["Your invitation has been confirmed. Welcome to the Sapphire Room."
Among the high hanging steel bars and panels of metal various lights softly flash in and out of the darkened room, violets, teals and purples. The setting eventually fades into a subtle gold, and with each step inside Shousetsu's senses heightened further and further. Soft sounds of mingling and glasses clinking against table tops fall into the wayside as she scans the area for signs of anything that must take priority.
Of course, the one thing that takes priority now... is finding a suitable partner.
She had been allowed in after dropping a calculated lie: My partner is waiting side, I'm sure they're expecting me now. But chances are the auction would be under heavy surveillance, and one person left to own devices would surely become suspicious as the night went on.
But who on earth could she trust... the sounds and sights were disorienting enough that it was difficult for her to think clearly. After adjusting her suit belt for the last time Shousetsu steels herself and seamlessly weaves between meandering couples and patrons alike.
It's only when she slowly approaches the main stage does her hair rise on end- instincts crackling across her skin like so much electricity. She turns her head, brow furrowing—
—and feels air knocked out of her chest.
Ri-
Rider?
The short-cropped ink drop of hair, pale skin and darkened eyes— the presence across from her could not be mistaken for anything or anyone else. As if on cue she feels a swell of energy from Rider's direction, enough to easily drown out the distant tune of a piano and throng of voices all around. Her lips part to utter the Servant's name—
—until a stocky man with cropped hair steps in front of her.
"Sapphire Room Security. I've been asked to inquire where your partner is."
Shousetsu's bright eyes flicker hesitantly— to Rider, then the man, then Rider again. Her lips move but produce no sound. The man's gaze narrows just a fraction.
IV. 💁♀️
Among the high hanging steel bars and panels of metal various lights softly flash in and out of the darkened room, violets, teals and purples. The setting eventually fades into a subtle gold, and with each step inside Shousetsu's senses heightened further and further. Soft sounds of mingling and glasses clinking against table tops fall into the wayside as she scans the area for signs of anything that must take priority.
Of course, the one thing that takes priority now... is finding a suitable partner.
She had been allowed in after dropping a calculated lie: My partner is waiting side, I'm sure they're expecting me now. But chances are the auction would be under heavy surveillance, and one person left to own devices would surely become suspicious as the night went on.
But who on earth could she trust... the sounds and sights were disorienting enough that it was difficult for her to think clearly. After adjusting her suit belt for the last time Shousetsu steels herself and seamlessly weaves between meandering couples and patrons alike.
It's only when she slowly approaches the main stage does her hair rise on end- instincts crackling across her skin like so much electricity. She turns her head, brow furrowing—
—and feels air knocked out of her chest.
Ri-
Rider?
The short-cropped ink drop of hair, pale skin and darkened eyes— the presence across from her could not be mistaken for anything or anyone else. As if on cue she feels a swell of energy from Rider's direction, enough to easily drown out the distant tune of a piano and throng of voices all around. Her lips part to utter the Servant's name—
—until a stocky man with cropped hair steps in front of her.
"Sapphire Room Security. I've been asked to inquire where your partner is."
Shousetsu's bright eyes flicker hesitantly— to Rider, then the man, then Rider again. Her lips move but produce no sound. The man's gaze narrows just a fraction.
She's here. How is this— how can she be—]