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Home > Expos > Event 10 > Page 48
LIKE A PIG AT AUCTION▼
LIKE A PIG AT AUCTION
[Noble Society - The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante]
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 14:12:05
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:10:05
Bela Elzenstein traveled the halls of House Drakken, allowed access so that he may speak with a rather special guest. He makes chit-chat with a lady from his family in the meantime. "Ah, Lady Lucetta. So sorry that you've had to be cooped up in the Drakken household for ever so long. Have you thought about requesting to visit the Elzenstein household? It's been so long, and I'm sure you'll prefer the more refined tastes there."
Edward Elzenstein
"And the Lady of the household has calmed down quite a bit since last you were there."
Lady Lucetta
"Not cooped up in the slightest, Bela! Though I appreciate your concern for a lady like myself. Anywhere that I may be together with my lovely hubbie is of no extra labor to me."
Lady Lucetta
"I'm happy to follow him quite anywhere, darling!"
Lady Lucetta
Lucetta recalls Edger's recent exploits in the woods, "...Most of the time."
Bela Elzenstein
"Ah, maybe I'll speak to him about visiting our house then! A castellan swap, what a delightful notion!"
Edward Elzenstein
"I fear our castellan might not be too happy about the idea of being tossed to the drakkens, sir."
Bela Elzenstein
"Well maybe his knightly second son shouldn't have been found planning acts against the Elzenstein crown."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 14:19:56
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:12:09
"He should be happy, thanking us on his hands and knees, we're not killing him for raising an unruly son."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 14:20:44
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:11:00
"Speaking of which, how are your children, Lucy? Anything we should be worried about? Hm?"
Lady Lucetta
"Worried? I can't imagine what you're getting on about." There's a touch of hesitation in her voice, but she keeps her smile warm.
Lady Lucetta
"My children are growing well, though we don't keep up as much. They've grown quite independent as they age..."
Lady Lucetta
"Whether that's more a mark of a Drakken or an Elzenstein, I'd definitely assume the latter."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 14:27:09
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:12:55
"Perhaps for the best. By the way, Lucetta. Have you spoken with the capture hog of house Elzenstein?"
Bela Elzenstein
"I'm hoping to speak with her right now, but I need to know what state she is in. She is being married to a giantkin of house Drakken. How many bones should I expect broken? She must be alive if they're allowing me to see her, but if she's a bloody mess, I'd rather be warned first."
Lady Lucetta
"House Elzenstein is keeping talking hogs now?" Lucetta chuckles, "My apologies, Bela, I can't say I fraternize with prisoners in my spare time, most of my stay here has been with Edger in his study. I've only heard rumors."
Lady Lucetta
"I shudder to think this means they're true, then."
Bela Elzenstein
"I know the giantkin James seems a kindly man, at least when we've spoken, but you can never know what a man does behind closed doors."
Lady Lucetta
2025-10-26 14:38:38
Lady Lucetta Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:13:50
"That giantkin, I've met him. James... I'd watch yourself around him, Bela. Very kind, but quite a conniving beast, that one. He spent most of our brief interactions scheming. I frankly didn't think he had the mind for such trickery."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 14:40:14
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2025-10-26 14:40:45
"Yes. When I was speaking to Boris, I noticed the giantkin never spoke. He stood there in silence. He was not like what I was told of giants, dimwitted and unable to focus. Instead, it felt like he was writing down every word I said into his memory......"
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 14:37:21
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:15:18
"Would you do me a kindness? Her room is over there. Open it, and make sure she is not...disfigured."
Bela Elzenstein
"I simply would like to not see a woman kind covered in blood. It gives me an awful feeling, you understand?"
Lady Lucetta
"Oh please! If you'll allow me." Lucetta takes the lead as she moseys over to the room of the detained.
Eliza Elzenstein
Contrary to what one might expect out of the Drakkens, Eliza sat peacefully in a perfectly accomodating room without any broken bones and all of her blood still in her body. The harshest torture she had endured so far having been the simple passage of time and the ferocious boredom that sat besides her.
Eliza Elzenstein
"Well, it's not every day I get visitors. You would... be Lady Lucetta, correct?"
Eliza Elzenstein
"My apologies if I don't greet you with sweets and tea, I probably would've been given a pot had I asked but I didn't exactly expect to see anyone today, you know?"
