The Holiday Ball (Social Event)

Mercurius; the beautiful castle that serves as home to the royal family of Fiore. Very few people have actually been allowed entry for other than important business involving the king. It was for this reason, however, that the doors were now being opened to the entirety of Fiore. The king himself, bored with his daily routine, has decided that he would host an extravagant masquerade ball for the citizens of Fiore. Moral standing, magical ability, past and present transgressions were of no concern to him for this event. Even still, as this was to be a time of enjoyment for the citizens of Fiore, the king had his best warriors on standby in the off chance that there were some visitors who decided to cause trouble. All would be welcomed to attend the ball and socialize with their fellow countrymen and countrywomen. Of course, he himself was rather lacking in the planning department in regards to things of this nature. A tactical genius and unrivaled political intellect he was without question....but with parties or other such social gatherings he was rather bland. As such, he had brought in an expert from the eastern kingdom of Pergrande, a woman who's social event coordination abilities were unrivaled even in her home country. The king had granted the woman free reign to decorate and organize as she saw fit, he had even gone so far as to give her supreme authority in all matters pertaining to the ball, answering only to himself. The woman, who hadn't given her name and simply went by "The Coordinator", had performed her task splendidly. The royal ballroom had been given the appearance of a starlit night through the use of her strange magic. She had contracted the best musicians from both Fiore and Pergrande to provide the music for the ball and had the best chefs from both countries providing the cuisine. By the king's decree, the ball would last the entire month, culminating in an extraordinary celebration for the New Year. With all preparation completed, the gates of Mercurius were opened and the castle's interior was made available to all who would be in attendance to the masquerade ball.

The Fiore Masquerade Ball has now began. This is a strictly social thread, so hostility will not be tolerated. Any attempts at fighting or hostile actions will result in your character being expelled from the ball and further participation in the thread revoked. There will be activities for both Christmas and New Years so be on the look out. And most of all....HAVE FUN!

Kaito was uncomfortable. He had no desire to wear what he was wearing, or even be where he was. This was not how he had imagined the first time him leaving Magnolia would be. He thought he would be going on extravagent adventures. Not being slowly lulled to sleep by an orchestra in the orchestra pit of an excessively large ball room that put the Church back in Magnolia, the largest building Kaito knew of, to shame. This ball was not the place for him, yet here he was as the guildmaster had told him to be. Kaito remembers being told it was important for him to be here, to represent younger mages or some such nonsense. All Kaito knew is that this was a drag. His hair was cleaned up and his long bangs were brushed to the side. He wore black dress shoes with a black tuxedo with a red tie. To top it off he had to wear this stupid mask, as everyone had to wear a mask it seemed, he got away with wearing a simple silver eye mask though, much to his guild mates' dismay. Absolutely dreadful is how he thought he looked. I mean what kind of fourteen year old goes around wearing crap like this? No one that is who, Kaito thought to himself.

This ball had quite the turnout though, especially several common folk whom only were here to just simply step foot in the castle, which Kaito had to admit, as much as he hated the circumstances, being inside the castle was pretty cool. There were several mages, from different guilds. Kaito was told to mingle with them and make friends. Peace between the guilds was necessary, no need to go make enemies out of one of them. Though as Kaito glanced around the room, pretty much everyone was greatly older than him, there were a few people that were young, but from Kaito's view, he was the youngest one here. No one to relate to him. So he leaned up against one of the marble pillars edging the dance floor and holding up the starry ceiling, and watched as people danced to the music, hoping someone would relieve him of his boredom.

Arriving to the royal family of Fiore’s castle Priscilla would halt a few meters back behind an enormous line. Invitation in hand, the crimson haired beauty was dressed in a vibrant strapless scarlet ballgown. An outfit which she couldn’t leave her parents manner without as she enjoyed it’s ruffles far too much. Masked by a matching ebony and ruby mask that shimmered with all the fake gemstones that were fitted upon it. I wonder how long the wait to enter the ball is from back here? Leaning her head out she would precariously balance herself upon one heel till she was startled by a guard palace guard who had approached her from behind laying a hand upon her shoulder. Teetering from the shock she would quickly catch herself once again allowing a relieved sigh to escape her lips. Removing dirt stains from this dress was a nightmare.

“Do you have an invitation miss?” The guard blended quite well into the army however this one wasn’t wearing his helmet as to show off his charming face and blonde hair. Not really her type especially fitting the cliched knight in shining armor. Staring blankly at the guard she would hold her position unsure of what he had asked her as she never caught a glimpse that his lips were moving. An awkward silence would pass before he noticed the invitation under her arm. “Ah, if you would come this way miss.” Squinting and smiling she finally understand the reason of his presence. He must be picking out people from the line up who were given invitations. I hope he was standing there too long to get my attention.

Stepping out she would be lead to the entryway and into the ballroom, a giddy expression across her face as she noticed the tables that were lined up with the various foods. The luminescence of the magical starlight in the room set the perfect kind of mood for the masquerade. Shuffling across the dance floor in her heels it was a shock that she didn’t fall over. Strawberries! All though she didn’t remember her movements, Priscilla was strategically placed in front of the bowls slowly picking out one delicious piece at a time.

Outfit:

Lilthal sighed audibly, the line was disgustingly long and she had no desire to wait.  Taking a deep breath Lilthal began to walk, cutting in line and receiving from angry glares from the people she past.  Once in front of a guard she smiled sweetly, "Here's my invite, thanks" She spoke quickly, handing him the decorative piece of paper and walked inside, softly making a kissing noise to tell Koko to follow.  

The one bright spot about being forced to this 'party' was that she got to get Koko a dashing bow for one of her ears, it was black and white like Lilthals dress.  She realized when buying it that of course she would stand out, it didn't sweep the floor like a normal ball dress would.  Instead it came up to her mid thigh, it's main colour was white but was decorated in black style flowers and vines, she found it breath taking to say the least. Lilthal's mask equally as beautiful, it was a mesh style, allowing someone to see more of her skin but it still kept her a mystery, it also had a circular diamond in the center.  

