well, this isn't properly an RP, think of it more as a interactive story it is kind of an RP, but who's playing doesn't have the control, you can only add bits to it like your characteristics, an object you'd use to overcome an obstacle, finding a solution to a problem (it'll be solved anyway, we'll only find different solutions). As someone mentioned, it's like a plot, where it's all coded already and maybe there are different paths, but the ending was already written bu coders.

I've seen a couple of these events before here, and when Orkut existed, some kinda illegal Neo events (bc you aren't allowed to do giveaways or events in Neo, but we always had pets wardrobe contests, story contests, some of this kind of interactive story and so.).

thanks--I get what "choose your own adventure" is :) I'm just not used to hearing it called RP :)

Outfit Not Found

Liliana was happy to see her dear friend Miranda again. They met not long ago yet it seemed like years now, with all what has been happening in the past few weeks in both their lifes.

Giving her parting friend a last little wave, Liliana looked around, marvelling at her surroundings. Veta Lake was beautiful itself yet the estate here was stunning and the day fittingly perfect.

Passing two blonde women of different age, Liliana strolled along leisurely, enjoying the view of the lush garden. She recognised Miranda’s sister and admired her flower dress, what a gorgeous pattern it showed! The older woman wandering the path nearby seemed to be Miranda’s aunt from which she had heard not so nice stories. „I like her hat, though!“ Liliana thought, yet when she wanted to compliment her about it, the lady in question passed her quickly without a word.

Liliana saw Rum Richard and Retro Roland doing last minute preparations and like always, the garden looked neatly groomed and the food delicious. Liliana hoped for one of Rick’s amazing stracciatella ice cakes which were her favs.

Looking around, Liliana finally spotted Wolf, the bridegroom-to-be. She was astonished, the young man didn’t look a bit like she would have pictured the future husband of Miranda. Curious, she approached, smiling and extending her hand. „Hi there, you must be Wolf, the happy groom!“ she exclaimed. „So nice to meet you finally! I am Liliana. I work in a library and mostly stick to books and board games, mobiles are not my forte. Is it a good game you are playing there?“ she inquired, looking at Wolf encouragingly.

Jolene hesitantly gives Miranda a hug. Despite having grown up with her, Jolene has difficulty connecting to Miranda and her bubbly personality. Despite this, she still admires Miranda as one of her close friends and attends her Vesnali tea party every year. Being one of Miranda's more...interesting friends, Jo doesn't fit into the perfect princess mold of that social stratosphere. Her difference had resulted in more than a few scrapes with Miranda's other company, or even Miranda herself on occasion. Noticing Miranda trying to hide a look of distaste at her outfit, Jolene bumbles through an explanation: "I wore a dress like you asked, so don't look at me like that! The jacket isn't coming off, besides, it goes well with the dress. About the shoes: I tried to wear them, but your garden has such nice grass, it'd be a shame to not enjoy the lusciousness. Also, I hope you don't mind that I brought Quetzal. I swear he'll be quiet and won't disturb the other guests...it's just...you know how I feel without him." Sighing, yet slightly amused at Jo's attachment to her wolf, Miranda takes her leave to get a nap.

Left to her own devices, Jolene scans the garden. That must be Wolf in the back corner. Jo grimaces at the prospect of meeting him. She's not introverted, but her social interactions often end in threats due to her callous personality. "But if this guy is really as special as Miranda says he is, I suppose I should make an effort, especially if she does end up marrying him." Jolene walks through the garden, slowly passing by family members or staff who are preparing for the extravagant party. Spotting Nicolette, she nods and continues on her way. The three girls used to play together sometimes as children. Jo and Nicolette get along well enough, being able to recognize each other's boundaries. Jolene completely ignores Auntie Belladonna--although Jo can't help but catch the sneer that comes across her face as she catches sight of Quetzal. What an awful woman she must be.