Lady Lucetta
"Well, don't get your hopes too high, darling, I'm just here to open the door."
Lady Lucetta
Lady Lucetta slowly allows the door to swing open, allowing Bela to view the woman sitting inside, "But this is true, I am the Lady Lucetta. Charmed to finally meet you, as well."
Eliza Elzenstein
"Just as-"
Eliza Elzenstein
2025-10-26 14:53:22
Eliza Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #27
Last edit: 2025-10-26 14:53:44
Eliza almost swallowed her words seeing Bela on the other side of that door.
"...Charmed?"
[Ghost Trick - Madam, A Fragrant Rose]
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 14:55:01
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:16:20
"Oh, Eliza! How nice it is to find you!"
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 14:56:37
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:16:40
"You're so good at escaping, I'm surprised that you seem to sit here rather calmly. No trying to rip down walls, fashion weapons, or make lockpicks." Bela muses as he flips seat cushions, as if expecting any to have a secret stash under them.
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 14:57:03
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:17:25
"Clearly then, you must quite like it in the Drakken household."
Bela Elzenstein
"My, my, my! I didn't know you were into large men! Heh heh heh!"
Bela Elzenstein
"If you would have told me, I would have traded a nice herd of bloodgoats for a giant for you."
Eliza Elzenstein
Eliza shifts uncomfortably in her seat for a second, making sure a small collection of long forgotten hairpin lockpicks and small utensils didn't stick out from under her. She had meant to dispose of them a while back once she had made up her mind to stay, but never quite found an opportunity.
Eliza Elzenstein
"Well... It's surprisingly comfortable here, I will admit. Mostly because I don't need to interact with really any Drakkens beyond just my soon to be husband and the occasional guard."
Eliza Elzenstein
"...Plus, the window behind me isn't particularly openable. It's not just locked, it's sealed."
Eliza Elzenstein
"...Would you care for a seat?"
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:09:58
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:20:35
"Aww, quite the lady. I'll take a seat. You may stay if you wish, Lucetta, we're unlikely to talk of political affairs....much." After having his right-hand man check the seat for danger, the Duke of Thorns takes a seat.
Lady Lucetta
"Can't say I'd mind that at all. The coziest room in a Drakken household is the one with the fewest Drakkens in it, after all..." Lucetta allows herself into Eliza's confinement, taking a seat.
Bela Elzenstein
"I see, so you do like the giantkin. I must be honest, I'm not quite sure how an entrapped woman could ever fall in love with her captor. That's why I always capture men instead."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:11:02
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:21:12
"You capture them, and then they scream! Oh, do they scream! But then you tell them they're free to court a lady of the house and suddenly he's on his knees, loyal to you!"
Bela Elzenstein
"With women, I don't get it. There's no perks, and most of the time you end up with a ugly old man who couldn't court for his life."
Eliza Elzenstein
"...Yeah, that did happen often, huh? I almost forgot why I left."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:13:05
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:22:09
"Granted. The men folk had to stay loyal lest they lose their right to heritage...."
Edward Elzenstein
"..............."
Eliza Elzenstein
"..............."
Eliza Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:14:29
Eliza Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:22:33
"...Inheritance issues tend to be such a bother, though. You never think about whether or not they'd have any reason to continue being loyal once they get their hands on it."
Eliza Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:17:59
Eliza Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:28:01
"Rings like these are just a means to an end, after all."
Bela Elzenstein
"That's why I keep the linage of the family loose. Lots of men not having children. Lots of surplus women. You only get to what you want if you stay loyal to me."
Bela Elzenstein
"Ah, sure, the downside is that I keep having to....import men folk but....."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:21:00
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:32:48
"Well, so many knights and guards abandoned their kingdom when they hear there's a house where if you stay loyal, you could rise in the ranks even without being born of noble blood."
Bela Elzenstein
"And the men come in droves! Whole squads of knights who abandon their post to head to this promised land!"
Bela Elzenstein
"Sure......the threat that they will lose their manhood if they go against me scares them, but that just makes them even that much more loyal."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:29:41
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:34:59
"I think you were one of the only women in recent history I haven't let have her pick of men."
Bela Elzenstein
"I mean, it's no wonder your father picked you up to be an heir after he lost his privileges! Those eyes of yours are quite rare."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:32:03
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:35:17
"I could have sold you to the highest bidder, you know? You only hear of green-eyed dawn vampwelfs in legends!"