Lilthal had was the challenge for her however, she could not decide and so she picked to just pull her bangs back and let the two strands of cherry red hair stay down, the rest of her hair was also down but perfectly straight compared to it's normal curly nature. 

Lilthal stopped and finally took in the room she entered, people were mingling, some at the buffet table, other's around the pillars that surrounded the room, some old, some young...some children... Lilthal thought as she spotted a little boy way too young to be in this sort of situation, she smiled and shook her head.

Lilthal again sighed, nothing here was interesting her, if it wasn't for the fact she heard one of her brothers would be here she would be off training with that nightmare of a creature that was apparently a god, Lilthal shuddered remembering, a hand going to where she had been impaled.

Outfit:

masquerade mask:

Tsukiya stood absently gazing at the various masks that lined the wall of a local costume shop in Crocus. As far as he knew, everyone in Fiore had been sent an invitation to the masquerade ball that the king had decided to throw at the royal castle. He was actually a bit surprised that the king had suddenly decided to open the doors of the castle to everyone in Fiore, though Tsukiya was hardly one to question it. This was not because he didn't want to, but rather because he felt no need to. It was really none of his business what the royal family decided to do, his only concern was his own family, specifically his sisters. Both had returned to their home realm for the time being, so they would not be attending the ball. The only reason Tsukiya himself had decided to attend was because he had nothing better to do. Since it was more than likely a formal setting, he had opted to wear a finely tailored onyx black suit, although the jacket of which currently hung lazily opened and his tie hung loosened around his neck. His golden blonde hair cascaded down in an disheveled but oddly neat mass, framing his handsome facial features. His amber-hued eyes held a clear gaze, but it was apparent that boredom was beginning to set in...and perhaps a small amount of annoyance. It was just a quarter past sunset, the sky was beginning to darken with the approaching seven o'clock hour. Finally giving in to his irritation, Tsukiya reached up and grabbed the closest mask to him; a ceramic half-mask with golden adornments that glittered in the the light. With the mask in hand, he turned halfway and seemed to hold it out in a presenting manner.

"What about this one? This should be fine, right?" He questioned, his voice betraying the stoic expression on his face with its annoyed cadence. Laying nearby was a metallic wolf, its dark plating giving off a pristine sheen. The plating, however, did not completely cover the wolf's entire body, there were some areas, such as on its legs and underbelly, that appeared organic in nature. The wolf raised its head briefly to look at Tsukiya and the mask before resting it atop its paws once more. The wolf's tail gave a quick flick before laying dormant next to the wolf's prone body.

"I have no desire to assist you in such a trivial matter." The wolf's robotic voice droned indifferently, earning a mild scoff from Tsukiya. Shaking his head briefly, Tsukiya turned away from the unhelpful wolf and approached the registers to pay for the mask. With his mask now purchased, he raised it to his face and slipped it on, shortly after situating his haif so that his bangs hung down over the mask's forehead as they had previously done for his own forehead.

"Alright Wolf, let's get going, we've got a ball to get to." Tsukiya remarked as he left the shop. There was a short delay before Wolf actually rose to his feet and followed after Tsukiya, walking alongside him as the two of them made their way towards Mercurius.

"The reasoning behind my attendance of this gathering eludes me, explain Tsukiya." Wolf droned again as they continued on their way. Tsukiya glanced down curiously at Wolf before looking forward again, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. The demonic youth's shoulders rose then fell in a quick motion before his hands retreated into his pockets. "Your silence on this matter does not provide the necessary information...I can only assume that you mean for me to learn the answer of my own volition upon attendance. Is this correct?" Wolf questioned again. Before Tsukiya could actually answer, however, they had arrived at the outer gates of the castle. A surprised whistle whispered from Tsukiya's lips as he beheld the serpentining line extending from within the castle's large doors. Not even bothering to wait in line, Tsukiya nodded his head for Wolf to follow him as he bypassed the line and continued towards the front doors. Upon arrival, they were halted by a pair of guards, one of whom asked to see his Tsukiya's invitation while the other kept a weary eye on Wolf. A low grunt rumbled from Tsukiya's throat as he began to search his person for the gilded letter that would grant him entry.

"You placed it within your inner jacket pocket." Wolf informed casually, much to the surprise of the people around them. Blinking slowly, Tsukiya then nodded and retrieved the invitation from the aforementioned location and presented it to the guard. After reading it over briefly, the guard gestured for Tsukiya to enter, however the second guard stopped Wolf.

"Your companion will have to relinquish those blades if he wishes to enter." The guard informed stiffly. Casting a brief glance towards Tsukiya, Wolf then nodded as he utilized his tail to remove each of the throwing knives that adorned his rear haunches and presented them to the guard before disconnecting the four combat knives attached to his ankles. With their entry clear, Tsukiya and Wolf proceeded into the ballroom. Pausing just inside the expansive room, the demonic youth's golden eyes gave off a hauntingly alluring glow in the artificial starlight. An amused smirk parted his lips as he began to gaze around at the crowd. There were quite a few people here already, but luckily the room was large enough that there was no trouble moving around.

"Well, Wolf, why don't we go mingle a bit, yeah? Who knows, maybe there's a wolf around here for you." Tsukiya chuckled as he walked forward.

