Desire, Divine rights, and Dinner

Demonicmuffin

Well-Known Member
Inactive
Dec 24, 2017
194
Gulliver stood up from his seat at the head of the table, raising up a glass of champagne. “First of all, I would like to thank you all for accepting my invitation here today. Truly I am honored to have you all here.” The being of greed said, looking among the faces seated at the rather large table, decorated with expensive cutlery and candles,

“You may have heard of me from your associate, but what you have or haven’t heard doesn’t matter anymore. I am here to make an offer. This will include no mention of the other contestants, no questions of the contest itself. This is not between Referee and player, but between individuals.” he stopped, momentarily before moving on, “You are all of great interest to me. It takes truly great men and women to pull off something of this scale. I have been looking for those such as yourselves. Each of you possesses value far beyond what even many of the long standing residents of this island possess. To this point, I propose a deal.”

“It should be clear by now I am a man of great wealth. Accept my offer and you will have access to riches beyond your wildest dreams." he said, putting his glass down, “A little pact is all it takes. Fine dining, expensive jewelry, priceless paintings. You can have all of this and more if you only take my hand.” He smiled, holding out his arms as if welcoming them, a jagged smile on his face.

“I know this may be a tough decision, so I’ve taken it upon myself to give you a taste of the life you could live daily should you accept.” He said, snapping his fingers, the doors bursting open as dozens of wait staff rushed in, balancing literal silver platters in their hands, lifting off the tops to reveal delicacies of all varieties, even including magical beasts. A second wave of servants came in, gently placing numerous instruments in front of the massive aquarium in the back of the room. One by one, they began to move on their own, the orchestra beginning to play.

“I do hope you enjoy your night ladies and gentlemen.” He finished, sitting down and pouring the glass of champagne into his mouth.

@Emy
 

Emy

Well-Known Member
Inactive
Supporter
Mar 29, 2014
5,389
Virginia, United States
Pronouns
She / Her / Hers
Posting Status
Irregularly
The Proctors

The proctors were a mixed bunch consisting of a student, two bookshop attendants, a lawyer, a barista, and a vagrant. Some were taken by the opulence of Gulliver's mansion. Others were not so impressed.

"I am pretty sure this is unethical," Cornelius remarked uncaringly, swirling a glass of wine with intense fascination. It sparkled deep garnet in the light, the crystal glass winking its pricelessness to the corner of the eye. "The wine is excellent, however."

By his side, a handsome woman whispered to her dinner partner, "This is exciting, don't you think? I've never been to anything so, so this in my entire life!" Out of everybody, she seemed the most taken with the food, with little neat piles of it arranged all over her plate, and also the most genuine about being there.

Her partner yawned with boredom. "Gaudy. Ridiculous. Over the top. Take your pick, Loralai," Aslan said, taking a sip of juice. The liquid froze immediately in his mouth and those nearby could hear audible crunching sounds as he chewed. "This is such a farce."

"That's rude," Lucianne chided absently. Most of the pink-haired woman's attention was caught on Claudius, who cowered in his seat, looking afraid to breathe let alone touch anything. She passed him a tin of candy that he accepted with a frightened expression.

"I do not think I am supposed to be here," Estelle, the last proctor, admitted. She carved her food up delicately, setting little pieces into her mouth. Her gaze met each of her companions' with finely bred steadiness. "I cannot imagine anybody with this sort of wealth would possibly find my powers useful. Quite the opposite, in fact."
 

Demonicmuffin

Well-Known Member
Inactive
Dec 24, 2017
194
“If you really weren’t supposed to be here, You wouldn’t have been invited.” Gulliver said, grabbing a large piece of meat, his mouth opening abnormally wide to fit it all in. “If you’re so worried about it, share with me, although I doubt it can change my opinion.” He said, curious as to what it may be. Looking at her, she appeared to be the definition of a woman of status from her appearance to her movements, making her statement peculiar, although he supposed that may be due to her power.

What was even more interesting was that according to her, it was something that would relate in some way with his vast wealth.
 

Emy

Well-Known Member
Inactive
Supporter
Mar 29, 2014
5,389
Virginia, United States
Pronouns
She / Her / Hers
Posting Status
Irregularly
Estelle Chevalier

"My ability involves a sort of equivalent exchange," Estelle started haltingly. "In order to activate them, something of equal value must be given. For example, sacrificing a thousand dollars might buy a wish for some improved health or a month more of life. The lines are somewhat hazy but I know that there are limits to what I could do, even if all the money in the world were turned to dust for my sake."

"If this interests you," she continued, "then I would happily take your hand." In truth, she hoped that he would, for her parents' sake if not her own. Already she could hear them clamoring for her to ensnare him in some way, to take his money in any way possible -his wealth would fulfill all of their materialistic dreams and as their daughter, she was honor bound to do her best to achieve that. This was the most honest way she could go about it, extending an olive branch to his offer.
 

Demonicmuffin

Well-Known Member
Inactive
Dec 24, 2017
194
Gulliver leaned forward, intrigued. “So in theory, that's merely giving one the option to buy things on the spot, whether they can be normally bought or not, yes?” He asked, scratching his chin. “In that case, wouldn’t monetary wealth be beneficial. Surely having more fuel to work with would bring some benefits.” He pondered, although his decision had already been made.

“Of course I’m interested. I look forward to working with you. After this little gathering is over with, I will show you the room you would be staying in should you choose to live here.” Gulliver said, his voice distinctly pleased.

