The Festival of the Gods (Open)

[Rivers]

As Rivers lifts Serenity for the next move of the dance, seemlessly sweeping her off her feet before spinning her and setting her down again. “ Well I suppose I'm just never quite sure what will give offense anymore.” He admits ans he continues to lead, adding another flourish. Though he almost stumbles when she explains what her issue the previous night had been.

“Serenity...” He begins with a nervous laugh before continuing. “You do not need to apologize to me, I was the one who was being aggressive in a situation you were uncomfortable with, you were within your rights to refuse the advance, and honestly I'm glad you did rather than bearing with something you found uncomfortable.” He admits, then as they continue to move he says.

“That all being said, Serenity, have you found something you want to do in this world. I appreciate your desire to learn more, but honestly I am not the most reliable of anchors to rely on.” He admits, spinning her and then spinning himself causing his coat to flair slightly.

Then he dipped her smoothly and whispers. “No man would be able to feel nothing while confronted with a beauty such as you in need, but it is precisely because of the circumstance we should be wary of what comes of the meeting.” He finally admits, warm brown eyes staring straight into hers. If it had not been for the masks the two of them would have been close enough to kiss.

[Deleted]

Saden watched the events with a smile on his face. In truth while all of the gods asked for and expected something different from people he was content to watch, especially at times like this. Nothing on Teair appreciated knowledge as much as humanity, and no one celebrated it more than them. This spectacle was his reward for all of his toils.

He watches as a man asks for and is denied a dance, then another comes to join and take up the baton. Each one thinking drawing conclusions and acting upon them. In short they were living, Saden found himself wondering about the nature of pride.

He is broken form his contemplation by a woman who walked over to greet him. He did not need to guess as to her identity, nor did he need any kind of sense of magic, only one of the castle goers was that short with that color hair. “Good evening,” he greets in return before giving her a polite bow, then wondering as to what her response would be he asks her “Milady, what are your thoughts on the nature of pride?”

[Deleted]

Finn's attention was drawn to the center of the room as the pillar of flames erupted. He had seen magic used plenty of times, but something this large being used for show was new to him. “The capital's mages are very powerful if they can afford to make such a show. That kind of display is a good deterrent for foreign dignitaries who are present.” He says, a hint of admiration in his tone. As far as magic went Finn's family's held only a single spell that could only be used once in their lives so he'd often wished to have access to such a convenient advantage.

He returns his attention to the woman who had been admiring the flowers. “The décor is certainly fabulous.” He reached out and took several flowers before offering them to the group. “But it is a kingdom's people that make it truly beautiful.” Then after realizing what he said his face colors to a brilliant red that matches his outfit.

Wow that was corny He thinks to himself as he scratches the back of his head.

[Deleted]

Aria made herself comfortable, her traveling from the dance floor to the person she had just sat herself by. She turned her attention back to him when he acknowledged her greeting. Raising an eyebrow when he bowed to her. She was already sitting so it would be awkward to get up and curtsy in response, so she inclined her head in response. Then out of the blue he asked her opinion on the nature of pride. She blinked, and tilted her head to the side. Contemplating the question.

”I feel that to be a broad topic of many different answers… one could say pride is like a wound and vanity the scab. Life often picks the scab off over and over, and eventually the wound becomes septic. On the other hand pride can help us hold our heads high while others bow theirs.”

Aria took a glass of juice from a person who came by serving drinks, with a nod of thanks. She took a sip and continued to contemplate on the nature of pride.

”Personally I believe it to be a paradox, it makes some men ridiculous; but prevents others from becoming so. Perhaps I am hesitant to think badly of pride, for I am a proud woman myself. I view pride as a personal commitment; separating excellence from mediocrity.”

Aria smiled, she often enjoyed discussing these types of topics. It was always interesting to hear others opinions and see what could be learned from them.

”What are your thoughts on the matter?”

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda had been quietly observing everything to this point and not really saying much. She watched the people dancing with some admiration, raising an eyebrow in amusement as she noticed one couple in particular: a gentleman in white dancing with Aria that let his hand slip a little too far and quickly retreated from the dance when it ended. She laughed until he joined their group, directing his attention to Melda. Not wanting to intrude, she simply continued to watch the dancers.

Finn’s comment grabbed her attention soon after and Lucinda shook her head. “I have it on good faith that wasn’t a castle mage actually. She’s a friend of mine, a duchess, though that was quite impressive, I will agree,” she said, smiling fondly at Aria from across the room as she noticed her beside a bookish gentleman. Lucinda then nodded in agreement with his observation on the decor. “Yes, she’s also the same one responsible for that as well. Really, she is quite talented and did a wonderful job,” she replied, accepting the flower he offered with a smile and laughing lightly as he blushed. “It’s alright, it’s a truthful enough statement and nice compliment as well,” she assured him.

