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@Karis Ziranphel
He seemed to be reading her mind - as he so often seemed to do - given that he gradually slowed their dancing. Her words silenced him for a while, and Butterfly debated whether or not to give him another clue... before he might be tempted to walk away. Because the last thing she wanted was for him to walk away.

Yet he was tempted to no such thing, as it turned out. Rather, he asked her directly whether she was the woman he was looking for. "Am I?" she repeated, thoughtfully, as she freed herself from his embrace smoothly, nevertheless keeping one gloved hand on his shoulder. She circled around him, her hand sliding lightly from his shoulder, across the top of his chest, to his other shoulder, across the top of his back, to return to the shoulder it had started at - as she stepped around him, somehow still in tune with the music. "It would have to be a very good disguise if I were, would it not?" she whispered toward his ear, still using that Belfalasian accent, as her hand rounded his shoulder and she could lean in.

Completing her circle as she stepped back in front of him, she ended up much closer to him than he had permitted thus far. Their bodies didn't quite touch, but it was close enough for others to maybe take notice of the difference in proximity between them and any of the other dancers. Her hand slipped from his shoulder up his neck, one finger sliding past the stubble on his jaw to the edge of his mask. "May I?" she asked quietly, those two ever so small words now spoken as she would usually speak to him. If he still wasn't sure... well then perhaps he would just have to trust his intuition.

---

@Rillewen
Conversation between the Fairy and the Sunbeam had continued along with the dance, and both had been equally light-hearted.
Fairy thought it rather uncanny that a dance with this particular man had been her first one - and who knew, possibly even the only one she may have. Mentally, she laughed at herself.
Meanwhile, Sunbeam wondered whether it was possible that this blonde Fairy was who he thought she might be. She certainly checked a lot of the boxes, and by the time he was leading her back off the dancefloor, his suspicions had grown quite substantially.

"You were a joy to dance with, my lady Fairy," he said graciously once they had returned more or less to the place where he had initially approached her, Blossom and Dragon.
That earned him an ever so slight curtsy, but an open smile. "Likewise, sir. Boht your technique and your dynamics were wonderful."
Sunbeam grinned broadly, and continued the conversation, focusing a bit more on how much and how long they had each been dancing, and whether or not especially the lady Fairy might benefit from some more dancing in her apparently rather busy life.

---

@Karis Ziranphel
Even though he was immensely enjoying having his lady in his arms like this, even - or perhaps especially - in public, after a while it occurred to him that she at least would need to eat something. And she could probably use a drink, as well, to rehydrate if nothing else. "Let us sit down for dinner, my Lady," he suggested, almost ruefully. "As we agreed long ago, a warrior should never go hungry," he smiled. "Might I escort you off the dance floor to this end? I give you my word that we will yet see more of it."

@Arnyn His question prompted an interesting reaction from Lady Butterfly. Casting doubt on his supposition with her questioning statement in reply, she stepped back and he allowed his hands to trail away to fall at his sides. Yet she did not abandon him altogether. Instead, she circled him in time to the music with her hand tracing across his shoulders, chest, and back in a sensuous and teasing fashion. The corner of Thûllir’s lip curled up slightly in amusement as, instead of discouraging his opinion, she strengthened it with her actions. Her disguise was indeed most excellent, and had caused him some pause, but in combination with other clues, her actions now were not that of a dainty Belfalasian lady nor one committed to another.

As she leaned in closely and then began to glide her hand up his neck, Thûllir managed not to inhale as deeply as was tempting, keeping his breathing and gaze steady despite the kick to his pulse. If he wasn’t incredibly sure now it was Kaylin, remaining still and assenting would be utter foolishness, and yet. And yet. All of his instincts told him this was his wife, against the testimony of his eyes. She was asking him for commitment to his guess and trust in whatever she was going to do next. His eyes traced the mesh of her mask, now so close to his, and his answer to each of her questions was the same. “Yes.”

@Pele Alarion
Teal smiled at the thought of magical poles that bloomed and brought fruit. "Oh, yes, that must be where the apple came from." He remembered with a little laugh. "To think, we all split a magical apple." He grinned as he remembered their little group splitting that apple. That had been a fun day, and even better since they had made some new friends.

Just as he was thinking of suggesting that they might go and get those drinks now, Gilded seemed to have the same thought. He smiled. "Sure, let's get something to drink, and see what the options are." He agreed. He bowed slightly, as he'd seen several other guys doing when ending a dance. "Allow me to escort you to the bar.. ma'am." he asked, offering his arm with a grin and a twinkle of teasing amusement in his blue eyes.

---

@Pele Alarion
She gave a small smile, holding back a little giggle at the young man's mention of 'lofty selves'. "I suppose that does sound like some people." She agreed with a small nod, and listened curiously as he went on to explain about the blossoms. "Pink, red, white, yellow.." She smiled softly. "It sounds beautiful. I would love to see that.. but alas, it's not spring." She sighed regretfully.

She was mildly surprised to hear that he had been thinking of suggesting that she sneak out to take a look at the orchards. "Sneak out," She repeated thoughtfully, half amused as she tried to imagine her uncle's reaction if she did a thing like that. But then, what if she could manage it without him knowing? She lightly bit her lip as she thought about that. "With you, do you mean?" She wondered, tilting her head curious as she tried to decide what sort of young man this might be.

---

@Pele Alarion
Why would it be a silly idea? He hesitated, giving a small shrug. "Not that the idea is, but.." He paused to think how to explain what he had meant. "Some people are just.. negative." He explained tentatively. "I've had a lot of that sort of thing, the past few years, and I guess I just.. have come to expect it from people in general."

He hesitated as the lady asked about connections and sponsors and things. "Uh, sponsors..?" He paused. "See, this is why I figured it'd be best to talk to my friend about taking care of these sort of details," He laughed a little. When she mentioned it having turned into a business dance, he tried to convey an apologetic look as well as he could with the mask covering most of his face. "Ah, my apologies, that was not my intention." He smiled as the lady suggested speaking about it at another time, and took a couple of seconds to think how to manage that, since he didn't know who she was. And he doubted she meant 'later at this event'.

"Well, there are some 'in charge' people at the Hall of Song who have heard about the idea." He mentioned. "That's how I heard about it, actually," He laughed slightly. "My friend.. the one who had the idea, he went there while I was out of town and started talking about the concert like it was already a thing in the plans." He grinned. "So, when I got back into town, next time I went to the Hall of Song, I had people asking me about it." He shook his head slightly in amusement. "So, if you are interested in discussing it at a later time, that should make it possible to find out how to find me again, perhaps?"

---

@Arnyn
Dragon and Blossom enjoyed a quiet conversation while they danced. He had twirled her a couple of times during the dance, partially to practice and partially because he could. Soon though, the song came to an end, and he escorted her back to where they had begun. They were laughing about some shared story as they walked up, and faded to merely smiles as they neared the other two.

"Hello, we meet again!" Dragon greeted the other two with a cheerful smile.

"I hope you enjoyed your dance as well as I enjoyed mine," Blossom said to Fairy with a little smile. "You certainly look as if you enjoyed it." She commented, thinking she looked happy, anyway.

"Probably more, to be honest." Dragon admitted, with a glance at Blossom. "I couldn't help noticing this gentleman out on the dance floor a time or two during the evening," He explained, and grinned slightly at the other guy as he complimented him, before looking back at Blossom. "There's no denying that my dancing skills cannot compare," He hesitated but looked next at Fairy. "however, if that would not deter you, my lady, perhaps you would consider allowing me the honor of having the next dance with you?"

---

Miss Seashell was deep in thought when one of the bartenders asked if she'd like anything to drink, and disturbed her thoughts. She blinked, then considered for a moment before shaking her head. "No, not thirsty right now." She sighed, then, leaned on the bar thoughtfully. "Mind if I ask for some advice?" She wondered.

The bartender shrugged, then listened as she explained her trouble. "Seems like, if your friend is here, then the thing you need to do is make it so he becomes aware that you're here." He suggested. Someone else called for his attention, so he went to help them and left Seashell to think.

"Hmm." She considered this after the bartender had gone away, then she turned and looked thoughtfully around the room. After a moment, she smiled slightly and hopped down from the stool, quietly weaving her way through the room as she headed toward the musicians.

@Rillewen
“Yes, the magical apple of friendship, we could say,” Gilded said happily, though she thought that she’d need much more time with Nal and Eryn to say that friendship was solid; after all there had not been that much time to get to know them properly.

She hastened to respond with a small and somewhat awkward curtsey to Teal’s bow – while she had seen it done, she had not managed to practice it.

“Gladly, kind sir,” she replied in a similar formal style and flashed him a smile as she took his arm. “Might be worthwhile seeing what drinks they have on offer.”
“No, alas, m’lady. Spring is only a ways off,” Rooster agreed with some disappointment, “But they say: all in good time.”

He gave Orchid a sweetly innocent smile when she repeated his idea of sneaking out.

“Well, if you want to see places that your folk don’t really care about… and they frown upon you venturing out to do it without them,” he elaborated on the idea. “You could simply take a walk without them knowing either by yourself, or me, if you like, or someone else. Unless you are not used to doing such things and would rather not.”

He then tilted his head slightly and asked: “Do you feel comfortable with doing a twirl or two, m’lady? I have concluded that you are good with dancing…”
“Well… Take courage and just walk past those negative people. The idea is great,” Amethyst assured Hawk. “And once you join forces with your friend and others who think alike, it should work out excellently.”

She listened to him with a smile and then nodded: “Aha! I see that things have already started off. Now that my interest is roused, I might have to pay a visit to the Hall of Song one of these days and see how things are moving along and if I can assist somehow.”

“And if you are there quite often, it might be a good way to see you and make sure you’ve not given up,” she smiled at Hawk heartily and added: “Also, it might not be bad that you spoke of this – it is good to know!”

@Karis Ziranphel
It was interesting how the heels made her taller, bringing her face that much closer to his. Her hand had stilled with that one finger at the edge of his mask. Waiting for his response. Would he take the plunge? Would he take the risk? He had taken a risk with the Lady in Red before - in Butterfly's opinion. But this was a much, much bigger one.

Her question had him trying to assess her eyes again. Not to his avail, of course. But definitely to her amusement. His monosyllabic confirmation, which could apply to all three of the questions she'd posed, made her heart skip a beat with excitement. Would she dare go through with it? That little curl at the edge of his mouth settled it, though.
Her other hand also went up to his mask and she pushed it upward carefully with both of her thumbs, testing the give the thing might have. She did not speak, nor make any noise - and she expected no more from him. Butterfly managed to move the mask upward a bit, but not quite enough to her satisfaction. So her right hand slowly unhooked the leather strap attached to the left of his wolf mask. With her lift hand, she moved the mask out of the way, to the right of his head, just enough for her to see his face as her right hand swept through the brown waves on the other side of his head until she found the nape of his neck.

She leaned in to give him a slow kiss on the lips, which - if he let her - would remove any and all lingering doubts he might yet have. For it would be unmistakably Kaylin.

---

@Rillewen
Golden turned slightly toward Dragon and Blossom as the Dragon greeted them again. He found it easy to match the Dragon's smile. "Fancy seeing you two here," he joked easily, his smile broadening into a grin.

The Fairy sighed visibly, but her smile betrayed she saw the humour behind the comment. "I did enjoy it," she confirmed Blossom's words, and she slanted her head when Dragon complimented the man in white and gold, while speaking more modestly of his own skills on the dance floor. Yet, aside from some hesitation, that did not prevent Dragon from asking her for a dance. In a rather careful way, but still.
"Would I - consider - allowing you - the honor?" she repeated slowly, amusement bubbling up inside of her at the thought of her dancing with whom she knew was behind that dragon mask. The man's brother would be rolling his eyes so hard, he'd have to run after them all the way to the Great Gate before he could finally catch them and pop them back into their sockets... "I would consider it, yes," she nodded, obviously feigning thoughtfulness before flashing Dragon a quick smile.

"This one is quite the dancer," she first told Blossom. "I can recommend him," the Fairy added, a brief laugh accompanying the words before she grinned at Golden. Still grinning, her attention returned to Dragon. "And I would allow it, as well," she finally finished - smoothly, as if her reply had nothing peculiar about it at all.

Golden chuckled. "This is the part where you hold out your hand or arm, good man," he joked at Dragon, as if the two had been fast friends for years. Himself, he bowed to Blossom politely. "Would you take the Fairy's recommendation, my lady? May I have the pleasure to dance with you, as well?"

@Pele Alarion
With a smile, Teal offered his arm to Gilded and waited until she had taken it. Once she did, he led her off of the dance floor and set off toward the bar. "What sort of flavor are you in the mood for?" He asked curiously. He allowed her to choose her seat first, and took the one next to her. "I'm trying to decide if I want something familiar, or something new and unknown."

---

@Pele Alarion
She smiled faintly as the young man elaborated on the suggestion of sneaking out. "Perhaps I could manage something like that." She answered softly. She hesitated though, to go further. She knew exactly the sort of reaction her uncle would have, if she did sneak out and he happened to find out about it. She hesitated as she considered whether she wanted to trust him though, to go off on a tour of the orchards with the young man she didn't even know.

Orchid was distracted from her inner debate when he asked about twirling. "I have no problem with twirling," She answered with a smile. "And thank you, sir, for the compliment." She added. "You're quite good at dancing, as well."

---

@Pele Alarion
His smile spread a little at the lady's comment about walking past the negative people. "Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate your encouraging words." He smiled to see that the lady seemed excited to hear that there were already a few first steps in motion. He wasn't quite sure how many people at the hall of song had heard of the idea by now, but he knew that his friend had listed him and the other musician as being 'the ones to talk to about it'.

"Ah, the hall of song," He grinned happily. "Yes, I am there as often as I can be, for I love music. It's a wonderful place, I think." He declared, but laughed slightly at the possibility of him giving up. "Give up? No, that's not very likely. I can be very, very stubborn. I've been told I'm too stubborn, but I like to think it's only when it comes to things that matter." He grinned. "Putting it off a little while would be more likely, so it might be good to have someone nudging the project along." He smiled. "I'm glad to hear that someone else is enthused about the idea."

Noticing the song was nearing an end, he gave the lady one more twirl, making it a double. At the conclusion of the twirl, instead of stepping back in to resume the dancing position though, he ended with a bow to the lady. "May I escort you back to the bar, or are you feeling hungry by now, m'lady?" He asked, keeping a friendly smile on his face.

---

@Arnyn
As the lady fairy repeated back his inquiry in a slow manner, Dragon was starting to wonder if he'd posed the question wrong. But he thought it was right; that she would do him an honor by dancing with him. Right? He wasn't sure if she would turn him down, but then she said she would consider it. While he was debating if that meant he should ask again, more directly, the lady spoke to Blossom, recommending him to her.

Before he had reached a decision about whether to rephrase his question to make it clearer that he was asking her to dance, and not just asking if he could ask or something like that.. the fairy turned back to him and concluded with saying she would allow it. He smiled then, and nearly forgot to offer out his hand until he heard Golden's words. He let out a little laugh and bowed quickly before offering his arm to Fairy, with a quick grin toward Golden before he smiled at the lady. "Thank you, my lady." He said, then gave a brief nod to the other two before he set off to lead Fairy to the dance floor. "It is a truly wonderful evening, isn't it?" he asked, glancing around briefly before smiling at the lady.

---

She smiled at Fairy when the other lady recommended Golden. "That sounds like high praise, to be recommended by a fairy," She mentioned with amusement. When he turned toward her and asked if she would take the recommendation, Blossom's smile grew slightly, pleased to not be left out. The gentleman was certainly polite. "Thank you, sir." She answered. "If you don't mind that I haven't had much dancing experience, then I would be happy to accept your invitation." She said with a soft laugh. "I'm afraid I haven't had very many opportunities for dancing, where I come from." She explained with a tiny shrug.

@Rillewen

The Dove did not wear wings this eve but was very much masked by many pearl white feathers. The unstated suggestion was that she would be easily light upon her feet. With soft downy frill to mark a hierachy of tiers about her snowy layered dress. The contrast between the pale getup set against her ink black hair was quite pronounced, and she had coiled a dark leather thong around her throat which a simple opal clung to, like dew to nature’s bough.

“Hello,” she smiled and then query mouthed the Snowflake’s true name without volume, to make sure, while lifting the nose of her own mask for a moment only .. to dispel any mystery. “Do you mind if we sit here ?” one hand waved over her company, who managed to manouvre his way back from the table and around several other people. “I am just too tired from dancing to both stand up and hold a plate at the same time.” the new arrival smiled, towing her selected seat out to one side and slightly forth, for comfortable converse. “One at least must be set down and I am hungry.” Setting her plate down at the table, she busied herself with a small sprig of grapes she had selected from it.

“I spilt red wine on myself,” the White Stag mentioned, with a small sigh as he lowered into the seat that he pulled out some, on the other side of Snowflake. “It wasn’t the best idea to wear all white, as it turned out.” He poked at the stain, rather self consciously. He was fortunate that his chosen mask was smart enough to draw the eye to it’s elaborate shape. And the antlers raised the young man in height even further than he usually stood. A furred pelt of some indiscernible origin collared his otherwise colourless tunic, under a fall of pitch dark hair. The man's equally dark knee-high boots climbed high up the slender trunks of his white-wrapped legs, when one foot was not rubbing idly against the back of the other's calf. His hand (the one not engaged with a plate of treats) tugged at the scruff of a beard which he was very proud of, as though to introduce it to the Snowflake, although they had met before. In very different garb.

“Well you do look more striking in your usual black,” his wife mentioned, and slid a finger neatly along the nearest prong of his closest antler. “But you don’t have to tell everyone about it as soon as you speak to them,” the Dove took her husband’s hand up in her other (now grape free) and kissed it, to prove that she was only poking fun rather than really fussing.

“Well I tired of the looks when people are trying to work out what’s happened there,” the Stag explained, retrieving and then squeezing his partner’s hand in his. “I apologise for our invasion. But your brother suggested that you shouldn’t be left alone while he forages,” The young man added, rather randomly toward the Snowflake specifically, even as the white frocked lady beside him groaned. With a small cough he tried to recover the remark with an amused “As if you would really leave before you have a chance to enjoy yourself properly.” before the couple both glanced over instinctively to where the young Night Sky marked their attention and all too swiftly focused suddenly down on the food in front of him instead of how their efforts were proceeding.

