The Festival of the Gods (Open)

[Deleted]

A smile spread across her face, happy that he seemed to remember her. She was a little nervous since the last time they had met she was naked and rather possessive of him. “I am happy that you seem to remember me.” Smiling more, getting a lot more nervous, Reaching for the bow in her hair, touching it to giving her a little bit of comfort.


“I would like to apologize for what happen the few times that we met.” Bowing her head humbling herself before him. She waited for his respond before lifting her head, blushing because she forgot about the other people around them. Giving a shy smile to the women, she returned her attentions to Diamond.


Still feeling a bit shy about it all, she close her eyes for a moment letting the soft music in the background calm her. Unbeknown to her, her body started to sway with the music, opening her eyes, feeling much more calm. “Um… I know normally the male ask this, but may I get a dance.” Smiling as she extend her hand hoping that he would take it.

[Deleted]

Melda nodded as both women talked, not one for idle chatter herself. Her attendance to this ball was strictly to keep up formalities. She was a good Duchess in principal, but she hated the festivities that came with it. Her mind wandered off as her eyes roamed, and was brought back after a couple minutes of someone saying Diamonds name. She glanced over as he turned to face the woman and Melda saw that he recognized her. One of her eyebrows arched curiously and she wanted them for a moment, as seeing Diamond act uneasy was new to her and very amusing.

Melda saw the chance to make her night interesting and she took it. She excused herself from the Princess and Ai.Diamond, who’s your friend? Melda turned to face her entirely as well. You look beautiful if I may add. That dress is a stunning match for your complexion. Melda had a shit eating grin on her face. She did think that Amiee looked beautiful, but she also wanted to see if she could embarrass Diamond, as this opportunity would probably never come up again. And the fact that Diamond had a lady friend was cause her to want to laugh as it was something that she, for some reason, could never image. Perhaps it was because she herself found romance foolish unless there was complete and true love involved. But for whatever the reason, it took a lot of self control not to laugh.

Melda said nothing when Amiee spoke of him remembering her, not knowing enough on the topic to make a comment, but when the girl asked him to dance her grin grew. She elbowed him in the side. Go on, dance with the lady. After all it takes a lot of courage to ask such a thing, and it would simply be rude not to. This was very uncharacteristic of Melda, but as the night was uneventful for her, this could prove to be her nights entertainment and she would not pass it up. Even if it meant losing Diamonds full protection for a dance or two. Melda looked up at him, her smile big, but her eyes honest. She was simply teasing him, but if asked to back off she would.

[Noku Noru]

The brief discourse between the newcomer and the woman in green ended in an awkward disengagement, as when a gypsy charming a wild animal is approached, breaking the spell and driving off the timid creature. Whatever connection the two had was sufficient to detract her attention from his deportment, and she skirted off like a finch alighting on a new branch. Noku was not used to rejection, but he knew it was largely thanks to his position as monarch, and though it was his nature to protest such faux pas as this, his pragmatism bade against it. As she took her leave of him, he turned to the newcomer and charged him as an older brother might to a younger, bothersome sibling: “No apologies needed for the favor of a fine lady. Go chase your quarry to the next branch, sir.” He retained his position, communicating by his immobility a lack of desire to pursue the matter further, his fervor exhausted on it.

The two departed, and he stood a moment deciding between a secret chalice of wine-having sworn it off publicly in interim-and pursuing a secondary partner for the upcoming dance. Pacing thus mentally, back and forth, his train of thought was arraigned by an unexpected hand, and a sultry voice accompanying it, bidding his favor upon a more willing partner. He turned to face a finely adorned woman gilded in gold, causing her crimson plumage to flare out brilliantly like a proud regal fowl. The effect was stunning, and Noku thought amusedly to himself how fitting it should be that such a timid bird should be chased away only to draw a more emboldened catch to his game.
“If it should please one whose plumage seeks no concealment to show herself the more starkly, I should consider it an honor to reflect such feathers against mine own unabashed pelt.” He made a quick bow, taking her hand in his right, and placing it gently and briefly against his lips before motioning with his left towards the marble square glittering under the lamps. Flattery was one of the king’s secret pleasures, though he distrusted it immensely as his political station. Here, concealed by the giddy tempest of colors and absence of armed guards, he felt free to indulge. Taking the red woman’s arm in his, he paced delicately into the midst of the spangled dancers, turning to position for a dance as the musician’s began their next piece.

