Midwinter Masquerade

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Pink Wildflower

"You're very right!" She agreed, smiling as he said that happiness was one of the best things to offer. "I like being around people that are like that," She smiled slightly as she thought about each of the friends she liked to spend time with the most, and each of those she thought of were like that. Liking to make others happy.

As he stated that she seemed to be a natural at dancing, she laughed lightly. "I don't know about that," She protested. "I think you're a natural at leading, sir Sunbeam," She grinned. "I wouldn't know what to do, otherwise. I never did this sort of spinning in practice." She admitted, while focusing on making sure that she kept up with the pace that he had set, and didn't stumble or trip on anything.

She felt a little more of the blush as he asked about the other she had hoped to dance with, and took a moment to consider whether that was quite accurate. "Something like that, I suppose," She nodded slightly. She couldn't really take a very good look around the ballroom at the moment, however, without potentially losing her footing or something. And she didn't really want to stumble and fall or something, though she suspected that sir Sunbeam would catch her if she did. It wouldn't be very graceful, though, and she wanted to seem graceful.

She smiled slightly as they resumed the basic dancing position without anything of that sort happening, and then she took a slow look around. "He is one of the four who are dressed alike," She answered quietly. Not far away, one of them was dancing with the lady they had come in with, but she knew that to be the other, the one who had been talking to the bearded one before. "Not him," She muttered softly, with a subtle nod toward him to indicate to Sunbeam what outfit she meant. Then she took a glance toward the bar, where she had last seen the other. There was only one of the four still over there, but he was not the one she was looking for. Where did he go?

Not wanting to spend too much time looking, she returned her focus to Sunbeam with a little shrug. "I saw him, earlier. Shortly before you came and asked me to dance. But he.. didn't notice me, and went over to some of his friends." She paused, thinking for a moment about how much she wanted to say to someone she didn't even know. But it seemed somehow easier than telling it to someone she did know. "I don't know if he would ever think of me the way I think of him, but I hoped.. maybe, if he didn't know that I was me, that he might.. well, see me differently." She tried to explain, though unsure if that was more confusing than explaining. "But, instead, he didn't seem to see me at all."

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen

Amethyst

“How come you wouldn’t have had chances to attend an event similar to this?” Amethyst was interested in finding out as her hand rested lightly on Hawk’s shoulder in preparation to dance. “Because you reside elsewhere, or because you think your social status would not permit attendance of such balls?”

“I am greatly enjoying the evening,” she considered it appropriate that she should also reply to a question asked rather than keep asking questions of her own. “Food and beverages are exquisite, and it is good to forget everyday cares while dancing.” She did not say though that she was still occasionally making sure that everything was run smoothly here, and that people were happy. That was still a little bit of care, albeit a rather welcome one.

Meadow

“A Dragon who likes hot chocolate,” Meadow stated with a small smile. “Not bad. You should fly more towards where it is available.”

She happily twirled under their joint arms and looked at him when he said he did not know what skiing was and offered heading for the bar.

“I have a mind to get hot chocolate if they have it here, though it is not a “cool” drink in the literal meaning. Delicious though,” she said, and then added: “You know, Sir Dragon, I have never done any skiing too. There’s not enough snow for that, but I have heard it is a really good way of getting around on snow.”

The Gilded

“What passed for dancing in my village was not this… fancy,” Gilded sought for the best way to describe what she thought. “More like merry jumping round and round. That was lovely too in a way, but… And mostly it was just a general dancing, without forming pairs.”

“You know,” she then said to Teal in a rather conspiratorial way. “I don’t know anyone else either, except for the guy I danced before who taught me enough in the first dance so that I would not totally embarrass myself. Perhaps could talk him into teaching us.”

Red Rooster

Rooster still stood for a while and looked after Seashell, and then sat back down and slid his bottom slightly forward so that his back ended up hunched as he leaned against the back rest.

His hand reached for the food – or whatever of it was still left on his plate – and he let his gaze roam around. Now that he felt like he had eaten his fill to be satisfied for a while, it would do to find some company again and perhaps dance.

Most already seemed paired up and dancing or conversing, and then there were Fairy and Blossom. While he might invite one of them to dance, he felt like it would not be fair to the other. He drummed his fingertips on the table in tune with the current music as he tried to think up a way to solve the situation.

[Karis Ziranphel]

@Arnyn

The Wolf

Such poise. He grinned mentally while outwardly maintaining a calmer demeanor when she replied in the affirmative if he thought his lady wouldn’t flare at her for touching him and then took a much larger drink of wine than her prior sips. Wolf knew what a heady rush could come after downing it that quickly. “I think your wings will survive the flames, m’lady, as long as you lay claim to no more than is yours to take.” Wolf did smile then, as if to take the sting from his words, but more in amusement. Butterfly’s persona seemed different enough to Lady Red that the idea his Flame would flare at her and not the other amused him greatly. If she was Kaylin, well, she could lay claim to it all, as the Phoenix he had named.

Dropping his hand to smooth his silver cravat, Wolf rose from his seat and straightened his coat while replacing his chair. The highlights in his hair caught the light as he placed one hand behind his back and extended the other to her in an elegant bow. “Let us then take to the floor and attempt flight with our feet, Lilac Butterfly.” The tune was about to change, but they had time to move without rushing before the next began.

[Arnyn]

@Karis Ziranphel

The Butterfly

She smiled faintly, touching her cheek lightly with one hand after taking such a deep drink of the wine. "No wonder people generally advise against that," she noted quietly. Not that she was bothered by the brief warmth flowing through her body. This was only her first drink, after all. One drink was basically no drink. She knew people tended to raise their eyebrows whenever she did something similar - which only made her want to do it more. Not less. But she was convinced that she had pulled it off in a very non-Kaylinesque manner, this time.

"Well," she said thoughtfully in response to the Wolf's comment about surviving the flames, then pausing as she seemed to consider something. I only take what is mine. She resisted an amused smile at the thought that flashed through her mind, instead lifting her fingers away from her face with a delicate wave of her hand. "I could try and flutter away. Aren't butterflies known to be elusive?"

Her eyes followed his movements carefully, from the smoothing of his cravat to the slight tug on his coat to straighten it even as he politely returned his chair to the table. That most excellent coat, in that shade of blue that accented his eyes even through the mask, as well as the reddish hints in his hair. Her heart sighed. He moved so well, didn't he? She watched his hand for a moment, as he held it out to her. As if she was still, in reality, debating. She finally nodded her head and placed her gloved hand in his bared one, using his assistance to rise to her feet. She was taller this evening, wearing heels meant to match the height of her accomplice. She brushed away a non-existent crease from her flowy A-line skirt and then tilted her head toward Thûllir.

"I will leave the lead of this flight to you, Wolf of the Blue Moon." For how often did a girl encounter one such as him?

---

@Rillewen

Golden Boy / Sunbeam of the Forest

He took the compliment about being a good leader with a charmed nod and a genuine smile. "Perhaps," he said, "but I fail to see why both could not be true at once."
His eyes followed Wilflower's nod toward one of the Courtiers of the Night Sky. Oh yes, several men were dressed that way - four men, in fact, according to the Wildflower. His gaze swept across the tavern, trying to locate the other three. One was by the bar. The other seated at one of the tables...

Wildflower distracted him then, with the shrug he could feel more than see. He returned his gaze to her, and noticed her disappointment. Even with the mask, even with the painted roses... it was written all over her face. His heart was threatening to break as he listened to the tone of her voice and noted how she might easily succumb once more to the downcast mood he had been trying to banish in the first place.

The Sunbeam frowned behind his mask. "What would attract this someone the most, do you think? A young lady, sad and in need of consolation? Or a youn lady who is as wild in her joy as the flowers of the field in the sun? Should we make it our mission to find him and make it so he cannot possibly miss you?" He smiled, in the way an uncle might try to encourage a niece. "Because he would honestly have to be a blind man not to notice you, miss."

[Lantaelen]

@Rillewen @Arnyn

Lady Swan

It was obvious to the other two that Swan was overly excited to dance. How could she not, it was her first time at an extravagant party like this. She told herself she would try and take things slow, smell the roses so to speak, but now she was being swept up by the colour, sound, and feel of it all. ”Oh yes, sorry.” She said, reminded of her drink, which caused her to gulp down a mouthful to try and finish it, in a hasty form that was not exactly accepted behavior for a lady. Red too noticed and moved to depart the conversation to which she had entered.

Before she and Sir Fox could make their way to the floor for another dance, Red beckoned to them to make one final praise of their grace and beauty, with an emphasis on their eyes, shielded behind their masques, that was most curious and strange for some reason. It was very pointed. Swan did not think she had special or unique eyes, given they were the same hue of her siblings, parents, and extended relatives and most of their people. Sir Fox gave his thanks first, before Swan smiled at Red and performed a little curtsey. ”You’re too kind, ma’am. Yours are lovely as well.” She repaid the compliment, before nodding to Sir Fox to allow herself to be led away.