“Very. Subtle,” the Dove cooed, before biting from a small sample of cheese on bread that the young man offered her by way of apology. “I was sorry that your erm sister didn’t come tonight,” an effort was made to then change the subject. “She is so good at dressing up. But it must run in the family ?” she supposed, hoping that was not a mis-step. There was cause, she knew, that the close knit group of friends had started referring to each other as though they were actually related. Something about absent siblings and/or choosing your family over the ones they had been dealt. But it was a very ‘them’ thing, that the other young woman was not entirely sure about. Her husband had possessed no family before he’d been apprenticed to the Undertaker. So he had schooled his Dove in how significant a ‘chosen’ family could prove. She had not been really acquainted with the group though, for being newly wed, .. she had been otherwise occupied since settling in the city. Neither she or her husband really socialised and something to do with his vocation tended to put people off coming over for dinner, etc. “Your dress is very beautiful,” she added, being sure of that at least.

“We were just observing on my wife’s rather entertaining father,” the White Stag smiled, and tilted his dark head towards where the Bearded Night Sky was preoccupied with a cat-eared dance partner. The Dove glanced over to where the mentioned parent cavorted with his mysterious feline friend, and turned back without comment on that.

“Have you enjoyed much dancing yet or are you waiting for the perfect partner ?” she asked Snowflake instead, quite innocent in appearance.

---

He had pondered Snowflake’s question for more than a moment, concluding that if the lady dancing with Hawk was actually that young man’s girlfriend, then he could certainly see what all of the fuss was about. Yet, opinion altered amidst the random glimpses that their constant movement offered. At one point, the young Night Sky felt like the Amethyst lady looked far too mature to be BroT’s nautical accomplice. Yet at another, not much later, point, he could not miss the mystery’s sheer youthful complexion which set her as though several years younger. Very strange.

“If you say so,” he agreed, although with slightly narrowed eyes when Snowflake gave him leave to explore the refreshments without her. “Don’t you go making a break from all the fun though, soon as my back is turned,” he warned her. “I can still race you to the exit, and will.”

Before the almost-birthday girl could turn to protest then, the young man called her bluff, and also left her in a moment’s peace, moving to find the foodfare. First he found his cousin and her husband, and they fell into a brief but pleasant exchange of how each were faring. Concluding what had soon evolved into a closeted conspiracy, the younger Night Sky watched them walk away until they met their seats. Then he relaxed some and turned back to properly consider the teeming table of delights. Soon though he stalled where he stood, not to marvel at the delectable spread, but still to blink a moment and make sure he wasn’t seeing things. So, he observed certainty; she was real. Taking up a plate in one hand, his feet took him the rest of the way before he could think who she might be.


“It’s you,” he smiled, as the space between he and the floral faced lady closed slowly to naught. By which of course he meant the dancer he had seen not long ago. And whether that made sense at all, aloud, he didn’t think upon. Fortunately he had not yet ventured to actually pick up any foodstuffs, because the empty plate hung sidelong in one hand, his appetite momentarily forgotten. “Though I am sure you have chosen a far better alias than that for the evening,” he admitted, pausing a small time to give her chance to choose. “Are you going to make me guess ?”

@Rillewen
Gilded had to keep herself back so that she would not rush forward and let Teal take the lead, doing her best to appear more or less ladylike. Choosing one of the free seats, she looked back at Teal.

“I think I want some sort of a fruity blend… of something,” she frowned thoughtfully. “If there is something like that. Not sure I want any of the usual stuff.”
“Might be good for you to venture out a bit to see something that interests you,” Rooster said, though added immediately after: “Though… I don’t know your folks. If they were to find out that you are gone and become frightened to the point of raising all the guards and rangers afoot – then maybe it would not be worth the hassle.”

He smiled and thought to himself that while he was used to doing what he wanted, much of the time, without being accountable to anyone, he would not want Orchid to end up in trouble because she acted on some ideas he had suggested.

“Well then, a twirl or two we could do,” he warned and then guided her dance partner into a twirl with as much flourish as he could muster on his part.
“It must surely be a lovely place, filled with excellent music,” Amethyst said of the Hall of Song. However, she wondered if her appearance there would not disrupt the usual goings-on too much; for she certainly did not wish for everything to stop and for all of the attention to be turned to her. But neither would she want to continue walking around in disguise.

“I would guess that not all stubbornness is necessarily bad,” she laughed, “Especially if it is related to essentially good things, Sir Hawk. Would you not say?”

She merrily completed the twirl and fluidly transitioned into a curtsey responding to Hawk’s bow. “I think a little snack might not be amiss, good sir,” she answered his question related to further destination with a smile.

@Rillewen
With a slight smile at Golden's comment, the Fairy inclined her head at the Dragon's quick bow and then curled her hand around the arm he so promptly offered. When he thanked her, she gave him a sidelong glance. At his question, she nodded. "It really is," she agreed. "And while I wasn't completely convinced I would have a good time, I am glad I came. From my perspective, I should be thanking you for making the offer to dance. Opportunities like these are few and far between for me," she explained, her tone light.

They drew to a halt and turned toward each other. "Have you seen much of the city yet, sir Dragon? You might walk right into a surprise," she said, trying to hold back her amusement

---

"I definitely consider myself lucky, with a recommendation from such an elusive creature," he said, half-serious, half-joking. "I do not mind at all, lady of blossoms. In fact, I've found myself taking equal joy this evening in dancing with the more and less experienced. Truly, you need not worry." He offered her his hand, and then followed in Dragon and Fairy's wake, leading Blossom to a different spot on the dance floor, not too far away from the other couple. He bowed lightly before taking a step closer to the lady and settling his other hand at her waist.

He started out slowly, to see if she got the steps and might be able to keep up with something quicker or different in a few moments. "Do you like the music?" he asked. "Even though I do not play myself, I must say this evening's performers are excellent. They haven't missed so much as one note, as far as I've been able to tell. And a dancer does pay some attention," he smiled.

@Pele Alarion
After waiting for one of the bartenders to be free, Teal smiled and asked him what sort of thing they had some sort of fruity blends, and asked for two of the same, and were given a glass fitting their request. "It looks good." He commented. "What do you think?" He asked Gilded, figuring it would be polite to let her try her drink first.

"Did I tell you how amazing you look, by the way?" He asked, finding that he couldn't remember if he had, but he'd certainly meant to say something about it. Because she was very beautiful, and he thought she ought to know that.

---

@Pele Alarion
She smiled faintly as the young man mentioned not knowing much about her folks. They would surely not like it at all if she did something like this. But she was feeling more and more tempted to go for it, the more they spoke of the idea. "Perhaps I could manage something," She spoke thoughtfully, while trying to think how she might manage to pull it off.

She smiled as she twirled, letting him guide her. "How would that work, though? If I did manage to sneak away?" She wondered, trying to think of how she would find him at some later time. Since she didn't know for sure whether she'd even be able to find any opportunity for this, she doubted it would work to arrange in advance to meet somewhere.

---

@Pele Alarion
"Oh, it's the most amazing place!" he agreed with enthusiasm. "If you have never been there, ma'am, then you are surely missing out. It's.. I can't even properly describe it, really. It's just wonderful." He remembered how awed he had been the first time he walked in, and a little bit of it struck him again, every time he walked in.

He smiled as he considered how to reply to the stubbornness comment, and offered his arm to her. "I definitely agree with that." He decided it best not to go into how his stubbornness had gotten him into trouble before. It had also kept him from giving up when things got difficult. As they neared the food tables, he took a glance around. He spotted Snowflake at a table, with a couple that he didn't recognize. He was glad to see she was not alone, at least.

Turning his attention back to the buffet, his gaze next found Night Sky, talking with a girl in a pink dress. He smiled faintly and stopped a distance away, so not to intrude on anything. "I haven't had much chance to investigate the food, myself." He mentioned. "I started to earlier, but then I had to go talk to my sister." He was glad he'd managed to talk her into staying, and he hoped she was feeling better now.

---

@Arnyn
"Why didn't you think you'd have a good time?" He asked, slightly surprised. He was also a bit surprised to hear her thanking him. "I'm sorry to hear that you have so few opportunities to dance." He told her. "Unfortunately, neither have I, to be honest." He admitted. "In fact, this would be the first time that I actually have had such an opportunity." He smiled as he faced her. "For what its worth, I'm glad that someone persuaded you to come."

As he placed one hand at her back and began their dance, he wondered about the way she had worded that question. "I have not," he answered with a little shake of his head. "In fact, Lady Blossom and I, and the rest of our party, only arrived yesterday afternoon." He tilted his head curiously. "Some surprises are nice, of course. Such as the ball." He grinned. "We did not know about it in advance, and so it was quite a surprise to hear that we'd come just in time for it."

---

Blossom smiled as the gentleman assured her he had no problem with her lack of skills, and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. While Dragon had apparently taken notice of some of the other people dancing, she had not really spent much time observing the other dancers. She was not quite sure what to expect, therefore.

"The music is very nice," She agreed, with a quick glance toward the musicians. She noticed a young lady in blue standing off to one side, speaking quietly with one of them, but the rest were still focused on playing. "I'm not a musician either, but it is very nice to listen to, isn't it?" She smiled and turned her attention back to him, trying to make sure that she could keep up with the dance steps. "The most music that I can manage is to hum when I work, sometimes," She added with a little smile.

---

@Ercassie
Not even a minute had passed after her brother left her, when Snowflake had some new company at her table. She had turned her attention toward watching the dance floor, to see how the other brother's dance was going. She had been the one to dare him, after all, and she wanted to make sure that the dare had caused him to have a good time, and not the opposite. Blinking up as the Dove greeted her, Snowflake was momentarily puzzled who this newcomer might be, who had called her by name, until the mask was briefly lifted to let her see. The young man who approached seconds later was easier to recognize, being slightly more known to her.

Snowflake smiled slightly. "Go ahead, of course I don't mind." She answered, familiar enough with both, so not to feel any need to protest their company. The comment about the wine spill served to draw her eyes toward it, when she otherwise would not have noticed it. "Too bad," She frowned slightly, thoughtful. "I don't suppose they have anything over there, to take care of the stain?" She nodded toward the bar, being quite unfamiliar with that sort of thing. Did they keep anything for incidents like that? She had no idea.

As the couple commenced with their own talk between themselves, Snowflake began to wonder why they had sat one on either side of her, rather than sitting next to one another. The Stag's comment directed at her was a bit unexpected, and caught her off guard. She blinked. "Oh. He did?" She asked, aware of the Stag's wife making a noise of despair on her other side. The continued comment made it very difficult for her to resist the urge to cross her arms and frown. Instead, she sat still and nodded slowly. She also resisted the urge to glance over toward the culprit, though somehow she suspected that he might have been looking in her direction, trying to see if his scheme was working.

Holding back a little sigh, she gave a little smile to Dove and nodded. "I had hoped she might come," She agreed. "But I guess she's having a nice time, at least." She was not entirely sure what Dove meant about 'it must run in the family', but then she added the comment about Snowflake's dress. "Oh, thank you." She smiled, though glanced down at it a little self-consciously. "It feels a bit strange, being dressed up like this." She admitted. "And, well my sister helped me a bit with it," She smiled slightly, indicating the tiny snowflakes painted onto the fabric of the sheer layer that went over the blue.

She was almost glad for the distraction from the talk of her dress, as the Stag brought up the Dove's father. While Snowflake didn't know the guy, she had met him at least once, and knew that he was a member of the Night Sky Court. So, it was not difficult to pick out the bearded man from the crowd, and she watched curiously for a moment. She didn't think she had ever seen any dance like that before.

"Oh, I've had a couple of dances so far." She answered Dove, turning her attention back to the young woman, after the other's question. "I'm taking a break now." She smiled slightly. "I guess you two have been dancing all evening so far?" She asked, going from the Dove's earlier comment about being so tired from all the dancing.

---

The food was quite good, though most seemed fancier than anything she was used to. She found it difficult not to keep going back to get more of some of the things, but thought she'd better not. She wouldn't want to get too full, after all. As she was nearly finished with the food on her plate, she was briefly startled by a very familiar voice speaking nearby. To her! But the words that he said were a bit startling. It's you? She caught her breath briefly, thinking frantically about what to do. He couldn't possibly have recognized her that easily, right?

Slowly, she turned to look at him with an inquisitive look, as he went on to talk as if he did, in fact, know exactly who she was. But he couldn't.. right? She fought against the disappointment that threatened to wash over her, and instead decided to try and find out if he had figured out who she was, or not. She offered a faint smile after taking a look at him as if she were trying to figure out who he might be. "Hello," She greeted him, with the accent she had been using all evening. "Should I.. know you?" She wondered, tilting her head thoughtfully, with a curious smile.

Her smile warmed upon seeing and feeling the soft grazing her knuckles with his lips. She may have floated away if he'd not been holding her hand. He must enjoy making her blush as he said it would always be his honor to escort her anywhere. She stepped beside him as they made their way to the bar. Her green eyes took in the scene before them, it was like she couldn't look at any one thing too long before something else caught her attention, it was wonderous.

When they took their place at the bar, she took in the seemingly endless variety of drinks available. She looked back to him as he asked what would warm the midnight sun and what he was of a mind to taste this evening as well. She was glad to see his drink was available. "I think I'll have a hot buttered rum." She looked at the server who nodded in agreement and left them to prepare their drinks. She cast a look around the room again, taking it all in.

"It's lovely, isn't it?" She then noticed the other Night Sky Courtiers before turning to her own Night Sky Courtier. " It looks like the others wasted no time in having fun." She grinned. "I know am enjoying myself even if we just got here." She admired his outfit. "Very fetching I must say." She lightly ran her fingertips over a small length of gold braid that edged the velvety frockcoat. "I don't know who came up with this idea, but I must offer my compliments." She smiled up at him, honestly it wasn't just the outfit that made him fetching. She always found him to cut a fine figure.



@Rillewen

He casually sipped his ale as he scanned the room. He watched those dacing for a moment before turning to look at the tables. How was he going to find her? He knew what color her dress was and that it was off the shoulder but there were a few dresses of the same color. Take them one at a time he told himself. There was a dark blue one, he dismissed it seeing the woman's blonde hair. There was an off blue, but she wasn't tall enough. His eyes were moving over the crowd when he caught a hint of light blue caught at a table seated between two people in white. He checked off what he knew of her outfit and was pleased when everything fit.

He left his mug as he pushed himself away from the bar, creating an opening for someone else. He straightened his jacket as he made his way toward her. She was talking to the couple as he approached the table. He seemed to appraise the couple that had her hemmed in. A Dove and a White Stag. He noticed the center woman's mask and recognized her instantly.

His deep voice broke into their conversation. "Excuse me. I couldn't help but notice this lovely lady from across the room and I had to ask her if I can have this dance." His brown eyes went from the couple to Snowflake. "That is unless she's spoken for...then I would have to put my best effort into stealing her away from such an inattentive dance partner." There was a glint of mischievousness' in his brown eyes as he waited for her answer.

@Isolde Alarion
Inwardly, Snowflake was rolling her eyes at the irony of the situation. Her brother had sent these two over here to keep her from leaving, and yet, she felt more like leaving now, in order to give them some privacy. While Snowflake was happy for the couple for having such a loving relationship, at the moment she felt a bit stuck in the middle of it, and it wasn't exactly the way she'd like to spend the evening.

About the time she had asked her rhetorical question about their dancing, another voice spoke up nearby. A voice she recognized. Glancing up, Snowflake smiled softly, feeling glad to see him. Even with a mask, it would be unlikely for anyone else to have the same voice, with the same build, and same eyes. "Perhaps I've had enough of a break, after all." She decided, glad for a reasonable excuse to leave the lovey dovey couple to their own company. After all, it seemed all the more awkward, knowing that her brother had sent them over here to keep her company. "I would be happy to accept," She told Redman with a little smile. "Would you excuse me?" She asked, looking from one to the other, then stood up. "Thank you for keeping me company. I hope you enjoy your evening."

She smiled again at him before joining him. "Thank you." She said again, quietly, as she took his offered arm and nodded to indicate that he could lead the way to the dance floor.

@Rillewen
His offer was quickly accepted and watching her join him he had to suppress a chuckle. She seemed to bolt from between them like a rabbit, but he enjoyed the end result. She'd taken his arm, and he was leading her to the dance floor. "You're welcome." He grinned. "I think it's safe to assume that wasn't your idea?" He kept his voice between the two of them.

He was sure one of the guys had played a role in it. Shortly they approached the dance floor, and they stopped a moment. He motioned to the swirl of dancers and offered her his hand. "Shall we?" He waited a moment for her to accept then placed his left hand on her waist and kept his right with her hand in it. He gently guided her onto the floor and into the flow of dancers. He kept in time with the steps as he looked down at her, now able to fully see her dress.

Seeing her in this light with that dress nearly made him lose track of his steps, he had to look beyond her for a moment. She was beautiful. How could she think otherwise? He looked back at her. Perhaps it was time someone told her. "You look amazing, I hope you don't mind me saying so."

@Arnyn
It was a strange sensation to have her removing his mask, first with a slow gentle push and then undoing the laces with a hint of something that had him more certain even as his heart kicked in anticipation. With her retaining the butterfly mask it felt like he was blindfolded despite having sight. As if it was a stranger in front of him even though he was sure it was not. Remaining still and silent as the other dancers swirled around them was strange, yet his focus was entirely on what Butterfly was doing as she bared his face and then swept her fingers through his dark hair to rest at the nape of his neck. The gesture was exceedingly intimate but also familiar to him, and his eyes warmed.

It was tantalizing how slowly she leaned in to kiss him. His breath caught somewhere in his chest, and then Thûllir sighed in recognition as her lips met his with unmistakable ease and in a manner he would have recognized with his eyes closed. Heat. It was always present in some way. He finally moved to bring his right hand to her waist once more and then to hold her close with that one arm as he returned Kaylin’s kiss. For he was absolutely certain. The way she held his mask shielded their faces on one side, so he lifted his left to brush her cheek before finally lifting his head just far enough to smile with a smile he reserved only for her. “How bold of you, Lady Butterfly!” His amused but gruff murmur was knowing, before his smile gentled further. “May I see your face as well, or would you prefer to remain masked? I am afraid you may receive whispers about my reputation for days either way due to your most excellent disguise.” Thûllir swayed them gently into motion where they stood. He knew the removal of his mask was most likely due to the pesky snout on it rather than it hiding his face, but he did find it amusing that she had removed it altogether.

@Isolde Alarion
"Not at all my idea," She replied with a little eyeroll, though she also kept her voice quiet. "Someone thought I needed babysitting, apparently." She explained as they set off to the dance floor together. "Someone you share a dorm with," She added, knowing he'd know who she meant.

As they found a spot on the dance floor, she smiled faintly and nodded when he asked 'shall we', and let her other hand rest on his shoulder. With a slightly amused smile, she considered making a joke about how maybe this time, there wouldn't be any kidnappers on the loose to interrupt their evening. But, she decided it was best not to tempt fate. And then, was it just her imagination, or did it seem like he nearly missed a step for a moment? She couldn't be certain, but then it seemed like he was looking past her for a second.