“A splendid affair, the festival” he began, initiating the necessary smalltalk demanded at such a juncture “and tastefully adorned, like yourself. I should say the décor is fitting of a prominent event as this.” The notes of stringed instruments played with a bow, and plucked with fingers floated over the crowd as they all began to sway and strut in tandem to the maestro’s direction of his orchestra. Noku’s hands rested firmly and comfortably against the waist of his partner, making his steps strongly and easily, with the grace of one practiced in the discipline. The aroma of wisteria complimented the evening breeze delicately, and mingled intermittently with the robust scents produced from the caterer’s refreshments. Laughter, chatter, and a thousand varied tones of human vociferation echoed half-suppressed from outside the throng of pleated, gilded, furled, ruffled, embroidered, and feathered fabrics that swirled about them.

[Rivers]

Rivers takes Serenity's hand and begins to walk with her to the dance floor. As they move he murmurs "I probably don't have to tell you this, but be careful. This place is less kind than it appears." He warns, though as he remembers her past he raises his shoulders in a slight shrug. "Though I suppose you probably already knew that." He acknowledges before drawing her in, placing a hand on her waist and raising their other hand.

Rivers began to lead in the appropriate dance for the song that was playing, though he had to admit that even with Serenity here he'd rather have been playing than dancing. Something about being at such a grand occasion and not performing just seemed wrong. He itched to remove his mask and tell the tale of the Wild Hunt, or sing of the Noru Twins from the Feyerlun stories.

As Serenity got more used to the dance he suddenly says. "I'm sorry about what happened in the springs the other day."

He does not break strides and continues speaking. "I behaved like a fool, and I did not really consider the feelings of others involved." He admits, the drink certainly had contributed, but it was certainly not the only thing that had driven his actions that night.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity walked with him, her eyes looking at those around them as he spoke. She nodded to his words, I do know, but thank you for the warning. It is ironic though, that people are wearing real masks tonight, rather than metaphorical ones, while pretending to enjoy each others company. There was a smirk on her face, and she chuckled. When he drew her in, she blinked a few times, before stepping with him as they began to dance. She looked curiously up at his face, noting how he looked at those playing the music more than anything else.

You should join them later. She smiled softly, taking a guess. She could be wrong, but she doubted he’d mind. I doubt they’d mind if someone wanted to play music with them She stumbled once, and cleared her throat as if it didn’t happen before getting back into the rhythm. When Rivers spoke again, she looked up once more, her eyes trying to catch his. Her cheeks flushed once more at the reminder of the other day. She’d been avoiding that topic, and almost him in general.

No… I need to apologize too. I agreed to play, but made it personal when it wasn’t. I made things really awkward, and ended the night for everyone. I mean, everyone went their own ways, and had a good night regardless, but i ruined the game. Serenity looked down to their feet while they danced, her voice was soft and honest, she believed it was her who’d gone to far.

Considering feelings was not apart of the game, and we were all drinking and agreed, so really, you have nothing to apologize for. And besides, you don’t owe me anything, so don’t worry about it. She was babbling and she knew she was babbling and making a fool of herself and so her eyes remained on their feet.

[Rivers]

As Serenity assures him she is aware of the danger he smiles and gives her an affirming nod. “I'm glad you didn't take offense.” He says hand tightening on her waist slightly. It was difficult to tell anything about his expression behind the jester's mask, but he leans in slightly closer as she continues.

“Perhaps I will join them, but if I do it will be as myself not as anyone else.” He says calmly glancing at the performers again. As a bard it was wrong for him to come here and partake without repaying the host with a story, but he tries to think of what kind of tale the King would enjoy. Perhaps the downfall of Fate...though that is quite different from the Fate they know here. He considers as they continue to move.

Rivers begins to add small flourishes as Serenity's movements grow more confident. “Serenity, you do not need to apologize for what happened. I understand that I was being too forward....I will admit that you are perhaps not the only one who brought their feelings to the game with them.” He admits, just before carefully spinning her.