Only after several steps from Red did Swan speak again. ”What a kind woman. I am surprised that she was alone even for a moment, I would think she would be kept busy by the approaches and courting.” She noted to Sir Fox, looking up to him as they moved to the dance floor. ”Though…I thought it strange the remarkable detail she paid to our eyes. But I suppose everyone is drawn to the things they think most beautiful. Art is subjective. She must see a beauty in the eyes more than anywhere else.” She gave a chuckle then and looked up to Sir Fox, waiting to assume the dance position as the new tune began.

”She said yours are steely. I do not think they are like steel, they look kind and soft. You know, they remind me of someone, now that I look at them more closely…” She thought for a moment, going still and serious as her mind worked a memory that was…both familiar and yet aloof. Like a word on the tip of her tongue, but an individual that she had met and thought was…no, it must be the wine, or excitement. ”I am also sorry no one else seems to have gone to Linhir. I would like to visit it someday. What would you say are your favourite parts about it?” She inquired of Sir Fox as they began to dance.

---

@Pele Alarion

King Cheddar

”I suppose if it lingers, everyone will know you were.” He shared in her laughter. He imagined it wouldn’t be too hard to remove or cover up with a more natural shade if it did linger. ”You have been more than pleasant with me, my Lady.” He assured her, as he offered his hand to help escort her to the drink table. ”And most merciful with your teasing, I might add.” He concluded with a grin as he brought them to the refreshment table. Just as his sister departed with the individual wearing a fox masque.

"And what may be the Lady’s fancy in regards to a drink?” He then inquired of her, willing to fetch or obtain the desired drink for her. ”A cup of wine for myself, I reckon. Though I’m not certain if I would prefer red or white. Perhaps black even, if blackberry wine is something enjoyed here. Have you tried it before?” He asked of her, making courteous small-talk.

[Karis Ziranphel]

@Arnyn

The Wolf

Would she prove to be as elusive as she hinted, even in the dance? Thûllir waited patiently as she paused as if considering whether to take his hand. Was she not yet ready to dance despite her earlier stated willingness? Nay. The decisive nod gave him just enough warning to tense his arm enough to assist Lilac Butterfly to her feet once she placed her hand in his. Standing, he noted that her height brought her closer to his, and was very similar to that of the Winged One. He caught the motion of her hand smoothing the skirts of her dress but kept his attention on where her eyes were hidden behind her mask as she tilted her head at him. Wolf of the Blue Moon. The term brought a broad smile to his face, and he dipped his head once. “Gladly, M’lady.”

Confident from her statement that she would follow his lead, he turned, keeping one hand behind his back and supporting her hand lifted between them with the other as he paced slowly to the more open floor with her by his side. Thûllir glanced ahead a few times just to ensure safe passage for her skirts, but frequently kept his eyes on her. Reaching the floor, he lifted her hand up a little higher with the slightest pressure as he turned towards her and bowed his head over her hand briefly before stepping close to take her into his arms in the classic dance position. The moves were smooth and practiced, although more formal than he often was with Kaylin. Yet it seemed the most natural thing in the world to step into the dance with Butterfly to the sweet strains of the stringed instruments and low wind ensemble. The slight height adjustment from how he was accustomed to dancing with Kaylin was noticeable but not significant. The music lifted, and the Wolf of the Blue Moon swept the Lilac Butterfly lightly across the floor.

[Arnyn]

@Karis Ziranphel

The Butterfly

She couldn't resist the slight smile that touched her lips in response to his rather broad smile at her chosen appelation. While she noticed his gaze was mostly on her, she kept hers mostly ahead of them, even as she allowed him to lead her to wherever he chose. When he lifted her hand just a little, with that familiar kind of pressure as he turned toward her, the Butterfly turned toward him as well. She knew the cues. Oh, how she knew them well. She drew in a breath when he lowered his head over her hand, and was pleased when he did not kiss it. In case he was not sure of her identity - and how could he be? - she liked that he did not kiss her hand, gloves or not.

The way he led them into the dance, the position of his arms and hands, all told her he was dancing differently than he would if he were certain it was her. This pleased her, and even if it differed from what she was used to with him, it made it easier to maintain her composure. Nevertheless, she found herself relaxing within the safety of his arms, whether she wanted to or not... But, for all he knew, she was simply letting go of some stiffness because he was proving to dance in a respectful manner. Right?

The faint smile returned to her lips as she watched his grey-blue eyes, wordlessly enjoying what he was offering as he deftly manoeuvered her over the dance floor. And was there anything less 'Kaylin' than choosing to say absolutely nothing?

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

Black & Teal

He laughed lightly as she spoke of the dancing of her village. "Yes, that's exactly the sort of dancing they did back home, in my village, too." he agreed. "Which, I agree is nice, in it's own way. But not really the same as this." He thought it was much nicer this way. He was enjoying dancing with her, but beginning to wonder if she would rather have a more skilled partner, instead of him.

As she commented about the guy who had danced with her before, and taught her a little bit, he nodded, recalling seeing her escorted to the tables by the guy in a hawk mask. "That was nice of him," He mentioned. "But do you know him? I mean, how would you find him again, after this?" He wondered, a little puzzled by how something like that would work.

---

Green Dragon

He grinned as she completed the twirl. He bowed slightly to her in conclusion of the dance, then offered his arm to her to escort her to the bar. "Let us find out if they serve hot drinks as well as cold, then." he decided. "And of course, what dragon would not enjoy a delicious thing like chocolate? Unfortunately, I am not often able to get such luxuries," He added with a sigh, as he started toward the bar. He was curious and thinking about what she'd said about the skiing being a good way to get around. "It sounds interesting," He mentioned, trying to imagine what this might be.

Approaching the bar, he smiled and asked the server if they had any hot drinks, and whether there was any hot chocolate. Upon hearing that there was, he grinned happily. "Two please," He asked, with a nod to the lady. "Thank you, sir." He allowed Lady Meadow to take the first one, and accepted the second mug with another thanks before turning back to her. "To a splendid evening." he said, raising his mug slightly.

---

The Hawk

The lady's question somewhat caught him off guard, and Hawk hesitated briefly as he considered the best way to reply to it. "Just.. up until recently, there were circumstances beyond my control which prevented me from.. well, anything of this sort at all. I feel.. very fortunate to be here tonight." He smiled slightly as he led the lady in dancing.

As she spoke about forgetting her everyday cares, he smiled, nodding slightly in understanding. "I agree, and I know exactly how that is," he laughed lightly. "I'm glad that you're enjoying it as well, my lady." It did feel rather liberating to be unknown to the majority of people, and that made it much easier to relax and enjoy the evening. "You enjoy dancing, then?" He added with a smile, recalling her words when she had accepted his invitation to dance. "I do as well, though I haven't had a lot of opportunities to practice in the last few years. It's very nice to have such a chance again."

---

@Arnyn

Pink Wildflower

She gave a little smile at his comment that both could be true. "Perhaps it is both, then." She decided not to argue, and simply accept the compliment even if she wasn't sure how accurate it might be. For a moment, she waited while he glanced around, and figured that since he was taller than her, he would probably have better luck spotting her friend than she could. But then his next question got her thinking.

What would attract his attention more? She wondered about that, trying very hard to think of the most accurate answer to that. "You know," She tilted her head as she looked up at Sir Sunbeam. "I'm really not sure. I could see both, perhaps... he is always very good at cheering me up if I am upset, as well as his other friends. He goes to extraordinary lengths to achieve that, once he's set his mind to it," She giggled lightly before the smile faded a tiny bit. "but.. tonight, he doesn't know who I am." She mentioned, thoughtfully, which brought a tiny frown to her face as she considered the possibility that that could be part of the problem.

Then, she shrugged and went on to the other option. "But also, from what I have observed of him, he seems to be drawn toward people who are fun to be around, and he likes to join in the fun as well. He makes everything seem fun." She smiled, thinking about him a little more. Then, she laughed slightly at the second part to the question, and tried to think how they could accomplish that. "How could we manage that, though?" She wondered, curious. The latter comment had her smile growing a little more, once again. "Well.. I'm not sure where he's gone," She mentioned, lowering her voice slightly again, as if he could potentially be nearby. "Last I saw him, he was over at the bar, talking with some of his friends.. but he isn't there now, and neither are the friends he was talking to."