Bela Elzenstein
"So not only have you disrespected me by escaping, leaving your inheritance up in the air, but you also denied me a selling feature of my estate."
Eliza Elzenstein
"...Must've felt terrible when I eventually was forced to come back and get married. A couple more years and the inheritance would've all gone to your pocket as head of the house due to being abandoned."
Eliza Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:39:14
Eliza Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:36:05
"Honestly, if that arrangement hadn't been exactly why I ran, I almost would've wanted to thank you."
Eliza Elzenstein
"...My father died cursing your name, you know? I think when he realized you never intended to actually marry me off he felt like he was being toyed with."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:41:44
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:36:45
"Well, because he was, of course! Why would I ever give a man who has treated me wrongly any satisfaction of knowing his lineage might go on, even in name alone?"
Eliza Elzenstein
"Can't think of a more shameful way to go."
Eliza Elzenstein
Eliza would mutter to herself almost silently while resting a hand in front of her face so that one couldn't see her lips move.
"...Other than one other."
Eliza Elzenstein
"...But I digress."
Eliza Elzenstein
"If it's any consolation, I don't think you could've really gotten a better catch than James out of the Drakken."
Eliza Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:46:04
Eliza Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #27
Last edit: 2025-10-26 15:46:22
"It's sort of rare to see a Drakken who feels that composed and in control, in my opinion. When's the last time you saw any get their way through methods other than just violence?"
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 15:49:37
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:39:03
"Oh, is he really like that? Or is he just a predator who stalks his prey, his blood thirst yet to be seen? I know you like him, darling, but you're a bit stupid in the head if you think a Drakken, known for its blood lust, and a giant, known for smashing open the heads of men in closed fists, is going to make a child that could be remotely considered a "controlled man." Why Boris keeps such a thing at his left hand is beyond me!"
Lady Lucetta
"I'd keep your wits about you, girl. James may seem harmless now, but that's no reason to let your guard down." Lucetta, mostly keeping to herself this discussion, adjusts herself in her seat, "At least with violent brutes, there's no guesswork of what side they're taking."
Eliza Elzenstein
The words of her father echo in the back of her mind like a curse. She looks at Bela and sees just as much a predator as she would any other vampwelf. A subtle disgust boils inside her. We're all near and dear to blood here. Even you. Even me. All vampwelf you have ever, and will ever meet.
Eliza Elzenstein
The fake smile goes on.

"Oh, you think?"
Eliza Elzenstein
"Well, I definitely wouldn't get on his bad side, atleast."
Eliza Elzenstein
"I think if you saw him in the right light he'd come off as charming."
Eliza Elzenstein
2025-10-26 16:00:35
Eliza Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #27
Last edit: 2025-10-26 16:00:49
"...Granted, I guess my taste for tall people is an acquired one. Out there in space you tend to meet more of them than not."
Bela Elzenstein
"It feels like the height of men has been going up and up every few years without reason." Bela blurts out an invasive thought of his.
Bela Elzenstein
"Has anyone else noticed this?"
Duchess Lorelei
"Nah not really."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 16:03:56
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:38:00
"Oh, thank goodness, Duchess Lorelei, it's just in my head then."
Eliza Elzenstein
"If Duchess Lorelei says so it's probably true."
Duchess Lorelei
"Not just me, it says so right here in the Cosmosdex!"
Lady Lucetta
"I think using James as a point of comparison here might be a bit skewed, Bela."
Bela Elzenstein
"Right, I suppose comparing a giantkin is unfair. I sure do hope it was his mother who was a giant, and not the other way around......"
A large hand leans on Bela's shoulder.
James Drakken
"Yes, mother was a giant, father was a Drakken. Everyone asks this question when the answer is obvious."
Bela Elzenstein
"Sir James Drakken! Would you mind announcing yourself before appearing?"
James Drakken
"Maybe you could do the same, yes?"
James Drakken
"Had to learn you were here from Edger. If you are going to visit future wife, maybe telling future husband would be a good idea."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 16:11:08
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:40:02
"Right, well, I only came here for casual chitchat and to hand off a gift my wife made for you and her."

Bela pulls out what looks like crude vampwelf dolls hung up by their necks.

Bela Elzenstein
"Don't worry, this isn't a threat. She learned about this....uh....Teru. Teru. Bozu? Thing from some aliens many years ago, and well, the castle is littered with them. She made these special for you."
