Administrator
officially a swaggy gryffindor
rats in the freezer
Posts: 130
Preferred Name: Kenny
Character Profile: Character Hub
Character Name: Kendra Saunders
Status: Active
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Post by Kendra on Dec 21, 2015 0:00:27 GMT -5
"Practicality. I can't really ensure that I'm adequately protected or able to move fully in draping fabric." Her eyes moved over towards him and scanned over his outfit. A slight scoff left her once she looked away. Most of her funds went to the maintenance of her equipment. Upgrades for security systems. Bullets. She rarely actually spent much money at all, so her bank account just sat there gathering more funds as time went on. Perhaps she could splurge and buy a few new coats or boots, but there wasn't much reason to go too far when her clothing had the possibility of being torn to shreds in a spray of bullets.
"But what's a party without a few drinks and a fight or two? Really, no sense of excitement." She had no intention of actually drinking for the night. Not when she was on the clock. Though the thought of getting to slam his head into a table did give her a slight thrill. "As I'll ever be." Kendra shrugged and looked out the window as well, waiting for the car to come to a stop before she opened the door herself. No reason to wait for the driver to do something so simple for her. Though Samuel on the other hand… His driver certainly moved quickly to open the door for him.
"Do you have any idea how long we'll be staying?" She said while walking over to his side, her eyes scanning over an attendants list and schedule. Nothing really leapt out at her for the names, so that was a good sign. And seeing as he didn't much look like himself, it make things easier. |
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Civilians
typical noodle conversations
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Post by Samuel on Dec 21, 2015 0:02:17 GMT -5
Kendra's response earned a quizzical look. "It's not as if draping or flowing fabric are the only means to dress up with, Kendra. Have you actually been inside any stores or is your image of fashion based off what you've heard in novels?" She could scoff at him all she liked, but it wasn't his job to protect himself. Besides, if he really needed to, the cape and much of the finery could be easily cast off for an easier to move in outfit. He had a knife and a gun tucked away on him as well, after all. But really, there were ways to stay practical for fighting and still look good. Pity she'd never realized that.
"An easy one. Excitement is best left for parties where the company is more select." He didn't much mean in terms of class, more so in terms of people who weren't likely to attempt shooting him or whose interests he was well aware of. Samuel did like a good entertaining evening, but when he was on his free time he preferred more intimate affairs than anything particularly populated.
Samuel stepped out of the car as the driver opened the door for him, eyes scanning the crowds moving towards the main events. While there usually wasn't anything odd that happened at the public events like this, it was still annoying to be around so many unknowns. It was harder to read people when you couldn't see their faces. Well,at least it was only for a temporary period of time. Perhaps he'd get lucky and find someone here that was enjoyable to talk to, since his present company was about as entertaining as a rotten fish at the moment. "I wouldn't imagine more than a few hours at most. I don't need too much time to get the information I need." He started moving forwards towards the mansion, not making any sort of gesture towards Kendra. She knew well enough what her job was.
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Administrator
officially a swaggy gryffindor
rats in the freezer
Posts: 130
Preferred Name: Kenny
Character Profile: Character Hub
Character Name: Kendra Saunders
Status: Active
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Post by Kendra on Dec 21, 2015 0:09:08 GMT -5
"There are these fantastic novels that involve people running through forests and scaling mountains to get a piece of jewelry to the end. I thought that was how everyone dressed for occasions. Was I wrong?" Though, she had to admit flowing fabric could be used quite well for self defense. She'd have to practice later to see how well she could utilize it in hand-to-hand combat. Her vanity wasn't so bad she felt the need to wear lavish things. He wore enough for the both of them.
"So had you not needed to gather information, you wouldn't be attending. I understand. The commoners are beneath your high brow desires of our fair city." Kendra typically avoided crowds, but they were also some of the most interesting places to people watch. The parties she went to with Samuel were all well and good, but they were stale. Superficial. Lacking the raw atmosphere that candid gathering did. She supposed he liked to hand pick who he took home that night. With so many people in Novus, he had no reason for a repeat customer.
Really, she didn't quite understand if he was forcing himself to attend. Even if he said he needed customers, he could have found them elsewhere without much trouble. As for why she was even there… Well, less protection and more to keep dogs off his back. Much as she resisted their deal years ago, she was helping spread narcotics around the city. Not exactly the most noble cause for a member of the Secret Police, but it kept at least one large and unstoppable business under some control.