As she was about to turn her head to try and see what he was looking at, he commented on how she looked 'amazing'. A little blush came to her face. "Thanks.. I don't mind you saying it, even if it is a bit of an exaggeration," She laughed softly. "I feel a little weird, to be honest. Kinda.. out of place, I guess." She shrugged slightly, feeling a little self-conscious about the dress and her shoulders being bare and all. "You, though.." She paused, trying to figure out what exactly she had wanted to say. "You don't look out of place at all." She finished, unable to think of a better way to put it. "You look very nice." She added, in case that wasn't clear. Then, with a little smile, she asked, "So.. do you have any particular alias you prefer to be called for the evening, or should I come up with one for you?" She asked with a slight grin. "Perhaps.. Sir Ember, or Lava.. or.. I don't know." She smiled, slightly amused at the way his red and black outfit reminded her of the hot embers of a forge.

@Karis Ziranphel
She could feel the slight sigh - as if things were fully settling into place for him, even as he put his hand on her waist, as he held her close and returned her kiss. He lightly brushed her cheek with his other hand, and her heart soared higher and farther than any kite ever could - all in that one, single, brief moment. This moment was worth all the preparations.

When Thûllir lifted his head to smile at her in that absolutely perfect way, Kaylin bit her bottom lip as she gave him a half-grin. "I know," she agreed with his claim that it was a bold move. "Possibly scandalous, even, in some parts of the country." Her hand at the back of his neck slid over to his face again, and she touched his lips and then the stubble on his cheeks as she laughed quietly.

At his question, she pursed her lips slightly. "You know, I am not sure we are even allowed to take off our mask," she mused. "I would not want to incur the wrath of any organisers or attendants." She lowered his wolf mask to his shoulder as she rested her wrist there. "I would return your mask as well... if you had not chosen such a cumbersome one... But if I am to return it to you, I might as well make the most of it while you have it off." She angled down his chin for another slow kiss capable of sending one of the more rigid Belfalasian nobles - should they were watching - into a fit.

Swaying along with him without protest, she had to chuckle at his words about his reputation. "Funny," she murmured as she looked at him. "If the blonde has you worried someone might think you're seducing the Lieutenant..." She shrugged one shoulder, finding it very difficult not to laugh long and hard at the idea, which was of course absolutely ridiculous. "Or is it too strange to see a stranger whilst knowing it is your wife?" she whispered teasingly, the fingers of her free hand carressing the side of his neck.

---

@Rillewen
The Fairy found it difficult to provide an answer to the Dragon's question, and it was good timing that he led her into the beginning of the dance just then, so she could try and organise her thoughts a little more before replying. "Not an easy question to answer, I'm afraid," she said thoughtfully as she easily followed his lead. "I used to have more fun at gatherings like these. But ever since I spent an extended period of time away from the White City, things have not really felt the same." Possibly things had shifted a bit before she had left - but she could not remember any dances in that particular time span before she had resigned and left Gondor for a good while. "Many of the people I knew, have left," she added. "Though I should also say I have made some new friends." That conjured a genuine smile back to her features - or at least what was visible of them to the Dragon. "One of those friends is Lady Butterfly. Coincidentally, she is also the who convinced me to come. She insisted it was impossible that I would find myself alone at the bar or at some table for too long, and implored me to help her with a game of hide and seek she wanted to orchestrate."

Thinking over what else he had said, the Fairy assessed his mask and the full beard. "The first time?" she questioned, mildly surprised. "Really? Then we must make it count, I suppose." Her smile grew a little. "A first dance - or I suppose this very much counts as a ball , even - should always be memorable."

"If you have only arrived yesterday afternoon, both you and your friend have done exceedingly well in choosing your attire and masks. With such a short time span." She seemed to consider something before she continued. "But the rest of your party was not interested in attending?"

---

@Rillewen
"It is," he agreed. "Music, much like dancing, makes life so much more beautiful. It is a shame you get so little of both," he said honestly. "Where I live, several people do play some instrument or other, and they are quick to play. It has been one of the wonderful changes since the end of the war. That people are no longer afraid to make music in Ithilien." He decided not to change the steps up too much, since the lady seemed to be paying attention to her feet and to what she was doing. He did, however, lead her into an elegant twirl after those words.

As they continued their sweeping movements across their area of the dance floor, Golden smiled at Blossom. "I can recommend a visit to the Hall of Song," he suggested. "It's the place in Minas Tirith to go to if you're looking for music - of any kind. If I may be so bold as to assume you are not from these lands." Her accent was rather different.

@Rillewen
Gilded reached for the glass of delicious looking drink and first sniffed it lightly to determine if it had any particular aroma, and then she sipped lightly from the glass.

“Mmm,” she voiced her satisfaction to Teal. “Very delicious. I am not sure what all is there, but I think I can taste strawberries. Very refreshing! Do try!” She took another sip and then closed her eyes for a brief moment to savour it.

When he complemented her, she opened her eyes and smiled at Teal: “I am not sure you said anything like that, but thank you! I should say that I think you look quite good in this outfit as well.”

Then she said in quieter tones, aware of other people nearby: “You know… I definitely enjoy feeling a bit more ladylike and not just wearing soldierly stuff and smelling of horse.” Gilded flashed a hearty grin at Teal. “Certainly would not mind repeating something like this once in a while. And you?”
“Are you serious, m’lady?” Rooster smiled at Orchid when she seemed to lean towards the sneaking out business. “Would you be able to head out for a bit of a tour at all? Would you not have any serious consequences for it?”

He deftly turned them one way and then another before he found space to let her go for another twirl.

“Would you want me to show you around a bit if you did manage to go out for adventure?” he asked, since he could not quite guess whether she would rather want to go alone.
“I might just make sure to visit, after all. Now that you describe it in such attractive ways,” Amethyst said and also meant to follow through with this, though she did not yet know when.

“Perhaps now you should eat something while you can,” she laughed softly, glanced at Hawk and then nodded towards the tables. “Might get pulled into dancing, or conversation, or anything else if you do not.”

Picking up a plate, Amethyst began to choose a few food items that seemed to be most appealing at the moment.

After talking to one of the musicians, she was pleased to learn that people could sing if they wanted to. Although she had to talk with the guy for a little longer to help him get an idea of the tune, since it was not one that he or the others would be familiar with. While the rest of the musicians kept the music going, she stood off to the side in quiet conversation with one of them, and soon they were only waiting for the current tune to conclude.

When the time came, the musician spoke briefly to the others, and motioned for the young lady. She took a slow breath in, thinking, 'please, please be here, somewhere..' as she glanced around. There were a lot of people there. A lot. That was a much bigger audience than she'd ever sung in front of. But there was only one that she wanted to sing to, and if he heard her, then it would be worth it to find him. She smiled as the first notes of music began to play, and pushed all nervousness down deep as she began to sing a song only known to herself and the one who wrote it.

♪ "I... will always love you,
I love you,
And with this kiss I make this vow..." ♪

---

@Arnyn
Listening to the answer that she gave, he was thoughtful for a bit as they danced. "That's too bad, that things don't feel the same. And that several of your friends left." He smiled slightly. "But new friends are always nice to have, right?" Hearing that Butterfly was the one responsible for talking her into coming, his smile changed into a grin. "Why am I not surprised? After hearing that she is so quick to make friends.. it sounds as if she and I have a lot in common, to be honest." He mentioned. "I was the one who talked Lady Blossom into coming, tonight." he admitted with a little grin. "And she was right, it seems." He added. "I can't imagine anyone would not want to dance with you, m'lady.

When she seemed surprised to hear that it was his first time coming to a dance, or ball, he nodded. "Alas, yes." he sighed, a bit dramatically. "I do have every intention of having plenty of good memories of this event." He smiled slightly. "There have been a few ladies that have helped in that goal, and you are certainly in that number." He smiled as he carefully guided her into a twirl.

He took the time to consider how best to answer her question about the others of his group. "We were very fortunate to find these things, before the stores sold completely out." He answered that, first. "As for the rest," he shrugged. "My brother is too dull and boring to appreciate the thought of having fun, and had no interest in attending a dance. The two girls, who are Lady Blossom's nieces, were also not interested in coming." He explained. "The one I think was too tired from our journey, and the other is simply uninterested in dancing or boys or anything related to romance." He shrugged, rolling his eyes a bit. "So, nothing I could say would convince her to come, and the other fell asleep as soon as we were shown to our rooms at the inn."

---

She smiled as he spoke of people playing music in Ithilien, and moved through the twirl as well as she could. It helped having had a couple of twirls when dancing with Dragon, but this gentleman clearly had more practice at it and she felt like it went more smoothly. She smiled as she completed the twirl. "I also live in a forest, but there are not many folk who live out that way." She explained. "My nearest neighbors are... far from pleasant," She sighed. "And the only music I hear is from the birds. Which I do enjoy, but it isn't the same." She smiled and gave a small shrug.

"And where is this Hall of Song?" She wondered curiously, and laughed lightly. "You are quite right. My home is in Archet, far in the north." She explained. "Near Bree, if you have heard of that. We arrived only yesterday, and my friend over there was very excited to hear about the ball." She nodded in the general area of where Dragon and Fairy were dancing. "I didn't think I would enjoy it, but he is very persuasive, and he has proven right. I am very glad I came."

---

@Pele Alarion
After Gilded had tried her drink, and mentioned a strawberry flavor, he smiled. "Really? That's one of my favorites," he grinned and took a sip of his own drink. He nodded thoughtfully, trying to pick out the different flavors, but there were some unfamiliar ones to him. "It is very good." he agreed, taking another sip. The drink was cool and refreshing, and he thought he could drink many more of these if he didn't exercise some restraint.

When she turned the compliment around to him, he was somewhat surprised, since his own outfit was nowhere near as elegant and fancy as her dress. But he smiled to hear her say it, anyway. "Thank you." He nodded slightly as she mentioned how nice it was to dress up like this, and not just look like a soldier all the time. "I could see where you might feel like that. But I don't have a uniform or anything, so.. I don't know. I've never had much cause to dress up before." he shrugged. "Perhaps if I did more often, I'd be more used to it."

---

@Pele Alarion
She hesitated. "I don't know if I would be able to," She admitted. "But, I might.. maybe?" She almost felt as if she were only hoping for the impossible. And some part of her told her she ought not arrange to meet with a young man she didn't know. But she also thought that he seemed very nice, and that she had no reason to fear him. She could be very wrong, of course. She briefly thought about that as she let him twirl her, and gracefully returned to facing him.

"I think, perhaps, if I did go, I would be better off to have a guide," She explained. "I would not want to become lost, for then my uncle would surely rouse all the guards and I would indeed be in a great deal of trouble." She sighed softly, but smiled. "If I could sneak away for a couple of hours, however, I thought.. someone who knows the land could surely help me get back in time before my uncle were to find out I was gone. Right?"

---

@Pele Alarion
He smiled, happy to hear that he had convinced someone to come and visit the hall of song. He felt it was such a great place, that everyone ought to visit it at least once, if they had any interest in music at all. He wished he'd known about it long before he did find out about the place.

When the lady suggested that he ought to eat now while he had the chance, he smiled and nodded. "Yes, I was thinking that." He agreed, though he stood back to let her take a plate first. As he was picking up a plate for himself, he noticed a slight change in music. Something about it caught his ear, though he couldn't place it at first. Until.. a voice began to sing. The first few words made his eyes widen. "Wait.." The next lines made him turn to stare toward the musician's stand in disbelief.

♪"And with this kiss I make this vow...
To love you forever,
Like birds of a feather, we'll be,"♪

"Th.. that's my song." He couldn't believe he was hearing this. "I wrote that!" he declared with a astonished glance toward Lady Amethyst, as if to question if she was hearing the same as him. "There's only one person who knows that song," he added, with a grin growing on his face. "And that.. that's her voice!" He said with barely contained excitement. He had to get closer! He had to see her! He could hardly keep from rushing over there as fast as he could, but he recalled that he should maintain some level of manners. "Excuse me, please, m'lady.." He added, just a bit hastily. He didn't really wait for a reply. Having not put anything on the plate yet, he dropped it back into the stack before setting off across the room as quickly as he could manage without actually running.

He stopped at the base of the musician's stand, staring in amazement at the young lady singing. He couldn't believe he had not noticed her before now. As he emerged from the crowd and stopped, looking up at her with a big grin on his face, their eyes met and her own smile widened as much as it could without impeding her singing.

♪ "And I... will always need you,
I need you,
it's not too late to say this now," ♪

While she was singing these lines, she motioned him to come and join her, smiling happily. He hesitated only briefly, but, remembering that lady Amethyst had said something about him having permission to play.. he figured that surely meant singing too. He was guessing she was maybe someone in charge of organizing the event, and so had the authority to say who could do this or that. Happily, he came up to join Seashell, His gaze locked on hers, smiling as they continued singing the rest of the song together now.


♪ "I'll love you forever,
Like birds of a feather, we'll be
You with me!

Oh, and my heart was locked up tight,
Another day,
another day without you burning in me bright,
I found in the night, light!
Here, here with you...

I... will always love you,
I love you,
And with this kiss I make this vow

To love you forever,
Like birds of a feather, we'll be
You with me!

To love you forever,
Like birds of a feather, we'll be
You with me!" ♪



(Song is borrowed from Erutan)

@Arnyn
He couldn’t help but grin wider as Red’s sharp gaze sized him up from head to toe, as if deciding if he was good or not. And what was the verdict? Honied words slipped from between her graceful lips, showering him with praises for a change instead of the act being performed by him. ”It comes and it goes.” He said coyly about his deep thinking abilities.

”While there are many marvels here before me that ought to tether one to the present moment, there is a riddle, that does require a deeper thought.” He mused in reply, keeping his eyes locked on Red’s as he raised his own cup to his lips and drank slowly, before setting the cup on the counter nearby. ”The notion is whether a Lady like yourself, who no doubt could have an endless supply of willing partners, might accept the possibility of a dance with her present company.” He extended the offer, and his gloved hand, towards her.

Though, in the next instance, he shifted it to gesture to the bar before returning it outstretched back to her. ”Unless you’d be interested in sharing another drink with me, my Lady…?” And then perhaps finding out what might be on the mind of this pretty thinker.

---

@Rillewen
She laughed lightly again when Sir Fox made the comparison between his hair and foxes as reason for his costume. Like him, she had to refrain from reminding him that foxes came in many colours and hues as well. Grey, white, brown. But no, no sarcasm tonight. She was trying, but the banter with this young man came so naturally to her. Her excitement might be misconstrued as arguing or pestering, which a Lady should not do. Nor did she want to be perceived as such. How did grown folks do this, controlling this knot of energy and bubbling glee in their guts from spilling out and over?

His attempt to jerk the strand of hair that dangled over his forehead and eyes failed and she felt the urge to reach up and help him, again, but they were in the midst of a dance, flowing with the group around. Too bad, she guessed with a grin. She was starting to espy some colour too in his cheeks, from her compliments. Shy about it? She was only telling the truth. But as for what a Prince might smell like, she was only guessing about that too. She never met one. And the Prince of Dol Amroth, and his sons, she only saw from very far away.

She didn’t get a chance to answer the musing of a Princely scent when he joked about possibly coming as a skunk. Now that was mischievous and while she grinned, she quirked her fine eyebrow in question to his ludicrous statement. She was twirled then, but her expression was still much the same when she returned, her hand catching his shoulder. ”What is that, I hear? Something that you may know that I do not? We do not have skunks where I come from. More of your woodland friends, I see.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she espied her brother…speaking with Lady in Red. Now what was that about? They were just there too. She quickly darted her eyes back to Sir Fox, trying to look cool and collected. ”But if that was your alternative, you must not really want to be found! Who are you hiding from, Sir Fox? You would certainly tell a Lady if you were bringing her under a dark cloud, no?” She said, teasing him about manners, not at all knowing or having a clue…just how right and accurate she might be.

@Rillewen
“I guess you don’t even need a uniform – yes, just dressing up a notch or… several… above the usual clothing,” Gilded said with a small shrug. “Maybe the wonder of it all would wear off if there were too many events to dress up for.”

She then took a proper hearty drink of the fruity beverage and sighed contentedly. Hearing that music was now accompanied by a song, she turned to look at Seashell singing who then was joined by Hawk. For a while she listened, and then looked to Teal with a grin.

“Look at those two singing,” she chuckled. “I bet they look like love doves or something.”
“You know… I sort of feel a bit bad for suggesting slightly mischievous ideas to you,” Rooster’s brown eyes laughed and did not hold much of regret his words seemed to suggest. “I just don’t like the way it sounds like you can’t do things you might enjoy while visiting.”

“If you had a couple hours, then I suppose you would need someone to help you see as much as you can within that time,” he continued. “Perhaps I could assist you. Do you have your own horse, m’lady? To make the adventure faster?”
Amethyst had collected her desired food items and turned towards Hawk only to see him react to the song.

“Is it now?” she asked curiously, and then watched him take off hastily after giving quick excuses.

Moving away from the buffet to leave space for others, Amethyst chose a place at one of the tables and snacked on a bit of meat as she listened to the song and watched the two young people with a smile.

@Lantaelen
"A fickle ability then," she commented on his assessment of his deep thinking. She mirrored his actions in taking a slow drink of her own beverage, setting her own glass down on the counter as well. "Your tongue seems witty enough, however. Might I hope that is a more continuous quality of yours, or does that also come and go, Sir?"

She slipped off the barstool with slow, fluid movements, assessing the grey eyes that did not shy away from hers at all. How interesting. This nobleman - for that was as obvious as the flash of orange in his attire - was either confident or arrogant. Which it truly was, remained to be seen. Did he perhaps think he could be the one to play with her, instead of the other way around?

In any case, Red was intrigued. An amused little smile played about her lips. "I've just had a drink," she said in her velvety voice as she stepped toward him, closer than might be expected. So she could trail a hand partway along the colourful sash around his waist as she looked up at him between her lashes. "I wholeheartedly prefer the dance. Thus... you may endeavour to impress me with your deep thinking as well as your skill on the floor. My Lord."

---

@Rillewen
She grinned briefly when the Dragon said he and Lady Butterfly seemed to have a lot in common. "You do, I believe," she agreed, not really stopping to think the Dragon might find such agreement a bit curious - since as far as he was aware, she had only spoken with him for a few minutes so far. The Fairy's walls were down within the safety provided by someone whom she knew only had good intentions, and who could neither set or have any professional expectations for her. She could relax. And so she did.