"Your statement is illogical, it is physically improbable for a cyborg to partake in intimacy. If that was an attempt at humor, it was a poor attempt." Wolf retorted tersely as the two of them moved through the crowd. Tsukiya sighed lowly at his cybernetic companion's lack of humor and instead began to absently scan the crowd. He gaze passed briefly over Kaito in his location near a far off pillar, trailing over to a ruby-haired young woman who seemed completely focused on her current task of consuming strawberries. A mild chuckle escaped his lips before his attention shifted elsewhere, spotting another young woman being accompanied by a small bear cub. Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, Tsukiya tapped Wolf on the head with the nail of his index finger then gestured for him to follow. Making their way over, Tsukiya noticed that the young woman was actually quite attractive as they drew closer. He had managed to catch the small shudder that shook through the young woman as he finally stood within arm's reach of her.

"Pardon me, but I noticed that you shivered a bit. Allow me to be a gentleman and offer you my jacket if you're cold." Tsukiya spoke in a calming voice while flashing a brief smile. "Ah, forgive my rudeness, my name is Tsukiya, may I ask the name of the beauty that stands before me?" He questioned while a courteous bow, taking one of Lilthal's hands in his own and placing a gentle kiss upon the back of it before standing upright and gesturing towards the dance floor. "Perhaps it's something you can tell me during a dance?" He inquired once more, flashing another alluring smile as he waited for her answer.

Sinon had heard news of the winter festivities at the castle when she had arrived in Era about a week back. Figuring it was a good way to learn about the political standings of the country she now found herself in, and partly due to she needed work, something she knew how to do, hunt down the bad guys and crush them. It was basically all she knew how to do. She had heard that magic guilds, something this world had that allowed people with power use their power to help others as far as Sinon got the understanding that is, would also be there. It would be interesting to talk to them and possibly join one if it they were trustworthy enough of a group. So with all that in mind, Sinon grabbed one of the invitations that were being passed around the town in Era. She had no money for a dress for this formal occasion, but that did not deter her. Sinon was resourceful and was determined to be at that ball. She had a week to travel there and to acquire a dress. She would just make it as she traveled.

The best she could do was use make a dress out of pure silkworm silk. She happened to stumble upon a nesting area for the little insects and had plenty of silk to make her own dress. She took spare bowstring and cut it thin with her pocket knife extremely thin. She used this to sow together the silk. She started from the bottom making a paper thin, layered  skirt for the dress. Her design was a generic ball gown design. Though the back part of the dress would be a little flatter than the rounded sides and front, as to still allow her tail to be comfortable outside of the dress. She however did not have as much materials as she would have liked, and she had to make a low cut top with very small shoulder straps. She felt as if her small chest could not pull off such a dress, and truthfully she was right, but she made do with what she had. She picked some lilacs, lavender, and some vines and sowed it into the the plain off white dress to give it a little flare. She also added a dark green sash around her waist to help hold up the dress. With that the dress was complete. Sinon groomed her hair, letting it all be straight and neatly brushed. Her light blue hair touched the top of her dress in the back. Under her dress she still wore her boots, she had no other shoes, nor did she have the knowledge or time to make a pair. The dress itself was barely finished in time.

She also had to create a mask. It was after all, a masquerade. She took a bunch of bright lively green leaves and vines and carefully wove them together in the rough shape of a mask. It was frail, but it would be fine. She took a spare strand of leather from her travel sack and allowed the mask to stay attached.  

Hiding her normal clothes and the rest of her gear in the woods outside of the town, she hesitated about taking her bow, she knew it would most likely be confiscated, but at least she would know where it was, and be able to get it back. It held quiet the sentimental value, everything else was replaceable, her bow was not.

So she decided to take her bow with her, however she left the quiver, arrows, and even the string for the bow behind. She placed her bow strap on and placed it on its common place on her back. The bow was unstrung, and completely useless, she couldn't even use magic from it unless it was strung at the moment. It would most likely still be taken, not without a fuss of course, but Sinon did not want to make too big of a scene.

It was finally her turn to get into the castle. After waiting in this long line. She had already heard quiet a few murmurs around her about the bow on her back, but she was not deterred. She handed the guard the invitation, and started to casually walk by as if nothing was wrong. She was stopped however. “Ma'am I am going to have to ask you to uh... relinquish your weapon. No weapons allowed.” The guard motioned to her bow with a very solemn look in his face, like he didn't even want to be there checking in invitations, which Sinon couldn't blame him for. She would go crazy doing something so minute.

“I'm sorry sir. Are you blind?” She said in a very brisk and sassy tone. She was talking a little louder than she meant to, and her voice was sure to carry into the music filled ball room, yet she continued. “This just so happens to NOT be a weapon. It is just a piece of curved wood with extremely HIGH sentimental value. True it can sometimes be a weapon, but TODAY it is not. On normal days it is true that this PIECE of WOOD is pulled firmly together by a bowstring forming quiet the formidable bow. Yet even that would not be considered a weapon. For what is a bow without ARROWS.” With every raised word, Sinon drew closer and closer to the guard, trying to raise herself to look him eye to eye, he was still quiet taller than her, but that did not stop her. Her ears were perked straight up, and her tail flickered with obvious signs of mild annoyance, and she continued. “And while it is true I could beat someone upside the head with this, why bother. It isn't more effective than a well placed kick or punch, heck the wood would break if I gave you a nasty bruise with it. I feel it pointless to hand it over to you, but if I must so be it. I just want you to be correct and understand that this piece of wood, is just that, and not a weapon.”

After that the guard just waved her through and sighed, “Just behave yourself ma'am.” With that, Sinon walked into the ballroom. She noticed several people looking in her direction. She downright ignored them, stretching her arms above her in the most unlady like of way, Sinon muttered to herself, “Can't believe that actually worked. Now to mingle.”

She noticed several people in the room. A few stood out to her, no on that she would personally talk to, but many might strike up a conversation with her if she so happened to be close enough to them. Sinon saw several boys trying to woo girls onto the dance floor, and there was a baby leaning against a pole, looking rather forced to be here. She had to stop and remind herself that they were all merely human, so that baby was more a boy and those boys and girls where grown men and women. She walked over to the edge of the dance floor her body swaying side to side with the music. It was rather the lively music, and the dance reminded her of back home. She waited there as if wishing someone would ask her to a dance as one can not simply dance alone. True she came here for business, but this event was to last a long while, no need to rush things.

