Sarai decided she would go for her courtesan act and dress the part. She hadn't pulled that out in a while...

"Sofia, we can escape at any time through our gargantas, I expect. However, we should expect some counter to that and have some sort of escape plan otherwise. The Sotaicho is wily, but also somewhat honorable. I've heard she has family. Its possible she'll try to spring a trap, but if she does we take her family hostage. Or we could just make a bloodbath to get back on more even ground. We have enough options I expect that it could be fun even if it goes downhill. Levi, prepare the army just in case we need a bit of a distraction." Saraiyu then waved to the door. "Everyone is dismissed. Dagon, while we are there, don't start things. For now we are playing nice."

"When have I been known to start anything?" The Avatar said with a shrug. As the pair left the room he abandoned the avatar in favor of a new one-- a younger looking woman with red hair. The new Avatar turned to the others. "I will need some time to prepare. I'll trust you can break the ice without me"

Elly watched the bickering. She sighed. If only some of these people opened their mouths like this to her in private, she'd give them an earful and then some. But she trusted the Corona to handle this. And as usual, she did. She was visibly surprised when she mentioned Elly needing help with her clothing. What? That wasn't true! She knew perfectly well for how to dress for this occasion. She'd... well.. she had some sundresses... and she was pretty sure she knew how to put on appropriate make up. It wasn't SUPER different from normal, right?

She had been standing for several moments with her mouth open, as if about to protest before shutting it and visibly sinking an inch or so. "Yes, Corona." She said, a little frazzled. With the meeting adjourned, she decided to give Saraiyu some space and head off to meet her once she was finished.