At his comment that he couldn't imagine anyone not wanting to dance with her, the Fairy shook her head. "Oh, please," she said, clearly not believing a single word. "The whole room is filled with gorgeous ladies who can probably dance circles around me," she laughed. "And unlike you, Sir Dragon, or unlike Miss Butterfly, I am unfortunately not that much of an extravert." She grinned again at his dramatic sigh, though it softened to a smile when he slowly twirled her around. "You are very kind," she told him. "But I have done nothing besides accepting your offer to dance? If that is enough to make it to the list, I have no doubt this list will get very long indeed, and the memories will last you a lifetime!" The Fairy slanted her head, still smiling as she looked at him. "For you are a natural at socializing, sir Dragon."

She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing when the Dragon stated so bluntly that his brother was too dull and boring to appreciate the thought of having fun. After a moment, she managed to suppress the urge, and hummed thoughtfully. "So what did you come for, then?" she asked, trying not to grin with amusement but soon deciding to forfeit the fight. "Dancing?" she prompted, with a tilt of her head to indicate the two of them. "Or romance?"

It was then that the words to a song reached her ears, and she looked over to the stage as she danced with the Dragon. A singer? A beautiful young lady in ocean-inspired attire had joined the musicians to sing a love song. "The timing," she noted, amused. "Looks like the organisers at least meant it to be an event to foster romance?" When a young man in a hawk mask and feathered attire joined Seashell, the Fairy's lips parted in mild surprise. "Or maybe the organisers had nothing to do with it," she mused, watching the dynamic between the two. "Well, they... they clearly came for the romance," she grinned as she watched them a moment longer, before turning her eyes and attention back to the Dragon.

---

@Rillewen
"Hmm," was his first and rather thoughtful reply. "At least you do still live in a forest... but if there is no music, no dancing, and the closest people to you are so unpleasant... have you considered moving to a different forest?" He smiled in a way that showed he was mostly joking. He knew it was not all that simple, of course. People tended to have ties, and more than one reason to stay.

"The Hall of Song is on the Fifth level of the city," he answered her question. On the main street. You cannot miss it as you pass it by." When Lady Blossom told him she was from a place called Archet, in the north, near Bree, his eyes widened. "That far away?" He seemed surprised. "I have never been that far north," he said pensively. Nor did he particularly feel the need to. He quite liked things were he was. Golden followed Blossom's nod to the Dragon and the Fairy. He nodded in turn. "Good! I am glad he persuaded you. Otherwise I would not have had this pleasure, after all," he added casually, "to dance with a lovely lady from the northern lands." It was hard to explain how he did it, but just like his words had not come across as creepy to Miss Wildflower, neither did his words sound like flirting with Lady Blossom. It sounded like no more than what it was: what he saw as a true statement.

@Arnyn Thûllir was amused by Kaylin’s reasoning for not returning his mask and retaining her own, but he wasn’t about to complain at a second deliciously slow kiss. It fogged his brain slightly and made everything else fade away for several moments.

“Those whose opinions might matter hopefully know better than to believe I would kiss anyone but you despite the evidence of their eyes.” He paused briefly to assess his response to her other question, even seeing the overwhelming amusement it caused her. “I wouldn’t say it's too strange, although it is most definitely different and slightly disorienting with such a good disguise.” He smiled at her. The music came to a stop and a different tune was being worked out over by the orchestra. “You may keep my mask for now. I’ve seen a few skirting the supposed rules already with painted faces and such, so they mustn’t mean we must have them on at all times. I wasn’t hiding anyway, and no longer need the guise of a hunting wolf.” Shifting his hand, he brushed across the delicate filigree of a butterfly wing on her mask and then traced one thin braid before bringing his hand down to rest lightly at her waist.

“Did you leave your ring at home tonight, or do you bear it still?” He knew there were reasons for her to remove it on missions, but he was still curious since this was a personal rather than professional mission, and his voice reflected that light curiosity as a means of distracting himself.

@Rillewen

Whether his bold opening had been ill advised or no, it had nonetheless gained him the lady’s attention. Still the young Night Sky did not miss the hesitation and somewhat confused expression that even a flowery countenance could not utterly conceal. ‘Hello’ she had responded, a far more standard and polite way of starting up a conversation. And .. there was an accent there. Her lilted tone reminded him of certain Rohir acquaintances, although it was not quite a match. That was a large kingdom of course and there must be variants in the dialect there, as there were often found in Gondor, between the mountains and the sea. Or perhaps she was a traveller, like his uncle, who seemed to pick up some strain or element of every accent he spent any amount of years living amongst. In any case, she did not answer his question or seem to really register it, and her response .. the young man put his idle plate to the table and began to pour himself a glass of water from the conveniently placed carafes. It would serve him better than simply staring, or so he could hope.

“If you had asked whether you ‘do’ know me, I’d probably venture a ‘no’,” he shrugged. And supped a little from his water, hoping that he wouldn’t lose her with the reasoning if she was not familiar with his own delivery of speech. “But it seems as though our peoples stand as allies, as well as neighbours. So ‘should’ you know me …? Perhaps we ought to ..” he began and cut off at a sound all too familiar. After a second drink for time enough to be certain, he lowered his glass to crown the empty plate upon the table. With an almost confused expression of his own then, the young Night Sky followed both the sound and the direction of others who were seeming to gravitate toward the new chapter of tonight’s entertainment.

It was him. The young man smiled to recognise the Hawk and what was far more likely than the last guess, to be his lady friend .. found after all. This really was a night where anything could happen. And as he turned to confirm whether the Snowflake had also seen what was happening .. brown eyes found instead the Dove, who managed to tilt her head toward the dance floor, before she succumbed to trying to drink wine with arms interlinked to her husbands. And there, where his cousin had directed him to glance, was the Snowflake, caught up in an evident rapture with a masked stranger who bore a familiarly unique build.

The young man closed his left hand silently over it's scarred palm and smiled, as though he were sharing the scene with somebody only here in spirit. Evidently. He was not even sure which of the turn of events to be more pleased or surprised by, but saw no hurt in calling it a tie. Now he could finally enjoy himself, and first of course, enjoy the song. Which did rather surpass the dancing when it came to a want that he should bear witness. One was a performance meant to be observed, and the other a probable private party.

@Pele Alarion
Teal took a sip of his drink and smiled slightly at Gilded as she speculated on whether the excitement of dressing up would ever wear off. "I think it's the sort of thing that.. you may get used to wearing the clothes, but then there's some folks who might not ever fully get used to seeing you in them... if that makes any sense." He shrugged slightly, then took another small sip of his drink.

He glanced over with curiosity when some people began singing, and smiled slightly. "That's the guy you were dancing with earlier, isn't it?" He thought he recalled seeing that hawk mask, as the guy left Gilded's company just as Teal found her. "Maybe they're love-hawks?" He joked, in reference to her comment. "Or maybe just lovebirds in general. Either way," he smiled. "They look very happy." Even from here, it was obvious the pair were smiling at each other with great happiness.

---

@Pele Alarion
She let out a soft laugh. He did not actually sound like he felt all that bad for it, but she didn't comment on that. "My uncle can be a little strict," She admitted, and glanced around swiftly to make sure that her cousin was not nearby, before lowering her voice slightly. "But I have found ways around his rules, before." Sometimes by herself, other times with others. She wasn't sure how much she wanted to admit to right now, though. She wasn't even totally sure whether it was a good idea to even entertain this idea, but she was curious. She wanted to see orchards and farms and.. maybe meadows. She thought it was a bit of a shame that it was wintertime, and that there was not likely to be anything blossoming.

When he asked her if she had a horse, she bit her lip lightly and shook her head, feeling a touch of sadness inside. "No, alas." She answered softly. "Wouldn't that be nice, though?" She sighed. "I suppose maybe I'm only entertaining false hope, aren't I?" She added with a slightly apologetic smile. "The Pelennor is a rather large place, I suppose. Too large to try and explore it on foot in only a few hours, right?"

She glanced curiously toward the stage, hearing the singing, and smiled. "How fitting," She mentioned, noticing the Hawk-dressed young man, and the song talking about birds and feathers. She smiled slightly as she turned back to her dance partner. "They sound nice together, don't they?"

---

@Ercassie
Despite her first fears, she was surprised when he declared, in his own roundabout manner, that he did not think he knew her. Wait, so.. he had not recognized her? Inwardly, she was smiling in relief at that. But outwardly, she managed to maintain the same expression as before. Maybe with a hint more of a smile than before, though it made her appear slightly amused by what he was saying. But before he could finish that thought, the singing that had begun seemed to suddenly steal his attention away.

Wildflower followed his gaze toward the source of the song. But soon it was not only his gaze and attention that was being stolen by the singing, as the gentleman set off toward the sound as well. Wildflower watched, briefly unsure what to do. And, thinking about the person she knew was behind the mask, and trying to think of what would have drawn his attention so strongly toward that, she trailed along after him, a few steps behind.

She noticed the way that he glanced over toward the table, and when she looked too, she managed to spot the little head nod meant to redirect his gaze. She spotted Snowflake easily enough, and was glad to see that she had found someone to dance with. Looking back at Night Sky, she observed the way he closed his left hand, in a way that she felt was significant. After a moment's pause, she stepped up beside him and glanced curiously toward him. "Ought to.. what?" She asked softly, hoping to remind him that he had been about to say something. And also make him aware that she was still present, in case he had not realized.

---

@Lantaelen
Lady Swan's comment surprised him. She didn't have skunks where she was from? He wondered where she might be from that there were no such creatures. He had just sort of assumed they were everywhere. But then, maybe they were there, and she just didn't know about it. They were rather solitary and shy creatures, after all. But he let out a little laugh when she asked if they were more of his woodland friends. He was about to answer that when she spoke of him not wanting to be found. He wasn't sure how to respond to that for a moment, and so the lady had a chance to add a couple of other comments in that time.

While she spoke, he inhaled slowly and smiled. "It was only a joke, my lady." He assured her with a little laugh. "But there are a vast variety of creatures that live in all parts of Gondor." He shrugged. "And Linhir has its share of woodland friends," He smiled. "Since you have never been there, I realize that you could not know this, but there is actually a good-sized portion of woods there." He smiled slightly. "I said earlier that my favorite part of my homeland was the river, but I did not say that I did not enjoy the woods as well." He thought that somehow needed clearing up, since the lady had kept making comments as if she couldn't believe he was not a woods-lover. He had never said that he wasn't.

He heard someone singing, first a girl, then a guy joined in. He glanced toward the musicians briefly, out of curiosity, before returning his gaze to Lady Swan. He ought to bring the topic back to something safer. "Do you have any other interests, besides swimming and foxes, lady Swan?" He asked with a little smile, as they continued to dance slowly in step with the song that was being sung.

---

@Arnyn
To hear that the lady agreed, he smiled. She hardly knew him, and yet he figured his outgoing and friendly nature must simply be that obvious. His smile widened to a grin when she declined to believe his comment about how many would surely want to dance with her. "I don't know about others dancing circles around you.." He shrugged, smiling slightly. "I'm sure you could do that to me, if you took a notion to." He pointed out. "Yet, I suspect you are too kind to do a thing like that, which could potentially cause embarrassment to your dance partner."

As she mentioned having done nothing besides accept an offer to dance, he shook his head. "No, you've done far more than that." he assured her with a smile. "For you were kind.. not only to me, but to my friend, Lady Blossom. That counts for a lot, in my opinion." He shrugged and maintained the basic dance steps, thinking it might be a bit too soon for another twirl.

When she asked what he had come here for, he grinned at the options she had presented, even as a young lady began singing. He joined Fairy in glancing over, and gave a small nod as she commented on the pair having clearly come for romance. "Seems so," he agreed quietly, smiling slightly. Good for them. "Do you sing, lady Fairy?" He asked, turning back to Fairy with a little smile lingering on his face, before addressing her question. "Well, to be honest," He laughed a little, "I learned to dance specifically for this evening." He admitted. "So, as for my reasons for coming..." He shrugged. "I suppose they would be for fun, curiosity.. perhaps a hope of romance.. but if that doesn't happen, I hope to at least have enjoyed the evening. I would be satisfied to have at least made some friends by the end of the evening. One can never have too many friends, right?" He grinned. While he figured his brother would disagree, he didn't care.

---

She laughed lightly at the suggestion of moving to a different forest. "If only it were so simple." She smiled, shaking her head slightly. She wasn't sure if she would want to move, even if there were no responsibilities to tie her to that area. "I have hopes that it will be better before long. There are fewer bandits around the area than there used to be, at least. So, it is improving." She smiled. "As for the music.. well, there is the bird's singing." She grinned. "And my dog dances.." She laughed. "She really does. She hops and twirls and spins, it's quite funny to watch."

She gave a little nod when he explained where the Hall of Song was, and made a mental note to try and be sure she got a chance to visit at some point. "It is quite a journey," She added, when the gentleman seemed surprised to learn she was from so far north. "We had other purposes for coming to the White City, but the timing was just right." She explained, smiling slightly, though her smile grew a tiny bit at his complimentary words. "You're very kind, sir." She answered, before her attention was drawn toward the sound of a song being sung by a very smiley young couple. She smiled softly at the sight of it.

"I'm glad he did, too," She added, in continuation with the last comment. "I'm glad not to have missed out on all of this." She smiled as she thought about the two friends she had met this evening, at least. Perhaps more to come, and seeing so much happiness and joy was always worth seeing.

---

As the song concluded, the two singers paused as the final notes faded, their gazes locked with one another. Then Seashell threw her arms around Hawk, hugging him tight. His grin couldn't seem to get any bigger without splitting his face as he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight, and even spun them around once before setting her back on her feet.

With a little laugh, she looked up at him with a big smile. His mask's beak was in the way, or she would've kissed him, but instead she settled for leaning in to plant a kiss on the side of his jaw.

He smiled, tempted to push the mask up to get the beak out of the way, but then remembered they were still on the stage, and thought better of it. But he was still smiling. "Let's.. uh, get off the stage," He suggested in a whisper, but he turned and gave a small, appreciative nod to the musicians for accommodating their singing.

She nodded, turned and smiled at the musicians in gratitude, then let Hawk guide her off the stage, his arm around her shoulders while she leaned into his side. "I was so worried about you," She looked up at him, once they had stepped down, and the more usual music had resumed. "I couldn't find you, and.. there's something I really need to tell you.."

"Later," He smiled at her. "Please? Let's just enjoy the evening right now.. alright? I can't believe you're actually here. I never thought wishes could really come true.. but here you are!" He said, smiling happily. "Do you want to dance, or..?"

She paused, but then nodded slightly to herself. It could wait, she decided, smiling. She had never actually seen him quite this happy, and she definitely didn't want to spoil it. "Yeah," She agreed. "Let's dance." She grinned as they soon reached the dance floor, having not had far to go. Soon, they joined in with the other dancers on the floor, but were wrapped up in their own private world.

@Rillewen
“You might be right. But I doubt I’ll get to wear this dress often, not sure how things would be for you,” Gilded said, shifting to sit more comfortably on her stool.

She looked more closely at the singers after Teal’s comment and said: “Ah yes! He is that guy!” She then laughed quietly and added: “Some sort of birds they are, I figure. Or at least in love, without birds. Good for them!”

Turning back to Teal, and began: “Sooo…” Then she realised she was not sure what she really wanted to say, gave him a slightly sheepish smile and shrugged, lifting her drink to the lips instead to empty the glass some more.
Rooster grinned finding that Orchid seemed to appear rather resourceful after all, and he carefully spun her around some more, before commenting: “There’s always a way around rules, I think. Or most of those that are not, you know… protecting harm done to others.”

He regarded her with a slight tilt of his head when she spoke of false hopes. “Yeah, Pelennor would take many hours if you wanted to cover most of it; a couple hours would let you take a peek at the nearest fields only. Would that even satisfy you? Else you’d have to demand to be seated where you can have the best view when heading back home.”

Only when Orchid mentioned the singers, did Rooster listen in to the words and glance their way. “Aye, suppose, they do. And do you know any of them, m’lady?”

@Rillewen

As though the song had been a spell, enchanting all who heard it towards wonder, the same intrigued folks seemed to lose interest when Hawk and Seashell came into each other’s arms at the end. More than a few couples had seemed to find a renewed joy in the evident romance, that they then indulged in for their own sake with their respective dance partners, life partners .. random people who they had happened to encounter ..

“Hmm .. what ?” the Night Sky repeated of the Wildflower, not sharply but more simply half aware that she had just asked the same thing of him, moments before. He ought not to have been surprised that she too had been drawn to watch the lovers’ scene unfold, almost as though it was a scheduled performance piece to add to the evening. He ought to have been at least surprised that she had refused to let him fall away from their interaction so easily. For all of a moment though, he was simply struck by the seeing of her, in more totality now that there were no tables at hand to impede half of her .. doubtlessly alluring figure. Up close, she was more than a blur and a whirl. More than the embodiment of how much fun a person could actually have at this sort of event, if they were open to it. More than anything, she was breathtaking, stood still. And real.


“Oh, you know,” the young Night Sky smiled as the remnants of the gathered crowd dispersed back to wherever else, leaving them to stand, the two of them alone. “We could .. ought to .. explore the ‘knowing’ of each other,” he supposed. Too innocent about this sort of thing to recognise the possible innuendo that might likely pass over her head as well. He was very much aware of how vacant the world about them seemed all of a sudden. Though it was a crowded room quite full of intrigue and interaction. There was just her, standing there. Almost expectantly. If life was a play, and all the people in it merely actors … then he had quite assuredly forgotten his lines. Forgotten even to think if he should learn them in the first place.

“Of course, maybe that’s the point of this evening. The not knowing. After all, nobody has come here as themself.” Indeed. If he could have looked down upon himself and how this was going, he would not recognise himself. "So we could equally enjoy the not knowing, if you prefer." The mystery .. He had been intrigued enough by the vastness of not knowing, to gravitate toward this vision in pink. “In any case, do let me try to make it up to you, for being so horribly distracted before ?” Was he trying to make fun of his well mannered cousin now, or did it matter ? Maybe the song from before had cast some semblance of an enchantment after all. Because he felt like he should take the stranger’s hand. And that was .. about as far from sane or normal as he could think for any other time or place. But perhaps an unspoken realisation. That he was not ready for her to walk away.

@Pele Alarion
Teal glanced thoughtfully at her dress as she commented on it. "Well, then that settles it. You'll just have to make sure and attend all the fancy events you can, so as to get all the wear out of it that you can." He grinned. "Although you might get tired of wearing the same dress to every event, after a while." He added with a small frown. "Hmm. Yeah. That might not be so good, then."