---

@Lantaelen @Arnyn

The Fox

He watched, mildly amused, as lady Swan took another hasty gulp of the drink. "You don't have to drink it all, my lady." He pointed out mildly. "I'm sure the gentleman would agree to keep it back for you if you'd like to come back to it later?" He suggested with a nod to the server, in case she was worried about wasting what was left, or something. He was half hoping he would come and take the empty glasses, but he seemed to be busy with someone else at the moment. It was probably not a big deal though, he tried to tell himself. Whether she asked for her glass to be held for her or not, he took a last quick glance at his own glass to make sure he'd emptied it thoroughly, then gave a nod of parting to Red before he led lady Swan toward the dance floor.

He considered her words as he found an empty space on the floor, and took up the dancing position with her. He wasn't really sure what to say about the other lady being alone, but in reply to the eyes, he nodded. "It was a little unusual," he agreed, then grinned slightly as Swan commented on his eyes seeming 'kind and soft'. "Ah.. I don't think she was referring to that, exactly," he mentioned. "but rather, the shade of their color." He tried to explained, at least what he thought the lady had been referring to. "They are sort of.. bluish grey, I suppose," He paused. 'Why does everyone keep talking about my eyes?' he wondered, suddenly feeling a little strange about that. "I have heard them described that way before, anyway..." He tried not to think too much about it, but did find it slightly odd how easily the woman had discerned the color of his eyes, when he couldn't remember looking directly at her for very long.

Her question about Linhir was timely, and gave him a good reason to put the eye thing out of his mind for now. He smiled. "It's quite alright, actually." he answered to her apology about no one having been there. "I didn't expect there to be very many people here who were familiar with the place, actually." he smiled. And that was actually a bit of a relief, but he couldn't say that. "As for my favorite parts," he paused, tilting his head as he thought for a moment, and smiled as they turned with the dance steps. "I think I would have to say the river," He admitted. "Especially, at sunset, when the light reflects on the water in all the beautiful colors, or to find a nice still place along the river, and swim on a hot day." He smiled at the memory of such things. "What about you, my lady? Do you enjoy swimming, or is the title of swan bestowed incorrectly?" He asked with a lightly teasing sound to his voice.

---

(yet another character)
Over by the food

They had been there for a while now, and the young lady in the pale-yellow dress had so far only had one dance, with her uncle with whom she had arrived. Since then, she had mostly wandered around, admiring the different costumes and the lovely decorations, and now she had decided to make her way to the food. Her cousin was the one more eager to come to this event, and it had taken very little time before she was swept off to the dance floor with some young man. Every time the other looked around to seek her cousin, she seemed to find her there with different partners each time.

Shrugging to herself, the young lady took only a few items that looked tasty. She was figuring on picking on a few things here and there, rather than eating a whole plateful all at once. She stood off to the side and looked around while she nibbled on a mini quiche, trying to be careful not to get any crumbs on her dress, nor stains on her gloves. She was glad to see her cousin having fun, after how much the other girl had begged to get to come to the ball, and thought the food was quite good, so it was worth the trip, at least. She wondered if there was anyone else here that she might recognize, and decided to look carefully to see if she could spot anyone familiar.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen @Lantaelen @Pele Alarion

Lady in Red

Once the Fox and the Swan started their dance, Red turned toward the bar, her back to the dance floor. Her fingers switched from the base of her own glass to the base of the Fox's glass a she watched the bartender finishing the round of drinks ordered nearby, and reached out to take the Fox's glass. The glass he took, however, was not the Fox's glass. Red looked elsewhere, as if distracted, as she lifted the young man's glass to her lips. As if she did not realize it was empty. And thus tipped it up high, looking for the last drop. There was hardly enough residue for a final drop to touch her tongue. But the scent of whatever had been inside surely did reach her nostrils.

The empty glass was soon returned to the bar, with a mildly ashamed look cast toward the bartender. When he asked if she would like a refill, she seemed to consider this. "I think, perhaps, I should try something a little less heady at the moment," she said apologetically. "Do you have any red fruity drinks - without the alcohol?" she added with a little laugh, since they both knew wine was made from grapes. She gestured at her dress. "To stay in the theme?"

"I have just the thing," the bartender promised her with a flashing grin.
Red smiled gratefully. "Thank you, sir." The finger of her gloved hand absent-mindedly tapped her chin as her drink was prepared, and her gaze swept over the new arrivals (Black Lips, King Cheddar) close by without really seeing them. Her thoughts were elsewhere.

[Pele Alarion]

@Lantaelen

Black Lips

“That they would, so I’ll have to make sure all the disguise is gone, come tomorrow,” Black Lips added with a grin. “Else all the fun tonight might be slightly spoiled in that regard; though I’m sure some might figure me out before the festivities end, if I am not careful.”

“I am glad you have not taken my silliness too hard,” she laughed softly when King Cheddar said she had been nice, though she was not all that sure herself.

As they came to the bar, they seemed to almost take the place of the couple heading for the dance floor. Black Lips gave a look at the Lady in Red who seemed to be drowning in thought, and then turned back to Cheddar when he asked about the drink.

“I only take a few sips of wine, and that very seldom, so I am not sure I would be able to distinguish well between their kinds,” she said. “But I do not think I have ever tasted blackberry wine. Perhaps a sip of that would be acceptable to determine if it has certain distinguishable properties.”

@Rillewen

Meadow

“If chocolate is a luxury to you than you should by all means make sure to enjoy it while you can,” Meadow said with a smile as they came to the bar. “It would fit well with the luxurious… everything… of this evening, I would say.”

With the delectable drink now in hand, she raised it in toast: “Yes, may the evening be amazing!” She closed her eyes for a few moments and breathed in the sweet scent, and then looked at Dragon over the rim as she tasted the beverage carefully just in case it may turn out burning hot.

“Excellent,” she murmured, and then, from the few people at the bar, looked right at Black Lips who appeared to be quite oblivious of her in return.

“You should surely try skiing if you have much snow where you live,” she returned to the previous topic after a quiet moment.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

Green Dragon

Taking a careful sip, he smiled as he enjoyed the deliciousness. "Mm, somehow I always forget just how good it is, until I have a cup, and then it reminds me how nice it is." He mentioned, sighing happily. Only the heat of it kept him from taking bigger drinks of it.

A she spoke again of skiing, he lowered his mug slightly. "Perhaps," He answered thoughtfully, before smiling a little more. "Snowball fights are great fun as well.. when I can find anyone to participate with me." He grinned and took a small sip of chocolate, and noticed her looking elsewhere. Following her line of vision, he observed the lady with black lips, and the fellow that she was standing with. He turned back to Meadow. "Someone you know?" He asked quietly, unsure if he should keep his voice down or not.

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen

Meadow

She was called back from her observations by Dragon’s question and began: “Well, I know…” she began and then remembered she had made a promise not to give away her sister’s identity. “I know,” she whispered, leaning slightly towards Dragon. “But should not declare it out loud else I’ll get a plenty of scolding.”

“Snowball fights?” Meadow said again louder and leaned back, taking another sip of hot chocolate. “I don’t know. I have been involved in mud slinging fights though. Have you done any of those, Sir Dragon?”

The Gilded

“Right? It’s like two different worlds,” Gilded said, a small smile playing on her lips. “Each so different, and yet both are close to my heart, even this one, even when we arrived not that long ago.”

“Oh, I don’t know him really and not sure how to find him after,” she replied and smiled more brightly at Teal. “But so what. Not worth worrying about tonight, perhaps. It is better to enjoy what we can. After all we are not jumping around, which might be seen as inappropriate in this case.”

Red Rooster

Rooster’s fingers felt around the empty plate for something else edible while his eyes were drawn away from the two ladies towards another who seemed to be alone. He blinked and sighed – he felt comfortably full so that sitting around here seemed like a good enough option, but then again he could do that on any other day.

Rising, he picked up his empty plate and deposited it on the tray on the way towards the lady he had decided to speak to.

“M’lady, may I invite you to a dance?” he addressed her, approaching, and with a slight bow offering his hand towards her. “You look just like Orchid in your lovely dress, and it does not do for you to stand all by yourself and not dance. Will you kindly agree to my offer?”

Amethyst

Amethyst’s eyes keenly observed Hawk and it seemed that the subject was not pleasing to him, and she did not press for further information.

“No matter what has kept you from it before, I am glad that you can be here and enjoy the festivities to your heart’s content,” she said. “It would have been a pity if you had missed this one as well.”

“I do enjoy dancing, and have decided to enjoy as much as possible tonight, reserving the last couple dances for my husband,” she said merrily. “Do you have someone special here with whom you would want to dance more? Or not yet?”

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Night Sky Courtier 2 - Bearded, with the Lady Cat
Sat at the food tables.

He made comfortable look easy about his chair, with a long leg stretched to either side. Far from the most respectable behaviour, but an agreeable nod met the lacy-eared lady’s prognosis all the same, when she declared it a good evening, for there was no cause he could find to disagree. A rare treat in contrast to recent climes.