"And here I thought you enjoyed spending all night out." Kendra shrugged and moved alongside him, keeping in step even with her much shorter stride. While he looked for potential customers, she would have been on the lookout for anything suspicious. A boring night for her, really. Had she gotten to relax, it might have been a better evening. "Make sure to smile, Samuel. People love a friendly face." |
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Civilians
typical noodle conversations
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Post by Samuel on Dec 21, 2015 0:11:41 GMT -5
"Your sarcasm does little to hide your ignorance, but keep trying. If you don't care about how you look that's all well and good but don't lie and say it's because there isn't adequate enough fashion out there for your needs." Surprising as it may be to her, she was not the only person in this city who valued practicality. And ah, how harsh to be judged for a single night. Were his outfits not usually far more dressed down than this? Just because he valued how he looked didn't mean he had to be flashy. Forgive him for not thinking that owning ten versions of the same t shirt was enough to make up a wardrobe.
He sighed slightly at her biting comment. Annoying, but he supposed better than her baseless fawning over him. "I don't recall ever saying anything about class, Kendra. I'm simply not fond of crowded areas." And she seemed to be somewhat confused. Kendra hadn't attended any of the affairs that he considered to be actually interesting. Surprising as this might be for her to learn, he didn't circle nightclubs like some predatory bird looking for prey. There were a few clubs and acquaintances that he preferred visiting, and some people who's company he genuinely enjoyed. But he supposed with her lack of close companions, she would prefer a larger area like this where you didn't need to actually know or interact with anyone in order to attend.
"I do, Kendra. But not with you." There were some aspects of Persephone's Reign he enjoyed. But as he'd said, they were more private affairs. He was still deciding which to go to later tonight after he'd rid himself of her delightful company. He shrugged slightly as they kept moving towards the mansion. "I'm fully aware. But I'm not looking so much for individuals right now. Merely trying to see which areas have more Upper Class or Lower Class people visiting. I'll have people set up shop tomorrow accordingly." Certainly he might talk to some people in the mansion to see what information he could gain, but you could learn a fair amount just by watching. Those from the Lower Class and Slums usually had a much larger sense of urgency when it came to partaking in the events as opposed to those from Middle or Upper, who were used to these kinds of luxuries. But ah...she'd said people love a friendly face, no? It was something of an afterthought, but he couldn't help but find it amusing how well that applied to her. Maybe if she followed her own advice she might find someone who actually enjoyed her company.
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Administrator
officially a swaggy gryffindor
rats in the freezer
Posts: 130
Preferred Name: Kenny
Character Profile: Character Hub
Character Name: Kendra Saunders
Status: Active
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Post by Kendra on Dec 21, 2015 0:18:39 GMT -5
Kendra laughed, short and airy. "I never said I didn't value how I looked. Is it really so horrid that when I think of others dressing up it involves flowing gowns and soft fabric? If anything it shows your own poor ability to gauge others." She shrugged. They were going to an event with an overabundance of just those things. Everyone had a varying opinion of what could be considered 'dressing up'. "Excuse my ignorance, but what would you consider dressed up then, hm? Since you're so superior with your fashion knowledge."
And here she had been wanting a better reaction. Though expecting those things from Samuel had long since left her mind. He was quite good at keeping his cool - much to her annoyance. He acted cool much too often. Though, a bird of prey seemed accurate for someone like him. Waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. She doubted those 'fun' affairs for him would be very entertaining in her mind. Though she didn't have much thoughts on what they would be like. Samuel's personal life was his own for a reason.