Attire:

Sinking her fangs into the succulent fruit would arouse her senses to the euphoria of taste that now attacked her taste buds. A complete sensory overload would leave the carrot top into a motionless trance, face flushing as red as the strawberry she had now half bitten into. Easily munching down through its spongy innards. Standing idle for a few seconds she would keep this doltish expression before shuddering at the image she was projecting to the other guests who exemplified themselves with far greater dignity than herself a few moments ago. Flustered by her loss of time she quickly would pop one or two more, both pleasantly ripe still brightening her face in the starlight. Ok, Priscilla that is enough from the buffet tables if you eat too much you are going to ruin your figure. Which, in combination will make it impossible to pick out dresses for further occasions. Prying herself away the strain of her departure would be visible as she had a heart melting farewell. Slowly shuffling counterclockwise about the room scanning the crowds.

Glazing over the multitude of figures that were now staggered about, each partaking in their own favored action. Peering over the crowds she would make a mental note of to rivetting specimens. Blond haired man who seemed to have with him a pet wolf with a metallic like saunter about him. Staring intently at him for a few seconds she would notice the damsel that he soon struck up a conversation. I can only imagine that he is asking her out for a stroll about the dance floor. Must be nice to be able to strike up a conversation on equal ground with everyone else. The once cordial dimple that rested in her cheek waned to a disgruntled scowl as she hated her predicament that almost always left her staring from the outside in. Habitually gnawing at the inside of her cheeks so that she was making a fish face behind her gemmed mask. Averting her gaze once again to the entrance to look at the newest subscribers to the Kings Royal Ball.

Starting from top to bottom, Priscilla instantly became bewitched by the leaf embroidered snow white gown. Eyes shimmering with the dress, a dress she was jealous that she didn’t buy when she had the opportunity. Her enchantment grew stronger and stronger as she noticed the greenery features topped off with two kitten ears. It can’t be. The fabled half-cat half-girl species isn’t just a fable! Squirming about giddily she couldn’t refuse this opportunity to pet such soft ears. Her body wiggling about like an earthworm begging to be snatched up by a bird of prey, her mind so helplessly fallen victim to the catgirls hex. She was almost gawking before she shamefully turned her face toward the wall to conceal her embarrassing manner once more. Pull yourself together girl, you are a proud representative of the Greenwich family. A pungent aftertaste would leave her tongue peeking out bitterly from the thought of her family. Hanging her head in ruin she would let out a sigh, perhaps attending such an event wasn’t a good plan after all.

Priscilla took a few deep breathes before making her final decision, I have decided, I am going to pet those ears if it is the last thing I do. Tilting her head like a barn owl she would scope out the situation which didn’t prove comforting. No less than seven onlookers had seen her little episode. In an instance her confidence deteriorated causing her to quickly rush back over to the buffet table grabbing the bowl of fruits she once was eating from the table and quickly diving down underneath the elegant white table cloth which the appetizers were displayed upon nothing but the ruffles of her dress being visible as she went back to her stress eating. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Could you have humiliated yourself anymore just now. Imbecile. In an instant the once full bowl would be barren and pushed aside, her knees squeezer her head that was now between them.

Lilthal smiled as she continued to look around the room, spotting mages and such, figuring which ones she should converse with and which she absolutely had to converse with and knew she would not be able to stand.  

Those were the ones she wanted to get out of the way, as she continued looking around, a sound caught her attention.  Something metallic, though it can be said that every heel in the room was made of metal, this beautiful sound was definitely different.  and in no time, a man came up to her and Koko, instantly he put on a charming act, Lilthal of course wondered if this was simply how he always was or if it was indeed an act, Lilthal smiled and held back a chuckle when he bent and kissed her hand.  "I'm curious as to who taught you to be such a gentlemen"  Lilthal said and looked down to her side and indeed standing close by was a metal creature that resembled a wolf.  Lilthal's smile grew lightly, humor dancing in her eyes, a private joke that only Koko would get and that nightmare creature. 

Lilthal decided to finally get a good look at this man who bravely approached her, and looked him up and down, he had the looks of someone she would dance with that was for certain but she wondered if he could really dance.  Lilthal curtsied slightly and held a polite smile on her face.

"Thank you but I'm not cold, however I would love to dance and if you impress me I may just tell you my name" Lilthal spoke gently to the man and awaited his response or action.

Tsukiya chuckled mildly at her comment about his manners,a brief gleam flashing in his eyes as his gaze briefly shifted down to the polar bear cub that stood nearby.

"Wolf, why don't you keep the little cub company for a bit, maybe you two can find something to talk about for a while." Tsukiya informed as he turned his gaze back towards the bear's owner. "Now, as far as who taught me...that'd be no one. I believe gentlemanly conduct is something you're born with, not something that can be taught. But I suppose that's a discussion for another time. Shall we?" Tsukiya smiled as he allowed her to take hold of his arm and guided her over to the dance floor. There were a few couples already dancing, but there was still plenty of room for others who wanted to dance as well. With another alluring smile, Tsukiya bowed to the woman once again before slipping one of his arms around her waist and taking her other hand into his. As the next song began, Tsukiya proceeded to take the lead, gracefully leading his partner in a perfect waltz. The truth was that things like this weren't a foreign concept to him. He was a prince, after all. Granted no one here would know that about him, and he had no intention of letting it become public knowledge. As the song reached its ending chords, a mischievous smirk would part Tsukiya's lips. In perfect sync with the song's ending, Tsukiya dipped the woman before raising her up once more, holding her in a way that their faces were just a few inches apart. The soft glow of the magically invoked starlight would cause the demonic youth's eyes to once again give off a captivating glow as he smiled at the woman.