Though vaguely aware of the comings and goings from the folk gathered around the tables, the bearded man did not grant his new interest any reprieve from tawny brown eyes. This corner of the tavern was far across the way from the source of drinks, after all, for all that the stranger showcased another style of pink elixir. And the chairs, the sitting down, suggested a convenience for those who wanted to pluck from their plates, without appearing crass. Unless they had been driven from the weight of their feet by too much dancing, or seeking out some form of quieter conversation. Yet she sat alone. And in a small matter of speech, made clear she was not weary from the thought of dancing ..

“I’ll admit that I am hungering for entertainment, ever so much more than any eatables,” the bearded man admitted, with stark honesty. Though it was likely that everything here was of course delicious, it might prove rather an alteration to his usual palate. “You came alone,” he gathered. And the comment sat halfway between an impression and an enquiry, though closer to the former. For what fool would otherwise leave such a woman unattended ? He offered little time for her to concoct a response regardless. For the mysterious beauty’s decision to voice a dare in the notion of dancing had certainly intrigued him. “I wonder,” he smiled and rose in his own response to her question, before cocking his head slightly askance. “whether you will dare to find out ..”

Without waiting for courtesy then, he moved to find the dance floor, and whether the cat might be quite so curious to come along as well.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

Green Dragon

For a moment, he thought she was going to divulge some secret, but she seemed to think better of it. He smiled, nodding in understanding. "I see," he totally understood that, since it was very similar to what he often had to endure. "I understand completely." He assured her, amused by the secretive tone. He took a slightly more daring sip of hot chocolate, and was pleased to find that it had cooled just enough to not burn him. He smiled, enjoying the sweetness of the drink.

When she asked about mud fights, he let out a laugh. "I certainly have," He grinned. "Though, it's a lot harder to locate anyone willing to participate in those, I must say." He laughed again and looked at the lady with renewed curiosity. "I think I would like to find you later for another dance, if I may," He told her with a smile.

"However, at the moment.. well, speaking of people you know, has reminded me that I promised a dance to the lady that I know.. who came in with me this evening," He explained. "She is practically an aunt to me, and only agreed to come because I begged her and said I'd like to dance with her. And yet, I feel as if I have so far ignored her, and that doesn't seem right." He smiled apologetically, as he was a bit reluctant to end the conversation, but he did feel that he should seek out Blossom, or she might be starting to think he had lied about dancing with her.

---

Teal

He smiled and nodded. "I know what you mean. It's very nice here," His gaze roamed again to the decorations before returning to look at her eyes, smiling as he saw how happy she looked. "I wish that I had spent more time in trying to learn to dance," He expressed, regretful. "I didn't really know what to expect." His smile shifted to a grin at the last words from her. "Yes, true. I don't think that sort of dancing would be agreeable here," He laughed softly, thinking of the skipping around and faster-paced dancing that he remembered from home.

---

Yellow Orchid

She had just popped a tiny pastry with a puffy cream center in her mouth, when a voice hailed her, much to her surprise. She paused and then offered a small, apologetic smile as she finished what was in her mouth and swallowed. Once she was able to speak without food in her mouth, the young lady offered a small curtsy. "An orchid?" She asked with slight surprise, and a shy smile. Leaving her plate on one of the trays, she accepted his offered hand. "Thank you, it's very kind of you to offer. I would be delighted to accept," She answered courteously.

---

The Hawk

He smiled as he heard the lady's kind words, saying she was glad he had been able to come and enjoy the festivities. "As am I, my lady," He answered quietly but with all sincerity. "And thank you." His smile widened slightly as she spoke of how she enjoyed dancing and had decided to enjoy as much as she could tonight. "Me too," He grinned. "Only without the 'husband' part," He added with a slight laugh. "And is he already here, or has something delayed his arrival?" He wondered curiously. "Or am I being too inquisitive?" He asked, smiling still.

His smile faded a little and gained a slightly wistfulness as she asked about someone special to him. "I wish," He sighed softly, then with a smooth motion twirled the lady gracefully as the notes of the song seemed to suggest a good time to twirl with the dance. That gave him a second to regain his smile slightly. "No, the one who holds my heart.. she is far away, and has been away for some time, unfortunately." He explained once they had returned to the original dance position. "I don't know of any way to contact her, so she would have no way of knowing about the dance, or anything. It certainly would have made the evening almost perfect, if she could have been here too." His smile grew again a moment later, though. "But, I've made up my mind that I will let nothing hinder me from enjoying this evening. And she once told me, more or less, to never let any opportunity to dance pass me by, so I am taking her advice.. even though I do wish she was here to dance with me too." He added with a little laugh.

[Karis Ziranphel]

The Wolf

Thûllir took them on a circuit of the dance floor in silence, enjoying the music and the dance, but also cataloging the small things that he noticed about his dance partner now that they were in much closer proximity. There were no rings that he could notice under her long gloves, and the scent of her perfume was a tantalizingly light floral. Possibly lilac? He couldn’t quite identify it. Either way, not the usual light herbal scent from the soap his mother made for their use, and which was a part of scent he knew as Kaylin’s. Their combined silence was also unusual, although he was generally very quiet away from his wife.

As they ventured a second pass around with sweeping steps and turns, Thûllir asked with a low voice that was mildly inquisitive. “Tell me m’lady, what brings you to the ball this evening? Your accent hails from the shores of the sea, yet you grace our halls in midwinter rather than those more temperate climes. Are you just visiting, or is the city your home?”

[Arnyn]

@Karis Ziranphel

The Butterfly

What had brought her this evening? Why, he had - him, and the game.

"The wish to enjoy myself," she spoke, avoiding any outright lies. "And the hopes of dancing with a gentleman who knows how." All true. "It is a rare pleasure to find such a locale," she said, tilting her head in reference to the splendour all around them, "combined with the possibility to stay anonymous, at least for a while." She held herself back from saying that he did not seem particularly inclined to remain undetected, not for a long or short time - for that might give away that she at least knew him. She'd have to be more detailed. So he would know less. A funny contradiction. "Yet you speak freely of your lady whom you are trying to find, and do not hide the ring upon your finger, sir Wolf. Do you think she will recognize you easily? Do you want her to?"

Butterfly noted the way he said her accent hailed from the sea, and how he had thus avoided saying that she herself hailed from it. "I was born and raised elsewhere," she agreed. "But have resided in Minas Tirith for a while, now. You claim these halls as your own. Does that mean you and this lady of yours call the White City home? Or do your hearts lie elsewhere?"
The question was probably pushing it, she knew. But she simply could not resist.

---

@Rillewen @Ercassie

Golden Boy / Sunbeam of the Forest

"I believe..." the Sunbeam drawled as he eyed a certain duo on the dance floor, "That he might be over there. Let me turn us around," he said with a little smile as he made it seem natural to have Miss WIldflower facing the way he had faced just moments before. "With the lady in light blue?" he questioned. He left Wildflower's question unanswered, of how they could possibly make it impossible for this mystery young man not to see her. Wordlessly, he shrugged and had them inconspicuously move closer and closer to the lady in light blue and her companion.

And right when the youngest Courtier of the Night Sky was facing Sunbeam and Wildflower, Sunbeam raised his arm to twirl the young lady around herself several times, as he had done before, before drawing her back in, having them both step back out and then turn around one another as they had done before. Two paces of eight one way, two paces of eight the other. "Laugh," he suggested quietly, before moving to twirl her again, and then returning back to the more classic dance. "If nothing else," the Sunbeam spoke quietly, "He should be impressed with your resistance to dizziness!"

[Rillewen]

@Ercassie

Lady Cat

A faint smile lingered on her lips as the man with the strange accent spoke of hungering for entertainment, rather than edibles. "Such an appetite should not be left unfulfilled, and besides, is a terrible waste of the occasion." She declared. She was considering asking about his accent, when he observed aloud, that she had come alone. "I did," She confirmed with a small nod. She came close to asking whether he had come alone as well, before recalling that she had seen a few others with the same outfit, and had seen a few of them arriving at the same time. Before she could make a comment about any of that, though, the man had responded in a most unexpected manner, to her inquiry about dancing.

Intrigued, she watched him get up and start toward the dance floor, after suggesting she dare to find out. Letting out a soft laugh, she took a final little sip of her wine before setting the glass down, and rose from the table. She was far too intrigued by this man not to follow, especially given the unorthodox manner he had 'invited' her to dance with him. She soon caught up to him and smirked faintly. "I'm actually quite daring," She remarked with amusement. "As well as curious." She grinned with amusement. "Cats are known for their curiosity, aren't they?"

---

@Arnyn

Pink Wildflower

When Sir Sunbeam seemed to have spotted him, Wildflower caught her breath and waited as he turned, so that she could take a quick look. Spotting him, along with another familiar person, Wildflower smiled softly and nodded. "Yes, she is.. his sister." She replied softly, recognizing the dress, despite the few alterations that Snowflake had made since she saw her trying that dress on a few weeks ago. She was rather impressed with the additions that had been added, but didn't have a very long time to look over and admire the dress.

