A Festival! No a Ball!

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Kail had nothing fancy or anything that would possibly fit for this era and had looked into his bag for something to wear. But he had a black long coat and a nice white shirt and some black jeans. He got those on and found a black mantel that was thrown out by a noble that said it was too ugly. It was black on the outside and red on the inside, he sighed that he looked like a vampire count. But this was a last minute thing he could piece together. He was surprised that he had a pair of black leather gloves. With that he made the trek to the castle. The blond made sure that he could conceal his two knives. Even though they were larger then normal ones. He could still hide them somewhere on his body. As he walked into the ball room, Kail saw several people he knew from the quests he undertook.

While walking about, Kail had munched on some food that was there. Listening to the music that was being played. He mused it was something close to a Christmas party back from his world or something celebrating the winter solstice. Kail went to a pillar and just leaned against it watching the party.

[Deleted]

Diamond was a mercenary and did not have any finer clothes on him. So he was wearing his normal attire although left his weapons at the place he was staying at. He had placed his Muramasa blade in a closet and chained the closet and put a lock on it. Just in case a moron wanted to see what it was. Although he made sure that he had some crystals on him just in case. Walking in to the ball room he hears songs and merriment again. But on a much grander scale then before. His eyes look over at the food and made a move for it and was stuffing his face. Good food like this was rare and he was not going to waste this opportunity. This time though when he looked around he saw hungry eyes coming from a lot of females. He smiled slightly and wandered into the crowd. Perhaps he could make a new friend or two. Or make some pleasant conversation. But was not sure where to start though at all.

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Aria was praying that she didn’t stand out, she had a fairly large argument with Rivers over her dress choice. She wanted to stick with commoner colors; after all it did not do well to dress above your station…Rivers wanted her to wear this red showy dress; she wanted to blend in as much as possible. Yes she was a deity, her blood gave her every right to dress extravagantly, but she spent the majority of her life on the streets. If it wouldn’t have her sticking out as a sore thumb she would be happily wearing the clothes Garrett had given her….speaking of him. Her eyes scanned the crowd, he was a part of the guard now. It meant he had to be here; and frankly sticking by him might be her better option for the night. He was sure to be as freaked out as she was, and misery certainly loved company. ‘I'm Séanait, but most people just call me Shy. You look a little nervous. First time here?’ A hand crossed into her line of vision and she blinked….her face paled a little. ’Shit...people are talking to me…..I AM NOTICEABLE, FRICK’ A baritone chuckle was herd in the back of her mind, ’Relax woman, I use to be royalty, I’ll make sure you won’t mess up. Just relax, enjoy. Your dad taught you plenty.’ she frowned, he was enjoying her misery a little too much. Aria looked up at the stranger with a nervous chuckle, and shook her hand. Not quite the customary greeting, however it would do. Plus she was sure her knees were too shaky to curtsy properly.

”Aria Wurud”

Just then a familiar face decided to answer her prayers; Aria grinned up at the larger woman. Despite the fact her head was being tilted back in an awkward angle.

”Shy is not quite the right word to describe it; formal events are not really…”

Her attention trailed as she caught sight of birds suddenly flying to different points of the room. Birds that didn’t feel right; they weren’t natural. She spotted each and every one set loose, they were located in spots where they’d be able to survey the entire ballroom….well at least the security was up to parr. Aria turned her attention back to the two ladies; her hands gently clasped in front of her.

”Would you mind very much if we move closer to the tree; I’m finding the smell of pine tantalizing at this moment”

[Deleted]

Ilta stares out into the crowd with Claire. True, it was strange. Everything was extravagant and delicate. These weren’t really highly valued things where she was from. “I wouldn’t really say it’s in line with my tastes either. Strength was something always valued and respected. Seems a bit less so here.”

She takes another sip before hearing a male voice. Ilta turns around to see a man a bit shorter than her and Claire. For the first moments, she assumes that he is asking Claire to dance. She was the obvious choice here, right? She was wearing a beautiful dress and lacked imposing horns. However, then she notices the hand is extended to her. She then looks at the man as if he grew a second head for a bit. “I’m not really a talented dancer…” she says. When Claire leaves, she gets a bit of that deer in the headlights look. “Huh?” But off the foreign woman went into the crowd. And her she was stuck with a complete stranger. “Shit.”