"Well, at least that makes two of us." After they parted, she'd more than likely wander around some of the shopping areas. With so many people, she was bound to meet a few interesting parties. Maybe not in the same sense as Samuel, but that didn't really matter. Even if they were in the same class, they lead very opposite lives. "I'm sure you'll do just fine. Try and at least seem like you're enjoying yourself while wandering around. Covering you will only work for so long." Even if she could cover for his actions all night, it didn't mean she wanted to. Ha, maybe if she felt up to it she'd go dancing after their little adventure. Really though, she put on quite a friendly face for others. Hadn't he asked her to not lie? |
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Civilians
typical noodle conversations
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Post by Samuel on Dec 21, 2015 0:20:45 GMT -5
"You're the one who said you only occasionally enjoy nice outfits. So does that not mean you normally don't wear anything you consider to be nice? I'm simply saying there are ways to dress above average without forfeiting practicality." And well, she was correct that 'dressed up' was a relative term. But there was still a general standard for what a 'nice' outfit looked like. Samuel turned to face her at her question, giving her a quick glance up and down for a moment. "Hard to say, since it does differ from person to person. So let's set you as the standard. Honestly, you didn't do horribly tonight. But in terms of your regular outfit...you could do better. The jacket looks nice enough from behind, but from the front it gives you almost no silhouette. And with the combination of the sweater and your high collar it seems almost like you're trying to choke yourself with your own clothing. Either the top or the bottom half should be cleaner, but then it would be fine to leave the other as is I suppose. Your hair is pulled back far too severely generally as well, although the braids are a decent enough attempt at giving it some character and some more creative uses of it could improve the look. Generally, you would look 'nice' if your outfit didn't showcase your desires to not interact with anyone so openly." As he'd said, it was rather stuffy. All designed to keep herself wrapped up and others away from herself.
Well, he'd answered her question. So with that said he turned and continued making his way through the crowd. Yes, he wasn't entirely sure why she wanted him to lose his 'cool'. She'd seen it the other day and based on her reaction she hadn't particularly enjoyed it. And well, he doubted she'd ever know whether they were fun or not. She was the type to never try anything out of cowardice and then look down on those who did it as a means of coping. That or if she did go she would be so focused on how she was above that sort of thing. Much better for the both of them that she didn't come. If she ever wanted to actually try adapting to those sort of social situations she could do it on her own time.
Now he was fairly certain that was a lie. Kendra didn't seem the type to spend all night out except on very rare occasions. Like when she was getting drop dead drunk and breaking into the houses of others. "Kendra, all you have to cover is my safety. You're the last person I need protecting my social reputation." It wasn't overly suspicious for people to have more serious faces when going to these events. It was all about taking on a 'persona', wasn't it? There were plenty of people who liked to seem serious and intimidating. But ah, they were finally getting to the mansion. He did offer a polite smile to the attendant as the door was opened for them, swiftly moving through the crowds milling by the door towards the edges of the room. Easier to observe the crowds from here. But they wouldn't spend too much time in the main room. While it did give good statistics, he couldn't set up as either a doctor or a dealer in there, so it was more important to figure out who frequented the areas nearby where he would be working.
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Administrator
officially a swaggy gryffindor
rats in the freezer
Posts: 130
Preferred Name: Kenny
Character Profile: Character Hub
Character Name: Kendra Saunders
Status: Active
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Post by Kendra on Dec 21, 2015 0:24:46 GMT -5
"If I didn't like my usual clothing I wouldn't wear them." That should have been simple enough to understand. A brow raised when he turned to look at her, only turning her head to look at him. Though once he started going off on her usual outfit, her jaw dropped slightly. Her eyes narrowed in confusion the longer he went on, confused why he suddenly felt the need to analyze her clothing. She could understand the comment about her collar and turtleneck, though that was for multiple reasons. For one, the shirt covered the connection points for her arm, as well as any sort of reinforcements she might have added. A hand went to her hair once he complained about how tightly she pulled it back. How else was she supposed to keep it out of the way aside from cutting it all off? And not interact… All she did was like clothing that covered her, was that so horrid?
"That's not…" Her brow furrowed, processing what he said and just how rude it had been? Like, holy shit. "Hey -- Wait!" She called after him as he moved through the crowd, quickly catching up with him. She had always found her outfit very simple and practical. And she didn't do it to keep away from people. "You say all that but your clothing has barely any form most days." Not the best reply, but it was all she could think for that moment. Having someone rip apart her clothing wasn't something she was used to. And she could totally go out to his type of social situations. It was just that she never had the opportunity. Not that she would ask him to take her, hell no.