Sunbeam managed to dance them over there quite smoothly, which seemed quite impressive. As they got close to the other pair, she kept her gaze on Sir Sunbeam rather than looking over there, for fear of being caught glancing toward him. Snowflake knew who she was, of course, but she wasn't the one facing them at the moment. And then she was spinning again, and let out a little laugh as she twirled around and around. This really was a lot of fun. She was still grinning as he led them into the other type of spin, around each other. So much spinning and twirling! She didn't actually need the suggestion to prompt her to laugh, as he started her twirling almost immediately after the other thing.

Once she had returned to the classic dance, she wore a big smile and let out a soft giggle at the comment about her resistance to dizziness. Her friend was probably already aware of that, she thought, but didn't comment on that. "He has a great deal of resistance to it, himself, I believe." She mentioned quietly in reply, thinking of Midsummer's festivities. "Dancing is very fun," She decided with a big smile. "Thank you, sir."

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen

Meadow

“It has been a while since the last mud fight though,” Meadow sighed, grin playing on her face. “All about behaving like an adult and not doing silly things. But then again…” She left the sentence incomplete and sipped some more chocolate.

“Well, then. You should tend to your lady and not make her feel abandoned in the midst of strangers,” she said kindly when Dragon explained the reasons for why he should depart from her. “I’m open to another dance whenever you find yourself free and want to discuss mud slinging.”

The Gilded

“Yes, it is indeed nice,” Gilded said happily and was glad that she had heeded the advice seamstress had given on how to prepare herself and not just the dress. She had taken a great many hours to make sure her hair was untangled, washed, and looking all shiny, and had done her best to soften the skin of her face and her arms as much as would be uncovered. She did not regret a moment of that effort, feeling that she did not stand out as an unkempt foreigner.

“Why, don’t regret that you didn’t manage to learn that much,” she told Teal quietly. “I think you still dance well, and perhaps… if you had learned all the tricks, and I would not even know how to follow, I would feel intimidated by you.” She flashed him a grin. “After all I learned that I’m supposed to follow the dance partner’s guiding just before you found me here.”

Red Rooster

Seeing that the young lady was still eating something, Rooster felt tempted to reach over for something himself, but then he figured it would be rather improper. After all he was doing the best he could to behave all properly tonight. Just as he had been taught.

“Yes, an orchid,” he insisted with a smile, as he took to gently leading her towards the dance floor. “A lovely, delicate flower, I think. Very beautiful. Just like you.”

Finding a free spot to start the dance from he turned towards her. “Has the evening been good for you this far, m’lady?” he asked politely.

Amethyst

“He made a solemn promise to come later, so I have reserved the last few dances for him. Business, you see,” she said with a merry glint in her eyes. “So the rest of the evening is for meeting other people.”

Amethyst executed the twirl with near impeccable perfection, and once she was facing Hawk again, she said softly: “At least there is someone special in your heart, even if not here. But yes, you should enjoy the evening as much as you can; it might be a while till the next time after all.”

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Night Sky Courtier 2 - Bearded, with the Lady Cat

It would take more than a shrinking violet to entertain the bearded Night Sky. He liked a woman who could keep him on his toes, and where better to find out if Miss Kitty measured up than on the dance floor ? The man turned back to find out, and found the woman .. having followed him. The cat stalking the Night Sky, how extremely apt. “Oh I was counting on it,” he grinned, facing the mysterious feline now stood at her full height as he glanced her up and down approvingly.

“They also say that curiosity killed the cat ...” he toyed with a strand of her long dark hair, and twirled it between two fingers, with a stare that did not surrender it’s unblinking gaze into dark eyes. “But that a cat will somehow always land on her feet ..” Loosing the velvet tendril, the Night Sky took her hands both in his and led the one to his waist, the other to his nearest shoulder. “I am glad to hear it. For I am not so easy to be ended either. But tell me, how many of your nine lives have you seen to the wind already ?”

As the music rose in a grand crescendo, he stepped back just a smidge, to deem whether the lady had grace and poise enough to lean into the growing space between them, without falling on her face. She certainly seemed as though she was in control of herself. In any case, he drew back in toward her a but moment later with a fast paced, polished boot, and took the first of several steps that would lead her in a course of whorls to keep up, or at least hold on.

It had been an awfully long time since he had danced, and this particular design he’d last employed where he had first been introduced to it’s charm. In Harondor. Many moons ago now.

---

Night Sky Courtier 1 - Youngest, with the Snowflake

He had not really thought much further than how to distract the Snowflake, how to keep her from leaving, unless it was how to also distract himself. Because leaving was a rather tempting option at this point. It had been a great fun at the first, but the longer that he spent in all of the intricacies of playing a part, the more he had begun to nurse a quiet discomfort. The more that he had come to understand that he was not what worked with the one whom he had wanted. So it had been a dream, one which he would never regret basking in for all the time that he had been allowed to. But neither would he wish to stay overlong, now that he knew he did not belong there. The much anticipated visit had now reached it's point of approaching homesickness. Observing the Hawk accept and embark upon his dare worked as a diversion for a short moment, and the young Night Sky waved his brother off with an amused smile. Before he was faced with an expectant enquiry. Now. What had he wanted the Snowflake to help him with ?

“Oh. I forget,” he shrugged, rather than admit that his motive had been to stall her, to stir her from sadness and toward the dancefloor. “His costume came out very well,” the young man remarked, apparently with random mind, though a sure nod toward their departing peer. “You do good work,” he remarked. “And don’t scrub up half bad yourself,” he could not help noticing. As the young pair found space upon the dancefloor, the young man spread both of her hands wide, to gain a proper glance over the full marvel that stood before him.

“That is a dress meant for dancing in,” he marked his approval with a small nod, before and gyrating one of his hands subtly about the air between them. “Come on, full spin,” he encouraged her to turn in place. “You know you’ve wanted to since the moment you got all .. gift-wrapped,” he wagered a guess.


But a dance floor was no place to stand in place, save to get in other peoples’ way. And so, the young Night Sky glanced up toward his raised play of fingers, as an invitation for the Snowflake’s own to meet him there. His other hand had already disappeared about her waist to hover without contact at her back. And as though the music was a tide, they were conveyed in a casual chase about the other couples, as though a determination not to collide was choreography enough.

At one point, a blur of colour orbited nearby, and the young man caught a glimpse of long hair and a fresh floral-painted face. A light refrain of laughter leant new cadence to the melody that enlivened all, and caught the young man in a quiet smile of memory. At a day not so long ago, that had been spent utterly unrestrained, and free. Until it all had come toppling down, too soon. Catching himself before he dropped the Snowflake, the young man stole back almost reluctantly to the present and the perfect, polished surroundings. Trying to stave off the wish that he could be loafing about someplace where the world was green and wide.

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

Green Dragon

He grinned in amusement at her comment about not doing silly things, and behaving like an adult for too long. "I would be happy to help you find some way to remedy that," He said with a little laugh. "What's the point of being alive if we don't ever have fun, after all?" He shrugged and took another drink of his chocolate. "I sincerely hope your evening is filled with enjoyment, lady of the flowering meadow," he told her with a smile.

It was a relief to hear her speak in understanding, and even more to hear that she would be welcome to another dance later. Soon after, he finished his hot chocolate, thinking they ought to have put it in bigger mugs. "Thank you for understanding," He smiled, and bowed politely. "I hope to find you later, and I would be quite happy to discuss the topic of mud-slinging more thoroughly," He added with an amused grin. "Farewell for the moment." He added, then set off to locate his friend, though he cast a brief glance back toward her a couple of times.

---

@Arnyn

|
Blossom & Green Dragon

When he located Blossom, he was not quite expecting her to have been standing and chatting with another lady. He smiled politely as he approached the pair, and bowed slightly to them both. He would have to think about how to go about inviting one to dance, without the other feeling left out. And in fact, the other was quite pretty and he thought he might like to dance with her too, but obviously, he couldn't dance with both at once. "Good evening, ladies." He greeted them cheerfully. "Having a wonderful time, I hope?"

"Ah, hello!" Blossom greeted him with a smile. She turned slightly to Fairy, "this is my friend who talked me into coming tonight," She explained with a little laugh. "And.. this is a new friend that I've been talking to, though I'm afraid I can't offer proper introductions," She added with an apologetic glance toward Dragon.

"Of course, not knowing names does make that difficult." He grinned, but held out a hand to Fairy, as he would during any ordinary introduction. "Pleased to.. sort of meet you." He smiled at her, then looked again at Blossom. "Well? Are you?" he asked again.