He gave a small nod as she confirmed that it was the same guy he had seen her dancing with. He took a small sip of his drink as he thought about that, then glanced at her again when she began speaking. When she said nothing more, he couldn't help a little grin, knowing the feeling. He found himself trying to think of something to say, too. "Did you get enough to eat, earlier?" he asked, as the first thing that popped into his head.

---

@Pele Alarion
A small, shy smile came to her face when he mentioned there being a way around rules. Oh yes, she knew that, and had found her own ways around them at times, but it seemed trickier, here in a foreign city where she didn't know anyone, nor did she know how to find her way around. "A peek," She repeated thoughtfully, considering. "Perhaps, it might." She smiled faintly. "Would it be worthwhile, you think?" She nearly laughed at the suggestion that she demand to have the best view. As if that would happen. Even if she spoke up and tried to demand it, there was no way she could see it actually happening.

When asked whether she knew the couple who, by now, were concluding their song, she gave a little shake of her head. "Not that I know of," She replied. "But then, how would I know, with these masks?" She asked with a soft laugh. "Do you?"

---

@Ercassie
For a moment, she thought he was too distracted to even have heard her, but then he pulled himself back together and offered a reply which, admittedly, was very him. To suggest getting to know one another, or else to do the opposite. She smiled with some inner amusement as he mentioned 'not coming as themselves'. "It would seem that way," She agreed with a small glance around. "I see no faces which are familiar to me," She added, while she was looking another direction, where she did not actually see anyone she recognized, then tilted her head curiously as she turned back to look up at the young Night Sky gentleman.

"Make it up to me?" She asked with a small smile. She didn't blame him a bit, actually, since she was pretty sure she knew who the guy in the hawk mask was, but she obviously couldn't say so without him wondering how she knew, when she supposedly didn't know him at all. But, making it up to her could mean a couple of things.. a dance? Or getting her a drink, or.. she wasn't sure even what to expect with him. "How do you suggest doing so, sir?" She wondered with a small tilt of her head, curiously, and wondered briefly why he seemed so much taller than usual. But, again... she couldn't ask.

---

(introducing another new character... because, you know, I'm me. lol)


She was already quite late, she just knew it! She paused just before reaching the entrance, leaning her back against the side of the building to catch her breath, while also bringing her right foot up, to put her shoe on. Next came the left. While the girl's breaths were still coming in gasps, after all the running she'd done to try and get here as fast as she could, she straightened and began searching frantically. Her mask! Had she dropped it? "Oh no!" She gasped in dismay, momentarily at a loss for what to do. She'd have to go all the way...

No, wait..! Her hand flew up to feel the top of her head, and the young lady breathed out a sigh of relief as she found the mask, already on her head, but pushed up to the top of her head, like a headband or crown or something. With a little laugh at herself, and her last-minute-rushing forgetfulness, the young lady pulled the mask down and situated it over her face, making sure it was comfortable, didn't restrict her vision, and that it properly covered her face as it was designed to do. Then, with a deep breath and an excited smile, she approached the doors to enter, her heart still racing even though she'd stopped running already.

"Your coat, miss?" A man standing near the door said.

She paused and looked at him, and was about to ask what was wrong with her coat, but then quickly realized that he asking about taking it.. to the coat room. How nice! A smile broke through on her face. "Oh, thank you, sir!" She had wondered what to do with her coat while she was here, and whether she'd have to keep track of it or not. Leaving the guy looking somewhat amused, she eagerly hastened toward the main room, where all the lovely music and a bit of chatter could be heard.

As soon as she stepped inside, she paused to take it all in, a big smile spreading over her face. It was all so beautiful! She took a couple of steps further in, drawn inward, but not sure where she should go first. After realizing she might be blocking the doorway, she nimbly half-stepped, half-leaped aside, even though no one was actually trying to go in or out at the moment. All the while, she kept her eyes on the dancers in the middle of the floor, admiring how lovely everyone looked, and enjoying just watching the smooth, graceful movements of the people on the dance floor, how they somehow moved around, turning and twirling, without crashing into each other.

Smiling in happiness that she had made it here, before it was over, the young lady's stomach reminded her of how hungry she was, so that made up her mind for her, on where to go first. She set off toward the food tables, though she could not help implementing a little twirl into her steps as she went, and hoped that she'd have a chance to manage a few twirls on the dance floor, later. First though, food!

@Karis Ziranphel
"If they were to think you were kissing someone else, they will also think you have completely lost your mind," she smiled sweetly. Her smile grew into a coy grin as she moved her fingers from his neck to touch her blonde updo. "I take it you're not a fan. Though I must say that the strange saying that blondes have more fun, might be true if only for just tonight..." When he said she could keep his mask, she tsked audibly, even though her smile spoke of approval. "Well then," she said, sounding amused, "How rebellious of you." She was just about to suggest something far more rebellious than that, when he quietly brushed at her mask and some part of the blonde hair atop her head... before resting his hand back at her waist. To then ask a question she knew would hold some significance to him. The light tone of curiosity to his voice did little to fool her.

She narrowed her eyes at him, and then realized he still would not be able to see that. So she slanted her head defiantly. "The ring is not on my fingers," she stated matter-of-factly, "nor is it on my toes! But yes, I have it with me, regardless. Alas, I cannot prove it to you..." She laughed briefly, and then hugged him to her as they swayed, grinning into his neck and returning to her earlier whim. "Unless you want to follow me into the coat room, Bregedyr?"

---

@Rillewen
"Most of the people I know are kind," she countered, though she was smiling in a way that betrayed she appreciated his sentiment. "But thank you," she said more quietly, with a little nod. "You are both very easy to be kind towards," the Fairy pointed out in turn.

It was heartwarming, really, to see Hawk and Seashell on stage, singing together. When he asked her if she sang, the Fairy found her cheeks warming - completely against her will. "Rarely," she said, almost too quietly for him to catch. But then she found some unexpected confidence, and flashed him a smile. "Mostly when I am alone, or with family. Although there might have been an exception or two, in the past. Never in Minas Tirith, however." She leaned forward slightly. "Too many people here who know me, and who might find it very... unfitting... with who I am." Her smile broadened. "Do you sing, sir Dragon? Apparently the stage can be conquered?" she suggested with a teasing grin. "Perhaps you will draw in a lady, as the Lady of the Sea has drawn in a gentleman?"

She almost missed a step when he admitted to having learned to dance simply to attend the masquerade. "You what?" She bit her bottom lip, amused, unable to resist the question that was to follow. "I am assuming it was rather the Lady Blossom and not your supposedly 'dull brother' who helped you in this regard? And while I would agree that you can never have too many friends, would he?" This was too funny! Would he think her some sort of truth-seer?

---

@Rillewen
"A dancing dog," he mused out loud. "Maybe I should get a dog. A big, lovable one. To keep me company and dance with me in the woods," he laughed. "A dog could probably stomach me for long periods of time much better than any lady worth her salt might."

Golden moved to slowly twirl the Lady Blossom, making sure to give her plenty of direction and not rushing through the motions as they were dancing past Courtier of the Night Sky and Lady Cat. Of course, Golden did not know anything about the gentleman, but Lady Cat was impossible to miss since Golden and she had shared a dance earlier. He nodded at her, though she might not even see it as she was dancing with the other man. "I am starting to build a bit of a dance list," he told Blossom, looking at her with some doubt all of a sudden. "And while I am simply here to enjoy myself and help others to do the same.. I am starting to question whether that is a good thing? Maybe some of the ladies will start to believe my intentions are much worse."

@Rillewen
Gilded thought on it for a while and came to a conclusion that it would probably be just so – that she would get tired of the dress if she wore it everywhere. But then again perhaps she’d be able to save up for another one. Surely it would take a couple years to get tired of this dress since she did not know whether she’d be able to attend that many events, maybe once a year at best.

It struck her as funny that they had come to a point of lacking what to say, and she laughed merrily at it for a moment.

“Well, I did eat some of those meat filled thingies, but not much more,” she then admitted, following the topic suggested by Teal. “Are you full and satisfied, or rather hungry instead?”
“I don’t know, Miss,” Rooster seemed to assess Orchid thoroughly with a slight tilt of head. “Would you think bare fields and trees as wholesome as those in full bloom? Or would you think the white stones of the city more enticing in that case? As for me, I don’t really mind fields as they are now.”

“Hmm. I miiiiiight know at least one, but still not fully convinced,” he replied in relation to guessing the identities of the two singers. “Masks, as you said.”

He was silent for a moment, simply smiling at Orchid as he guided them along in the dance, and then asked: “Would you like to offer me another dance after this, or would you rather prefer some refreshments?”

@Pele Alarion
"That's about all I had, too." He answered with a little smile. "Those were really good, too. Maybe we should get a few more of those.." He mentioned thoughtfully, wondering what to call the things she had referred to. He glanced at her again. "Want to go over and get something else to eat?" he asked. They had drinks in hand, so now maybe they could get some food and sit down to eat it.

---

@Pele Alarion
She considered his question, thoughtful. Obviously, it would be nicer to see the fields and farms and orchards in the full beauty of spring, but she did not have that luxury, at this time. When he presented the other option being the city of stone, she felt there was little choice to make, really. "I would much rather see the fields, sir." She smiled. "The city is beautiful, of course, but a colder sort of beauty than the wide outdoors.. even in winter." She explained with a faint shrug.

His inquiry about whether she'd like to stay with him for the next dance surprised her somewhat, and she was not quite sure how to reply for a few seconds. "I don't mind, either way." She answered with a soft laugh. "I have already eaten, but if you wanted to get something, then please don't let me keep you from it, sir."

---

@Arnyn
He smiled in reply to the lady's comment that he and Blossom were easy to be kind toward. "Well, I am glad to hear that." He smiled, and wondered if it was his imagination that she looked almost like she might have a faint hint of a blush showing when he asked about singing. Her reply was quiet, and he nearly missed what she said, but soon she elaborated and he nodded slightly. "I understand. Some people are shy about those things, I suppose." He let out a little laugh when she turned the question around on him. "Me? Oh.. not really. I don't sound very good, but occasionally, I do. Sometimes just to annoy my brother, to be honest." He admitted with a grin. "I doubt my singing will lure in any ladies, as miss Siren did," he added, making a bit of a joke about her singing, and being dressed with sea things.

It was evident that the lady was surprised to hear his admission, and he gave a slightly sheepish grin, wondering if he ought not to have admitted to that. But, it was too late now. At least she appeared amused, and not horrified or something. "Lady Blossom, and her niece," He answered her question with a little laugh. "And... lady Butterfly helped me with.. this part, earlier.." he added, as he guided her into a twirl.

He laughed slightly, again, as she asked about his brother. "Oh.. he certainly doesn't agree about that." He shook his head with mock exasperation. "He does have a few. A very small number." He shrugged, and tried to think if he'd said anything to indicate how his brother was. Well, he sort of had, in mentioning he was dull and refused to come out and have fun, and so it didn't seem too odd that she had asked that, he decided.

---

She grinned as the gentleman seemed to consider getting a dog, himself, and mentioned that a dog might put up with him better than a woman would. "I don't know about that, but they do make very good guards of yourself and your home, too. If that's a concern for you." She mentioned. "My dog is at home with my daughter, but my two nieces are with me in the city, and one of them has a dog who is very protective of her." She smiled and moved through the twirl without any difficulty. After her dance with Dragon, she had a much better idea of how to go through it than before, thankfully.

When Golden spoke about his dance list, and seemed almost concerned, she tilted her head thoughtfully and considered it. "Why would they think your intentions are not good?" She wondered with a bit of concern. "You seem perfectly polite and friendly to me. So long as you have been that way with all of the other ladies, I don't know why they would get any wrong ideas. Perhaps you should not worry what anyone may think." She suggested. "After all, what else are these for, than to allow one to remain anonymous?" She asked, and with the one hand she lightly tapped his mask before returning her hand to his shoulder, smiling slightly.

@Rillewen

She was pretty when she smiled, but she still seemed almost .. guarded in her responses, or perhaps only partially interested in their exchange at all. The curious tilt of her head might well be adorable, except that it continued to confuse him. Since she’d clearly decided to continue conversing with him, but she wasn’t answering a single question, except with a fresh one batted right back in it’s place. He didn’t even bother asking if she’d come here with anyone, or if she was just visiting ... She’d made her choice, it would seem. And it seemed that she favoured the mystery of not knowing.


“You’re not going to make this easy on me, are you ?” he half laughed. Mostly because she had just called him ‘sir’ and it was hard to receive such a ‘compliment’ with a straight face. So maybe he should not have even played with some Nardy diction before. But despite her Rohirric accent, this beautiful stranger appeared to him as somewhat timid and almost too courteous, as though she was a well raised girl out of Dol Amroth ! He’d felt almost obliged to try and be polite back in return, particularly after all the drilling his cousin had drummed into him for tonight, about how to behave with a certain noblewoman. But was this .. really the same girl he’d seen, twirling and laughing, before ? Obviously she was no longer having such a good time as she had been enjoying before.

Admittedly, if she had seen how he had danced with the Starlit Lady before, she might have been equally confused at his more casual behaviour now, so he could hardly hold any of that against her She might just be extremely shy and require some warming up.


“Well, miss,” he ducked his chin, and brought brown eyes up to find hers. “Since I proved so inattentive before, it is only fair that I give you my undivided attention now. For .. say how long it might amuse you,” he shrugged, and then realised that he ought not to shrug, if he was pretending to be more polite. And then he decided that he did not care regardless. He had likely hit his time limit for being all properly behaved, already this evening. But with the ball served back into her court, the young Night Sky offered his anonymous mystery woman his scarred hand. Leaving her to ‘not know’ what he might have in mind, if she did continue to oblige him.

---

“In truth I am surprised to find a cat attending an event like this at all,” the Bearded Night Sky grinned, so that his slight lilt over the word ‘cat’ might be dismissed as nothing more than amusement. “Though your kind are as a rule .. crepuscular, no ? So now I know what cats really get up to, when they run into the night” he leant in to confide the opinion. Even as the music started to ebb slowly to its finale. Their rather flamboyant duet too began to wind down in it’s vibrancy, although the intensity of their attention upon one another did not look to dwindle in the least.

“I would have had to say that you are very well practiced, if it were not for your natural, feline grace,” he admitted. “And certainly not the calibre of dancer I expected to encounter tonight !” the honesty could not help but escape him. “But I have been named for a challenge before now. And, I suspect, shall prove so again. Regardless of any effort on my part.”


As the music then devolved to an utter vacuum of silence, the Night Sky raised both of the Cat Lady’s hands in his, so that their arms stood as a risen canopy over faces close enough to kiss. And then he loosed her. Taking a firm step backward.

“There remains only one recourse to satisfy your curiosity, my nimble lady,” he did not bow, nor depart. But instead employed a move that might well prove both careful … and daring, both at once. Somewhere else about the room, a pair of young musical lovers were coming together. It was time then, with that noted change of pace, for the Bearded Night Sky to come apart from his most recent entertainment.

“I thank you, o agile one. For the dance,” he held her gaze even as the space grew between them. “For sure, you are a rare find in such climes as these. You may count one of your lives that I may think to look for you again.” He promised, he smiled, and then turned away and headed for the bar, alone. His previous thought of hunger clearly forgotten for now. What an unexpected find indeed !

---

@Isolde Alarion

“They have certainly gone all out. Very. Lovely,” he agreed with the Midnight Sun, quietly awarding her the latter compliment, though she may have simply meant the entire room. Then glanced up with a slightly panicked glance, as his kin spread swift and wide about the room, to their various distractions. It took a moment to dispel the disposition of a panicked parent with no means to keep track of too many children.

“Each to his own fun,” he smiled though in the end, calming in her company. He was not here to watch what his kin got up to. They were grown, they were in a safe place, they would be fine. Although he had not missed his brother’s newly groomed beard, and could guess at the mischief intended by the other man by choosing such a familiar style. So he ignored it, deciding that imitation was only a flattery and knowing that a non reaction would wind up his sibling with a wilder impatience in return.


As the Server attended to their drinks, the Besotted Night Sky came near to blushing for his own sake, as the lady’s fingers explored his attire. “That would be the cousin,” he explained, with a subtle nod to where his brother was attempting to hold that cousin from rushing to retrieve his wife. “The things we do for family,” he waved a rather frilly shirt sleeve at her and shook his head. The Belfalasian had certainly made a costume choice which crossed over the line from smart to rather superfluous, if the elder man had any opinion on it. But as his lady approved, he would not really complain.

Their drinks were provided and he barely noticed, as a thought occurred to him. “It seems to be the season for it, dressing up,” he smiled. “Not for the weather. I mean,” he fumbled with his meaning as well as with one hand, as it reached inside a pocket for something he had better salvage before he managed to sit on it. “It was last winter that we found ourselves in another, similar situation." He recalled their previously setting out upon a pleasant Cruise party down the River Anduin. "The first time is not always easy to equal,” the Besotted Night Sky presented his Midnight Sun with a single, small but unbent golden flower of the Pelennor, which he offered softly into her hand, if she had no objection. “But if I may .. I would not have this be the last time,” he smiled.

Anyone could go into the market and exchange coin for an elaborately expensive bouquet that somebody else has selected and fashioned to it's finest. Spending an entire afternoon, on the other hand, to find the one flower which seemed to glow most golden, .. not to mention keeping it both safe and a secret from his unexpected lodger between that time and this .. it may have been a silly thing. But love made a man do silly things, he was discovering.

@Rillewen
“Come to think of it, maybe something a bit more filling would not be amiss,” Gilded agreed to Teal’s suggestion. “And eaten with no haste.”

Then she looked at Teal somewhat mischievously and said: “Unless you mean to gobble up the food and then spin in a crazy fast dance. Or have me covered in a mountain of food while you dance with other ladies.”
“There is surely some beauty in winter too,” Rooster said with a smile, and then proceeded to describe some more of the beauty. “Maybe not much warmer than the city, but… the beauty of a half-frozen stream bubbling merrily along its course, over some rocks. Spider webs between grey stems of grass, glistening like pearls in the sun. Even a few bird calls.”

“But you should also sneak into the gardens of the Houses of Healing if you prefer a more tamed and lively beauty,” he suggested with a small grin. “Always carefully tended to by the healers and their gardening assistants.”

He was glad to hear that Orchid was not opposed to dancing with him some more, and said: “I’ve eaten a plenty, and since you have too, I’d be pleased if you were to dance with me a little longer.”

@Arnyn
He smiled and shrugged, when she called his ability of deep thinking to be a fickle thing. ”That’s more routine, aye.” He did say about his quick tongue. Red gave him quite the performance in turning the mere gesture of rising from her barstool into a work of art, her figure regal and her posture elegant. She was so close, he could see everything, from the hues of her eyes to the flawless texture of her skin. Very flawless.