Passing the tables of saliva-inducing goodies, Jolene can't help but snatch a strawberry and chocolate pastry as Richard looks away. Mmm, her favorite. Jo finally reaches the angel fountain as she shoves the last of the pastry into her mouth. Seeing Wolf, she walks straight up, wasting no time. "Hey. The name's Jo. I hear you're Miranda's new fiance." When he doesn't respond and continues messing with his phone, Jolene's temper flares. Who would be so rude, and more importantly, what did Miranda see in him? She shoves her face close to his and hisses, "You better not hurt Miranda, or you'll get it from me and my lovely friend here." Stepping slightly aside, Jo gives Wolf a glance of Quetzal. The wolf, sensing his owner's attitude, has bared his teeth and gives Wolf a low growl. "Got it?" she finishes, looking straight into Wolf's eyes.

There I go again, Jo sighs. She always seems to let her temper get the best of her. It must be the red hair. Guess I can't back down now, though.

This certainly has been... an interesting party so far. Wolf had just about had it. Certainly many had offered congratulations, some of them seemed to be honest about. Many were prying, confrontational even. Threats of violence though? Encouraging an animal to growl at him? Sometimes enough was enough. He was told this was going to be a quiet casual affair so he could get to know Miri's friends.

"If you'll excuse me," he says abruptly, shoving the cell phone with the pink rose case into his pocket, "I think I'd like to check on my fiance. It's been a while."

And just like that he's shouldered past those gathered, towards the mansion. It seems he's not the only one who's disappeared, nor the only source of drama.

Miranda still hasn't shown back up to her own party. There are whispers that Nicolette her elder sister, while quiet is terribly jealous that she managed to dare find love before her. Auntie Belladonna, predictably disliked the whole affair between the two 'lovebirds' and was VERY vocal about to anyone who neared her. Both women were nowhere to be had.

Even Richard the chef seemed to be in a disagreeable mood. There were several accounts of him actually snapping at guests! He was a perfectionist though so it could have just been annoyance at some flaw in the pastries. No trace of him either, but he was probably sulking in the kitchen.

And Roland... Well Roland was chill. Roland was always chill, everyone loves Roland. Duties done for the moment he was probably off behind the shed working on his crazy crossbreed rose projects.

For a blessed short time one might imagine things were going to be okay... This party wasn't going to end in the train wreck it was steadily heading towards.

At least until a bloodcurdling scream pierces the relaxed atmosphere.

The next fifteen minutes are chaotic. No one knows what's happened. No one knows where whatever's happened happened. Someone screams about blood. It's obvious that in the pandemonium someone had the sense to call the police, because it doesn't take long until the sound of sirens surround the house. Luckily Veta isn't usually a crime capital, they're able to respond fast.

Uniformed police do their best to calm the crowd down, and a woman who appears to be in charge is barking orders at them.

"This is a mess!" she snaps, and jabs her fingers at a few uniforms, "Make sure no one leaves. And get Detective Fields on the horn. She needs to get up here to start questioning, there's no way we can fit all these people at our tiny station."

She storms off, presumably to investigate the scene of.. whatever's happened. From the direction that all the action is heading towards it's upstairs, presumably in one of the bedrooms. Before long an office taps your shoulder and politely asks you to follow him. He leads you to a private room off to the side. A study from the looks of it. There's a desk and bookshelves and a couple of chairs.

Moments later a stressed out looking detective opens the door to join you.

"Afternoon, Detective Lisa Fields," she holds out a hand to shake

"Sorry about, all of this," she just kind of, gestures everywhere, "Usually things are conducted a little more professionally but Veta PD HQ isn't really equipped to handle a crowd this size. We've got no room, and we're understaffed for this sort of thing. And don't worry you're not under suspicion of anything. I'm just trying to get a handle of what's gone on."

She waves a hand at one of the chairs, "Why don't you take a seat and tell me your thoughts. What's been the mood of this little, well, not so little shindig? Seen anything suspicious? Even if you think it's nothing, I promise you it could be of importance."