“....I...” He begins to say something but stops speaking and returns his attention to the dance. Softly swaying and leading her through the steps.

[Serenity Caine]

Offence? Why on earth would I? Serenity laughed and smiled, forgetting how red her face was under the mask. Rivers always seemed to have a way to make her forget her nerves or worries. It was hard to imagine they hadn’t known each other that long, because for her, it seemed like a lot longer.

But of course, I mean I wouldn’t imagine you’d do it any other way. Still smiling, Serenity grew more and more confidant to the dance which the took part in, not minding when Rivers added things to it. It was clear he’d already known the dance, and she wished she’d been taught before, so as not to look foolish, but it was to late for that. When Rivers spoke again, Serenity glanced up, stunned.

I like forward, so stop apologizing. Being forward wasn’t what got to me. It was the intimacy that was so public. I’m getting better at being okay with that, but because it was shared with another, it just didn’t sit right… That’s all. Nothing big, just silly. Serenity smiled, pushing it off. She was simply happy that things weren’t awkward between them any more. It was his last words before the spin that caught her off guard. She stammered a reply, but no real words came from it. Even without the spin she felt a tad dizzy.

She heard him start to speak again, but ended it, and she looked up at him, her hazel eyes giving off how confused she was. You… what? She was curious and confused. Rivers never seemed like the person who was unable to speak his mind, so this baffled her. She was grateful with how well he lead her in dance though, otherwise she would indeed look like a fool. Your dancing is quite wonderful may I add.

[Claire]

Claire pulled her hand back, eyebrows furrowing at the man behind her mask. Her face could not be seen- how could this man know? She looked back to Shy, then over to Zepon shaking her head. “Mistake. Excuse me.”

As she walked away, slipping through the crowd of nobles and dancers, she started to move towards the castle. She was beginning to wonder if it would have been more prudent to disguise as a woman and risk being recognized for her skin in order to lure the king- there were too many white-haired men here for her to figure out which was the king. If her goal had been outright assassination tonight, however, her life would have been forfeited regardless. But alas, it wasn’t tonight. Tonight was simply humiliation. As she passed between dancers her shoulder brushed against the back of a white-haired man, his arms wrapped around a woman in red.

She passed by the King unknowingly, her mask and costume a shadow of death, and vanished back into the crowd.

She made her way to the entrance of the palace, brushing through masked courtiers to enter the building. It was somewhat quieter here- she needed to find higher ground. Or, perhaps, a familiar enough visage to take advantage of. Like that captain who looked so much like Core or that young woman with hair like the sun that she had met in the market. But Claire gave a swift look around at her surroundings and began to ascend, passing by windows that looked down upon the festival.

[Deleted]

Lilith turned, seeing Sima still talking to the man in white. She took a deep breath, not wanting to be mad at him. She knew why he did what he did, but in all honesty, she wished he'd simply waited till they were done and be mad at her, rather than insulting the noble who'd so kindly asked her to dance. She needed to work on his etiquette. When he made his way back to her, she placed her cup back down on the table and looked up at him though her mask. He was so… frustrating! It frustrated her that she couldnt be mad at him for this.

I know Sima. I understand it. I know why you did it… But you can’t do that again, you really can’t. For all you know that could have been the King! What would you have done if he’d gotten angry? In events like this, when you don’t know who you’re dealing with, you can’t just jump in and take what you want. This place is more dangerous than you seem to realize. Lilith smiled sadly at him. He was so attuned most of the time, but when it came to real life events that Lilith had always known, he was completely lost.

I love you for being so sweet and wanting to dance with me, but you need to be careful. With the way things are right now, your… difference in race could cause more problems than we can handle.. Lilith reached out and took his hands in her own.

You don’t get to be frustrated here. You don’t get to be in the right. What you did could have gotten you killed depends on who he was. But I will dance with you, not only because I promised, but because you just risked your life on a promise. She stood on her tip toes and kissed him softly before leading him out back to the dance floor, noticing that Aria was taking her place with the man in white. Who had he been? She would probably never know.

[Deleted]

Aria was glad for the masks, however the mask did nothing to hide the fact the tip of her ears went red with her blush. She had been thrown off by the unexpected response to her request. A small smile crept on her face as she was pulled out to the dance floor.

