The sun rest heavy upon Oak Town, a canvas composed of reds, yellows, and purples masquerading as one another filling up the background sky all around, the orange hue of the massive star the center stage. Dusk upon the agenda of tonight’s event, the fleeting window wherein the day ceases and the evening affairs begin, for the masses it was the end. Yet for those whom had already arrived and those that were to come still, the affairs of the day had only just begun.

Their arrival was scattered, no uniformity to their movements, to the arrival of one another. Each designated to their own pace, their own sense of urgency, and by extension too; their sense of loyalty, the perceived value that they not only held for the events of the evening, but also that towards their host. Unsurprisingly, held amongst all of them was the belief of how their own reception would be received, of what about it stood to be remembered, save for of course the horrid reality if they had simply forsaken such an engagement.

But the thought of such a thing would not have crossed their minds, nor be something that any would have entertained. There was simply nothing gained, no benefit to the idea of such a damnable action. Cordiality had been an instrumental game throughout all of this, not only to and by them, but by their hostess as well. Each move had been meticulously planned and carried out in such a way that all of this; this engagement of theirs would be looked at not as a matter of circumstance and fortune, but as an inevitability that was always foreseen. Simply a flower that had been kept in a controlled climate most ensuring its freedom.

With every dignitary, Senator, businessman, and person of influence that stepped through the massive marble entranceway of the Majura Gallery, the massive and prestigious art museum that had been long hailed as the premier location of Oak Town, the lone shining gem of the city that managed to utterly look past that of the corruption and grime that for years had plagued the city, each one of them had committed, not only in body, but also in mind and will, to the same goal.

For the glory of the one whom had been the mastermind of this endeavor. The one that they had all gathered together on this evening to celebrate. To celebrate tonight, to celebrate moving forward. For the glory of Oak Town. For the glory of their own devices and well-being.

Their presence was nothing to be surprised by. Once upon a time there may have been surprise, perhaps even utter disbelief to the presentation. Their titles, their lineages, prospects, it was not hard to believe that those who knew of them to think that the pair were living a life beneath them.

A sentiment not mutually shared.

Both of them had been busy over the course of the passing weeks. Tedious work, certainly. Slave work, some would even consider it to be. But it was beyond fulfilling to the pair of them, to have been of service to the benefactor of the evening, their beloved mistress, Senator Astrid Venier. It was tireless, their services differing greatly between the two, but both having become integral parts to all of Astrid’s operations.

In Sia, it was the acute mind of the political savant, the one that could see multiple steps ahead, the ‘to the minute’ processing speed and deduction capabilities that had made her such an envious recruit upon her initial introduction to the Fiore Senate; the very same attributes combined with the woman’s inherent beauty making her an alluring prospect for the young Senator, an investment that up to this point had paid off in absolute dividends. And this event was the culmination of trusting that talent to flourish, nearly every person whom had arrived and were slated to having been carefully considered, vetted, and invited by her.

Noir, her contribution was a curious one, albeit all equally valuable to Astrid. The allure of a Sevenese Goddess, the description by itself was enough to illicit some sense of intrigue, provoke thoughts of provocative fantasy and exotic flair, much less when the actual reality settled in, for those who had become enamored found out truly of her Divine existence. It was as much scandalous as it was bewildering, to think that someone of Astrid’s caliber, however impressive her sweeping resolution of Oak Town’s political infrastructure had been, had the capability of subjugating an actual Divine being. In that was where Noir’s presence possessed an aura unique to anything that could have been derived otherwise, a feeling of power and omnipotent capabilities within the hands of the Senator.

But on this evening, their achievements and efforts were not at the forefront, nor the emphasized point to their being here. Rather, it was a much more pleasant affair for them. They were guests. Distinguished guests, among the few whom had been granted the most distinguished honor by the Senator Astrid Venier herself, along with several few others who also were held in such esteem.

Like Astrid, this was as much their moment, seeing the inevitable next stage of Astrid’s efforts being realized tonight. Their excitement for what was to come was evident, even whilst trying to maintain composure it was impossible not to recognize the uplifted feeling within the air.

Both found themselves similarly occupied by the happenings of the event, the standard “Hi’s” and “Hello’s” being a necessary evil for the duo, Sia in particular who found herself more often being the one to endure and deflect the brunt of the conversations; guests whom wished to extend their appreciation for the invitation, whom wished to pass along a message of congratulations to Lady Astrid or otherwise arrange a meeting, or – worst even – those whom simply wished for Sia to introduce them to Noir. All were met with enough of a dismissal to both convey appreciation while also ushering them elsewhere, Sia unable to hide her face being just a bit flushed and embarrassed at the requests made on behalf of Noir however.