[Claire]

As Claire climbed in the castle she brushed past the drunk courtiers that were making their way down back to the part on either side of her. As she climbed, however, the number of people she was running into was growing thinner and thinner. She laid a hand on the sword at her side, hidden under her cloak, as she climbed.

You recognize this place, don’t you? she thought as she climbed, Is it the same as before? I didn’t get a close look, despite…

Claire chewed on her lip under her mask and pushed the thought aside of what happened, deep under the floors of this castle and continued her march up. Eventually she reached a balcony and turned out towards it, walking towards the edge of it. She clutched the edge of the bright white rail, leaning down to look at the swirling mess of color beneath her. Like slips of brightly colored paper swirling around in the flowers.

But which was her target?

From here Claire had a much better look but it was still impossible to tell which was the King. They all looked the same from here… she looked back over her shoulder, into the castle once more. It was practically empty. Everyone was below, attending and guarding those attending…

Claire turned, her cloak whipping behind her, to walk back inside the castle and grab a gilded torch from the wall. She thought she could remember where- where that man’s room was. This would be a petty revenge- destructive, but petty.

He would know that she was here.

So Claire stormed back into the castle, searching for a certain room. Noku’s chambers, once more.

[Roland]

As Claire gets closer to Noku's room several things would happen:

The first is that all of the guards present would be notified of an unauthorized individual heading towards the Royal quarters. Lilith and Ilta as acting members of the guards would also receive this notice. Roland was not around to spearhead the rush so it would be up to them how to react.

Meanwhile Claire would find one of the statues stepping off its mantel and standing before her raising a hand to indicate that she was not allowed to pass. The guards standing at their posts would perk up now having received a warning of potential danger from something the captain had set up, and none of them wanting to face him when he returned if they ignored it.

In addition, several of the guard patrols in the hall would begin making their way towards Claire's general direction. Finally, Aria and Garrett would both receive the alert.

[Deleted]

Aria stopped…and blinked….what the fuck was that? Her head whipped towards the castle her eyes narrowing…. One on the information that just seemed to implant itself into her mind, and two by a magic she HADN’T AUTHORIZED USED ON HER. She turned to Saden with a calm expression on her face.

”If you’ll excuse me…”

Aria stood and briskly walked past the dance floor and right up to Lucinda and the group who had been gathering and quickly began to ascend the stairs…muttering something about what fresh hell entered the castle now and something about damn fucking mages…. She stopped half way up….and turned around and walked back down to the group.

”Melda I need whitey….I’m not allowed to go whomp any ass that sneaks into the castle any more…”

[Deleted]

The dragon blooded woman took to hanging around the outside of the event. When the guards drew straws, Ilta got one of the short ones, forcing her to be on duty throughout the festivities. She wears no mask nor ball outfit, only the clothes designating her a Royal King’s Knight. It’s well into the evening and at this point, and Ilta figures that she doesn’t have much to worry about other than drunken party goers picking a fight with each other. Watching people dance across the courtyard from a window, she breathes a small bored sigh.

The magical alert is startling to say the least. It’s the first time that anything like that’s ever happened, and she’s never liked magic that interacted with her mind anyways. It’s like an intrusive thought that demands all her attention and pushes all other concerns to the side. It’s clearly not her own though, she jumps back from the window. It continues for a few moments before quieting down, and by that time, she’s already up the stairs. She was close by already.

Getting to the appropriate floor, she can see the red glow of a torch and cloak down the hallway. “Halt by order of the Royal King’s Knights.” A hand sits on her blade, ready to draw if the other person failed to comply.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity’s breath caught in her throat when he lifted her, spinning her in the air, and it took her a moment to respond after that, stunned by the movement. Don’t laugh! In the moment, it felt far more serious… Though the drinks were probably to blame for that. But thank you… for being a gentleman about it. Serenity looked at him through her mask, wishing he no longer wore his, if only to see the whole expression on his face while he spoke. She found that was the easiest way to understand what he meant. His eyes told more truth than his words sometimes, and even those were hard to see then.

You may think that, and it very well may be true, but Rivers, I do not rely on you— not in a way that is consistent. I mean yes, living in Haven, and learning from you is more than valuable, and I will endlessly try to find a way to repay you for it all, but you are my friend. I cannot expect you to suddenly change your way of life and stay in one place. I know that. I mean, you are like the wind, I doubt anything can tie you down for long. Serenity smiled softly below her mask. She never would have imagined one dance would have so much time in it, and so many things would be said.