I’ve just had a drink she said, to which he shrugged his eyebrows and finished his own quickly, before employing that witty tongue of his.

”You’ve had one, yes. How about a second drink?” He teased her, though she was more interested in him. And his other abilities. Like dancing. His eyes fell from her pretty eyes and crimson masque to the hand that trailed quite closely along his torso. Awfully close, ma’am. But…that wasn’t a bad thing. He looked up and grinned, merely extending his gloved hand to receive hers, a silent acceptance of her challenge to show her something impressive upon the dance floor.

He could tell she was a Lady of rather high standards and maintenance. He was not put off. Was he not supposed to be of a House and family considered the same? He never really believed the reputation his father put on their surname, but today, with Red, he would shamelessly call on it now, to put himself in league with her. It was a way of thinking. With her hand held firmly, he led her onto the dance floor, finding a suitable position within the crowd, raising his hand high to gently swing Red before him from his side, his other hand ready to receive her side as he planted her before him. A little demonstration of his strength and grace.

And then in rhythm with the song, a new tune being sung by two musicians nearby, he began to dance with her, a simple four-step pattern to begin. ”I see there are many facets to you, my Lady. Each as smooth and yet hard as a diamond face, holding…who knows what measure of intricacies to make such a formidable front. I think duty obligates me to ask and confirm but…are you sure you aren’t our glorious Queen?” He flashed her a charming grin, wondering what sort of marvel this woman originated from.

---

@Rillewen
A shame. She might have enjoyed the thrill and danger of a dark cloud. Maybe that was a bad thing to seek out. But the anonymity of the masque afforded so many opportunities otherwise lost if not immediately seized upon. ”I understand you, dear Fox. Gondor is indeed a great and grandiose place. And I have seen only a few small corners of it. You will have to forgive me, I am starting to live vicariously through whatever you may tell me. As I have said, foxes have taught me much.” She replied, returning his handsome smile with one of her own.

”We have woodlands as well but they have been…well, people have gone in and out for countless centuries, I feel like there is nothing exciting or mysterious left to discover. Your woods interest me more.” She explained her own dearth of information in regards to certain animals and such. ”But my true love will always be the sea.” She said, before giggling. ”Sorry, words like that, so often strewn in our legends and stories. I ought to be more original.” She laughed at herself.

Two musicians nearby started to sing and they paused to listen and watch a moment, Swan’s head almost pressing to Fox’s shoulder as she watched alongside him, before they returned to dance to this new tune. What other hobbies did she have, he inquired of her. ”I have been learning the bow. I have…had a late start. Calligraphy. Hiking too. Sailing…I suppose I have the know-how, though it has never been an interest in mine. Runs in the family, so naturally, I had to learn as well. How about yourself, Sir Fox? Besides dancing and making all the girls smile at you?” She teased him back.

@Lantaelen
When he asked her about a second drink, she lifted a bare shoulder and turned her chin down slightly toward it. "I have had that, too," she said, her coy smile evident in her tone. Red accepted the offered gloved hand, of course, and she placed her own ungloved hand in his, answering his grin with a slight smile and direct eyecontact. He did not let on whether or not he noticed she was only wearing a glove on her left hand, and not her right. Perhaps it was not considered polite for a gentleman to comment, she considered thoughtfully. But he could think of it what he would.

She'd noted his confidence before, but it was evident in every step he took, in his every move and his every direction as he turned her out and toward him. This one... this one knew what he was doing. Even if he started out their dance with a basic set of steps, the way King Cheddar was leading her spoke volumes. Her gloved, left hand slid to his shoulder by the way of his chest, as she snuck in the touch unbeknownst to most if not all who were watching, but very obvious to him. She followed his directions with seeming effortlessness, unafraid to place her trust in his guidance. That was usually what men preferred, after all. A woman who followed them. Though there were some, the rare few, who enjoyed a challenge from time to time - in the end, almost every single one of them wanted to at least think they were in the lead.

Red slanted her head down a bit even as she maintained eye contact with the gentleman. "Alas, I can stake no claim to royalty," she said sweetly, expertly tamping down her partial annoyance with the question. Other than it being ridiculous - she should hope she looked a few thousand years younger than their 'glorious queen', at the very least, and besides her eyes were brown, so the question was definitely meant to either flatter or sting. Through it all, though, her subtle smile remained, as if she were tempting him to find out more by simply looking at her. Which was quite impossible.
"However, I would have no qualms with a man like you calling me 'Your Grace'," she teased. It was undeniable that she definitely possessed that particular quality in spades. "I might enjoy that." She lightly bit her bottom lip as she gave him a slow grin. "It might also be improper of me to disclose all my facets are indeed smooth to the touch, my Lord. So naturally I would never do such a thing."

"And what might you enjoy to be called, sir? Do you wish to be revered, and to be addressed as a King, or a Prince? Or are you satisfied with other forms of adoration?"

---

@Rillewen
As Dragon twirled her around, the wings attached to the jewels on her back lifted partways into the air and gently curved along with her turn. When his hand returned to her upper back, she now understood the level of formality that had seemed so out of character for the man whom she knew to be hidden behind that mask and that beard. He had only learned yesterday. He was clearly following more old-school rules by the letter. While she did not really wish to embarress him by correcting him, she also knew that if he were to dance with other ladies after their dance, one of them might make a less gentle comment than she might. As she was debating that, she was mildly surprised by the way he spoke of his brother. Telling a stranger his brother only had a few friends, a very small number of friends, even, didn't really strike her as necessary.

"And you have a great many?" she asked. "Friends? Your singing is rare enough not to chase them away then?" she jested. "You do look like more of a story-teller," she nodded, as if having come to some sort of conclusion based on what she'd seen and heard of him so far. Of course - it was a conclusion based on what she had seen and heard of him. She simply hadn't seen or heard those things here, this very evening.

"Your hand position," she began, tilted her head briefly and slightly to her left side, "would probably be considered a bit out-dated, by most." Moving her own hand from his shoulder, she carefully pushed his arm - and by extention, his hand - down her back a ways. "The mid to lower back, or the waist, is more common," she explained. Her head tilted toward him slightly, as if she was going to mention an important detail. Which she was, she supposed. "Just be careful not to go too low, sir Dragon," she added with an amused smile.

@Pele Alarion
"Well, let's go then." He suggested with a grin. He offered his arm to her, so as to be proper about it, and then laughed lightly at her teasing comment. "I think if I gobbled up a lot of food and then spun around a lot, I'd end up being dizzy and sick." He grinned as they set off toward the food tables.

When she mentioned the possibility of covering her in a 'mountain of food' and then going off to dance with other ladies, he gave her a mock-shocked look. "You think I would do such a thing?" He asked, as if offended, though with a hint of teasing still in his tone.

"Or," He added thoughtfully, with a questioning glance toward her. "Are you suggesting that I go off and dance with other ladies.. so that you can get rid of me? Is it a hint?" He asked with a little laugh, while motioning for her to take a plate first.

---

@Pele Alarion

Her small smile grew just a bit, hearing him speak of the beauty found in nature, even in the winter. "Indeed, those things sound lovely." She agreed, thinking of a few other things she could add to the list. But she didn't want to interrupt, as he now spoke of the houses of healing gardens. She tilted her head curiously at that idea. "I have not been there before. I believe I did glimpse a few gardens or parks, along the way through the city." She mentioned, curious if there were any of these that didn't need to be 'sneaked' into.

Hearing that he was pleased to keep dancing with her, she smiled slightly. "That would be nice." She agreed. She considered her dilemma for a moment. "My cousin is planning to go shopping while we're here," She mentioned. "Though I'm not sure whether she wants to go tomorrow or the day after. She would want me to come along, but.. if I could get away from her with some excuse or something, that would give me two or three hours or more.. to explore." She explained the thought that she was toying with. "Are there horses in the city, which can be rented?" She asked, thinking that would solve the lack of horse problem.

---

@Arnyn
He couldn't help but admire the way her wings lifted and seemed to flutter along with her spinning motion. He grinned slightly as she returned to facing him. Her question surprised him slightly. He shrugged slightly. "As many as I can," He answered, though he felt it was too small a number for his liking. He was even more surprised when she mentioned something about his story telling. "Oh? You can tell?" He asked with a little laugh. "I do enjoy telling stories" He admitted. "Though, a bit of song can be fun to add into stories, if it fits. Still.. you must be very observant, lady Fairy, to have noticed that about me, when you barely know me." He commented.

When she commented on his hand position, he looked at her in brief confusion. Outdated? He wondered for a second what she meant, but then when she moved his arm downward a bit, he gave a slow nod. "Thank you, I was.. well, I thought it was supposed to be higher." He explained quietly, then gave a faint smile at her last words. "Of course, I wouldn't do that." he assured her with an equally amused smile.

---

@Ercassie
“You’re not going to make this easy on me, are you ?”

The comment brought a little amused smile from her, but she didn't venture a reply just yet. Partly because she wasn't quite sure how to respond to that, exactly, or at least not without giving away too much. And she didn't want him to know who she was, not yet. Not when he was this close to asking her to dance. She was trying not to let herself grin too widely right now, but it was hard.

Thankfully, he went on without seeming to expect a reply from her, offering his undivided attention. For.. as long as it would amuse her? Her smile only grew wider at that. "You ought to be careful of making such offers," She informed him, as she took his offered hand with a grin. "What if I never tire of your company, and you would be stuck with me forever?" She couldn't help a little teasing, though she was careful to maintain the accent.

---

@Ercassie & @Pele Alarion
She tilted her head inquisitively when the man mentioned being surprised to find a feline at such an event. She was debating whether to ask why, but he then commented on 'her kind' being partial to the evening hours, and she had to smile at the joke about what cats really get up to. "Of course," She agreed with a hint of amusement in her smile. "Cats are all about late night parties, after all."

She had to admit, inwardly, she was a little glad to have a chance to catch her breath as the dance wound to a close. But she was pleased to hear a compliment from the stranger, even if she was still a bit wary of him. Who was he? She was highly curious, though of course she could not outright ask him, anymore than he could outright ask her who she might be. Right? That was part of the rules of this masquerade thing, wasn't it? Or so she believed it must be, otherwise, what was the point of the masks?

She kept her curious gaze on his, as he spoke highly of her dancing, or so she took it that way. "Thank you, sir." She replied with a little smile, before raising one eyebrow slightly. "Though I have to wonder where such a gentleman may have learned such an.. intricate dance style?" She commented, knowing it was not a common sort of dance known in Gondor. Which told her he surely did not learn it in Gondor. The other part of his words did not quite make sense to her. A challenge?

She hardly had a chance to think on it before he moved both of their arms upward, bringing their faces very close together. It would have been a good moment to murmur something quietly for his ears only, but nothing came to mind at that moment, and it passed very quickly. He stepped back from her, again putting space between them. And then thanked her for the dance, with another compliment to her agility, and called her a 'rare find'. She had to wonder, again, whether there was any hidden meaning intended there, and as he added a promise that he would seek her out again.. she felt almost certain there was more in his words than what he said.

Lady Cat remained where she stood for a moment, her thoughts racing as she watched him turn and walk away, for as long as she could see him before he was blocked from her view. Who was this guy? Was it merely a coincidence that he sought her out and led her into such a dance as few ladies here could keep up with? She frowned slightly and considered a few possibilities.

Taking a glance around, she realized she should move off of the dance floor, and so she weaved her way nimbly through the other dancers until she had found her way out of the dancing area. With a thoughtful glance toward the bar, and where the stranger now was, she narrowed her eyes thoughtfully before moving to return to her table from before.

There was another lady there now(Amethyst), and she paused briefly, considering the other options. She didn't see any other empty tables around at this moment, as many other people(NPCs) were occupying the other nearby tables. She shrugged slightly to herself, putting on a small smile before approaching the lady. "Greetings. Are any of these seats saved, and if not.. do you oppose a little company?" She asked pleasantly.

---

@Lantaelen
He was a little surprised to hear her refer to him as 'dear fox', but smiled a bit. "Yes, it is a very large kingdom, and getting larger now that the king is restoring the more distant places to it. I have only seen a little of Gondor, myself." He admitted. He had probably still seen more than she had, but he couldn't really talk about all of that. And besides, it wouldn't really be the best topic to discuss while dancing with a girl he would probably never see again after today. As she admitted to having begun living vicariously through what he was telling her, he grinned slightly. "Is that so? Well, I apologize that I don't have any more exciting tales to offer," He said regretfully.

"Perhaps you should tell me more about the sea, and why you love it so much?" He suggested. "I've seen it, of course, plenty of times. But my heart is more attuned to the forest. Though I understand what you mean about people messing up the woods," He sighed softly. "The best places are the ones with no traces of anyone ever having been there. But why shouldn't you speak like a poet when speaking of something you love?" He asked with a little smile.

As they paused to look toward the singers, he was a little surprised at the way she practically had her head leaned on his shoulder. When they returned to the proper dancing position, he was glad to have a little distraction as she answered his questions about hobbies. And he was surprised by the first three that she listed. "Calligraphy?" He repeated, though actually the fact that she liked hiking interested him far more. "It may seem strange to some who know me well, but I also like calligraphy somewhat." He admitted, smiling slightly. He thought it best not to mention how much he enjoyed hiking, however.

"As for archery.. good for you! It's a good skill to know. Even if you are new to it. I've seen some ladies who could shoot very impressively, and one that I know is younger than I am, and a better shot than I am." He grinned, then laughed a bit at her question back at him. "All the girls? I wouldn't say that," he said with a little grin. "But I'm glad that I have made one of them smile, at least." He smiled at her, then hesitated as he tried to think of a polite way of letting the young lady know that three dances together should really be their limit, lest anyone get the wrong idea.

He cleared his throat lightly. "Though, I should allow another gentleman an opportunity to dance with you, after this one. Otherwise, people might begin to think I'm a hog, keeping such a lovely lady all to myself all evening." He smiled. "There must be dozens of other gentlemen who are waiting for a chance to ask you for a dance. I wouldn't want to be considered greedy." He laughed lightly.

@Rillewen
She nodded, smiling, when he asked if she could tell, and her smile grew a little as he added he did enjoy telling stories. Debating whether or not to take his comment about being observant as an opportunity to tell him who she was, or an opportunity to at least try and make him guess - or possibly even just confuse him (hah!) - she still noticed the much fainter smile at her little joke after she'd changed his hand's position. "It was only a joke, sir," she reassured him, although she didn't think he'd taken it the wrong way, exactly. He looked amused, at least... but better safe than sorry. "I know you would not dare risk the ire of a fairy." Her smile momentarily broke into a grin, but soon it faded back into a more subtle version of itself.

"Do you know any fairy stories that you could treat me to, sir Dragon? I had not thought of fairies when donning this attire. I might need some inspiration on how to behave the part. Considering I am, as of now, mostly winging it." She'd used no emphasis on the word that amused her, and she slanted her head slightly to see if it might amuse him, or whether he'd miss it entirely.

---

@Rillewen
Were guards a concern? "They used to be more of a concern, honestly, m'lady," he spoke openly. Since the destruction of the One, or at least once to dust had settled, so to speak... it almost feels like a different forest. Not without its dangers, of course, but no where near the same safety measures need to be taken. And I live close enough to the court of Prince Faramir and the Lady Eowyn to benefit from the presence of the settlement there, and of the Ithilien Rangers still under his command. I will admit that getting a dog would be more of a way to deal with loneliness rather than safety concerns." He realized it was strange for him to live alone in a cabin in the woods, just too far away from the settlement to be a part of it. And just too far away to be able to look for company at any given time of the day. He rarely went a day without visiting the settlement, of course, but it still meant he spent about half of every day alone. For someone like him, that was still a lot. Yet he didn't wish to move into the settlement itself. For he preferred the woods without too much human intervention, and the connection he had to that was something his heart craved as well.

"I do not know, my lady," he admitted. "But sometimes what one person means to convey is not taken in the way it is meant at all. I have treated everyone in the room with respect and kindness, I think. And so far I think the ladies I have danced with, have not taken my intentions the wrong way. I think it would rather be some of the observers who might conclude that I am dancing with too many lovely ladies to mean well!" When Blossom tapped his mask, his smile returned in full. "Perhaps you are right. Even so, perhaps I should speak with your friend the Dragon a while after this dance," he laughed, merry once again. "So I have at least had one decent conversation with a man!"

@Arnyn
He grinned as she assured him it was only a joke. "I figured as much, but you are very correct. I wouldn't dare," He laughed. "Yet, I also understand if you had some concerns, for you don't know me." He answered with a shrug, before tilting his head. "Though, you almost seem as if you do," He added thoughtfully, curious. In fact, if it wasn't for the accent, he might have wondered if she was someone he had met some time ago.. but that part had him a bit puzzled, and was throwing off his suspicions. Besides, the likelihood of what he suspected, well, that was just way too unlikely. Right?

When she asked about stories about fairies, he grinned. "I'm sure I could come up with a few, if I think about it a bit." He declared, although he didn't technically know of any offhand, he could always make something up if he tried hard enough. At the mention of her 'winging it', he couldn't help another grin. "Isn't that usually the best way to go about anything, though?" He asked with amusement, and led her into another slow twirl. "You can really soar, that way, don't you think?"

---

Blossom nodded slowly as she listened to what he said about the forest being different now. She understood; there were many changes that had happened all over the lands, it seemed. While she had never really had much to worry about with orcs invading Archet, or at least.. none that she ever knew about.. she was aware that the forest this gentleman hailed from was much, much closer to the land of shadow, and therefore would have had much more of such threats to worry about. It was good to hear that such things were no longer a concern, anyway.

"Yes, dogs, or animals in general, can be excellent companions." She smiled. "My daughter found Hwinia as a pup, and decided to give her to me, partly so I would have a guard dog, but also for companionship, since I was alone so much after she left home." She explained. "She worried about me being out in the woods, so far away from the town."

As he spoke of his concerns about what people might think, she nodded with understanding. While she was not quite old enough to be his mother, she did happen to be a mother, and therefore, her 'motherly side' had switched on. "Hmm, I could see where you may have such concerns," She nodded. "Though, I've also seen plenty of other gentlemen dancing with different ladies. I should think that if anyone felt disapprovingly of your dancing so much, you would have surely heard about it by now." She tried to offer some reassurance. "It is a dance, after all. Isn't that what's expected?" She smiled slightly.