“Your face, I have to ask, have their comments left you jealous of me?” Noir couldn’t help but remark at her companion’s face, a sinister smile disappearing behind the raised glass of champagne being raised to her lips.

Sia turned her head, a poorly portrayed look of being offended present, “Ugh, no! No, no… Why, why I be offended at that?” An incoherent remark stammered beneath her breath, loud enough only to know that she spoke something, but not what. The look on her face made it fairly obvious, however.

“Aw, you needn’t need to feel that way my beautiful dear,” a hand stretched outwards as it wrapped around Sia’s shoulder, a gentle grip and pull turning the young political aide to face the Goddess, two sets of eyes trained upon each other despite the height difference. “After all, all of this,” her hand with the glass danced within the air, aimlessly pointing towards the Gallery around them, “Does not happen without your phenomenal work. Make no mistake, I’m sure our Mistress will greatly see to your just appreciation.”

The other woman broke eye contact, her face red blushing a deep red as she averted her focus to the floor, the words of Noir managing to sufficiently sink into her imagination. It was true; Astrid had often spoke of how well Sia had filled in her role, such remarks of appreciation only seeming to have occurred more often, especially in the wake of this event’s coordination. Though a reward was never brought up, nor were there ever reason for it to, Sia did want to think that there may have been something awaiting her when all was said and done. Some sort of token of appreciation.

“Well, I’m sure our lady will not take issue if I hold you to that,” a wide smile dawned upon Sia’s face as her finger gently nudged at the Goddess’s shoulder. Friendly banter between friends, associates, and lovers, the chemistry between the two had been nothing short of remarkable, as much a testament to the conditioning instilled by Astrid as was how inherently similar to the two were by default. “Because Divine knows there’ll be little time for any relaxation when we return to Crocus.”

Noir tilted her head, a bit unsure of what to make of Sia’s remark. “Pardon?”

A finger held up paused further remarks as Sia found herself taking a hearty sip of her own glass of champagne before finally stopping to give the Goddess the proper response, “Crocus, the heart of the country. Where we’ll be going next. In just a few days time, Lady Astrid will be due back there, along with many of the people here tonight. We’re likely to be spending at least a couple of weeks there, maybe less if we’re lucky. Have you never been?”

The Sevenese Goddess shook her head, illiciting an excited response out of her companion, “Oh, then you’re in for a joy. Crocus is quite the city! But don’t feel intimidated. I’m sure Lady Astrid will appropriately see to your enjoyment there.”

While Sia and Noir stood off to the side discussing with one another, save for the occasional moments of meet and greet that came with their respective roles and affiliation with the focused guest of the evening, she found herself within the more center part of the gallery, a small crowd having formed around her and several close associates as they chatted about, like that of old friends telling tales that had seemingly everyone in entrenched rapture.

“Lady Tsara! Oh I cannot begin to tell you how much I have missed you,” Astrid moved in close, as excited as a young child reunited with an old friend separate for far too long. Her lips puckered, a heartfelt kiss planted against equally-eager lips of the other older woman, dressed in a magnificent Joyan-inspired outfit, complimenting her physical features whilst also accenting and highlighting the more exotic elements of the older Demi-Human, notably the fox-like tale and ears. Several whistles and whispers softly said under hushed breathes radiated around the circle of dignitaries that had encircled them, Astrid the host and woman of honor for the evening while the Lady Tsara came by way of one of the highest honors possible within Crocus, one of the Reigning Senators representing the heart of Fiore.

“I won’t lie. A part of me was terrified that you would not have been able to attend. You can’t begin to know how glad I am to have been proven wrong on that front.” Truly, the importance of the Lady Tsara’s presence was an element that could not have been more heavily emphasized. While there were no shortage of those who had come to power, held power, or otherwise sought power as their motivations for arriving, even those whom had shown and come to develop genuine trust and loyalty to Astrid; in the end their presence were insignificant. It was a test of loyalty for all of them, whether they had realized it not; those who would turn their back to Astrid tonight would face the ramifications of it when she next returned from Crocus. But for Lady Tsara however, tonight was a night that both, she and Astrid Venier, had worked tirelessly to achieve. It had been at great cost and sacrifice between Astrid’s rise through the Senate, the difficult decision to leave Crocus for Oak Town, and all that had come with it after the fact, but they were finally finding themselves in a position to breath.

Breath and celebrate.

“My dear,” her words were honeyed wine to Astrid’s ears, a genuine smile upon her face as she felt the hand gently caress against the strands of hair that fell freely upon her face, “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world…” Astrid’s heart raced, a feeling that had become all but foreign to her coming to the forefront; pride. If ever were there a moment that had felt vindicated and proud of her achievements, it was right now.