[color=goldenrod"So then, my mystery beauty, have I earned your name or shall we dance again?"[/color] He questioned in a low voice. Perhaps it was the innate curiosity he possessed due to his vulpine attributes, or perhaps he was genuinely interested in know who the woman was, there was no way to tell. The smile that adorned his visage would persist as he shifted his arm slightly, pulling her a bit closer, his golden eyes staring down into her hazel ones. "If I may, this dress compliments your figure quite well. It further adds to your beauty. Should I consider myself privileged to be in your company?"

Sinon felt from the moment she had walked in people watching her. Most were watching her because of her little scene at the front gate, and there were some that were probably admiring her dress, which although she had just thrown it together, it did look rather beautiful.

However the gaze of one person followed Sinon all the way to the spot she now stood near the edge of the dance floor. The gaze came from the direction of all the mouthwatering smells fuming forth from the banquet table. She wondered to herself why someone would stare at her so intensely for so long, Sinon guessed the improbable, that they were out to get her. She brushed that thought aside as quickly as it came though, as she had not been in this country long enough to make such enemies. Curious as to who was watching her, though not wanting to reveal that she had noticed them watching her, Sinon started to move around in a small area, looking this way and that, pretending as if she was getting antsy waiting for someone. Taking notice of the person that was clearly standing at her, she was surprised to find that it was a young woman in a personification of the color red. Her dress was red and rather beautiful It complimented her hair, long flowing and vibrant. Even her mask was ruby lined, completing the image of red in Sinon's eyes.

The girl seemed super excited, as if her dream had just come true. Curious as to why the woman would act this way staring at her, Sinon decided to wait and see if the woman decided to come over and talk. However the woman never came over. Sinon had heard footsteps starting to approach her, which hearing amongst all the other noise in the room was quiet a challenge, but thankfully the music was not ear ringingly loud. The footsteps came from the woman's direction, and Sinon's tail swished back and forth swiftly in anticipation. However those steps abruptly stopped and the ran in the direction. Turning to see what was up, Sinon noticed that the girl was retreating to underneath the buffet table. Slightly amused and perplexed Sinon decided to make her way over to the table.

Getting there Sinon lifts up the table cloth and squats down looking at the girl, whom now had her head between her knees. Sinon smelled strawberries faintly in the air down here and noticed the bowl that had been cast aside, with strawberry juice staining every inch of the inside of the bowl. Did she just manage to eat all that in this brief amount of time? Amazed, Sinon figured she better just talk to the girl as she seemed quite down at the moment. Sinon poked her on her bare shoulder, feeling her soft, smooth skin. “Oi, you there. You know the party is out here right? Come on out and have some fun.” Sinon waited for her to respond, wondering in the back of her mind if this encounter could lead to Sinon's first friend here in this world. Only time would tell.

Kaito looked around the ball again. Out of the corner of his eye he had noticed a bear cub and what looked like a mechanical dog. Heh, the adults can't be here without their pets and toys it seems, Kaito thought to himself. A smirk crossed his face. However nothing he saw yet seemed to be improving his boredom. Looked like Kaito would have to take matters into his own hands to relieve his boredom. So Kaito started to roam. He walked passed hundreds of people dancing, nothing spectacular there. He walked by this beautiful young woman in a questionably short black dress. The site of her would have taken any man's breath away, if they were into that kind of thing, however Kaito still young and naive had no such desires cross his mind. Walking by the buffet table, Kaito almost stopped to see what was going on, as there was a woman in an elegant off white dress, and a tail coming out from inside the dress, bending down looking under the banquet table.

However even that did not really pique Kaito's interest all that much. Sighing, Kaito desperately wished that he could just leave. Yet he could not. All of a sudden, a young girl approached Kaito. She was only a few years older than Kaito at best. However Kaito recognized this girl. She was the youngest daughter of the King! What could she possibly want with me, Kaito thought. She stopped before him and curtsied. Kaito put one arm behind his back and the other in front of his chest and took a bow. “G-Good evening ma'am. What can I do for you this evening?” Kaito was nervous. He knew he was speaking with royalty, and he figured he needed to try and act proper and very much unlike himself around her.

Yet all she did was let out a small short laugh, one that was rather out of place in this ball room setting. “First thing is first, just loosen up and be yourself. I hate all the formalities just because of who my father is. The next thing you should do is offer me to a dance. Unless of course you do not wish to dance, in which case we could sit here and just talk for a while. The choice is yours, but I am bored of just standing around this ball doing nothing, and I take it you are to.” Her voiced trailed off and slowly got quieter as she spoke. Kaito was rather taken aback he did not really care to socialize with the princess, however cute she may be, and he was a terrible dancer, yet he knew that she would not leave him alone. He could tell this. In an attempt to save himself from awkward conversation, as what could he possibly talk about with the princess, Kaito decided he would ask her to dance  secretly hoping that his terrible dancing will get her to leave him alone.  “Well then we can dance I suppose. May I?” Kaito held out his hand and she chuckled as she grabbed it. With that Kaito escorted her over to the dance floor, dreading what was about to come.

Huddled up like that of small woodland creature she would continue to bury her shame in self misery. A few seconds would pass in silence as all of her senses were void not even the smell of the succulent fruit remaining under her newly founded shelter. Unaware that the cat-girl whom she was admiring was already on route to her location, head reeling up from it’s place between her knees as she felt the startling touch of finger poking her bare shoulder. Springing up from the shock of company her head would collide with the buffet table causing some of the foods to jiggle ever so slightly. The only saving grace was that she didn’t have much force behind it so all the appetizers remained unspilled. Priscilla’s head however twinged in pain as she looked up to see who had poked her. Peering out toward the face of whom she was entranced with earlier her hand stopped as it was on route to coax her bruised head. I-I-It-t-s h-her! Face burning red now with anxiety she completely blanked, not even attempting to focus on lip reading she would sit there in silence eyes fixated now upon the two ears aloft the girls head.