She did spend nights out, though the visit to him had been special. Wasn't he lucky. "I'm sure I could do a fine job. After all, I'm a master at being social." She could put on a nice face for the event and entertain people as needed. It wasn't so difficult to do, it was just draining to have a facade going all the time. At least they had arrived. Kendra smiled towards the attendant, quickly moving after Samuel and leaning against the wall once they had found a spot to let him gather information. Her eyes trailed away from him towards the crowds further in and the couples spinning about. |
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Civilians
typical noodle conversations
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Post by Samuel on Dec 21, 2015 0:26:39 GMT -5
"If you say so." But there was something of a difference with liking or being okay with the clothes you were in and actually feeling like you looked good in them, wasn't there? And he didn't know why she was so shocked, really. She'd asked a question and he'd answered it. Though really there was some reason for concern if she only knew those two wars to keep her hair back. Samuel glanced back with slight disdain as she called for him to wait. A poor request from a bodyguard, wasn't it? He only looked at her for a moment after her response before turning his gaze forwards again, speaking as he walked. "You may not have have noticed, Kendra, but you and I have very different figures. While I may prefer looser garments, I show either enough skin or incorporate enough tighter parts into the outfits as well to make myself visually interesting and seem both approachable but still formidable. I also take into account my tattoos, which help me to achieve a sharper look over all to contrast my clothes." And she'd found it more than attractive enough before, hadn't she? And it was for the best that she didn't ask. After all, it would come at a price.
Yes, how very nice to be considered special to a selfish little brat. He glanced back at her for another moment. "No. I think not." Wouldn't want her ruining it. He took careful note of those dancing around in the main room, as well as those scurrying towards the food table. There was a fairly even mix of upbringings here, but he would have to guess that the larger portion was Lower Class at the moment. Upper Class usually filtered in more towards the later days and hours of the festival. But that was all he needed from the main room. He made his way around the edge of the room until he reached the staircase, beginning to ascend it towards the upper levels. Fewer people would be up here, but as he'd said that would most likely work out better for him. The balcony at the top of the stairs made for a good lookout point as well. Easier to pick out customers for others to approach and bring to whoever he had working the stands here.
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Administrator
officially a swaggy gryffindor
rats in the freezer
Posts: 130
Preferred Name: Kenny
Character Profile: Character Hub
Character Name: Kendra Saunders
Status: Active
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Post by Kendra on Dec 21, 2015 0:28:27 GMT -5
Asking him to wait had just been an automatic response. And she didn't miss the expression on his face. Her own fell into a scowl, though she shifted back into a neutral face. And there he went on about clothing again. Honestly, she thought his clothes would just get in the way with how loose they were. It didn't show off what he had under the clothing very well, which felt like a waste. Though he was right about the tattoos. Sort of. "The tattoos feel a bit over the top sometimes." She shrugged. Though she hadn't see all of them fully, she had enough of an idea he was covered in them. "Especially with the eyes. It gives a sense of trying too hard to intimidate."
When was the last time Kendra actually felt like taking part in festivities? The longer she looked towards the dancers, the more she wished to join them. To socialize among the different types of people, enjoy the food, and actually have a partner to dance with for once. Her eyes stayed fixated while she followed after Samuel upstairs, though she made certain to not run into anyone while moving. He hadn't been kidding about avoiding the crowds. Though just as before, Kendra set herself up on the balcony to look down towards the dancers below.
"Not going to dance?" She asked without looking away from the crowds, head resting on the palm of her hand. |
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Civilians
typical noodle conversations
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Post by Samuel on Dec 21, 2015 0:33:36 GMT -5
Regardless of whether she asked him to wait or not, she shouldn't have fallen behind in the first place. And the lovely thing about much of his clothing was that it had layers. So while it was easy to move in to start with, if there was too much fabric in the way he could generally shed them for something more form fitting. He shrugged in response to her comment. "Which is why I don't flaunt most of them. And while they can be used for intimidation, they're mostly for a personal aesthetic. I'm sure you've noticed I prefer darker colors."
Didn't she look wistful up here? "Perhaps later, if I find a decent enough partner. But most likely in one of the smaller rooms. There are too many people down there for anything intimate." He let his gaze stay cast downward for a just a moment longer before moving onwards, pushing open the door to one of the rooms on the second floor. It opened into what appeared to be a parlor, more tables of food set up along the edges. A few people milled about, more passing in and out of a door on the other side of the room. This might do, then. Easy enough to send someone here who could casually strike up conversation with those passing through and offer them some of his product.
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