Bela Elzenstein
"They're suppose to bring out sunshine. Her illness meant- uh means she needs as much sun as she can get....."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 16:14:28
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:41:28
"Anytime the clouds blocked the rare sunlight, she'd make what seemed to be 100 more of these."
Lady Lucetta
"Ah! Chatting up my husband again, are you, James? You're quite the busy man to meet us here so soon after." Lucetta leans in to inspect the little cloth dolls, "Mind my manners. It's a pleasure to see you again."
Eliza Elzenstein
"Quite a cute sentiment. I do hope your wife's condition improves. Her room must feel cramped."
Bela Elzenstein
"She's filling the room......"
Bela Elzenstein
".......with these......"
Lady Lucetta
"It's strange, walking around the halls of the Drakken household without seeing these little things all over. I almost miss them."
Bela Elzenstein
2025-10-26 16:20:28
Bela Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:42:15
"Yes, well, if you ever need any, you could go to house Elzenstein with several men and take as many as you want. It wouldn't put a dent in the amount."
Bela Elzenstein
"I have grown tired of this conversation. I see there is not much I can do, and I'm sure I would be unable to convince you, James, to come to my household."
James Drakken
"I would like to avoid becoming an eunuch."
Bela Elzenstein
"Then I will be browsing the village for a lady of the day. Good night for now."
Bela Elzenstein
"By the way, nice spear you have here in the corner. Kinslayer's weapon?" Bela grabs it. "Did James gift you this?"
Bela Elzenstein
"I know you're into large men, but large weapons aren't uh.......the best you understand."
Bela Elzenstein
"Here's a dagger instead. I think this is from your father's pile of wealth that we're "Not suppose to touch."" Bela lays a dagger ornamented with gems on the handle on her desk.
Bela Elzenstein
"It's extremely tacky, and stabbing a man with her hurts the palms."
Bela Elzenstein
"So I don't care about giving you this horrible thing a little early."
Eliza Elzenstein
"I think he just liked waving it around, really. Type of man to not feel comfortable unless he was holding something he could use to throw his weight around. Whether that was his cane or really ugly weapons."
Eliza Elzenstein
"I'll uh..."
Eliza Elzenstein
She'd pick up the dagger she was handed.

"...Keep it safe, I guess. Maybe remove a couple gems from the handle... It uh, it really digs into your hands."
Lady Lucetta
"It's rather pretty, though I struggle to think why anybody would spend so much money just to kill some sad bloke. A good piece of metal is all you need." Lucetta stands from her seat, sensing Bela's readiness to depart.
Bela Elzenstein
"Sorry I won't be at your wedding tomorrow, James. No disrespect. It's just that Drakken weddings tend to be a bit bloody for my taste. An alien woman I don't mind seeing bloodied, but....if I see a vampwelf woman covered in blood...."
Bela Elzenstein
"I'll....I'll......."
Bela Elzenstein
Bela flicks an ear. "Anyway, think of my offer, Lucetta."
Bela Elzenstein
"Cart leaves at dawn, and we'd have enough seats for you, your husband, and your children. It'd be such a delight to have you back blacksmithing for the Elzensteins. Think on it. Especially with what you've learned today." Bela announces before taking his leave, his right hand man trailing behind.
Lady Lucetta
2025-10-26 16:43:05
Lady Lucetta Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:44:43
"Oh, don't you tempt me! It's been so long since I've indulged the hobby, as much as I love my husband's grand collection at the study. I'll be doing my ruminating, Bela."
Lady Lucetta
Lucetta turns to Eliza, her expression softening, "...And may we one day meet again on better terms, Eliza. Perhaps as Drakken women, hm?"
Eliza Elzenstein
Eliza grows silent for a few seconds.
Eliza Elzenstein
"Perhaps, yes."
Lady Lucetta
"I'll hold you to it, darling. Ta-ta!" Lucetta dusts off her dress, taking her leave with Bela.
Eliza Elzenstein
Eliza waits a few moments after her Elzenstein guests leave to make sure nobody was left to listen to them. (Beyond Duchess Lorelei, of course)
Eliza Elzenstein
2025-10-26 16:59:45
Eliza Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:45:18
"We're only a few days away from the wedding. If we get careless now, you're going to lose your chance, you know?"