”Simplicity in itself is a grand beauty in my eyes; though your appearance good sir in my opinion is far from starkly. Perhaps fairly fitting for the décor.”

If she had to put a finger on what he was going for it had to be perhaps a butterfly? As they began to dance Aria was pleased to have found herself a good dance partner. With him it was easy to fallow his steps, and not fall back into leading as she had done during the Winters Ball. She knew the dances; so the steps were not unfamiliar for her. A grin beamed across her face when he announced he liked the Décor, it was good to know he enjoyed it….she thought she may have over done it. She was more pleased about the compliment to the Décor then to herself…it was odd to be complimented on her looks.

”I’m glad you like it, I was afraid I over did it a bit…reversing it when the festival is over is going to be the tricky part… I agree with it being a splendid affair, though such events make me feel uncomfortable, they make me feel nervous. I’m not a formal party sort. Always afraid I’ll step on some ones toes in one way or another.”

Her eyes drifted around the ball room; noting who was around them and whom was not. Rivers and Serenity seemed to have taken to the dance floor as well. She did need to talk to him, but she rather do it in person, but finding that time was the hard part. Aria turned her attention back to her dance partner in short time; he seemed to be enjoying himself. She often wondered if you gave a person a mask if you’d see their true self.

”You seem to be enjoying yourself; and may I say dancing with you is a treat. You make it easy to fallow along.”

Aria actually found she might like dancing, perhaps there was something good about these sort of parties.

[Noku Noru]

As the dance got underway, Noku's crimson partner betrayed her identity by admitting responsibility for the decor. At first, it threw him off guard; he wasn't expecting to have met with her here, and even less so to be dancing with her-a woman he earnestly believed to be lacking refinement. The fluidity of her movements confirmed otherwise; though rough as a whole, she at least had class. "You are just full of surprises..." He thought to himself, determined to remain ignominious at his own party. "The feeling is mutual" he said aloud "and I must say I was not expecting so renowned a partner as the royal decorator at such a prestigious ball." Bouncing to lively pace of the music, he pressed her figure to him, twirling in tight semi-circles with the crowd. Without thinking-distracted by his newfound awareness of his partner-he had allowed his hand to slip a bit too far, and caught a distinct impression of her rounded thigh, quickly righting himself upon noticing it, and cleared his throat apologetically. As the music faded and the dance came to an end, Noku gave a slight bow and prepared to take his leave. "A pleasure, m'lady. The king himself should have been glad for it." He exited the marble slab, musing to himself, half aloud "Now, what other game shall I snare?" a gleeful smirk emerging as he surveyed his options in the crowd.

His eyes alighted on a pale woman adorned in purple and silver, and he raised his brow from intrigue. She was conversing with a couple-a man and a woman, who took their leave of her after a short time. As they stepped away, he advanced on her with a mechanical pace, imparting a rigid manner to his movements, intending to stand out. He approached closely, awaiting her notice, and said nothing, standing erect with the same military posture he had assumed earlier. "Perhaps my error before was an overabundance of words. We shall use the language of nobility hereafter." He thought, meaning to use this to weed out of his guests those of...questionable taste.

[Deleted]

”I wouldn’t say renowned, this is the first large event I’ve gotten to decorate. I was happy to have been given the opportunity.”

Aria allowed herself to enjoy the dance; a smile set on her face. She was always light on her feet, and she lost herself in the music easily. So far that had to be her favorite part about staying in the castle. Listening to all the music; even the pieces that were just being learned. Perhaps she’d go over to the musicians after this to take a look at their instruments. Her attention was pulled back to her partner when the pressure and warmth from his hand suddenly began to slip south. A blush bloomed across her face and the tips of her ears burned red. Her gaze turned to him sharply with raised brows. Her gaze softened as the silent apology was exchanged. When the music came to an end she stepped back, and curtsied to her partner as was proper. She would have said the pleasure was all hers…however….in the current situation that may have made an awkward moment more awkward. As she righted herself, she for a moment watched with some amusement as he hurried off….if she were to hazard a guess she would say he was running away from an embarrassing moment. She gave him credit where credit was due….he did finish the dance at least.