When he mentioned the idea of talking to Dragon, her smile widened a bit. "Yes, that sounds like a good idea," She told him, knowing Dragon fairly well. "In fact, I think you two would get along quite well." She laughed softly, realizing how very similar the two seemed, actually. Or at least, from the impression she had gotten of Golden, so far, she thought that he seemed as outgoing as Dragon. "I do believe sir Dragon could make friends with anyone, if the other person is willing. I'm sure he would be happy to talk with you."

@Rillewen

His amusement was contagious - it seemed like that had not changed either. It also seemed like he was finally picking up on how uncanny it was that she was able to tell or guess as much as she had about him. The Fairy had to admit that Kaylin wasn't wrong - it really was entertaining to see people try and figure it out. Though honestly, to the Fairy it seemed the Dragon was a bit slow on the uptake. His brother would probably call it naivete. But there was a sweet kind of innocence about it, too, wasn't there?

Her smile brightened when he said he could surely think of a few fairy stories, but it was his response to her comment about winging it, that really made her laugh and shake her head. "No - I'm sorry. I cannot say I agree with that at all." Still laughing as he twirled her around slowly, she let out an amused sigh. "More like, you can really end up being sore," she riposted. "I prefer to prepare for anything I can. It keeps my head cool and allows me to make better decisions in the moment," she explained, even though she was still smiling and the laughter could still be heard in her voice. "Of course, it's impossible to prepare for everything. Decisions based on instinct are a part of life for me as well as they are for you, I imagine. But it seems that, however different our preferred approaches might be, they have both kept us alive, somehow. And perhaps the wings I wear this evening might allow me to fly a bit more on the spontaneous side. Who knows?"

The song was drawing to an end. "Looks like this dance of ours is almost over," she said, as she brushed something that wasn't there from the shoulder her left hand rested on. "You've taken to it quite well, with so little preparation." That amused her.

---

@Rillewen
"Your daughter sounds like a lovely person," he assessed after hearing Blossom describe the reasons why her daughter had gifted her a dog. Her reassurances about his actions made Golden incline his head thankfully. "Thank you, Lady Blossom. You are most kind, and I cannot argue with your reasoning. You must be right - there is probably nothing for me to worry about." So... he probably shouldn't. Already starting to let go of the concerns in question, Golden smiled at his dance partner as he twirled her around. "Well. Since we are all visiting the city, and then met here, it almost seems natural to discover who is behind the masks at some later point in time, doesn't it?"

Able to hear the way the tune was changing, he adjusted the pacing of his steps to it. "Do you wish to return to your friend, when the song ends, m'lady?"

@Arnyn
He was glad to hear her laughing, and hoped that meant she had enjoyed his attempt at a joke. Even if she didn't agree at all. "No?" He asked, intrigued to hear her reasons for why she didn't agree, and nodded as she explained. That sounded very much like his brother, in a way. And he had only ever met one person who was that similar to his brother.

"Perhaps," he agreed with her comment about possibly flying more on the spontaneous side. "I find it more fun, there, but then, of course, there is always someone there, pointing out the logic of planning everything and figuring out all the little details, which sort of takes the spontaneity out of everything." He grinned as she mentioned he had taken to the dancing well without any preparation. "Well, as I said.. I'm the spontaneous kind of guy." He shrugged with amusement. He was a tiny bit regretful that the dance was wrapping up so soon. But, he nodded as he acknowledged that it was ending, and once the song had come to an end, he bowed politely to her as seemed proper. "Would you like to get something to drink, m'lady? They have some delicious options at the bar. Both cold, and hot, depending on one's preference." He was curious what she might reply to that.

---

Blossom smiled. "Well, I think so," She agreed with the comment about her daughter. "But then, I am just a bit biased," She added with a little laugh. "It's because of her that I was able to travel to Gondor at all, so I am really quite grateful to her for that."

She was glad that he seemed reassured after her words, and smiled when he declared that she must be right. "I'm glad to have helped," She smiled, moving through the twirl as smoothly as she could. "Perhaps so," She agreed with what he said next. "I didn't expect to make any new friends tonight, but it is a pleasant surprise, nonetheless. I wasn't going to come at all, because.. well, I didn't think I'd really enjoy going to a ball without.. a particular someone." She mentioned with a little smile, and maybe a hint of a blush. "I'm already involved with a certain gentleman I know from back home, you see.. so I'm not looking to find anyone new in that regard." She smiled slightly. "Still, I'm glad that I came, anyway. I've had a very nice time so far."

She still hadn't quite decided how she would recognize Butterfly or Fairy again later, but she suspected that if she saw Golden, later, she'd recognize him.. unless that hair was fake. She realized that was, in fact, a possibility. But their whole group would be easy to recognize, so if any of their new friends wanted to find them, it wouldn't be hard, right? When he asked about where she'd like to go after the dance, she paused to consider. "I'm actually a bit thirsty, if it's no trouble to go over there?" She answered. "I'd like to find out what that drink I had before was, anyway."

@Rillewen

"Perhaps you should endeavour to switch from day to day," she grinned. "One day, spontaneity reigns. The other, logical planning. I wager that the spontaneous can learn from the planners, but the planners can also learn valuable lessons from the spontaneous individuals..."

At his polite bow, she gave a small curtsy in return. Given the setting - the decorations, everyone's attire, the atmosphere - it did not make her feel ridiculous now she had acclimated. It simply seemed fitting. At his suggested of a drink, the Fairy slantd her head thoughtfully. "I did not realize they also have warm drinks," she mused, considering whether or not to drop another hint. But then she smiled and curled a gloved hand around his lower arm to gently turn him toward the bar and start them off. "Do you think they might have hot chocolate?" she asked, almost conspiratorially.

---

@Rillewen
"You did not expect to make new friends!" He sounded shocked. "With everyone here, and almost no one you know?" That seemed impossible to him. "Ahh," he nodded sympathetically at the words that followed. "Well, I am nonetheless glad the evening has already pleasantly surprised you. Who knows, it might surprise you again!" He smiled brilliantly when the dance ended, bowing low to her and then offering his arm. "How about we go and inquire about that drink of yours, m'lady?"

@Rillewen
Gilded did her best to put up an air of a haughty and arrogant lady, straightening her shoulders and raising her chin so as to look at Teal down her nose. At his neck and chest any way, since he was not so short that she could tower over him. Holding back a laugh, she took his arm to let him lead her to the tables.

“Would you not do such a thing, then?” she did finally laugh, and then added merrily: “I am not sure I’d want to get rid of you. It is good to have someone familiar to anchor myself in the midst of all that sea of strange people. I’m sure there’ll be opportunities to get to know more folk either way.”

Taking a plate, she then chose a variety of more filling food items such as meat and cheese, and then a few pieces of fruit on the side. After a brief moment of consideration, she added a small piece of layered cake on the free space on her plate.

“I think I’m all set here,” she declared, turning around to see if she was still anywhere near Teal and had not wandered too far off while hunting for edibles that were to her liking.
“Perhaps it is good that you have had no need to visit healers though their garden is way better than any other small greeneries in the city,” Rooster said, smiling. “But there are a couple places with trees and flower beds. Again, very small in comparison to whole fields and orchards.”

“Two or three hours,” he mused and studied what he could see of Orchid’s face. “Would be enough for a quick tour. I have connections and could procure a horse, if you would be willing to suffer my company beyond these dances.”
Amethyst was contentedly sitting back and mostly engaging in observations of people rather than eating of what she had gathered on her plate. When another lady approached and asked for a seat, she waved her hand at all of the chairs.

“Good evening! You are welcome to any of the seats; and I do not mind a company at all,” she said, offering the Lady Cat a hearty smile.

@Rillewen

He recognised a smile, at least, when he saw one, and hers encouraged a reflection on his own face in return. Particularly when the young lady accepted his hand, even while she warned that he ought be more careful. His mask concealed a rise of one eyebrow, and with a resigned "I'm sure you are right ...," he moved to retract his proffered hand for half a second. But something in her .. hazel .. eyes saw him pause even in the midst of the tease. And the youngest Night Sky found that he was staring back down then, at her small hand still clasped within his. Almost as though he wondered why he had not actually disengaged them. A slight squeeze of that hand clasped in his then, might have just been nerves or else some form of far more simple means of coming to know another, without the aid of words. What could mere touch tell ? What was it that Duinion was always telling him ? ‘Use all of your senses to learn what you need to know’.


“Of course, if you knew me even at all, miss, you would know that I am not known to be careful,” he laughed meanwhile, easily though not unkindly. “Don’t you worry at all about that though,” he added. “I have every confidence in my inane ability to drive you from my side, long before I would ever tire of your company.”

But since standing about without eating was liable to lead to more unproductive smalltalk, and succumbing to his appetite might end up with his vomiting all over the lady’s fine dress if future dancing got quite out of hand, as it had a tendency to do .. the young Night Sky tilted his own head to indicate the dance floor itself. It, and all that might come from it, lay before them as an inviting tide before a line of toes. Would she dare to dip into that dangerous delight ?


“So really, I should hope that you may care to dance with me, while we still have chance ?” he proposed. If she refused, then he had just certainly proved his uncanny knack for watching people walk away from him. If she accepted .. well .. it might just prove more pleasant anyway, than trying to engage the reserved lady in conversation. He may not know a lot about women, but he was quite sure that they did not get themselves all dressed up, as she must undeniably have done so, by the look of her, .. not for conversation.

@Arnyn Thûllir had stayed silent when Kaylin concluded that he wasn’t a fan of the blond tresses this evening. It wasn’t the color of her hair that had him slightly off-kilter, but rather not being able to see her eyes. Blond was a new shade, but he had seen her change her hair color before, and if it felt more fun for her, he was not going to argue. It had definitely led to amusement and misdirection already this evening.
He wasn’t sure what to expect when he tilted her head at him, but lifted his chin slightly in acknowledgement when she said she had the ring on her but wasn’t wearing it. He trusted what she said, but it immediately set his mind to wondering where she might have secreted it that wasn’t appropriate to show him. He supposed she had meant him to anticipate the discovery of said hide-away the rest of the evening, and his lips tilted with amusement.

When she slipped her arms around his neck and hugged him close with laughter on her lips, he allowed his eyes to close a moment to enjoy what his other senses were telling him. Beneath the demure facade of lavender and lace was his fiery warrior wife, even more evidenced by her words of challenge that had him curious…and then she continued. Was she serious? He pondered a long moment as they swayed together. He had heard the amusement and challenge in her voice, and it was quite tempting to take her up on the offer. The cloak room was a busy place, however, with people entering at a steady rate all evening, and even there seemed semi-public.

Glancing around the hall, Thûllir tried to remember what he knew of the place from previous visits and assessing the security years ago. Besides the main entrance there were doors that led to the kitchen and prep rooms, a service corridor, and one that led to the balcony stairs, while still another led to a smaller private dining area. Wasn’t there another entrance? Ah yes. Tonight a heavy curtain hung over the door to a little used short corridor that ended in an entrance to the back of the garden of trees that surrounded the Tavern. It would afford some privacy with the benefit of being able to step outside and get a breath of cool air. It was warm enough in here that his coat seemed superfluous, but he knew the ladies with bare shoulders likely appreciated it. Decision made, Thûllir murmured in Kaylin’s ear, “Alright. You’ve made me curious, but follow me.” Drawing back, he smiled at her and turned to leave the dance floor after placing her hand on his arm so as to follow some of the rules of decorum instead of having his arm slung around her as he would have preferred. His pace was casual as they moved to the side of the dance floor, walked along the side for a short way, and then…disappeared with nary a sound. Any observer would rightly assume they had just misplaced them in the crowd.

Ziran was thoroughly enjoying the dancing, but didn’t mind when Macardil drew them to a halt after the latest whirl around the floor. Her feet could use a break even though her delicate dancing boots that were hidden by her skirts were surprisingly comfortable. His somewhat rueful tone and comment about not letting a warrior go hungry had her smile flashing in response. Now that he had drawn her attention to it past the distraction of dancing, Ziran realized she was a little hungry. “Good idea. Refreshments would be excellent. Lead on, my love.” Slipping her left arm through his right, they left the dance floor as the next tune was in its infancy.

She was interested in something more than just the light dainty bites that graced the first of the tables, and nodded to indicate the next. Macardil’s mention of dinner had her thinking along the lines of something more substantial so that they didn’t need to continuously browse the tables, and the roast meats, sauteed vegetables, sharp cheeses, and delicious looking pies seemed to be just the thing. It wouldn’t take long at all to find something tasty and satisfying.

@Arnyn
His smile was wide and with relish when Red retorted she already had her second drink too. So, why not a third? Maybe for after, as they were already shifting onto the dance floor, and the sight of the pretty smile on Red’s lips was more than intoxicating. She must have had a lot of practice. And it was a measure of curiosity and confusion why she only had one glove on. But he didn’t question that aloud. What if it was a new fashion trend? She seemed popular, gorgeous, confident enough to set new trends. Who was he to question that?

He didn’t even want to be here but now he was starting to enjoy himself, finding himself the center of an immense gaze by Red. His own sea-grey orbs met her gaze, unwavering, though it took a moment. Why was facing down orcs and wicked men so easy and simple, but receiving the gaze of a beautiful woman was unnerving? Maybe because he had no real idea of a defense against it, beyond not participating. And an offense against such a force of nature? Make them smile and laugh.

Red was no Queen, which was obvious, but she could have passed for one in his book. It was certainly his intention to flatter and nothing else, but a woman such as her, she must have received so many in the evening and her life, that it just washed over her like a boulder in the river. Unphased, unmoved, unconcerned. Cheddar would have to try harder. And smarter. She was certainly not opposed to being referred to as Your Grace. His lips parted as if to say something, but then he closed it, wondering if he should so willingly give her such a powerful concession. He did want her to enjoy herself.

”Mm. Improper indeed, but you still said it.” He hummed in acknowledgement when she boasted her facets were all smooth, chuckling lightly. And him? What did Cheddar wish to be called and addressed by. He lowered his jaw to his chest, allowing his eyes to look more directly into the sockets of her masque, to her own eyes, a faint grin on his lips. ”Truthfully, I would prefer the use of my name, but that’s not apart of the game, is it?” He answered her in a coy tone. But I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours. Unlikely, but who knows with this lady.

Raising their conjoined hands high, he gave Red a twirl, before returning and catching her gently in his other hand again, resuming the patterned four-step dance. ”Call me what you like, my Lady. Any form of address from your sweet lips would be as adoration to me.” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully, also knowing he was opening himself up to all sorts of ridicule. She could call and label him anything, he would just have to accept it now, after such a boast. As long as it was in good fun though. And he was all about fun, at least for this evening.

---

@Rillewen
She gave a pretend-pout and frown when Sir Fox relayed there wasn’t much more in the way of exciting tales he could offer her. He had already made much of her evening, so she wasn’t put off in the slightest. In fact, she did feel she was being rather greedy but when did she ever get a moment like this? Now he wanted her to share some tales of the sea, putting the spotlight on her which made her cheeks flush red with the attention and pressure. Now she needed to think of something good and enthusiastic to impress this man.

”Look at you, so wise and clever again.” She re-found her teasing grin and for the moment, granting herself more time to think of an interesting anecdote about the sea. But none were coming to her. And she wouldn’t get the chance to, as the new singers began their song and they observed for a moment, before resuming their dance. ”Calligraphy is beautiful and elegant, especially when used to relay the old tales, so full of mystery and wonder and marvels. Maybe one day we’ll have something to write about.” But being able to write nicely and neatly was not akin to being able to write good, or about something interesting. This was all very new to her, but she was learning so much, lessons she would hold with her to the very apex of her life, and beyond.

”I have only just started.” She laughed nervously about her archery skills. ”I have heard many such tales about skillful women. They are my source of inspiration. My only regret is not having pressed to start sooner.” She relayed. Sir Fox was modest though, Swan was sure he was a crack shot with the bow, but just too humble to admit it. He didn’t like to toot his own horn, evidently. She would willingly have been his herald and praise-singer. He even decried his ability to make all the girls smiled. Swan didn’t believe that. But she certainly believed when he seemed glad that he made her smile. To which, she gave her most handsome and charming smile back to him, lips pushing up her cheeks, with a hint of perfect white teeth between her lips. He really had some impressive charm to him.

But alas, all good things must come to an end. And they came to a halt in their dancing, as Sir Fox gently and politely informed Swan that he ought to let another man dance with her. They already had two, three dances already, which was more than enough, but it seemed so…empty. And felt so long ago already, though it be but a quarter of a hour, perhaps a half hour, since they met. Swan’s sea-grey eyes darted back and forth between Fox’s, as if she couldn’t believe this news. Taking his leave, so soon? Not even a kiss or a name or a promise to see more of one another this evening?

It was what it was and she tried, and failed, to not show disappointment and grief. ”Greed…it is a sin I would happily have accepted, but I understand you.” As a parting gift, she reached up to once more brush back that strand of hair that reached down from the center of his forehead, tucking it along his scalp and to the side. Not that it would help. Couple more moments, it would flop right back. But…she liked doing it. ”I hope to see you again, my lord.” She said, stepping back and performing a perfect and elegant curtsey for him, her eyes downcast and deferring. She had to leave – quickly. She didn’t want some sort of regret or longing to cause her to do something foolish now.

So she turned on her heel, her back rigid and straight to Sir Fox, and walked away towards the drink tables.

She only had a heartbeat or two with her thoughts before she spotted a familiar outfit and look, making her way through the crowds and cliques towards the young woman. She approached directly, which would no doubt make her intent visible to Swan’s friend, and when the other woman saw her, Swan waved with her gloved hand. Flawlessly, she switched from Sindarin to the common tongue, coming to give her friend a brief hug. ”I was wondering where you were! I have so much to tell you!” She revealed excitedly, holding her friend’s forearms in her hands for a moment, before moving to her side. ”How have you been? Your dress and masque are so pretty.” She gushed over her friend’s dress.

And Swan assumed, where her friend was…the other could not be far behind. But she didn’t know, that problem had already resolved itself.

@Arnyn
He laughed at the suggestion that he should alternate. "I don't need to, actually." He told her. "My brother is the logical planner between the two of us," He explained with a grin. "I'm the spontaneous one who tries to make sure he isn't always too serious and boring all the time." He might have suggested that he and his brother could alternate and switch the roles from day to day, but he knew that would never work; he would always be the more impulsive and his brother always the more cautious one, planning everything ahead, while he did not.

He smiled, hearing the lady's comment that she had not realized there were warm drinks as well. "Well, it is winter, is it not?" He asked, smiling as she took his offered arm. "It makes perfect sense to me, that there would be some nice, hot drink to warm folks coming in from the chilly outdoors." He didn't think it was very cold in here, but outside it had been a bit cold, as he recalled. His smile changed into a grin when he heard her ask about hot chocolate. "Indeed, I happen to know for a fact that they do have it," He told her happily, and glanced curiously toward her. "Though, they may request a song in exchange for it." He couldn't help teasing, with a nod toward the musician's stand, where another couple had recently finished singing.