Eliza Elzenstein
2025-10-26 17:00:40
Eliza Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:45:56
"Thankfully, it was just the Elzensteins today, but if for whatever reason someone like Bella had felt the need to visit..."
Eliza Elzenstein
"I don't want to push you too much, specially because you're the one organizing everything, but from personal experience old men tend to be the hardest to kill."
Eliza Elzenstein
"...You don't exactly grow that old without surviving a few things."
James Drakken
"He had me stand over him while he recreated situation that would soon be to come. Might be harder than expected to kill him."
James Drakken
"But I trust you, because no one else wants freedom more than you."
Eliza Elzenstein
"..."
James Drakken
"A man can only trust such things with his wife, or a Dawn Knight, and in a way, you are like both because of pretty eyes."
Eliza Elzenstein
2025-10-26 17:13:00
Eliza Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #276
Last edit: 2025-11-17 12:47:35
"If you want my opinion, beyond just a plan, you're going to need a backup or two. The other day, a gardener was arguing with the Mad Knight outside about plants, and one of them brought up poison. Could hear them all the way from here. You could probably figure out a way to get some out of one of them."
Eliza Elzenstein
"If not, a bright flash of light in the wedding might help... Though I will admit, I've never actually tested out whether my "pretty eyes" really help with that or not."
Eliza Elzenstein
"Realistically I can't imagine he'd be killable through a method other than just stabbing him, but you never know."
Eliza Elzenstein
"I think any woman would want her wedding properly planned out."
James Drakken
"Ah no, poison does not work. Boris drinks a little bit of poison in the mornings. Which poisons he's drinking, he does not tell. Keeps those that want to kill him unsure of which poisons he is immune to. Plus, poison, is shameful unless you're a women. Men should kill each other with knives after all."
Eliza Elzenstein
"Fair enough."
James Drakken
"Honestly, I did not know that you were so valuable that any man should be lucky to have been offered such a wife. Maybe that is why Boris was so offended that I considered another woman."
James Drakken
"Maybe I should have been happy with what I got."
James Drakken
"In ways, I am a bit angry that I saw things I cannot have. Even now I wonder if I should stop what I am doing."
Eliza Elzenstein
"A bit too late to be having second thoughts."
James Drakken
"Not really. If I stop now, I am sure Lord Boris will be confused, and then carry on as he always has."
Eliza Elzenstein
"If you ask me, eyes like mine, and stature like yours are two sides of the same coin. Meaningless, and yet everyone else is constantly going to force their own interpretations on them."
Eliza Elzenstein
"I'm not any more valuable than any other woman who would genuinely love you."
James Drakken
"Well that really depends, maybe I bring you on trips into the fey woods and your eyes possibly stops evil from striking me down."
James Drakken
"That would be very valuable!"
James Drakken
"I think you undersell yourself. You'd be more powerful if you used your eyes to your advantage."
James Drakken
"Sometimes I wonder if Edger can actually talk to dragons for being a woman turned into a man."
James Drakken
"But I don't think that matters! All that matters is that we believe so, so it is true! If everyone is scared of a monster in the dark, then it matters not if the monster is real."
James Drakken
"Considered maybe, calling this off. Bit embarrassing to have a man pull out your plans in a....uh.....T.T.R.P.G? And play them out. Maybe I could just ask Boris to give me a wife that would love me. But uuuuh."
James Drakken
2025-10-26 17:26:53
James Drakken Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2025-10-26 17:27:07
"Me thinks he'd just hit you over the head with a club until you're dumb enough, so not possible."
Eliza Elzenstein
"...Well, it's your choice either way. I don't exactly have much in the way of stating my opinion there."
Eliza Elzenstein
"Not that I lack any."
Eliza Elzenstein
"I've definitely made up my mind about going through with it, if you do, though."
Eliza Elzenstein
2025-10-26 17:32:39
Eliza Elzenstein Profile
Posted by ID #27
Last edit: 2025-10-26 17:36:31
"...As far as it matters, murder isn't worth considering if your heart isn't beating for that one sole purpose. Resolve is a matter of respect, too, you know?"
James Drakken
"Well then I have simple question for you. Would you kiss me?"
Eliza Elzenstein
"..."
Eliza Elzenstein
"No. Sorry."
"Then-" James Drakken starts. "-I have made my choice."
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