Talk to Detective Fields!

Also I've gotten a couple messages, let's try to have fun here and not be too critical about how others play. This is supposed to be about having fun so let's try and have it!

If you are unable to do this prompt do to time restraints or no inspiration post 'Chapter 2 Check In' to earn your grand prize raffle ticket for this chapter.

chapter 1 raffle winner!

congrats ! You're the raffle winner for this chapter! I'll be sending you your prize shortly ♥

Kat felt frazzled as she was led to the room by Fields. How had the tea party turned out like this. She pulled a handkerchief out of the tea pot on her head and blew her nose LOUDLY and wiped her eyes gently. "I felt like everything was in order officer. Everything perfectly manicured as per usual. The only thing out of sorts seemed to be Miranda's family. They just seemed off." another sniffle and Kat burst into tears unable to say anything else.

Private Outfit

Seoni was confused and nervous. What on Subeta was going on? She had been mingling with the crowd, seeing a few familiar faces and some new ones. Then screaming, and now the police?

She offered a forced smile at the man who tapped her and asked her to follow him. Of course she followed him. If she knew more information then maybe she could calm down. If there was one thing she truly disliked, it was being in the dark.

"Hello." she greeted the detective in a firm voice. She took her hand. Seoni's pale and nicely manicured hand made quite a contrast with Lisa's. She kept her forced smile.

Upon entering the room, Seoni glanced around. It was cool in here. She sat in one of the large study chairs, crossing her legs at the ankle and placing her hands in her lap. She cleared her throat.

"Well, honestly, the mood as been a little off. The hostess, Miranda, invited a bunch of us to meet her new fiance but she wasn't feeling too well and wanted to lay down before everyone arrived. I haven't seen her since I arrived. Mainly I've spent most of my time avoiding Ms Belladonna. Miranda's aunt has been quite," she paused to think of a fitting word, "loud about her feelings towards her niece's fresh relationship." Seoni took a breath. "I've never seen the police called to a tea party before." She raised her left eyebrow. "Has something terrible occurred? I've heard screaming and something about blood. Now you are here, in this room, asking me questions. I am confused. Would you please tell me what is going on? Did someone have an accident?" She hoped it was an accident.

[box=#ffdbe9]

"What happened? I heard someone screaming there was too much blood somewhere and I... Where's Miranda? Is she fine?"

The officer tells you to calm down and assured everything would be clarified quicker if I told her what I knew about the guests and people from the house. The tension in the air is evident, and you feel a bit of a pression from Fields' part. Shaking your head to try and make the bad thoughts disappear, you think it's important to remember everything you heard while talking with the guests minutes ago.

"Well, hi... I... I don't remember much, but I'll try to rescue things in my memory as we talk. There was... someone, a friend of Nicolette, I believe, and he was talking to another guy behind me. I remember he mentioned something about the chef, it seems like his family recommended Richard to work with Miranda's family.

"There was also... uhm... Richard mentioned the aunt when he was talking to the gardener, he said something about Belladonna being prepared, I just can't remember the rest of it...

"Oh, and there was a lady talking to Nicolette, they were saying not too nice things about Wolf and how he looks like a gold digger, something about the families' savings.

"That's all, I believe. Everything I was able to remember, at least. I'm just too nervous about it, but I'm sure those were the only suspicious thing I've heard."

You stand quiet in front of Fields' glance. She's probably trying to write every info that comes out of your mouth. A couple of seconds after answering her, the pencil stops and she looks directly at you. Waiting for her dismissal, you keep trembling a bit sitted in the cold metal chair.[/box]

Oh, my! What in the name of Veta was happening here???
"Yes, officer, what ever you say officer!" Beach said to the policewoman. "This is very confusing and I really don't know what is going on. It was all good. We were all getting to know each other and meeting Miranda's fiance, (where did she get off to anyway?) when screams pierced the air and I could not hear a thing. Do you know anything? where is everyone???"