She takes another sip of her drink, looking the guy over. Blue. Rich guy. Probably standard noble type. This made the fact that they were speaking only that much stranger though. Finishing it off, she sets it the glass down. “I’m not really all that interested. Besides, we’d look awfully strange dancing, dressed as I am,” she says, gesturing to her outfit. “Anyways, you seem like a wealthy, good looking guy. Why are you talking to me out of all the people here?” Maybe this was some kind of strange dare… yes, that was probably it.

[Deleted]

For a moment there, as her hand was extended, Séanait thought she might have given the red haired woman a heart attack. She seemed to have given her a shock, at any rate. It was a few heartbeats and a nervous chuckle before Séanait got a reply., and even that was a bit shaky.

"Good to meet you, then, Aria Wurud."

Before Séanait could say any more, a familiar figure appeared from nowhere and interrupted. Claire, it seemed, knew Aria and obviously had some sort of history with the little woman, because Aria perked up significantly at Claire's arrival. Séanait nodded acknowledgment at Claire as Aria started to reply to Claire, and she followed Aria's gaze when the shorter woman suddenly broke off mid sentence.

Séanait frowned and examined the birds with what began as idle curiosity. Noisy, flapping, crapping birds wouldn't have been her first choice for dinner guests, but no doubt this was normal in Nova. Then, as she watched, Séanait realised that the birds, who were not birds of prey, were watching the party intently without so much as an occasional feather ruffle. She'd just begun to suspect witchcraft, when Aria suggested moving closer to the tree. Distracted, Séanait put the birds out of her mind and refocused on the present.

"I don't mind. What about you, Claire?"

[Claire]

Claire raised an eyebrow down at Aria, clearly not believing her. The girl looked spooked, but she wouldn’t bring that up in front of someone else. “Perhaps this is not your sort of party, hm? We will see what happens.” she grinned. She did like the atmosphere of this place so far- people seemed to be enjoying themselves. All that needed to happen was a brawl, but the night was still young. It could happen.

The birds did not attract Claire’s attention though when Aria’s voice trailed off into distraction. It was the change in music in a nearby section. To a tune that she recognized. This may not be her homeland, but the taverns and homes she stayed in along the way were quick to show her their dances. And this one, this one she knew.

“Truthfully…” Claire latched her hands onto Aria’s shoulders, grinning. “I was hoping for a dance.” She turned Aria and started steering her to the dance floor, looking back to Séanait.

“We must get a drink, you and I! At some time. But come and join us, I actually know this one!” she hooked her arm into Séanait’s and pulled her with them to the floor of spinning dancers.

Claire turned to Aria after releasing her, putting her hand up to hers and walking in a circle. “Now tell me, why are you afraid? You are dressed incorrectly if you wished to remain unseen.”

[Sima Oratio]

Sima looked at her curiously. "We'd look awfully strange dancing, dressed I am," She spoke. Sima raised an eyebrow in deep thought, but decided to wait and here her out before he continued with his dance proposal. Sima obviously disregarded the "I'm not really all that interested" Part of the conversation. Sima wasn't there to pick up girls, nor did he care about what they would look like together. "Anyways, you seem like a wealthy, good looking guy. Why are you talking to me out of all people here?" Sima was disgusted with her response. "What do you think you are?" He gripped his hands in a flash of anger. "Do you think your some beast to be tossed away with the peasants?" Sima was trying to keep his emotions under wraps, but it was something he had trouble with. "My wealth is not measured in the weight of my coin, or the pleasantries of my appearance" Sima hated the thoughts she seemed to have. Sima, if he was not hiding his true nature, was not much different in scope. He could remember being chased away from towns, cities, just because of his race, and appearance. In a way Sima had not changed too much, he was still hiding behind a curtain.