“I, I’m sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt, but may I ask who you are?” A voice broke the moment as it came through the crowd encircled, one of many whom no doubt wondered just who Lady Tsara was or the reasoning as to why Astrid seemed so enthralled. Though the Oak Town Senator took some exception, there seemed to be no ill sentiment on the Crocus Senator, rather a small upon her face.

“No need to apologize. As a guest of your city, I should expect that I’m not particularly well known. My name is Lady Tsara.” A cacophony of stunned expressions echoed from the crowd, many realizing just who she was and the impact of her appearance at this event.

“You’re the Reigning Senator of Crocus aren’t you!?” Another voice from the crowd, this time a younger woman. Political aide, Junior Senator perhaps? Neither maybe. But if nothing else, someone somewhat aware of the happenings of thing.

“What’s she doing in Oak Town?”

Though she could not tell where it originated from, she spoke with pride, her voice booming so that all of the crowd surrounded could hear, “Is it not obvious? I’m here today to show my support for a very dear friend,” She looked at Astrid with loving eyes, “One who I have had the distinct honor of knowing like a daughter. I’m proud of her, for what she has accomplished in her time within the Senate, how she had so perfectly maneuvered past the controversy left behind by her father,” The subtle gleam in Lady Tsara’s eye, the truth of what happened, of how Astrid had come to power still a memory that lived beautifully within her mind, “And now today, seeing all of you who have gathered in support of her. I don’t think anyone could have ever imagined you succeeding quite like you have so quickly, but congratulations!”

“To Lady Astrid!” A loud voice chanted, to which immediately was met with many more of the same cheer, all in admiration to Astrid Venier, the faintest of a blush dawning upon her cheeks as she locked eyes with the Lady Tsara, the older woman with a mocking smile on her face. While she was certainly proud of Astrid, she also enjoyed seeing her squirm, just like a mother to her child.

Finally, she snickered, conceding the inevitability of something like this. It was to be expected, after all. “Alright, your praise is appreciated, but please, do enjoy your evening.” Astrid calmly remarked as she gestured for the crowd to disperse. There were matters that she wished to talk with in private and for others, simply away from the collective Oak mob. “I’m sure that we shall be seeing one another again before the evening comes to an end.”

Once the group had sufficiently dispersed, she gestured for Lady Tsara to follow, the duo walking towards one large table with a mountain of champagne glasses at the ready, a butler having already caught a glimpse of their movements towards him having the proper mind to prepare two for them. “Well you seemed just a tad eager to be rid of them. I wouldn’t have figured you as someone opposed to attention.”

Astrid sighed, “It’s not a matter of attention. It’s optics,” She paused for a brief moment as she accepted the champagne glass offered, just as Lady Tsara did as well. “This city has a perception of how things are handled here. I would prefer that not be torn asunder just on the eve of everything falling into place.”

A weak chuckle escaped the lips of Lady Tsara, “Heh, if you’re worried that their vision of you will go from the boogeyman-like leader that you’ve sought to paint yourself as to instead them imagining you and I in bed together, can you much blame them?”

“Not helping…”

“Maybe not, but you can also look at it a different way.” A pause as she took a small sip of her glass, Astrid choosing to take a much larger one by comparison. “Thirsty girl… Their mind wanders to more lewd imaginings, it doesn’t change that you’re in bed with one of the most powerful politicians within Crocus, if not Fiore. Power in relationships. But, I don’t need to tell you that, now do I?” As Lady Tsara said this, her eyes and a single accusatory finger pointed in the direction of Sia and Noir, both tending to other matters at the time, but still in tandem together. “You steal what should have been my Aide, you somehow by all miracles manage to seduce a literal Goddess, and now I hear from a friend of a friend that you have managed to bed that Joyan succubus. What was her name again? Nia? Nalona?”

“Ny’alotha,” Astrid corrected her, her face exuding delight, not just in her conquests, but in how Lady Tsara was reacting to it as well. Sia was the envy of all politicians, Lady Tsara being no exception, and for a time being considered the favorite to earn the service of the girl before Astrid won her affections. Noir, just the nature of her being a Goddess was both exotic and scandalous at the same time and it showed in the attention that she had been receiving throughout the night. But Ny’alotha, she was the third one, another beauty whom had drawn great attention across not only the politicians within Crocus, but also those of great influence and wealth.

For Astrid to have secured a small harem of three incredible women, it begged the question if her true calling were not in politics but rather in being a madame herself.