The officer was trying to write Beach's words down but just could not keep up with her and her questions. "uh, ma'am. Could you slow down a bit? I need to take notes on what you heard and saw."

"Oh", said Beach. "I know nothing, saw nothing, Just standing here waiting..."

Outfit Not Found

Rey was wrapped tightly in her shawl and was grateful she’d thought to bring something cozy. The study she’d been led into was air-conditioned. Overpreparedness finally saves the day. She wiggled her arm free and held out a shaky hand to greet Detective Fields, who apologized for all the chaos. “Thanks, I.. it’s alright, this is gonna sound weird but I’ve read enough murder mysteries to kind of get it.” The detective laughed. “Get it?” “Y’know, the small-town murder thing. No one knows how to handle it. It’s a thing.” Rey tried to laugh too but cried a little instead. “I—oh man, I always thought I’d be the perfect witness but once you’re here it’s so surreal. I never imagined someone I knew could—shit—“ Rey couldn’t help the tears and she was thankful not to be interviewed by the original responding officer, the one who had been barking orders.

She took a deep breath before finding her words again. “First things first, you probably want to know who was in the house whenever.. it happened.. and honestly everyone seemed to disappear at the same time. Except Miranda. She was.. well, maybe taking a nap—OH! I can tell you the time I last talked to.. oof..” Rey decided not to finish the sentence and just went for her phone. “She called me to see.. I was late to the party by a good while. Chronically late. She called me right as the party was starting, guests were starting to arrive and.. y’know, she seemed a little startled by people getting here early.. I know I’m rambling but I think that’s good in a.. murder investigation..”

Rey paused to take a sip of water. I never thought I’d have to seriously help solve a murder.. “Anyway..” She showed the detective the timestamp on the phonecall she’d had with Miranda. “Someone got there early and Miranda said something like, ‘I’m glad you could make it!’ even though she felt sick because she’s just that nice of a person and—“ was that nice of a person “—and she told me she was gonna lie down and I didn’t even see her..”

Detective Fields gave Rey a moment to figure her breathing out again before asking about Miranda’s relatives. “Oh, Nic? I met her a couple of times as kids, we got along cuz we both hate parties. She.. oh, that’s not what you meant.. yeah, she wasn’t outside when we heard the scream either.. she and her aunt were hanging out together pretty much the whole party. Oh—yeah their aunt wasn’t out there either. But they couldn’t—“ Rey paused to think and knew the detective noticed her hesitation. No use lying in a murder investigation. “There were.. some rumors flying around. Some jealousy stuff with Nic, and their aunt apparently doesn’t believe in ‘love at first sight’ enough to even give Wolf a chance. I don’t know though..”

The detective asked Rey to elaborate on Wolf. “He seems really nice. He—well I usually don’t believe in love at first sight either but Miranda was so happy, I didn’t want to put any doubts in her mind, y’know? He was quiet and got a lot of.. looks.. from everyone. But I’m quiet too,” Rey shrugged, “and anyway he was just hanging out in the gardens the whole time. He’s the one who decided to check on Miranda and he seemed pretty concerned.” Then, more firmly: “Some people seem to think Wolf was just in it for the family’s money, but I don’t think that’s true. Miranda never let the wealth go to her head like that. If.. if anyone tries to point the finger at Wolf I’d take it with a grain of salt. I don’t know if this is just all those murder mysteries I read getting to me, but.. if he really wanted her money, why would he kill her before marrying her?”