"I only want a dance with the most interesting person in the room!" Sima sighed trying to alleviate some of the anger he had pent up. "Look around you, what do you see?" Sima continued. "People that smell pretty much the same, act pretty much the same, and look pretty much the same" He calmed down a bit speaking with a more soothing voice. He spoke with confidence and strength however. "You are unique," he then spoke with a grace and charm almost gone unnoticed. "Their are thousands of people just like this, believe me I know" Sima breathed in the air relaxing himself. "I don't mean to be rude but," Sima paused for a moment. "I'm going to ask one more time, and I hope you give yourself more respect despite whatever your answer is" Sima reached out his hand to hers. "May I have this dance?" Sima could only be reminded of when he thought similarly to what he believed she was thinking. Someone gave him a similar response when he asked why he was chosen. That response changed the way he felt about himself and helped him turn around an ugly mind set. Sima was not a monster, he was not a freak, he had no choice how he was born. He learned that he was Sima, and nothing could change that, and if people didn't like it then they would have to deal with it. He often felt that way, but could always go back to the words he was told. He didn't know if he was trying to return the favor, or if he was just talking in a flare of anger. He didn't even know how she would take what he was saying, but it didn't matter. Sima was the kind of person to speak his mind when he was passionate. He began to wonder how he got from wanting a simple dance, to debating the worth of one's self. He assumed she didn't think much of herself, and this was because of the way she carried herself. By asking why she was chosen, and not replying with a simple yes or no, Sima could only assume what he thought of himself many years ago. Whether this was truth or not failed to be seen, at least until she spoke. Sima just thought despite whatever her past was she deserved to hear the words, and he thought he deserved a dance, after all that was what he came for. Alas maybe he wasn't as ready for this after all.

[Deleted]

Well, this was unexpected. A beast to be tossed away. “Beast? I come from a line far too proud to remotely think of myself that way. No, I think I’m a little intimidating on first sight, and that is something I try to foster a bit.” It was easier that way. She never felt comfortable around strangers, and this way, none would bother her. Besides, it seemed to get her jobs as she looked as though she could handle herself.

Most interesting person in the party, huh? Sure, she was fated, and dragonions seemed to be an odd site in these parts. As far as she could tell, she could be the only one with a set of horns. However, she would have thought going back in time, her people would have been more… draconic-looking and less scylian-looking. She wasn’t sure why he seemed to be so passionate about this, her, though. She mumbles a shy, “Thank you.” Maybe she didn’t give this guy enough credit the first time around.

She looks back down at his hand, and sighs. He was certainly persistent. Most of probably would have left her be at this point. What was the harm?  She wasn't going to get to dance with the person she wanted to anyways.  However, this guy seemed interesting enough to talk to.  “Sure,” she says, taking his hand, “Never done this before, so I apologize in advance if I screw this up.”

[Sima Oratio]

Sima didn't believe in her words. She said she was proud, but that was not what he sensed when she asked why he chose her. He felt like her words were doubtful, but then she spoke again with a simple thank you. Sima was unsure what she was thanking him for, was he correct that she did not regard herself as highly as she spoke? She seemed timid about this word of thanks which confused him even more. Was she thanking him for saying that she was unique? It was not meant to please anyone, he only spoke these words to get across a passionate point, your race shouldn't matter. Sima took her hand when she placed it over his. Looking at his hand for a moment to make sure he was aligned properly. This was subconscious at this point, in his culture the way you did everything was specific. A man would always use his dominate hand when escorting a woman to a dance, this was because it was a sign that you were now equals, the male offering his 'dominance'. Sima knew what it was supposed to represent, but he just didn't care, he only did things to code, the way he was taught, much without thinking. Sima's dominate hand was his right, which when he looked down upon it, while taking the hand of the females, looked upon his engagement ring one more time. Sima was stunned in shock for a few moments, looking down upon the ring that could be classified as historical by now. His hand trembled only for a few seconds, as both, good and bad memories flushed into his head. He quickly however regained control of himself, and spoke wisely. "'Screwing up' is how we learn" He took a deep breath. "Even professional dancers 'screwed up' in order to learn, it's just how we learn". 