“Yes! That’s the one. Where is she actually? I was hoping that I might have a chance to run into her again,” there was almost the sound of disappointment in Lady Tsara’s voice. While often it was easy to tell when she may have been teasing, her disappointment sounded genuine there.

A consoling hand patted against the backside of the Crocus Senator, “I wanted her to be here, but she had obligations within Talaz Lagaar which as much as I would have preferred she push back, she was adamant towards.”

“A tragedy…”

“if it’s any consolation, the timetable she provided me leads me to believe she will be returning sometime close to when the first recess is scheduled. Ideally then there shall be no further trips that she’ll be looking to take for the foreseeable future.”

“Fine…” Lady Tsara whined, a dramatic sigh used for additional emphasis, “But I will hold you to that!” The clanging of wine glasses signified the gentlewomen’s agreement.

Time continued as the evening’s gathering continued, hours quickly passing as wine and merriment were had. Throughout it all, the focus had rightfully been set on Astrid Venier, the host whom also warranted the spotlight and attention. It was for her after all, this whole gathering, this collection of people of influence. Nearly everyone within Oak Town – and much of Western Fiore’s – elite circle being in attendance here. The few who could not attend, the precious few whom made a point of conveying their absence beforehand were fine, but to the ones that absconded would very quickly find themselves viciously ripped asunder from their current situation.

All that luxury and influence that they may have held onto. Within no short matter, it would soon all crumble and burn.

A harsh way of dealing in politics, but one that over time Sia had come to realize was necessary. Her time in Crocus prior to working beneath Astrid, she never quite understood just how bloodthirsty and dark the game of politics could be. There were certainly stories of course, but to see it firsthand, to be a part of it, was a different experience. At first, it scared her a bit, left her worried if she was making a mistake possibly, but in time she came to realize that this was simply how it had to be done. She even came to appreciate and enjoy it, especially when it would result in outcomes like what they were seeing firsthand; Astrid about to realize a moment of glory that had been long overdue, that all of them had been working so tirelessly for to see her achieve.

After some time, there seemed to be a break from the social atmosphere that had been fervent within the Gallery, everyone’s attention instead focusing instead towards one area in particular, the staging area that commonly was used to showcase items that were being put up for sale or otherwise premiered. Noticing this, Sia gently pulled at the gown by Noir in an effort to get her attention, pointing towards the stage as a clear cue to both of them to proceed that way themselves.

It took a little bit of effort to push through the crowds; the group that had earlier surrounded Astrid perhaps should have been enough of an indication that people were desperate for her attention and to win her favor. Never would that be an issue for neither of the pair, both having secured their favor in Astrid Venier’s eyes to the point of being amongst her most devoted and loyal servants, and pets even to use a more primitive description. Simply, they were irreplaceable. Most everyone else here was expendable, if they should have been more worthwhile to Astrid in such a manner.

Perhaps irony then that as they continued to push through the crowd now up to the front, standing just before the stage, they happened to find themselves standing beside the Lady Tsara, inquisitive glances exchanged between both her and Noir: interest, lust, and general curiosity all vying to be the foremost emotion encapsulated within deep pupils. As their gazes broke, the Crocus Senator turned her attention instead to Sia, a genuine smile upon her face, one that seemed to almost carry another emotion entirely. Disappointment, yet not towards Sia. Rather disappointment in what could have been, the reality that she had lost on having Sia as an Aide being a wound that she could not help but revisit at the sight of her so enamored by Astrid.

“Sia, it’s good to see you again,” Lady Tsara’s words were kind, masking the friendly jealousy that she sought to dispel away in the face of elation. “And you I take it must be Astrid’s Goddess? It’s an honor Miss…”

“Call me Noir,” the Goddess cooly remarked, holding out a hand which was met in turn by the Senator.

“Lady Tsara,” she said in response, her demeanor once again that of proper composure. “I have heard much of you,” Attention turned back onto Sia, a look on her face not unlike that conveyed to Astrid, that of a proud mother. “I trust that things have been going well for you?”

Sia was beaming, the pride and sense of accomplishment felt in what Astrid achieved could not be contained, “Words don’t do it justice. Look at this… Look at everything that we,” Sia stopped herself, focusing on the stage, “That she achieved. I’m beyond proud to have been a part of this, to see it come to life.”

“Indeed, it’s been nothing short of a masterwork. The Cabal is proud, and so am I…”

The lights dimmed and the light focused upon her, all eyes, all ears, everything awaiting what she had to say.

It had been a long time coming for this moment. Astrid had been careful, articulate, and precise in her steps taken. Each one was deliberate and each one led her closer and closer to this moment.