Prompted to talk about the staff—namely the gardener Roland and the chef Richard—Rey had less to say. “I’m pretty new to the villa lifestyle. I’m my own chef and cleaner.” Sensing that her witness didn’t have more to contribute at the time, Detective Fields moved to end the interview. But there was one question burning in the back of Rey’s mind. Should I even ask her.. she probably won’t even tell me. What’s the worst that can happen if I ask? She’ll just say no and I find out via the rumor mill anyway. “Ma’am, do you mind if I ask you just one question?” The detective didn’t walk away so Rey took that as a yes. “..How was she killed?”

raffle tickets

1. first chapter entry
2. first chapter HA bonus
3. second chapter entry

It was a rattlesnake, right? It must have got loose when the cook brought it into the kitchen in order to fricassee it. What? No, I don't know anybody here, just Miranda. What a terrible thing to happen. It was Miranda who is dead, right?

@ Seamania (ooc: you can do it! It'll be great! looking forward to it lots!)

"I can't really say I've seen anything suspicious," Lilah tells the detective. She's thinking as fast as she can. As an alien on Subeta -- she's not even from Atebus, but a bit further out in the system -- Lilah isn't sure she'll get the same benefit of the doubt as locals, but this particular police officer doesn't strike her as xenophobic. And she's got friends here, it's not a party full of strangers entirely. "The hostess left her own party, and that's never a good sign. And she's certainly invited a wide variety of her friends and acquaintances. She was really excited for us to meet Wolf."

"If you have any more questions for me, I'd be happy to answer them all," Lilah adds. She tilts her head. This Detective Fields is really very pretty, she notices. Too bad about the party being ruined, Miranda was never the type to have the fun kind of blood-curdling screams at her soirees, but maybe Lilah will find a silver lining in the cloud. "Or volunteer to help out with your work in the future, if you find me helpful here. I have a good quantity of free time, and helping the Veta police sort out trouble at parties would be just the thing for me to pay back this lovely community for letting me join it." Civic-mindedness might be too forward, but she thinks Fields seems like the sort of detective who wouldn't jump to the conclusion that she's being so forward to cover involvement in misdeeds...

Outfit Not Found With all the commotion going on I can feel my anxiety start to heighten - but sitting down for a moment helps. I am confused by what is happening - it seemed like everyone was having a good time and then there was so much noise.

After Detective Fields starts to talk I calm down enough to speak - "Hello, I am Lyn - uumm... what is happening? I heard someone yell about blood? Did the chef get cut? I know that can be terrible!

Um, the mood? I don't know for everyone but I was having an okay time. I am a little nervous but I met Wolf earlier and he seemed okay. He was a little distracted by his phone but I can get like that too if I am playing a good game. I haven't seen Miranda since she left to take a break. Come to think of it - I really haven't talked to too many people. I was a little nervous about talking to Belladonna so I kinda steered clear of her.

I was just taking everything in after talking to Wolf when all of this happened. Now I am just confused... I am sorry I cannot be any more help? Have you seen Miranda - maybe she can shed some light on things a little more?"

'Yes, of course.' Bastila follows the police officer upstairs, sitting neatly in the study, mind racing. What had happened? Who had screamed, and over what? Was someone hurt? She feels as energised as she does worried. She always feels energised in a crisis. She folds her sunglasses up and hangs them on her shirt now that she's indoors.

'Good to meet you, Detective. I'm Bastila Shan, I'm an investigative journalist for the Republic Press and a friend of Miranda's.' She gets her ID card, which she had taken to carrying with her everywhere since her promotion, out of the outside pocket of her satchel and shows it to the detective. Always good to have everyone clear on everyone else's credentials. 'I'm happy to answer any questions.'

'The mood of the party has been -- strained. Obviously there's a bit of a scandal floating around given Miranda and Wolf's whirlwind engagement. I don't find anything inherently suspicious about it, these things happen sometimes, but I have been overhearing a lot of talk about Wolf's intentions. Belladonna, in particular, Miranda's aunt? Has been very outspoken that she does not approve, even within earshot of Wolf himself. There's no clean consensus on what his supposed motivations are, either, I've heard gold digging get tossed around once or twice, but mostly people seem to think his intentions are just "untoward" without being more specific.'