“Now, would anyone else be interested?” His eyes darted around the table, eventually settling on the rather masculine woman who seemed rather excited about the whole situation. “I apologize for that, I thought at the very least making sure people were feeling welcome should come first.” He said, glancing towards the nervous looking male. He got the feeling that if he were to try to comfort that one he would only make the man more anxious.

“It is quite unique isn’t it? There are very few on this island with wealth vast enough to accommodate such an event.” He commented, gently tapping his wine glass, indicating one of the wait staff to pour him some more. “And that's not even mentioning whether they’d be willing to host something like this in the first place. But what good is a vault of treasure if you never use any of it to live with flair?” He continued, nodding politely towards the waiter who had refilled his drink.

“I find it much more enjoyable this way isn’t it? It really is flattering to hear your compliments, although most of the credit goes to the staff. Quite talented these bunch. Each of them has been selected personally by yours truly. Between the diurnal and nocturnal staff, there’s always someone to attend your every whim, no matter the time of day.” Gulliver swirled his wine, taking a sip. Getting even one of them on his side was already a wonderful turn of events, but the thing about being living desire is one can never be satisfied with what they have already gotten. If he played his cards right, he may be able to get another one or two to accept his offer.

“I must say, I do like your style. That suit fits quite well. I’m certain that the in house tailor would appreciate having more work to do. She’s taken to making stuffed animals and wedding dresses she has so little to do. A shame really, she’s quite extraordinary.” The being of greed complimented Loralai, attempting to appeal to her interests while he was at it.

“And there is far more to be experience than just this. There are numerous other private facilities to enjoy. A game room, a sauna, an indoor pool, a private movie theater, the list goes on.” He added, counting off the rooms on his fingers. “It really is a shame that it can’t all be experienced in one night, isn’t it?” He commented, smiling slightly.
 

Emy

Well-Known Member
Inactive
Supporter
Mar 29, 2014
5,389
Virginia, United States
Pronouns
She / Her / Hers
Posting Status
Irregularly
Loralai Lovage Merriweather

Estelle settled back gracefully, her face expressing none of her emotion although Loralai thought that she was pleased by the acceptance. She knew the younger woman's family was pushing hard for her to find money in some way. Maybe now they would let up on her a bit.

As for Loralai herself, she was taken by the aside of Gulliver's seamstress. For an instant, she dreamed of the things that could be made - pretty, frilly things that she loved but had no real purpose for. But she shook herself a few moments later."

"That's a very nice offer," she said in polite cheer. "I might like to borrow your seamstress sometime if that's possible. I've always been interested in the craft."

As much as she wanted to give in right there and then, Loralai did happen to have some standards. She wasn't sure if this person met them at all or not. All she really knew about Gulliver was that he was rich and probably just a bit unethical.
 

Demonicmuffin

Well-Known Member
Inactive
Dec 24, 2017
194
“I suppose it wouldn’t be too much of an issue if you made use of her skills sometime. If you choose to remain unpacted you will have to pay her for her work, though I may be able to pay a small amount of the cost out of appreciation for this event. If you do decide to join me all costs will be covered of course.” Gulliver said casually. Goodwill wasn’t something he believed in, however swaying someones opinion of yourself using money may be worth the cost, depending on the benefits one may receive. He figured this may well be one of those situations.
 

Emy

Well-Known Member
Inactive
Supporter
Mar 29, 2014
5,389
Virginia, United States
Pronouns
She / Her / Hers
Posting Status
Irregularly
Loralai Lovage Merriweather

Aslan scoffed softly. "You can do better than that," he said to Loralai. "It's so obvious he's trying to buy you off that it's laughable."

"I know and I appreciate the blatancy," Loralai admitted in between bites of something that had no right to be as decadently plump as it was. She thought it was quail but this was Manta Carlos so who knew for sure? In any case, between shady and hysterically biased clients, somebody being so forward about their intentions was refreshing. It was just nice to know for sure.

"You, you're being awfully rude, though," she told Aslan as Lucianne nodded in agreement.

"You mean normal," Cornelius corrected absently. "He's always like this." Sheepishly, Lucianne nodded again.
 

Demonicmuffin

Well-Known Member
Inactive
Dec 24, 2017
194
“It's not like buying someone off is all that rare. A salary, dental plans, all various ways of buying people off. If anything my refusal to mince words should be seen as a sign of good faith.” Gulliver shrugged, not even attempting to deny the accusation. “Rude as he may be, he followed through with those invitations, so a little comment here and there is of little trouble.” He said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “I do appreciate your consideration however.”

“Back to business, I can guarantee that my staff are properly treated in and outside the workplace. High salary, room and board, healthcare, truly the ideal occupation. Far better than what others would offer them.” Gulliver explained, knowing Loralai may have such concerns, what with her profession and all.
 

Emy

Well-Known Member
Inactive
Supporter
Mar 29, 2014
5,389
Virginia, United States
Pronouns
She / Her / Hers
Posting Status
Irregularly
Loralai Lovage Merriweather

"Perhaps a trial of sorts?" Loralai tried. This man, had, after all, already gotten to Estelle. Getting two of the six would certainly give anybody a swollen head. Metaphorically, of course. "I admit that I don't really know what you expect of us. Your offer is awfully generous." Maybe a bit too generous, she thought, but sometimes people were just like that. Right? "It seems a little lopsided in our favor, doesn't it?"
 
Top