A moment would pass as she suddenly realized that she probably was asked a question by the new companion unable to recall her lips ever moving. Frantically her hands would rummage about her dress in search of her notebook which she used to communicate with other. Till she finally noticed along side her with a pen in the spiral bindings. Her pinky would slip gently between the rings popping the pen out to the point where she would grip it with her teeth pulling down the pad of paper. Wielding the notebook in her right and brandishing the pen in her left she would scribble down her apologies.

I’m so sorry, I didn’t see what you said just now. If it is about staring at you when you walked in I apologize I just haven’t seen any feline girls before and … Can I pet your ears?
Cherry read her face would continue to show reveal her embarrassment as she started to crawl out from beneath the table notebook clutched tightly within her hand. She would open it up again to allow the girl to read it over if she hadn’t caught her message while she was jotting it down.

Fixing his jacket as he neared the gates of the palace, Anson found himself getting slightly nervous. He wasn't one for large gatherings such as this, but it would be rude to ignore such an invite. Especially for an occasion that hadn't happened before. Plus, he was somewhat excited to see what the inside of the palace and the ball itself were like; knowing the royal family, it must be quite a sight. However, this line to gain entrance was going far too slow for his liking.

Slowly moving in and out of the line to get by people who either were not paying any attention to the movements of others around them, or were themselves too nervous to keep up with the line. Reeling in his feelings on this ball, he hurried his movement and made it near the front before too much time had passed. Pulling his invitation from his jacket pocket as he stepped to the guards; he didn't waste any time as he handed over the invitation before making his way inside the palace. His eyes immediately scanning the crowd that had grown inside, the room almost filled with well dressed men and women. Some standing by the buffet table, including a lovely young looking woman wearing a fascinating white dress with a mask made of what looked like leafs. An interesting attire, however as he looked over the other people in the room, there was one that caught his eye more than the rest.

The crimson haired woman with a red dress and matching gem filled mask. And while he only saw her for a moment before she scurried underneath the buffet table in a rather quick manner. He though about going over and checking what happened but it appeared as if the leaf masked girl had beat him to the punch, and in doing so, blocking the crimson girl from his view. A situation that made him smile slightly, perhaps this ball wouldn't be as bothersome as he initially thought it to be. Instead of instantly mingling with the crowd, he chose to simply stand by one of the large decorated pillars and watch the crowd. His mask being a plain black one that covered most of his face, leaving only his eyes and mouth visible. His hair was swept back, his outfit itself a black suit with vest. Although it wasn't overly fancy, it served its purpose, even if he wasn't used to wearing such things.

Suit and Mask

Spoiler:

Tsukiya's eyes with narrow slightly in amusement as he caught her gaze shift down towards his lips before once more making eye contact with him. His pearly white smile would widen a bit more as she gave her name, proceeding to introduce the small bear cub as well before stating that she would like to dance again. In an expert transition from standing still to dancing, Tsukiya once more took the lead in another waltz.

"Lilthal....a beautiful name for a beautiful woman, lucky me." He paused as they glided across the dance floor. Another chuckle would whisper from his lips as she commented on his compliments of her. Leaning down towards her ear, he would then whisper in a sultry voice. "Your beauty is a gift to men, a gift that I'm quite grateful to behold." He spoke in a hushed tone before a faint wisp of air would dance across the bare skin of her neck, a teasing breath from the demonic gentleman.

Back near the seating area,

Wolf sat stoically watching the people at the ball, though there wasn't very much enthusiasm on his part. Angling his head slightly, he noticed the small bear cub seemed completely fixated on him along with the occasional glance around at the inhabitants of the ball. As he prepared to address the cub's staring, however, she spoke and commented on Tsukiya and Lilthal's dancing. Turning his gaze towards the pair in question, Wolf was in time to see Tsukiya lean in to Lilthal's ear. Due to his cybernetically enhanced sense of hearing, he was able to clearly hear the words that had been whispered, eliciting a disinterested grunt.

"Cute" is a relative term. Admittedly it does seem that Tsukiya possesses some interest in your companion. The depth of that interest remains to be seen, however. A more curious inquiry..." Wolf paused as he turned his head to look at Koko. "I was not aware that Ursus Maritimus were capable of human speech....perhaps that is another byproduct of the magical influence this world possesses. It is interesting, indeed." Wolf commented as he looked forward again, focusing his attention on the pair once more.

The woman was startled when Sinon touched her silk smooth skin. When she turned to see who it was, her face became as red as the rest of her. Why on earth would this woman blush so terribly at the site of her, Sinon wondered. She shrugged it off and waited for the lady to calm down and reply. She calmed down pretty quickly, and then she started rummaging around her dress, seemingly in search of something. Being quizzical, Sinon asked “Hey what are you looking for?” Yet still the girl remained silent. Sinon's tailed flickered briefly with mild irritation. She came all this way and this girl just was ignoring her.

Yet she was not being ignored Sinon quickly realized. The lady had been searching for a notebook, that seemed well used. Sinon had seen such things before when people could not communicate with their voice. They could still hear just fine, but could not talk. The woman quickly wrote down a few scribbles in the notebook which Sinon could barely make out what she had written down. The woman then started to crawl out from under the table and with that Sinon stood back up. The red head then opened her notebook back up and allowed Sinon plenty of time to look at it. Examining the letters, she realized that the written language here had some slight variances from her world. She understood most of it however yet it confused her. She didn't see what I said? Did that mean she could also not hear. Sinon felt sorry for this woman as she would not know what to do without her hearing. Sinon chuckled at the fact that she thought Sinon was upset at being stared at, which was far from the case. Sure she was curious as to why this woman was staring so intently at her, but she does not mind being stared at. This woman seemed excited to see someone like Sinon, with cat like features.