'Oh, not to mention I overheard gossip that Nicolette is terribly jealous, not of Wolf in particular, but that her younger sister should be engaged before her. So I would say the entire family's been off. Wolf has just been hanging around playing on Miranda's phone, trying to beat a level for her, and honestly he seems the least suspicious of the lot. Belladonna and Nicolette both disappeared from the party shortly before we all heard the scream. And Miranda herself was upstairs, which isn't like her, she loves playing hostess, but she claimed to have a headache and need a nap. Of course, I doubt she would be responsible for anything fishy, it's not in her character -- but it is odd that she would excuse herself, she's such an extrovert, she just loves parties like this.'

'The gardener, Roland, also wasn't present at that time, neither was the chef, Richard. I don't know either of them very well, but as far as I know they were both acting normally. I'm fairly sure everyone else was accounted for, but it's hard to tell with this large of a party.'

'Let's see... I did notice Wolf was holding his arm somewhat stiffly, perhaps from an injury? That could be something out of the ordinary to note. But that's all I can think of.'

'Do you think you could share what happened? Not on the record, of course, I'm not asking you to make a statement, but as a concerned party... I would very much like to know everyone is alright.'

(hope its ok that i mentioned the arm injury, since you mentioned it in a response to one of the players, if not just lmk ill edit. i'm very excited to see where this story goes!)

Outfit Not Found "Good afternoon, Detective--" Arianwen began, and then stopped herself. "That's ridiculous, of course, it's no such thing. My name is Arianwen Rosier; I'm a resident at Blackmoon University Hospital in Upper Ziara. I went to preparatory school with Miranda, and we were once very close, but now we only see each other a few times a year. So I hope you'll understand that I'm not sure what's going on here, either, but I'm happy to give you my thoughts on the matter."

She waited for a moment to see if the detective had any specific questions, then seated herself rather awkwardly in the indicated chair, smoothing her heavy skirts down over her lap in the hope that they wouldn't wrinkle.

"All right, so." Arianwen paused. "As soon as I got the invitation I traded in a few favours to get enough free time to make the journey down from Atebus, so I'm afraid I wasn't really clear on the reason for the party until I arrived. I'm concerned about Miranda for a number of reasons, and frankly I'm kicking myself that I didn't take her aside when she mentioned that she's feeling poorly. I should have given her a closer look. Thinking back, her colour was off--her complexion was even paler than it normally is, while her cheeks were red, and I really should have asked her if she thought she might have a fever..."

Arianwen winced. "Anyhow, I was rather taken aback to hear that Miri was engaged to someone she's known for less than a month, but I put a good face on it and resolved to find out for myself what sort of person she'd betrothed herself to--and whether or not it was her own idea. Her parents have never been very involved in her life, and her aunt seems not to like the new fiance; and Wolf says Wolf is the only name he's got. So I don't think that either of the families was pushing it, and in a way that worries me more. Miri is the sort of person who sees the best in everyone. Usually that's a good thing, but sometimes the goodness you see in a person is not really there."

Arianwen folded her hands in her lap, wracking her brain for anything that might be a clue. "I didn't like him, to be honest. I didn't like that he was playing games when he was supposed to be meeting her friends at his own engagement party. I didn't like that he wouldn't say anything much about himself. I don't expect people I've just met to tell me their life stories, but I do think that someone who's being introduced to his prospective partner's social set should be friendly. I thought it was suspicious that he had her mobile. I would never let anyone else go through my phone outside of my presence, even if they said they were only going to play games. I like my privacy, and if someone I'm seeing can't deal with that, they're not the one for me."

She swallowed. "Is Miri all right? I'm just a resident, but if there's not any other medical personnel here, I would really like to see her, just to make sure she's not actually ill. I thought she was overtired and excited. But now I'm realising she could be ill, and also that she could have contracted something from someone else, or have possibly been poisoned..."