He looked over for the area were dancing had begun to start. It was usually empty so early within the ball, but a few people had started already. Sima began to lead to where the dancing would begin. Sima was beginning to become curious about how much his strength had degraded. He was strong to say the least, many would be surprised, however he was limited to mortal status now. Which meant he was within the bounds of natural strength. Sima's strength now was a minor part of his immortal status at home. He wondered why his power was stripped from him when he traveled between worlds. Sima was actually quite relieved of this, he feared the powers he held, and many times he couldn't control it. The power would control him, and he would hurt the people around him. He knew that his powers were not completely stripped from him, and this worried him. When he became too emotional it was as if his powers began to return, almost as if they still had a connection with him somehow. The mortal body doesn't stand this power for very long. It ripped muscle, tore born, destroyed his heart. The body would do things that it could not keep up with. It was dangerous for himself, and the people around him. He gripped Ilta's hand a little tighter without realizing it 

Upon reaching the dance floor Sima was oblivious to his surroundings. "First things first" Sima prompted her, getting himself properly positioned. Sima didn't know if this was the same here, but in his culture you always started facing the musicians, unless it was a very large dance number. "Start facing the musicians," He responded. Sima waited for her to position herself. "So what is your name, " He asked curiously. "Mine's Sima, Sima Oratio." 

[Deleted]

Ilta doesn’t notice the slight tremble in his hands. The man’s battle with his personal demons remain unknown to her. As the noble tells her not to worry about screwing up, Ilta shrugs, “I suppose, but I’m not sure how much more dancing I’ll be doing after this.” In truth, she was planning a whole lot more sitting, drinking, and eating.

Ilta realizes people are probably going to be watching them as the go to the nearly vacant dance floor. They are two of only a handful of people out at the moment. She glances sideways to see Claire dancing with Alex further down the ballroom. Did she get ditched for Alex? She shakes her head and looks back at the noble as he tightens his grip on her hand. It doesn’t hurt, but it does get her attention. She wonders what has the man so nervous. She had agreed to dance with him, so really the hard part was over. He could be a terrible dancer, and she wouldn’t know.

She gets in position as directed and faces the musicians. It was almost slightly amusing that the music here wasn’t too different from where she was from. “Ilta Kveld. Alright, so what’s the next step?” Ilta might not have been her first name, but it might as well be here. Only thing that she liked about being Fated was that her first name had entirely disappeared.

[Rivers]

Rivers enjoys the performance and when it ends he is glad to see Lia approach. "I would be careful, if you associate suspcious characters like me, some people might start to wonder." He teases and looks around. As he does he notices birds and quirks his head, what kind of magic is that? He wonders.

"I'm glad you seem to be enjoying yourself, this certainly is an exciting gathering, and a good place for you to make a name if you have the skill. I agree with seeing how far your skills can push you. That being said if you truly wish to stand out I believe you should probably try something that will draw the eyes of everyone, not simply the king's." He suggests and then takes her hand and with a gentlemanly gesture kisses it. "Try to keep up." He says as he places a mask on and leads her back to where her musicians were.

"Excuse me, do you know the song "The Moonlight Ball"?" It was quite a famous one so he expected them to. The song was the from a famous play where a human woman who had been taken to the land of the fae dances with her fae lover before they are separated by their respected families. It was from the second act of the Moonlight Lovers and is considered one of the more memorable scores.

As the music starts Rivers places his hand on Lia's back and begins to move slowly but in time to the music. The performance was a slow build and as the music slowly increases in tempo Lia would be able to feel wind gathering around herself and Rivers. "Don't stop keep going." He whispers as the next step they take finds purchase on the winds and their dancing begins to take them into the air. The as they dance through the air Rivers lets a transparent sash with small sparking objects embedded trail behind them, giving the impression there was a magical trail of glittering light in their wake.

(OOC: If Lia would have stopped him just let me know and I'll edit.)