"Oh, yes," She nodded, realizing she had not really replied to his question. "It's so beautiful here. And everything is just.. wonderful." She cast her gaze around with a smile before looking back at him. "I saw you dancing, you looked like you were having a lot of fun." She mentioned with a little smile.

"Oh yes, of course. I almost always find some way to have fun," He laughed. "But what about you?" He asked her in return. "I saw you dancing with one fellow, earlier." He smiled then at Fairy. "And you, my lady, are you also enjoying yourself?"

---

Teal

His smile widened slightly when she told him not to feel regretful, and that she thought he danced well. "Thank you." He replied, his smile brightening slightly to hear her words. He laughed lightly though as she suggested the thought that she might feel intimidated by him if he had known all the fancy dancing moves. "Perhaps it's for the best then." He agreed.

It was definitely very nice, chatting with her while holding her in a dance, and he thought if he had tried to do any of the fancier moves, he might not be able to talk as freely as he would be focused more intently on keeping his feet right and not stepping on her feet, or anything like that. Suddenly worrying about that, he risked a swift glance down to make sure he wasn't in danger of doing so, before returning his gaze up to her eyes, and smiled slightly. "I'm very glad I decided to come."

---

Yellow Orchid

Smiling shyly, she listened to the young man speak of why he thought she looked like an orchid. And that she was beautiful. As she faced him, there was a very faint blush on what could be seen of her face. "I thank you for that description, sir," She told him softly, though she had her doubts about it. She felt sure that if he saw her cousin, he would likely think the other girl was much prettier and prefer to dance with her. But it was nice to be complimented, and asked to dance by someone other than her uncle, who she figured probably felt obliged to dance with both of the young ladies he had brought here. He had gone to sit down at one of the tables and enjoy the food, afterward.

"You know," She smiled at Rooster, "I have heard that orchids are actually rather resilient plants, and I have heard of them surviving in all sorts of climates. Even in snow." She mentioned with a touch of enthusiasm as she spoke of the topic, recalling having seen those growing wild before, and thinking about how pretty she remembered them being. "I've heard that they are masters of adapting to whatever environment they happen to be in." She tilted her head thoughtfully, and smiled at the thought. Perhaps, the name was fitting, considering how she'd had to adapt to a new life once before. And it was unlikely to be the last time, either.

She considered the latter question for a moment, briefly unsure how to answer. But then she nodded. "Indeed, it's beautiful here, and very exciting to visit the White City for the first time." She answered with a little smile. She wondered if her speech would give away the fact that she had come from Belfalas, and if he would know the accent, but didn't really mind that too much if he did. "And what about yourself, sir? Are you having a nice evening?"

---

The Hawk

"Business?" He asked with some surprise, and let out a small laugh. "In favor of this incredible ball? Could it not be put off until the morning, given the circumstances?" He found it difficult to believe anyone could choose to work instead of attending such a marvelous event with such a lovely wife as this lady. A person would have to be blind not to see that she was very beautiful, after all. If he had not been dared, he wasn't sure that he would have asked her to dance, for he might have felt a little intimidated by that. Of course, despite noticing that this lady was beautiful, Hawk thought his own lady was exceptionally beautiful in her own ways.

He smiled as Amethyst replied about her. "She is certainly very special, indeed. To me, at least." He smiled. He wasn't sure if it would be very polite though, to go on about how wonderful the absent girl was and how much he cared for her. Nor how worried he was about the fact he hadn't heard from her in so long. He maintained his dancing with Amethyst, impressed by how graceful and fluid her movements were, and he could tell that her skills surpassed his own. "You are a very good dancer, my lady. Far better than I am," He admitted with a little smile. "But a large part of the enjoyment is in the music, isn't it?" He added with a brief glance toward the musicians, and his smile widened a little bit. "At least, that is my favorite part of it all. I could listen to the music all day, and never grow tired of it."

---

@Ercassie

Lady Cat
With Night Sky 2

A grin met the man's mention of curiosity killing the cat; a very common saying which she had heard many times. "Ah, but then satisfaction brought it back again, I have heard as well." She replied, highly amused by all of the playful talk about cats, due to her choice in costume. Regaining a more reserved smile, she gazed curiously up at the man, trying to decipher something about his accent, as he toyed with a lock of her hair. Her lips curled upward yet again as he spoke of cats landing on their feet. She was rather good at that, in fact, but did not say so out loud.

As the man took her hands, and placed them where they ought to go, she was presented with another curious inquiry; how many of her nine lives..? She let out a soft laugh at that. "And what makes you think I would so carelessly throw any of my lives to the wind? To be daring is one thing, to be foolishly reckless, another entirely." She declared with a curious tilt of her head.

She moved smoothly forward with him as he stepped back, and then with slight surprise, her dark eyes widened a fraction as he moved into an entirely different dance than any that she would have expected to encounter at such a place as this. Recovering with surprising swiftness from the unexpectedness of it, however, the lady managed to keep up and followed his lead, growing ever more intrigued by this man by the moment, wondering who he might possibly be, and many other questions which were stirring in her mind.

---

Snowflake
With Night Sky 1

He had forgotten? So soon? She found that a bit dubious, considering it had only been a few seconds ago that he'd said he wanted her help with something. She knew he could get distracted sort of easily, and there were a great many distractions all around this evening, but still... ah well. She let the matter drop, however. If it wasn't important enough to him to hold onto the thought in his mind, then she shouldn't let it bother her any more than that, either.

A smile found its way onto her face next, at the compliment to her work. The second part of his compliment, she wasn't really sure how to respond to, and so she chose to only reply to the first part. "Thanks." She smiled briefly toward their leather-feathered brother. "I was rather pleased with it, too," She admitted quietly, glad to see Hawk wearing it so well. "He's responsible for those real feathers, though," She added, unsure how much Night Sky knew of that. Or perhaps he had known, and had helped Hawk gather them. She wasn't sure. "Those make it look even better, I think."

She was not entirely sure what to make of him holding her arms out, as if they were wings missing their plumage, but then she gave an amused eyeroll as he complimented the dress, and suggested she give a spin. "You're ridiculous sometimes, you know that?" She laughed, as she complied with his request, and smiled as she came back about to face him. "Absolutely ridiculous, and I hope you never change that about you." Her hand met his waiting one, and she let her other rest lightly on his shoulder, smiling as he started them dancing.

There was a brief moment there, where she thought his attention had wavered and she wondered if she was on her own, but he recovered in time to not leave her dancing a solo. "So," She cleared her throat softly. "are you in on whatever devious conspiracy plot that BroT is up to, or is it all him?" She wondered, thinking perhaps a little conversation might keep him focused while they danced.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

The Fairy

"I'm not sure if he has figured her out yet," the Fairy mused thoughtfully. "However, it only seems like a matter of time to me." The Wolf and the Butterfly had been together for a long time, after all. Just how long would Kaylin be able to hide from the one person in Minas Tirith who knew her best?

Speaking to Blossom about this and that, the Fairy noted one of the other guests making his way toward them. Given the man's mask, it was not difficult to figure that he was the friend Blossom had mentioned earlier. "Looks like your Dragon friend might be coming over to claim that dance, lady Blossom," the Fairy noted with a faint smile to her new acquaintance... or friend? Perhaps. The Fairy had been enjoying their light conversation. Blossom seemed like a very honest and kind soul to her.

The Dragon's face was all green-masked and brown-bearded, and his polite smile and small bow gave a positive enough first impression. Unlike the first stranger who'd addressed her that evening. Perhaps this one won't get a drink splashed all over him, she thought with private amusement. He greeted them then, though, and the Fairy blinked behind her veiled eyes, her lips parting with surprise. He sounded very familiar. Too familiar. She only knew of two people who had an accent like that. That blend of Westron, Sindarin and Rohirric. But why on earth would either be here? Her gaze travelled involuntarily back to Blossom as he finished his question. Blossom - who hailed from the Breelands. And this man was her friend. It was possible. It was very possible. And given the cheerful tone of his greeting and the warmth of his grey-blue eyes, there was little doubt left in the Fairy's mind by the time Blossom turned to her to indeed confirm this was the friend who talked her into coming to the Masquerade.

The Fairy was still too surprised when the Dragon reacted to Blossom's apology about not being able to offer proper introductions. And so, when the Dragon held out his hand, the Fairy did not think twice about clasping his forearm, only realizing she'd gone for a warrior's clasp instead of a regular handshake when it was altogether too late. She released her grip on his arm instantly, sliding her hand down to his hand to shake it gently. A big slip-up. Not that it would matter much - she had fulfilled her role in Kaylin's game, and neither Blossom nor Dragon was one of the people she was hiding from. Even if she had, factually, hidden part of who she was from Dragon the whole time they had traveled together in the North. "You, too, sir," she managed to say in the accent she'd adopted for the evening. Before the Dragon, thankfully, returned his attention to Blossom, and so the Fairy was given some more time to think about this new and entirely unexpected development.