The question at the end though made Sinon truly laugh out loud. So she just wanted to pet me? How comical, thought Sinon. “Hahaha haheha. So you just wanted to pet me? Well I don't normally let people pet me, particularly not a complete stranger. You can call me Sinon, but what should I call you?” She felt a little pity for this girl who could not hear or talk. Upon hearing her name Sinon would nod and offer out a hand to shake. “Well met. I suppose I can let you pet me now... though don't go telling everybody, I ain't some petting zoo attraction.” Sinon said half jokingly and half seriously. Curious as to why someone like her was here, Sinon asked “If you don't mind me asking what brings you to this party?” Patiently, Sinon waited for a reply.

By request, a post is being made to list the posting order for this thread. The posting order will be the following:

Kaito
Priscilla
Lilthal
Tsukiya
Sinon
Ginevra
Anson

The cat-girl and crimson haired one seemed to have gotten into a little discussion of their own, one that he didn't wish to interrupt just yet. The girl seemed to have been flustered enough already from just that one encounter, he doubted she could handle another just yet. Instead his eyes search around for anyone of interest to perhaps engage in a conversation or maybe dance with, it was after all a ball, dancing was partially expected. His eyes scanning the other guest until they caught sight of a young woman who seemed to also be alone. She was looking around for someone or something but then headed to the buffet table. A lovely black and white dress, he simply watched as she headed to the other girls but suddenly turned her back on them. An interesting turn but he could tell from her action that she bored with the event.

Walking away from the pillar that he had been leaning against, Anson made his way around the side of the room so as not to bother anyone that was dancing, making his way in and out of the crowd as he walked to the buffet table. Making short glances at the crimson haired girl and the the cat-girl, he could see quick movements and shyness, something that made him smirk slightly. If he had to be honest, there were very little people in this ball that seemed of interest, though the night was still young, who knew what the night still had to show. Nearing the bored looking girl, he barely caught the mention of jumping out of a window. With a smile visible in the opening beneath his mask, he stood in front of the young lady as he spoke.

“Jumping out of a window would be a terrible waste of such a lovely dress. Perhaps I can help you alleviate your boredom in another way?”

Nerissa stared blankly at the envelope she had received from what appeared to be stamped with the kings royal seal. Remembering the difficulty and setup for this event Nerissa would slouch as she watched various people pass her in the line still waiting patiently for the crowd to dwindle away. Although it gave her a good time of reflection, her eyes nearly glazing over from boredom.

**before she was sitting in the line**
The glassy stare didn’t waver at all with a sign of blinking as she turned the envelope on its side, the girls movements shifting like that of those ballerinas that were sealed in the crystal balls for others amusement. Composed of primarily sewn material the manakin girl would slide her plastic finger tips along the side of the letter painstakingly attempting to peel away the wax seal with little to no luck. Aggravated by the time she was wasting she would grab ahold of scissors and started making strokes of enraged lacerations about the sheet of paper till it was laying open and in four large pieces. The invitation had been sliced up but still readable as it mentioned the time and location for when the royal Masquerade ball was going to take place.

Taking out her sewing needle the girl would begin prepping a strand of string by which she was going to mend her invitation. Sitting down with her needles she would quickly make a few passes through the material till the invitation took upon the appearance of that of a stitched beast from some of those old horror films. “A ball, why is the king inviting members of a dark guild to such an event?” Puzzling she contemplated the numerous reasons that the king could be inviting all of which sounded completely ridiculous. “Perhaps I should just ignore it …” she thought to herself before folding up the invite and slipping it into a small flap of cloth that was mean as a secret pocket for her to contain important objects.

Nerissa would then make her way to the clothing store contemplating what type of dress and mask she should get. Hobbling through the store with an undead like air about her she would stop as she found the dressed that she liked. An azure strapless gown with white snowflake designs streaming down the seams and neck. Happily purchasing the blue ball gown and matching feathered mask Nerissa would have continued on her way till she got to the line which she still found herself standing in to this moment.

outfit:

Starting to glimmer with life once again a guard finally reached her and asked for her invitation. Slowly reaching over to the pouch and pulling out the mangled parchment that granted her entrance. The guard glanced between her and the invitation a bit startled by the damage and mending it had gone through. As if attempting to explain herself she said, “I had to resort to violent force to remove it from it’s prison.” Her voice sound particularly monotone as spoke. Opening the door Nerissa noticed the rather startled expression on the guards face but decided to let the incident slide without further confrontation. Strolling in she would stand there in the starlit dance floor a bit confused of why she showed up now, one hand partially hiding the Phantom Lord Tattoo that was upon her hand.

So began Kaito's nightmare, at least it was to him. He looked around and attempted to match what others on the dance floor were doing, yet he had no such luck. Every step he took he either stepped on his own feet, or own the princess' feet. A grimace appeared across her face every time he did step on her feet until the point came where she let go of his hands and curtsied, taking her leave muttering under her breath “If you didn't know how to dance, you just had to say so.” As she took her leave Kaito hurried in the opposite direction, hoping his failure at dancing had gone unnoticed by others in the crowd, which was highly doubtful.

He made his way back around to the entrance, as people were still coming in. He was still bored, and wanted to hide as far away as possible from the princess, to make sure she did not try to come talk to him as she had mentioned before. He didn't even know what to talk to her about. They were nothing alike. Rather Kaito hoped that they were nothing alike and he would rather not take the time to find out, all that mattered to him is that she did not belong to a guild. Kaito's purpose for being here, was to socialize and make friends with people in other guilds to strengthen the bond between guilds, at least that is why he was forced here. It made absolutely no sense to Kaito himself, as he could just not see a situation where he would have to ask for help outside of the guild. His guild was plenty strong, and could tackle anything. It also did not help there were not any mages currently in the ball around his age. Who knows maybe if he stood by the entrance one will just simply walk right on in and be able to strike up a conversation. Kaito wasn't really expecting anyone to just simply walk in the door, but you never know what could happen. So he stood by, leaning against the wall, watching all the people in their overly extravagant attire entire the ever growing party.