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Arias eyes probably bugged out twice there size when she was forcibly dragged to the dance floor. Aria dug her heels to the ground, but it would seem the larger woman was more than capable of sliding her against her will across the ballroom floor. However it did not seem that the woman was going to take a no for an answer. With a reluctant sigh Aria allowed her to direct her to the dance floor. When they got there she blinked…unsure of what to do at first. She fallowed Claires movements and found once she stopped thinking about it the moves to the dance came more naturally. A blush formed on her cheeks as Claire mentioned that she wasn’t exactly dressed to avoid attention. As the music changed Aria took Claire’s hand and placed her other hand around her waist, unconsciously moving into the next dance. This time she took the lead.

”I got in a fight with a flashy bard on what to wear tonight, it took quite a bit of convincing to let me just wear commoner colors…..Speak of the devil”

Said bard just took flight above their heads. She watched with a slightly bemused expression.

”I wonder what his take on magic is…”

She was talking about the king, however judging by the cringing she felt in the back of her mind it wasn’t good. She did hope her friend would be careful; Aria looked back down at Claire. Her eyes suddenly bugging out as she realized what she was doing. She instantly dropped her old on the girl and step back with a slightly horrified expression.

”By casters crooked tales what the heck am I doing…”

The blush on her cheeks was back in full force; she sighed and slowly edged off the dance floor. She would be more content to watch the spectacle by the tree.

[Deleted]

Jeon's feet grew tried standing in place. He adjusted his weight on alternating feet to help with his strained arches. The crowd in front of him were beginning to dance. He was pleased no one had asked to dance with him. It was either he insane facial expressions or the status of his clothes. He didn't want to wear these colors, but formalities forced him. The strings of society had a great weight upon him that he didn't want to accept.

As Jeon stood there he began to hear a song that was familiar to him. "Is that the Moonlight Ball?" He had grown up to this music and he attended the play every time entertainers traveled through town. He had to get closer. After scanning the are around himself he gained courage and stepped forward. 'With confidence...you are fine," he continued to press through the crowd hiding behind people in mid-conversation. He received plenty of confused eyes. He didn't mind though as long as he didn't stick out. On his expedition he passed two waiters with trays of wine, grabbing a glass each time and drinking them in haste. He hated the smell of alcohol, but he knew its affect. His body relaxed a little bit more and continued on his path with ease.

He had finally reached the center of the room where the great Christmas tree stood. In actuality it was hanging: being held up by magic. In this moment of awe he forgot his destination and looked up and praise. He appreciate a clever charm when he saw one. While staring up at the tree he didn't even see the tiny woman come into his view. His was a full front attack walking right into her. He almost lost his balance, wobbling in place, and then gaining his balance. "Oh, I am most sorry ma'dam..." he had said originally with a smile, until he looked at who this tiny lady was. He face showed temporary surprise and disgust before he retained his temperate expression. "Oh, it is nice to see you here Lady Aria. I wouldn't imagine such a place would fit your tastes." He bowed to her gracefully. He sucked on his tongue imagining the effects of the lunar drops that this vile woman had given a few days before.

[Deleted]

OOC: Séanait's dress. All hail Claire!

Séanait laughed as a thoroughly bemused Aria was dragged onto the dance floor by Claire. Then, when Claire hooked her arm and started to lead her to the dance floor, Séanait quite happily allowed herself to be pulled along. After a quick look at the dance floor told her that they weren't going to be able to all dance together, Séanait grabbed some random guy who had been leaning up against one of the pillars and dragged him along with her.

(OOC: tag any of you wallflowers)

Once on the dance floor, Séanait eyed the other couples and imitated them the best she could. The music and dance was wholly unfamiliar to her, but if Claire knew it, surely it couldn't be too hard to pick up. She pressed herself up close against her partner, more to mess with him than any real desire, and smiled wickedly at them.

"Enjoying yourself?"

[Deleted]

Kail seeing that overall things were not as cheery for him had desided to adventure off on his own. Seeing that he was slightly invisible for people. Plus other negative thoughts were going on in his head. So he slinked off and headed into the castile and just explore it. If he did get caught while wandering he had the perfect excuse for it all ready set up. The blond slinked away like he was never there in the first place. "Tch......forget this crap" he said to himself and left the ball room and into the castile. Seeing what interesting things he could find or get into.

[Kail has left the area for now]