When he dipped her, she lost her breath again, her chest pounding as he whispered. His words pierced her mind, confusing her further. I… The circumstance? Rivers, I’m afraid I do not understand. What do you feel exactly? And… what aren’t you saying? Why must we be wary? Her heart was racing, and she hated the masks even further now. Well, his anyhow. She looked directly into his eyes, hazel piercing brown. Why did he have to be so confusing with his words? Her mind tried to figure out what he meant, but she drew a blank. She just hoped he would agree to explain, and not leave her with even more questions.

[Rivers]

As Rivers raises her and draws her close again he says. “I suppose you will come to understand the circumstances in time, but all of the adventure and mystique certainly swing one's predispositions.” He explains, as he twirls her and then draws her in so that her back pressed again his chest.

Her words had stirred up mixed feelings within him. “Milady, you owe me nothing. I helped you out of own volition, and I do not need a relationship so built upon debt.” He explains, getting more to the truth of the matter. “If you truly wish to repay me then only honesty will do. For there are times that even the wind wishes to linger with friend of companion.” He whispers softly before releasing her and bowing as the dance ends.

“And give some true thought to what you think of me, not as your benefactor, or even as your friend, but as a person.” He requests before drawing away and ghosting to the drink table.

[Serenity Caine]

Figures. He would rarely give her a straight answer so it seemed. But out of his words, she did get one thing. Huh. So that’s what you think it is. She nodded her head, spinning as he directed her until her back was pressed against his chest.

Rivers, darling, whatever feelings I may have for you are entirely separate from what you’ve done to help me. She turned, hearing his next and final words, of the wind, then, of thoughts. She curtsied for him, thanking him for the dance, and when she looked up he was gone. Her heart sank slightly and she glanced around the room trying to find someone she knew, but masks surrounded her. She swallowed a lump in her throat, and blinked a few times before moving away to hide behind a group of people to collect herself. He wanted her to think, and she would. She already believed that what she felt wasn’t related to the saving he’d done for her, but if he insisted she would think, and she would think hard. She didn’t see him as a benefactor, but he was a friend. It would be hard to separate that when she thought, but she would do it. For now, she would try to enjoy herself while she could, one of many fated hiding behind masks pretending to belong.

[Sima Oratio]

Sima could hear Lilith's words, but what she was saying made no sense to him. "I disagree," Sima said abruptly. He understood the way she was thinking, but Sima clearly thought much differently on the matter. "I understand how dangerous these places can be, I get that that person is a mystery. As far as I know he could hold five nations under his thumb!" Sima looked at her, his blue eyes flaming with intensity. "However, even if that man was the King! I would have acted exactly the same." He glanced briefly at Lilith's lips. The smell of the drink she just consumed was all over it, wafting it's way towards Sima's nose. 

"Regardless of the danger I had to do what I did, because to me there is nothing more important than the ones I love, and my word." 
"So I risked my life on a promise, I've done it thousands of times, and I would do it a thousand times more." Sima grabbed her hands, almost apologetically. 

"I can't change the way I react, because if I start doing that, then I am changing who I am. So I may not be allowed to be right, but for once I know where I belong" 

Sima continued to follow her to the dance floor, unsure of how she would take his words. Perhaps this was him being a thick headed, unable to see Lilith's viewpoint. However, to Sima he reacted these ways because of his own principles. If danger affected his actions, then he wouldn't feel confident protecting or fighting. "Lilith, you sure you can keep up with me?" Sima spoke with a smirk, he didn't know if Lilith danced or not, but Sima sure did. In fact, this was why he asked her to do so. Sima enjoyed it so much, however his dances were not of this world. While walking towards the dancing area Sima eyed the other dancers, this would give him an example to look from, and make it so he was able to at least perform something that looked of this world. 

[Deleted]

He was so stubborn!! If she could have she would half left the room, but causing a scene was not an option here. She understood— she did! But why couldn’t he atlas begin to understand how this world works??? It frustrated her to no end, as she just wanted to look out for him. She knew about his powers, but she was also aware he wore the ring she had made. The situation he may have created could have been a fatal, and she was just relieved the man in white seemed once again distracted. She kept silent when he was done talking, choosing not to respond, and glared at him lightly when he smirked at her.

You’re the one who has to keep up with me, once I leave the festival. She shook her head, trying to calm her heart and anger. She loved him, but he could be so childish.

Her ears twitched, hearing something in the back of her head. An intruder? Lilith looked up at her partner, eyes wide and all anger temporarily gone. Sima, I love you, and I promise I will dance with you soon. But right now I have to go! I'll explain later. Lilith jumped up and kissed him on the lips, quick but lovingly. She didn't have time to explain that the guard was calling her, she just hoped he would be to upset with her. Lilith left him there, going in the direction of the stairs.