At first, her arrival in Oak Town had been one of liberation; a calculated gamble to deprive herself of the figurative noose that Iblis had wrapped around her neck. Instead, it turned out to be so much more, her being named to the Phantom Lord Guild Master role, a role she never saw herself in, but one that she was able to leverage, along with all of the political acumen in her body, to turn Oak Town into something incredible. When people thought of Fiore, they thought of Era. They thought of Crocus, of Hargeon, of Magnolia. Whatever opinions they had of Oak Town were almost always negative.

But now Oak Town was just like Era, just like all of those other cities that were always regaled by the people. It was a glorious time and it was all thanks to her. The political upheaval of the era before, all those whom once stood behind Iblis, those spots, positions, and campaigns now all supported her, She controlled the Oak Town political machine and between her accomplishments as a Senator combined with her title of Phantom Lord Guild Master, the only thing that remained was to make her absolute control official, rather than just purely in the shadows.

And now she stood there atop the stage, watching as the people clapped and cheered for her. This was her moment, her grand performance, with the lead star now taking the center stage for the audience on opening night. As the applause echoed throughout the Gallery, she took a faint bow, more for performance than anything else. Appearances always mattered, and entertaining the crowd, given the strength that they still were able to provide her, was always beneficial as well.

“Thank you, thank you,” Just a few moments of appreciation as the applause died down. She had little interest in competing against clapping, and had little doubt that the people would be very much interested in what she had to say. “You will all have to forgive me. I know that all of this, that all of this were planned, but yet, I find myself at a loss for words even still. The work we have managed to achieve, words do not do it justice. Put simply. What we have done, in just a short time we have managed to undo what centuries worth of corruption and decay had inflicted onto Oak Town.”

“Oak Town is now the prime jewel of Fiore, whether or not the rest of the nation wants to believe it. But I know, you all know it, the people know it. And make no mistake, beyond our borders, the rest of Earthland know too. Trade comes in not through Magnolia or Orchidia, but it comes through here. It’s thanks to us that Orchidia still is standing after their own borders failed. It is thanks to us…” She paused, her mind wrapping around the best way to describe what she had to say next, “It is thanks to us that the Cabal finds itself positioned to make its next move. Influence, we have it. But there is more for us to gain.”

“Control. The ability to force the Senate’s will. That is what we need still. And I intend to deliver that to us.” A wicked smirk appeared on her face, “Through me, you all have risen to statuses that many of you never saw before. Many of you have power that you never once held. Your influence has expanded to realms that were previously restricted to you.”

“Now I seek that you return the favor to me.” She stopped in her place, looking out to the faces, of Senators that she had handpicked into those roles, of noblemen that she had built support through, and of influential figures that she had orchestrated within into her web. All of it she had built, and finally she was cashing in her chips. “For as long as anyone can remember, nobody has held the title of Reigning Senator in Oak Town. When we return to Crocus, I intend on changing that.”

A silence fell upon the crowd, understanding what Astrid was suggesting, but the idea of it being surprising nonetheless. The Reigning Senators were a powerful group within the Senate, having the effective Veto power of their representing city. With a single vote, they could vote for the interest of their city, and in a group like that of the Cabal, the political group that consisted of Astrid, the plethora of Oak Town politicians that she had brought under her control, one of the two Crocus Reigning Senators in Lady Tsara, and the scattered allies that they possessed throughout the Senate, it stood to provide them with significant power overall within the Senate.

“Which is why I have called you all here tonight on this lovely evening. To formally proclaim my intentions of becoming the Reigning Senator of Oak Town when we return to the Senate sessions.” There was a thunderous wave of applause and cheer, all of them realizing the benefit, imaginings now becoming reality. This was critical for Astrid, and beneficial for all of them too. And if there were anything that could as much prove to the world that Oak Town was a place of relevance and importance again, nothing was better than this.

“So join me tonight in wine and celebration. Together, we stand as fellow Senators representing Oak Town, a city that has had long been under the thumbs of the rest of the nation. But soon, our fortunes will change in absolute capacity. So enjoy the evening! Prepare yourselves for when we depart for Crocus! And make sure that your allies are made aware, but in the most discrete of terms. There will be resistance. The Senate will seek to prevent this, but between us, between the rest of the Cabal, and those who support us still, there is no reason this effort should fail.”

“Make what preparations you need. And remember what we stand to gain. Two among the Reigning Senators, that is a powerplay that few will be able to challenge. It is the first domino in what will be a series that eventually will see us in control of the Senate, and then, in time, control of Fiore!”

She rose her hand up, the glass of champagne rising with it. Everyone followed suit, an almost tidal wave of wine glasses being raised in solidarity. “To the Cabal!”

“To the Cabal!”

“To the Cabal!”

“To the Cabal!”