What were the odds? And how was she supposed to play this? She would like to hide mostly from the rangers who called her Lieutenant, to enjoy some freedom in this regard. A freedom she had also enjoyed when traveling the North, regardless of whether she was alone or not. The Dragon did not know her by her true name, nor had she told him about being a part of the Gondorian armed forces - although he or his brother might have drawn such a conclusion entirely on their own at some point. Did she need to hide from him, then? If he was unaware of her rank, her position, regardless?

'Oh yes, of course. I almost always find some way to have fun.' Those words combined with his easy laughter, conjured an easy grin on the Fairy's face in return. That, he did. The grin was still playing about her lips when he directed a polite question her way. "Certainly," she replied. "A night like this is meant to be enjoyed. I would not dare to snub our King and Queen by missing it, or by attending and brooding alone in a corner. So far I have been able to appreciate regaling a not so gentle man with a glass of wine where he did not expect it, delighted in the food, helped a friend with something she's been looking forward to for weeks, and -" At this point she looked at Blossom with a genuine smile. "I might have made a new friend, as well?" she half stated, half asked the lady. Switching her gaze between Blossom and Dragon, the Fairy thus concluded: "Even if the rest of the evening were to be relatively uneventful, it might just be a smash regardless." Her smile opened into a slight grin.

---

@Rillewen

Golden Boy / Sunbeam of the Forest

"His sister? That's good, right?" he encouraged Miss Wilflower. At least then there was no danger of the young man falling for his current dance partner.

Sunbeam had to grin broadly as Miss Wildflower laughed spontaneously at the twirling, grinned through the spinning and laughed again - through his suggestion that she might laugh. He had approached her with the sole intention of lifting her spirits, but somehow the young lady had managed to even improve on his already excellent mood. It was the honesty of her laughter, he realized. Nodding at her words, he inclined his head as she thanked him. "You are most welcome! But I must thank you as well, Miss. Your unfiltered laughter and giggles have brightened my evening even further," he told her openly, not being one to hide much of what he was thinking or feeling. And that was true on any day - masquerade or not. He spun her out with one arm, and did not pull her back in, but instead bowed low. "What do you think?" he asked kindly. "Shall I escort you off the dancefloor?" He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Or do you think you could use a little more spinning in front of your... friend?"

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Night Sky Courtier 1 - Youngest, with the Snowflake

He hadn’t forgotten, not at all. But since she did not press the matter, he was happy to let it slip from the perils of conversation. There was no sure way to know what Snowflake might have discussed already with the Hawk, but he could imagine. Given the way she was. Given the day it was. Giving her the laced cuffs from his sleeves already had been not just a means to discard his more superfluous frills, now that the need was done. But also to make with an offer of handkerchief for his sister. After all, that did not look like a dress that wanted snotty noses snuffled in it’s folds. So the Night Sky was much relieved that she had not taken the cuffs up from the bar when they left. The Snowflake was evidently done with any plans for crying this evening. Which was fortunate, as the Night Sky was absolutely terrible at knowing what to do when a girl was upset. Make them laugh .. sure, when there was a time and a place. But the subject matter .. today … was one he would struggle to laugh through himself. He couldn’t talk about that. He wouldn’t risk upsetting her. BroT was much better at that sort of heart to heart thing. At being taken even remotely seriously.


The Young Night Sky decided to stay to his usual technique in ignoring the delicate issue altogether. The matter of the young woman’s undeniable talent seemed to work a little while, although she played down her own part in the proceedings. Which was not exactly usual. Usually he would have got smited for not acknowledging her skills to the utmost .. “The feathers would not have made such an impact without the rest of it,” he pointed out, honestly. “BroT would simply look as though he’d fallen into a chicken coop or something of that sort.”

This was not the first case of smalltalk he had undertaken while dancing this evening although this time it was taking rather less effort to manage it, physically speaking. If there should be any advantage found in dancing, it ought to be that you were having too good a time, and were likely too breathless to hold up a conversation. But he would not be swinging this sister around with any great vigour tonight. He was simply .. bookmarking. Their little group all knew why the Snowflake had come to the dance this evening, and it was not anything to do with hanging out with any of her brothers. It was hope. It was brave. It was so weird to even think of her .. looking for something like that. The young Night Sky felt strangely proud and also privileged to stand as witness as it came to pass. Perhaps because not everyone who should have been here to see it, would be. But best not think on that. Let alone say so !


So she was the one, in the end, to broach the matter. For a moment he thought on pretending that he had not heard her. He would certainly not have brought up this subject himself either, but since she had .. and since it was preferable to the other issue .. the young Night Sky went against his better judgement and answered on the point.

“I could not possibly say that any conspiracy is all just down to the Hawk alone,” he admitted, at least that he knew there were secrets going about. “But neither can I honestly claim that I have had any hand in it that you are unaware of.” With a shrug, he left her a moment or two to untangle that.

“I just mean, well, you didn’t stick your oar in, back when your .. you know, best friend .. and I were .. confused, about a .. similar subject, before,” he tried to explain, without really looking to recall that very awkward point in their group dynamic. “Not so that I noticed anyway,” he half-laughed although he evaded eye contact when doing so. “So I just figured to return the favour now. Your new friend probably thinks that I’m avoiding him, to be honest. But it’s not because I disapprove." A thought struck the young man belatedly, and he considered .. aloud .. "Did you want me to do something ?" he asked her. "Because, you know, if you did .. ?”

The young man’s dark head tilted slightly to provoke thoughts of the mischief implied. Quite sure she would disregard his offer, with great haste.

[Karis Ziranphel]

@Arnyn

The Wolf

Thûllir smiled slightly at Lilac Butterfly’s words that danced around certainties while answering his questions. Her wording of gentleman in the singular caught his attention, but she moved on to describe the draw of the elegantly appointed Tavern and the opportunity for anonymity, something that many seemed to share this night. Thûllir reflected as he remembered the Winged One and others before also evading questions purposefully to obscure rather than merely enjoying the costumes. Yet he was still a little unsure how to respond when she asked him about his own lack of great subterfuge. He tilted his chin as he considered his answer and listened to her continued response.

“Hmm,” he replied as his blue-grey eyes traced the lace over hers again, seeking a glimpse of contact or color. “You ask me where our hearts lie?” It reminded him of the many times Kaylin claimed his heart would always belong in Ithilien. Pausing as he tried to find the right words for his answer, Thûllir swept them through another turn, glancing away to steer them right and then back again. He spoke slowly and contemplatively along with the easy glide of their steps. “Long before I met my lady of flame, I resided in the green woods of Ithilien and it held my heart despite the dangers of foes or the wild. Nothing could tempt me hence until I met her, but she thrives in the city and my heart belongs with my living flame. So yes, I have no need of hiding. Wherever she is, there is my home, and tonight that is in these halls of stars and stone. As to my ring, well, although I know it is more proper to remain gloved, I want no question as to who and whose I am. She, and others, will recognize me, and that my heart is not for the taking.”

Wolf’s flashing smile appeared briefly, and then he tilted his head slightly in gentle questioning, as his usual method of lifting an eyebrow was entirely lost behind such a mask as he wore. “And what of you, m’lady? Does your heart remain by the sea despite living in the city? Does it go with someone special or yet flutter free? Where does your heart reside?”

[Arnyn]

@Karis Ziranphel

The Butterfly

Butterfly smiled encouragingly when he questioned her inquiry, quietly enjoying the way he was leading her across the floor. His living flame. She rolled her eyes at that, even though the words warmed her. As he continued, she had to be careful not to let her smile morph into the one she normally only reserved for him. Had she lost control just for a moment, though? She couldn't be sure. But if she had, it could not have been any longer than a second or so. Too fleeting for him to draw any conclusions... perhaps. "You are a careful one, sir," she told him, sounding complimentary. "Ensuring the fact that others will know undubitably that you are spoken for."

When he turned the question around on her, Butterfly's smile grew crooked for a moment. She replied without giving the question much thought, though the way she spoke betrayed that she was weighing her words as she was letting them pass her lips. "My heart will always rejoice in returning to where I was born and raised," she allowed, "but I cannot claim it still resides there. It was stolen, you see, years ago." Slanting her head as she gauged the Wolf's familiar eyes, she continued. "By a bold, young man. I suppose he saw something he liked, and he quite managed to sweep me off my feet." The Butterfly's amusement shone through her outward reserve. "So, perhaps this is a safe enough dance, Sir Wolf? Both of our hearts have been claimed already. Hence there is no need for anyone involved to fear any inappropriate behaviour." This seemed to amuse her even further.