As they arrived at the bar, he hailed an available server with a cheery smile. "Hot chocolate, please." He asked.

"Ah, it was so good you had to come back for more, huh?" The server grinned, thus revealing that Dragon had already had some.

Dragon realized it was the same one who had served he and Meadow, earlier, and grinned back. "Indeed, it was!" He laughed. As the server handed over the first mug, Dragon indicated that Fairy take it, while he waited for the second one.

---

@Arnyn
She laughed in answer to his surprised reaction to her words. "Well, I have never been to a ball, sir," She pointed out. "I had no idea what to expect. But it has far surpassed my expectations, that is certain." She declared, happy to be able to say as much.

She attempted a curtsy in response to his bow, smiling as she accepted the offered arm. "I am always in favor of pleasant surprises," She agreed. "Thank you for the dance, sir. It was very nice." She added as she let him lead the way toward the bar, and noticed the other two already over there. "It looks as if Sir Dragon and Lady Fairy have already beaten us there," She mentioned with a little amusement.

---

@Pele Alarion
"Of course I wouldn't!" He laughed, shaking his head a little in amusement as they walked to the tables. "Well, I'm glad you aren't looking to get rid of me." He smiled at her. "I hardly know anyone, either.. and the few people I do know, I'm not sure if I could recognize them here." He admitted. After she had taken a plate, he grabbed the next one and followed her down the table, selecting a few things here and there that looked especially good.

He wasn't too far behind her when she turned to say she was finished, though he still hadn't decided on a dessert. But then, seeing some honey pastries, he selected one of those and grinned. "Right then, let's find a table." There seemed to be many people sitting, some eating, some merely socializing, but he soon located a table that someone else had just abandoned, and set his plate down before going to pull out a chair for Gilded.

---

@Pele Alarion

She smiled softly. "Yes, that is true." She agreed, though she was thinking she remembered hearing something about her uncle wanting to speak to a healer there, about her cousin who had remained home. Something about making inquiries. But he would likely be doing that while the two girls were shopping.. or, while his daughter shopped and while Orchid sneaked out to explore the Pelennor.

She was pleased to hear that it sounded like enough time, and that he could probably procure a horse. "Really?" She smiled a bit more to hear that. "I would very much enjoy seeing it, if you would not mind acting as a tour guide," She joked slightly.

---

@Pele Alarion
She smiled with a tiny incline of her head, as she smoothly slid into one of the empty chairs. "Thank you. It is all so.. wonderful, isn't it?" She asked with an admiring glance around the room. After a brief look at the decorations, her gaze sought out the gentleman she had most recently danced with, curious what he had gotten up to. While she was looking over there, she noticed that both he and the white and gold dressed gentleman were at the bar now, though at different parts of it.

She smiled back at the blue and purple dressed lady at the table with her. "I have seen plenty of beautifully decorated rooms before, but the folks in charge of this seem to have outdone themselves, tonight. Or, perhaps it is the people within, enjoying the evening, which makes it so wonderful." She mentioned thoughtfully. "Whatever the case, I am enjoying it tremendously. I am very glad that I came." She tilted her head with curiosity at the other woman. "And you? Have you enjoyed the evening, so far?"

---

@Ercassie
“If you knew me even at all, miss, you would know that I am not known to be careful,”

The words brought a mysterious sort of smile out to play on her face, as she glanced partially away from him. Almost as if she were merely shy.. but really, she was finding it difficult not to laugh out loud at that. If she knew him? ...oh, if only he knew. But that was the whole point. If he had known who she was.. she didn't know whether he would want to dance with her. Not like this. Sure, he probably would have talked with her, maybe danced with her the same way he did with his sister.. but she was hoping to make him see her for more than just a friend he saw as still a kid.

When he went on to mention his confidence that she would surely tire of him long before he tired of her, she brought her gaze back up to his, lightly biting her lower lip to stop herself from saying what would have been her otherwise instinctive reply; that she would never leave his side or tire of him. Instead, she had to pause for a few seconds to consider a more suitable reply, given her disguise. "Do you think yourself so boring, then?" She wondered, with a hint of teasing in her tone. "That a girl would tire of you so swiftly?" There was a glimmer of laughter hiding in her eyes as she said that.

"I would certainly love to dance with you, sir." She agreed a moment later, though with a little effort not to seem too overeager. After seeing him looking down at her hand in his, she was glad she had chosen to wear gloves, to hide the hands that might have otherwise given away her identity. As often as she spent time with him, playing with his dog together and everything else, she would've easily recognized his hands, and so it stood to reason to her, that he might also recognize hers. As they moved toward the dance floor, she carefully pushed a lock of long, dark hair behind her ear, so that it would not be in her way. She had to restrain herself from checking whether it was all still secured in place properly, and instead trusted in her more experienced friend's ability to ensure that it would stay in place no matter what.

---

@Lantaelen
He nodded with a smile in answer to lady Swan's comment about calligraphy. "There is already much to write about, I would think." he mentioned. "For things have happened in our lifetimes which were longed for, for many lifetimes before us." he pointed out. The end of the great war, the downfall of the dark lord, the return of the king, the rebuilding of the kingdom. But, while those things may not interest the lady personally, he was sure there must be plenty of things she might like to write about from her own life. "If nothing else, one could write about events in your own life, such as the ball tonight.. right?" He mentioned with a little smile.

He smiled a little more as she mentioned how many other women archers were a source of inspiration. He, too, had a few warrior women he admired, so he understood that entirely. "It's never too late in life to learn a new skill," He shrugged slightly and smiled as she mentioned regretting not starting sooner.

And then, no sooner had he spoken, in what he meant as a gentle reminder that they ought not spend the whole evening dancing with only each other.. the lady seemed to take it that he meant they should stop dancing right now. He was briefly puzzled when she stopped and looked at him for a moment as if she were offended. Although she said she understood, he thought she seemed.. upset? And, after a regretful-sounding farewell, she curtsied and then abruptly turned and walked away, leaving him looking a bit baffled as he watched her walk away. He was a little caught off guard by how swiftly she'd left him, and failed to even think of anything to say in reply to her parting words. Had he said something wrong? He took a step after her as if to try and call her back, feeling somehow guilty, as if he had offended her in some way, but then stopped. He didn't know what he'd said to upset her, and so, how could he properly apologize if he didn't know that?

Frowning in puzzlement, he let out a little sigh. His mouth was always getting him into trouble one way or another, and now he'd just managed to do it again, it seemed. He let his shoulders droop a little, mainly disappointed with himself for not handling that as well as he probably should have. He had been planning to offer to escort her to wherever she liked, after this last dance concluded. That was proper and polite for a gentleman to do, and he had intended to be as much of a gentleman as he could be, tonight. And he also would have preferred to say something polite in farewell, perhaps even suggested they might dance again later. But now, he wasn't sure if the lady would want to, if she was upset with him.

Feeling a bit confused and unsure what to do, he glanced around before deciding he ought to at least get off of the dance floor. So, he headed elsewhere. The bar should have some water, and he was feeling thirsty. Still, he reminded himself that it was probably best. He did not want to get too caught up with that lady, and he didn't want her to get too caught up with him, either. So why did he feel so.. upset? He frowned slightly and asked for a water to sip on while he considered what to do next.

---

@Lantaelen
She had long since concluded the obligatory dance with her father, though she'd found him very distracted the entire time, as if his focus was elsewhere. As usual. While there was a little bit of chatting between father and daughter during their dance, it was clear that his mind was miles away. And so was hers, really. She had much better things to think about, and so did he, it would seem. She certainly couldn't tell him about the new friend she had made, since that friendship was hinged upon many of the very things her father disapproved of his daughter having interests in.

So, here she was, again loitering by the tables of food, a bit bored since there was little to do, while trying not to give in to the temptation to eat too many desserts. While she was there, she briefly struck up a conversation with another girl a bit older than her, in a pretty, green and peach dress. But the other girl soon went to find a table to sit down and eat. Nymph considered joining her, but then she spotted someone familiar at last, waving to her. She smiled as she waved back to Swan. Perhaps they could go and join the other girl in a minute. "I've been over here mostly," She laughed in answer to Swan, and smiled at the compliment to her dress and mask. "So are yours!"

She grinned as Swan mentioned having so much to tell her. "And so have I," She replied with excitement. "I've made a few friends, too." She informed her, with a motion toward Green and Peach, who was moving around the seating tables in a graceful, almost dance-like fashion in search of an empty one. "If you're hungry, there's some very good food here. My new friend there has gone to find a table, would you like to sit and join her?" She asked. "I've been trying not to eat too many desserts," She added with a sheepish grin.

"Oh! And, I'm not sure where the pink girl went, but.. I've got to tell you about her!" She went on in a hushed tone, as she motioned for Swan to lean down a little, so that the younger girl could whisper to her. "She's really good at archery, and she rides horses, and she's invited me to come where she lives, and see her horse, if I can get away, tomorrow. Do you think you might manage to come, too? How long are you going to be in town?" She wondered, curious whether her friend would have to return home right away or not.

@Rillewen
She frowned in confusion at the Dragon's reply. What did he mean, he didn't have to? Of course he didn't have to. And why was he telling her his brother was the logical one? Hadn't he said that already? The Fairy was having some trouble, she realized, in differentiating between what he had told her this very evening and what she already knew about the two men. She'd meant that the Dragon and his brother could alternate in taking the lead - so one day his brother would be making decisions logically and carefully, and the next the Dragon could be calling the shots based on instinct or whatever else passed for 'winging it'. But it sounded like the Dragon had not understood what she'd meant.

Her confusion was distracting her as the conversation returned to the presence of hot drinks. She nodded absent-mindedly when he asked whether it was winter or not. Of course it was... yes. Blinking, she finally looked back at the Dragon just when he was glancing at her and spoke of how the bartenders might request a song in exchange for hot chocolate. The Fairy parted her lips, a quick reply ready, but she held back to think it over first as her eyes, obscured by the small veils, narrowed at him.

Soon, the bar was upon them. (Luckily, they were decidedly not atop the bar.) The Fairy smiled, amused, when it became clear the Dragon had already drank at least one serving of the hot chocolate. "You are a fan?" she asked lightly, even as the bartender set the first mug down in front of them. The Fairy smiled her thanks at both the Dragon and the bartender before carefully testing the warmth of the cup with her fingers. The gloves likely helped, and it was not too hot to hold, she found. Her smile gentled as she breathed in the chocolate scent, and she let the air back out of her lungs with a contented sigh. "Thankfully it was given freely," she said, looking back at the Dragon. "And no song was requested before they agreed to serve it. Otherwise, I might have just had to send you up there..."

---

@Rillewen
"Hmm, it does," Golden agreed. "While I would not say either one of us is slow on our feet. Therefore, they must be rather swift." He flashed a grin at Blossom, before leading her to a spot with the Fairy and the lady's friend, the Dragon, on one side, and a bearded masked man on the other.

"You two must truly have wings, this evening," he noted to Dragon and Fairy. "To beat us here!" He turned to Lady Blossom. "Perhaps we will need to ditch the sunshine on snow and the flowers of the forest the next time, in favour of something that evokes speed! If only to keep up with your friend, if he should attend once again!"

@Lantaelen
”Mm. Improper indeed, but you still said it.” She smiled subtly. "The tongue can be a treacherous instrument, Sir." He was still amused by her boast, which pleased her. Red did not shy away from his very direct gaze, the faint smile on her lips matching his faint grin. He would prefer she used his name? She had to suppress a short laugh at that, but nothing in her demeanour betrayed that it was so.

After he twirled her, which she moved through without having to think about it at all, he told her she could choose how to address him. "Such sweet words, my Lord," she said, her voice low and her cadence slow. "The possibilities are tempting," she admitted, her subtle smile now growing. "Whereto does your moral compass point, this evening?" she questioned as she was looking for the right name to bestow upon him. "True North?" Grinning lazily, her upper teeth momentarily caught her lower lip, to then release it once more to offer him an entirely different suggestion. "Or deep South?"

---

@Karis Ziranphel
People made room for them, it seemed, wherever they went. Perhaps it was only his imagination, but now he'd enjoyed some time with his wife on the dance floor some of his usual attentiveness to his surroundings was returning to him. At Ziran's indication, he moved them to the part of the laid out buffet that offered the food that would fill their stomachs the best. His left hand touched her hand on his right arm, before he freed both his arms and reached for a plate. Instead of handing it to her, he took up position in front of the table and looked to Ziran for directions. "What would you like, lady wife?" he asked her, his tone low but happy. He would gladly fill her plate with food before preparing another for himself. He wanted to make her feel loved and cared for in whatever way he could.

@Arnyn & @Ercassie
He couldn't quite tell exactly what her reaction or thoughts might have been when he teased about the possibility of singing in exchange for a cup of hot chocolate. It looked as if she might be going to protest, but then she said nothing, and merely looked at him. At least she continued along with him to the bar, however.

When she expressed being grateful that no song was required, he grinned at the suggestion that she could have sent him up to sing. "While I would gladly offer my aid to a lady in need," He replied with a grin, "I would hate to be the cause for this marvelous evening coming to an early end, due to terrible singing." He joked. "So, I am also grateful that no such thing was requested of me." He laughed, about the time the other two were joining them.

He grinned at Golden's joke. "Of course, what fun would it be, being a dragon without wings?" He did, of course, know the tale of the famous Glaurung, who had no wings, but he still stood by his statement. It wouldn't be much fun without wings.

Blossom laughed softly to hear the two men as she joined the others, smiling as she gave a quick glance toward her other side as some motion over there caught her peripheral vision. But after glancing over, she saw that it did not seem to have anything to do with their group, but rather one of the Night Sky gentlemen she had noticed roaming around. Since there were a couple of seats in between where that bearded gentleman was situated, and where their group had chosen to be, she felt confident they shouldn't be so close to the other people nearby as to bother them, and so she took a seat.

She turned her attention back to the others, still smiling as she replied to Golden's comment, "Why should we feel any need to hurry? There's plenty here for everyone. Ohh, is that hot chocolate?" She asked, intrigued to notice what the other two were drinking.

"It is! And it's delicious," Dragon declared, having felt it his obligation to sample it to make sure it was still as good as the first cup.

"Hmm, I don't believe you." Blossom declared, with a hint of teasing. "I think I'll have to try it myself."

Dragon grinned. "Understandable." He agreed, then turned to Golden with a smile. "Are there very many of these things? It's the first ball that I've ever attended, but I am enjoying it well enough that I would certainly like to plan on attending the next one, if I know when it would be."

@Rillewen
Gilded was glad to find that Teal was right there and she had not wandered too far off.

“Apparently we know each other well enough to recognise with masks on, no?” she said, quite happy with that fact. Even though the purpose of the event seemed to be to remain concealed.

Teal had soon found a table for them and pulled out a chair for her, and she smiled at him thankfully before setting down her own plate and taking a seat.

“It is interesting to observe everything from the sidelines for a while, rather than being in the midst of it all, don’t you think?” she commented, looking at those still on the dance floor.
“I’m sure I could manage to free up a couple hours to show you some of the nearest ins and outs on the Pelennor,” Rooster smiled at Orchid, confident that he could make sure to get horses if necessary and accompany the lady.

“That means that you do know how to ride, yes, Miss?” he then asked just to be sure. “Else I doubt that there’d be enough time both for a crash course in horsemanship and a tour. And if I had you with me on one horse, I bet people would think that I’m trying to kidnap you or that I’m wooing you.”
Amethyst gave up observing the room in favour of turning her attention to the Lady Cat when the woman spoke of the room and enjoyment of being present.

“I think,” she began slowly with a smile. “It is a beautifully decorated room with beautiful people inside to give it all meaning. For the room itself could be amazingly done but quite useless if there were no people to fill it with joy. Yes?”

She paused for a bit, her smile brightening some more. “I have truly been enjoying myself, dancing and food, and now just sitting down a bit to take a breath or two. Have you come here mainly for the event, or do you live in the city?”

@Pele Alarion
"Well, I don't know," He waited until she had sat down and then helped push the chair in a little so she was sitting close enough to the table. Then he went to his own chair and sat down. "I almost didn't recognize you," he mentioned. "But then I looked closer, and that, plus your accent.." he shrugged. "Me, on the other hand.." He laughed. "I feel like I'm way too easily recognizable to anyone who has at least met me."

He glanced around, and spotted the Golden guy off by the bar, "That guy's the only other guy I've seen who has hair as blond as mine, and his is longer. And he's older." He shrugged. "So, I'm not at all surprised that you recognized me." He smiled and started on his food, not minding the fact that she had recognized him. He was also glad that she was willing to dance with him.. and if knowing who he was made her more likely to dance with him, then he was glad that he was recognizable enough.

---

@Pele Alarion

She smiled at his question, with a little laugh at the latter part. "Yes, I know how to ride," She answered with a little sparkle of amusement in her brown eyes. "That is one thing that I manage to practice often enough not to forget," She added, pleased that her uncle had not prevented her from that, at least.

She couldn't help a little giggle though. "Then, does that mean you would not attempt any kidnappings?" She couldn't resist asking, amused that he would even make a comment to plant the idea that he might! Which, of course, she knew was entirely a possibility, but something about him made her feel that there was no need to worry. She could be entirely wrong, of course. But then, why would he say that, if he had plans of doing so?

"I'm sure I would never be allowed to do anything at all ever again, if anything of that sort were to happen," She added with a little sigh, knowing her uncle and his tendency to overreact about such things. Still, her small smile remained in place. "And, does that also mean I am in no danger from any attempts at wooing me, sir?" She added, still smiling with some amusement.

---

@Pele Alarion
She gave a little smile in reply to the lady's words about the room and the people filling it with joy. "Indeed, that is exactly what makes it so wonderful." She replied with a little nod. It was a new thought that she had been enjoying, ever since speaking with Sir Golden. "So much joy, and festivity, and..." She sought for the right word, glancing about briefly. "enjoyment. As if everyone here hadn't a care in the world." She smiled faintly and sat back, but glanced thoughtfully toward the bar. Only briefly.

Returning her gaze to the other lady, Kitty smiled at her question. "I came here for the ball," She answered. "I do not live in this city, no." She added, shaking her head while smiling faintly. "It is my first time venturing to the White City.. but I find it to be very pretty. Do you live here?" She wondered, leaning her chin on her arm as she rested her elbow lightly on the table's surface. "And, what should I call you, since I assume that names are not to be used this evening?" She added with a little smile, enjoying the mystery and intrigue of the masquerade.