She winced. "Miri never came down to join the party, and Wolf ran after her. As chivalrous as that seems..."

Arianwen sighed. She looked down at her hands. She was absolutely shredding the lace handkerchief she'd pulled out of her underskirt. She felt like she wanted to cry, and she didn't know why.

"I thought he might be interested in Miranda's inheritance, dowry, whatever you call it down here, even though Nico's older than Miri and likely the heir. Some kind of social climber. I don't judge people for wanting a better life than they're born to, like some of the people I know, but it shouldn't come at the expense of someone trusting who loves them, you know? But it occurred to me that he could really be in love with her, just terribly socially awkward. At the same time, it also occurred to me that he could be some kind of grifter. Or...worse."

Arianwen badly wanted another drink.

"Please take me to see Miranda, Detective. Please. I'm worried about her." Arianwen made a face when she heard her voice crack, but she let herself go on. "I worry sometimes that nobody else is! Her parents are jet-setters, her aunt is a bit of a prig, and nobody ever knows what Nico's thinking or feeling. Some people were saying that Nico was angry that Miri found love before she did, but honestly, that's the first I've ever heard of Nico ever wanting a partner...I always thought she was one of those people that's just, you know, not interested."

Outfit Not Found

[p align=justify]Maudi was sitting quietly by herself, sipping from her jasmine tea as a scream sounded. She looked up from her cup, still holding it against her bottom lip. Nothing went through her head that moment, and she observed the others' reactions. Who was that? What happend?

The crowd faced the screaming. Everybody was quiet before they all started whispering. Where are Miranda and Wolf? Are they already at the scene?

---

Moments later the police arrived. Few people started panicking, ranting against some officers. What's the point? That's not gonna reverse anything what happened. Maudi was still sitting on the exact same spot. Eventhough she looked calm, anxiety was raging inside her as she thought something would have happened to Miranda. Her tea has gone cold. There was no more appetite in fancy teas and cakes.

An officer tapped on Maudi's shoulder as she was asked to follow. She was led to a study. Not so long after, the detective arrived. Maudi shook her hand and give her a little smile. "Don't worry. We all know how quiet Veta normally is." she said.

She sat down and shoved a little closer to the desk. "It's been a happy bunch of people so far. Everyone enjoyed the food and drinks." Maudi said before as her trai nof thoughts continued. "Her fiancé, Wolf, seemed a bit off. Maybe he just doens't like big events? I couldn't convince my husband either to come along with me. All these strangers who come up and talk to you. It's stressful enough for me, let alone for someone with social anxiety."

She tapped her fingers on her bare knee as she sunk into her thoughts. "I know her sister's been quite jealous of her luck in love. Her aunt didn't approve of him either." Maudi took off her hat and placed it on her lap. "Now that I think about it. I haven't seen the four of them since the start of this jolly tea party"[/p]

"I don't know what's going on," Cassildra's voice was nervous as she talked to Detective Fields. "I had been invited by Miranda, a friend of mine, to this party, to meet her fiance... Wolf. That's his name. They only met a week ago. But I'm not clear on how things ended up happening so fast between them... Miranda's Aunt Belladonna and her sister Nicolette seemed displeased about something, but I didn't ask. I just went to say hi to Wolf." Her voice trails off.

"Is someone hurt, Detective? Can you tell me what's wrong?"

"Afternoon, Detective Lisa Fields," she holds out a hand to shake. The officer seems nice enough, Garrin thinks.

He shakes her hand and looks around the room he's been ushered into. He sort of stops listening to the officer as he notices the array of books in this office; it could be a mini library. He almost stands up to peruse through the books but remembers himself in time to save himself the embarrassment.

"I, uh- what?" he looks up puzzled at Officer Fields. "No, I mean, sorry, I am distracted here. I didn't notice anything strange."