With her hands folded in front of her she strolled off the dance floor. She gazed around on the side lines before spotting someone nestled in the corner with a crimson book. Seemed like a safe enough place, she walked up and found a seat at a respectful distance. Her nose twitching as the familiar scent wafted over to her.

”Good Evening”

[Deleted]

Diamond was rather perplexed that Amiee had became human looking then she was before. As he did wonder what happened to her as it had been awhile since they had met at the springs. She did look rather cute in her outfit that she was wearing. Then she apologized again for her actions and gave a wave of his hand that was a motion to not worry about it so much. But it seemed that his boss had caught wind of them speaking "Well this is Amiee, we were paired off at the Matchmaking festival" then turned to Melda as she had a shit eating grin on her face. Plus she was sounding very condescending to Amiee even thought it did not sound like it for a normal person. But since he had worked for all kinds of nobles he could spot trash talk to people. Diamond's eyes could not be seen behind the mask. The white haired mercenary gave a withering glare behind it, as friends he made were special. In a sense to him as his life going from conflict to conflict. Making a friend was hard or see them again and again since he did not know if he was going to live. Or his friend dieing from something either from war or something else.

"My honor as a man would be in question. Plus I have to reward that courage to ask me to dance with you" Diamond said and took Amiee's hand and was going to the dance floor. Diamond wanted to say something to his boss but figured that he would get her back another time. Perhaps he would talk to Aria on that matter as it seemed that she was a trickster of sorts. Diamond was not a trickster at all for pranks that were on the spot or a few days. Once they got to the dance floor he looked at Amiee "You start and I will follow on this one" Diamond said as he rarely danced at all. He could follow someone's lead until he got use to things.

[Deleted]

A light blush came to Amiee cheeks when Melda said she looked beautiful, she still felt a little uncomfortable in the dress wishing that she could change into her normal clothes. Shifting her body enjoying the grass under her feet happy that she didn’t wear shoes today even if it was something that other might find strange if they saw.


A small sigh of relief left her lips happy that he wasn’t going to hold the events of past meeting over her head. She did glance at Melda seeing her having a grin on her face, almost wondering if maybe she had said something wrong. Seeing the look in Diamond’s eye he gave Melda made her wonder if there was something else that was said seem to go over her.


“I am sure no one would question your honour as a man.” Her eyes followed those on the dance floor, it was a simple waltz. The steps were easy enough to pick up even if she haven’t done the dance in a long while now. Doing her best not to laugh at Diamond suggesting that she leads in the dance. “You know commonly the male is to lead in the dance.”


Placing her right hand in his, her left hand using to position his on the middle of her back, as she place hers on his shoulder. “Don’t worry the steps are easy. Step forward with your left leg.” As she slowly direct him though the dance steps. The dance was slow at first the few missteps were made, making sure to keep eye contact with him. “You know if you are going to attend events like this one you should practice dancing.”

[Deleted]

Melda looked at Diamond, the grin still on her face. She was unaware of how he’d taken her words, but if spoken she could assure him that her compliments on his friend were genuine. She looked at him curiously, feeling an ill vibe directed towards her. Well how fortunate of you, she’s stunning! Melda smiled nicely now ridding herself of the playful grin. She meant to tease Diamond, not frighten the girl. She watched as Amiee shifted nervously, feeling bad for being so forward about it. She knew nothing of this girl, and had no clue what her true feelings were.

When the pair left her, a real smile crept on her face, happy that Diamond had a woman in his life. Though Melda did not believe in romance, nor in more than one love, but from what she knew Diamond hadn’t missed his chance yet, so who was she to stop him? Melda went to turn back to the group she’d be socializing with, wondering what Lucinda would be talking about now, as well as who the mysterious woman they were speaking to was. As she turned, her eyes caught on the man in white, who’d been dancing not to long before. Even she didn’t know who he was, aside from the obvious fact that he had a high status, no doubt higher than her own. She looked at him through her mask, noticing he said not a word to her, but kept looking at her.

Melda strode over to where he stood, only a few feet from where she’d been, and nodded her head to him respectively. Because she didn’t know who he was, a curtsy when meeting seemed like to much. Good evening. Beautiful night tonight, don’t you agree? Perfect for such an event. Melda held herself tall with all the grace she’d been taught growing up, to be the Duchess she was today.