Yet it wasn't long until Kaito's thoughts of being the alone were shattered. A young girl, probably around his age walked in. Her blue dress made it seem as if she simply glided into the room with minimal extra movement. She now just stood there, looking pretty well lost. He thought about going over to her and at least say hi, as he was curious if this very doll-like girl was a mage, one that his guild master had told him to make friends with, yet he held himself back. No point in rushing over to her as she just walks in, would be better to let her get settled into the party a bit. So without moving from his spot against the wall, quaintly stationed halfway between the entrance and the buffet table, Kaito kept up his people watching, yet he kept a close watch on the girl with the blue dress waiting for the moment to approach her.

Unaware of the her acquaintances irritation of being ignored whiled she searched sh would hope that she was understanding of her circumstances. Once again delving into the notebook as she awaited to respond to some more of her conversation. "I'm deeply sorry again for the inconvenience it is for you to sit and wait for me to write up all her response. Her hand vigorously scribbling down the rest of her thoughts. Sighing she would blink before averting her gaze back to the lips of the girl finding her manner of dialect relatively intriguing as it didn't seem to have the usual lip movements that people of this world share.

Most people find it obnoxious that I can't hear what they are saying and don't respond. I am fully capable of attempting speech though, I am just to ashamed as I don't know how to pronounce any of the syllables or letters. Frowning obviously disappointed in her own capabilities of communicating with the normal people of the world, but that was her feeling throughout all of her life as not even her parents could understand the disadvantage of not hearing the songs that other people can listen to.

Watching Sinon laugh out loud she would respond questioning, Did I write something funny? Adding a confused expression to hopefully express her attitude that was intended being gentle and honestly ignorant. Still watching her lips she would try and piece together what she was saying nodding with a slight smile as she figured it out. You can call me Priss, short for Priscilla. As she watched Sinon's lips she smiled with a glee that little children would express when opening presents. Writing up her final response her hand writing became a bit sloppy, My parents told me to show up. Said it would be a good sign of support from our family behind the kingdom. Raising a hand she would first nod to see if it Sinon was ready because she wasn't quite sure when she was going to stop when she started.

Lilthal smiled wider as they started up another dance, 'He really is quite talented' she thought to herself, when she was practicing ball room dancing, her partner hadn't been that good and would randomly step on her foot, of course she had stepped on his foot as well just to make up for it.  

Lilthal however didn't want to do that again and so she paid close attention to wear she was stepping and how close their bodies were.  Lilthal felt a light blush spread across her cheeks "All this flattery is going straight to my held, I'm not sure what my guild-mates will do with me" Lilthal laughed out but stopped shortly when Tsukiya leaned in close to her ear, that was enough to make her blush go into over drive and if it wasn't enough, the hot breath that cascaded over her skin made it much worse. 

Lilthal rolled her shoulders back to hide the small shivers that shot through her body.  "I'm glad you like my company so much" Lilthal spoke barely above a whisper, she smiled and turned her head slightly in hopes of hiding her mad blush. However when she turned she saw something who instantly caught her attention, Lilthal wasn't sure what it was but this man gave her the creeps.  He was acting politely and wasn't doing anything odd but he still gave her the creeps.  Lilthal's smile dropped for just a few short seconds before she focused again on Tsukiya and continued the fun she was having.

"Indeed I do enjoy your company...but it seems a bit crowded in here. I'd much rather have some alone time with you..." He paused as he took a step back, bowing courteously to her before their eyes met once more. An amused smile spread across his face as he noticed the ruby blush that had reddened her cheeks. "If you'll allow it, would you like to join me on the balcony? We'll get to enjoy each other's company much better when we aren't surrounded by so many people. Besides that, I..." Tsukiya paused in the middle of his statement as he noticed the change in Lilthal's demeanor as well as a diversion in her attention. Raising an eyebrow curiously, he turned his attention in the direction that his female companion. As he did so, a faint but somehow familiar scent drifted to his nose. A small frown furrowed his brow. He knew that scent....he recognized it....but from where? And why was it so familiar to him? His eyes narrowed slightly as he focused his attention momentarily on the man Lilthal was looking at. Was it possible that the familiar scent was coming from him? Frowning briefly, he turned his attention in the direction where Wolf and Koko currently waited. Surprisingly, he saw that Wolf was already looking in his direction. Sharing a brief moment of nonverbal communication, Wolf gave a short nod before standing up.

"Our discussion will have to be postponed for another time, Koko. Tsukiya wishes for me to observe that man there. Perhaps we will meet again...it is a likely occurrence, I am detecting elevated Endorphin and Oxytocin levels in both Tsukiya and your companion. Put simply...there is mutual attraction between the two of them." Wolf droned informatively before giving the young cub a departing nod. In the next moment, he completely vanished from sight. Grinning slightly, Tsukiya once again turned his attention back to Lilthal, gently taking her hand in his and leading her towards the balcony. As they left the ballroom and stood beneath the soft moonlight of the warm evening, Tsukiya once again turned to face Lilthal. Stepping towards her, he slipped and arm around her waist once more and pulled her towards him. The captivating glow of his eyes from the moonlight persisted as he stared into her eyes.

"Given the holiday season...perhaps I'll be able to get away with this..." He paused once more as he gently raised her chin upwards slightly and leaned down towards her, their lips just barely touching. "That is, of course, if you'll allow it and want it to happen." He whispered in a low, seductive voice as he waited for her response.