After a brief moment of silence, Garrin suddenly remembers something. "Well, there was the one thing that seemed strange. The fiance, Wolf, seemed to have a cell with a pink rose case, which struck me as unusual due to his demeanor and way he carries himself. I mean the only thing I can conclude is that his phone broke, so he was using Miranda's phone to keep himself occupied. It happens." Garrin shrugged noncommittally.

"What happens?" Officer Field asks in a slightly bored tone, as if she is pretending to be less interested than she is, to allow Garrin to relax and talk.

"You know, breaking phones and borrowing from others - it happens." Garrin shrugs again, a bit confused why the officer seemed confused.

"But you think there is more to it?" The officer asked in a sort of loaded open ended question.

"No, I didn't say that. I think that the man had a pink rose cell phone case." Garrin folded his arms across his chest and leaned back. "I think the aunt and sister are trouble makers of gossip, intrigue, and jealous rage, but whatever this is, I doubt they are part of it."

Officer fields raises her eye brows as if intrigued by Garrin's assumptions but doesn't say anything.

"Look, I know I have rights, and I have a right to know what is going on here. I refuse to answer any more poorly thought out questions until I know better what is going on." Garrin was not one to be so rude, but he was tired of not knowing details and facts, things he thrived on learning.

The officer understands his distress and nods slowly. "Alright, if you think of anything else, please don't hesitate to contact me." She smiles and looks pleasantly into Garrin's eyes.

"Sorry for being abrupt," he apologizes quickly. "I'm just a bit hungry. That chef seems to make food that is a bit strange for my liking. I think I'll just go out and sit in the garden and chat with that strangely hip happy gardener. Have you seen him? You should really talk to him, he's one unique guy." Garrin smiles and stands, preparing to leave the room and find food. He shakes the officers hand once more and turns to leave.

It wasn’t the scream that really ruffled his feathers so much as the sound of sirens wailing their way toward the affair. Fancy people would shriek about most anything, an insect, an incorrect beverage order, a stain on the table cloth, but a siren always meant trouble. Amidst the chaos Cin managed to procure a macaron from the table and devour it before he heard someone hollering about blood. That couldn’t be good. More concerning still the majority of the action seemed to be focused on the house. Cin’s stomach dropped when he remembered that Miranda had gone to relax and he hadn’t since spotted her mingling in the crowd. Was she OK? The confection in his stomach turned into the feeling of regret to the tune of an uncomfortable gurgle.

In the midst of his wondering an officer tapped his shoulder and beckoned him come with them. Generally wary of the police, Cin told himself he had nothing to hide and went quietly. The room they arrived in smelled like old books and expensive leather chairs. Reminding him of his father’s own study, Cin immediately felt more uncomfortable than before and declined the invitation to sit. Though when Detective Fields arrived she helped to quell his uneasiness with a handshake, an apology, and some very reasonable grievances of her own.

This time Cin obliged to have a seat when suggested. “I, well I ah…” He took a minute to recall the afternoon. He would never claim to be the most perceptive, and high society had its share of excentrics. But with all things considered... “Miranda’s Aunt wasn’t having the best time. But she doesn’t seem like the kinda person who actually likes to have fun... Wolf was, well withdrawn, said somethin about bein around for emotional support, but seein the look on Aunties face that all made sense I guess. Maybe Nic was kinda jealous too, I duno.” Miranda’s sister hated being called that but Cin had nicknames for just about everyone he met. “Gettin engaged after a few weeks is kinda wild. I mean, I’m kinda jealous too, ya know?”

He ran a hand through his hair and scratched his head. “Was kinda weird that the caretaker was still around, but I got here sorta early… Really this was pretty run-of-the-mill. I mean besides Miranda wanting to lay down before.” Mentioning this reignited his concern for her. “She is OK, right? Someone said somethin’ about blood, she isn’t hurt is she?” At this point Cin was on the edge of his seat doing his best not to stand up to go and try investigating the house himself. Certainly that would be out of the question.