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen

Meadow

“Oh, there has been fun, but perhaps of a more… serious type,” Meadow laughed, but she assumed that it would not hurt to let go of some restraints now and then.

“Go on, go, entertain your friend for a bit,” she urged Dragon and waved at him slightly as if to shoo him off. A smile lingering on her face, she then sipped of the hot chocolate slowly, enjoying the rich taste, and observed the people on the dance floor.

The Gilded

When Gilded saw Teal look down at his feet, she also did the same and ended up making a step out of rhythm and had to adjust slightly. Perhaps it was true: looking down messed with the sense of rhythm and balance.

“Say,” she spoke to Teal curiously. “What made you decide in favour of coming here? Exploring all the options of good stuff provided by the city?”

Red Rooster

Rooster smiled kindly at Orchid, as he began to guide her gently along the dance floor.

“I have a few orchids at home, some in full bloom; very wonderful to look at,” he explained, “But I do not remember coming across it in wild.” He observed his dance partner with interest for a few moments and then asked: “Would you say then that you are resilient as well, in addition to being lovely?”

“Oh, you are here for the first time!” Rooster explained, as he deftly steered them out of the way of another couple. “I hope you will see more than this hall while you are visiting; there are a lot of beautiful places.” He paused for a bit and then added with conviction: “I certainly enjoy this evening! Dancing, food, trying to guess faces behind masks.”

Amethyst

“Yes, business indeed. I assume there are things that cannot wait,” Amethyst said with a small smile. “Even when there’s a grand ball to be attended. But I’m sure he’ll come.”

Her smile broadened when Hawk complimented on her dancing, and she responded: “Your skills are quite sufficient as well. Surely not bad, sir.”

She listened to him describing his passion for music and observed how this passion shone through in his face. “Yes, music is excellent, but say, good sir, do you usually enjoy listening to it only or can you play an instrument yourself,” she asked, following the topic he had suggested.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Night Sky Courtier 2 - Bearded, with the Lady Cat

Playful but obliging, the mysterious lady had not protested his any move thus far. Something of a feat, as it were, since the man had contrived their dance to be the like that few partners raised up hereabouts would take to, without hesitation.

“Nimble little thing aren’t you ?” he applauded Lady Cat’s fluidity with something of a smile. It had proven more pleasing than he had expected to fall into an element of his past. And though perhaps it seemed strange to have shared that with somebody he could not possibly know, he offered no explanation and noted that she asked for none.

“I can not be the first,” he decided, as their collaboration allowed for a flourished pose and momentary pause for breath. “To wonder what would satisfy such a woman tonight ?” The dance shortly after resumed with gusto, and the bearded Night Sky retained his gaze about her own dark pools which no mask could engulf.

“Careful and daring, .. and here all alone,” he mused only half audibly, almost as though the words were of some lost song that had been assigned to the stirring music, as they swept in time. And he had feared the night might prove a dull affair. “You are quite a salve for any appetite, I should think,” the man smiled. “But we are not moving too fast ?” The question came even as their footwork evolved into more intricacy and call for attention. “Since you have eaten already .. at least once tonight,” he remembered, aloud for the sake of rationale.

[Lantaelen]

@Pele Alarion

King Cheddar

”Your secret will be safe with me, if I ever discover it. But I am in no rush.” He assured Black Lips about her identity, though he had no clue or inkling who she might be, by her eyes or stature or voice. He shared her laugh about her silliness and nodded in understanding to her avoidance of wine, acknowledging she might not be too learned in the recreational uses of the drink. Cheddar on the other hand was no stranger to it and could consume copious volumes if necessary.

”Well, perhaps we might both be in for an adventure with that,” he said with some thought towards blackberry wine. The least he could do was ask, right? At the bar, he managed to flag down one of the servers and smiled politely as he made a request for himself and on behalf of the lady. Turns out, they did have a rare vintage of the drink and soon two cups of dark liquid, bubbling at the surface, was presented for them both. Cheddar picked up both and handed Black Lips her cup.

”Here’s to a wonderful rest of the evening!” He toasted with her and tried a few tentatively sips. It wasn’t bad. Very fruity. ”Tonight’s been a night for trying many new things and beholding new marvels, it seems. Do you like yours? Certainly not an orthodox drink to ask for.” He said, about the drink and her grace and beauty, returning to his original nature. ”You have been a very wonderful dance partner, my Lady. Perhaps our paths shall cross again, if it be in the stars.” He said, as a way of farewell for the present.

With the conversation soon concluding, he too would be in search of the next marvel and beauty to speak and dance with. And it seemed fate had already put one nearby, as he espied a Lady in Red seated nearby, looking bored and far off in her mind. Surely she could not be that bored by the present state of joyous affairs around!

---

@Rillewen

Lady Swan

She could never have fathomed leaving an unfinished drink of morsel of food behind, to be minded by some poor servant. She just waved her hand in dismissal to the idea and would accept her fate of consuming the wine in near-entirety. It was only one drink, right? What ever could it to do an amateur drinker like herself? Maybe just have a foolish, permanent grin fixated on her lips.

As they found a place on the dance floor, they joined together in the motions and flowed with the music. Sir Fox too found the attention to their eyes unusual, though he corrected her about the meaning of the word steely in his case. The only steel she ever seen was either in weapons or tools, which she was not often allowed to use or utilize. Bluish grey is not how she would have described it but it was what it was. She flashed him a grin when he mentioned it wasn’t the first time they had been described that way. ”To you, it is akin to calling grass green and snow white, hm?” She tried to emphasize with him in jest.

From how he spoke of Linhir, she could see he must miss his home very much. There was a longing in the words and look he had, once more drawing attention to his eyes because of that. They did seem familiar. If only she could see them without the masque. ”Oh, you have a river near your home as well? Mine as well.” She said cheerfully at first. ”I absolutely adore and love swimming. Though, not as graceful or natural as the swans do it.” She said humbly. As a girl she used to love to swim along the shore, practicing holding her breath for long periods of time, sinking to depths. Once she even found clams with actual pearls in them. No one believed her. They were still there, glittering on the shallow seabed near the shores.

She found herself giggling, for whatever reason. ”You are so very clever sometimes, Sir Fox. You know, I would have thought you were a woodland boy and not a river dweller like myself. Most curious, this coincidence we share.” She found herself musing aloud to him.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Pink Wildflower

She smiled. "No, I don't think so," She answered with a little laugh to the question of whether there was any danger of Night Sky falling for Snowflake. She knew well enough what the relationship was between those two.

After the spinning and twirling, she was a bit surprised as Sir Sunbeam thanked her for making his evening better. "Did I?" She asked, and smiled as he spun her yet again, this time out away from him, and bowed. It seemed evident that the end had come to the dance, and she figured they had danced long enough. She didn't want to keep him occupied all evening, and besides, if she danced with this guy all night, she wouldn't be able to dance with the one she was hoping to catch the attention of. "Thank you, very much sir." She answered with a smile. "You've been very nice, and I'm sure I've taken up more than enough of your time," She mentioned with a little laugh. "Perhaps you could escort me to the food tables, if you'd like?" She suggested, feeling a bit hungrier now. She'd only nibbled on a few berries so far.

---

@Arnyn

|
Blossom | Green Dragon

He smiled as Fairy accepted the handshake, though he thought that her brief grip on his arm was an accident, due to her mask probably hindering her vision. He pretended not to have noticed so not to call attention to the fact. Hearing that she was indeed having an enjoyable evening made his smile all the more happy. "Glad to hear it." He replied. Her next words about not attending or 'brooding along in a corner' left him blinking in surprise for a second or two before the grin slowly returned. It was almost as if she somehow knew what his brother was like. But there was no way she could. Right?

The part about 'regaling a not so gentle man with a glass of wine' made his eyebrow raise with intrigue, and he laughed lightly at the image that it conjured up, and smiled at the part about helping a friend and making another friend. He saw Blossom smile as well at that part.

"I would say so, yes," Blossom verified the words of the other woman with a smile. "Perhaps two, on my part," She added with brief glance back toward where Butterfly and Wolf.. had been sitting. They had abandoned the table by now, she realized, catching a glimpse of Butterfly's dress on the dance floor.

"Are you from this area, miss?" Dragon asked Fairy curiously. "That makes the second time I've heard someone speak with that same accent, this evening, which makes me wonder if it's common." He added, in explanation for why he asked.

"I noticed that Sir Cheddar spoke with a similar accent, as well," Blossom mentioned.

"Sir Cheddar?" Dragon asked with a curious glance at her, somewhat amused.

Blossom smiled in amusement. "That is the title I bestowed to the gentleman who asked me to dance earlier. He was full of.. rather cheesy compliments," She laughed lightly. "Though he seemed nice enough, I couldn't help thinking it was a bit over the top."

"Hmm, well, at least he was complimentary, rather than the opposite. Right?"

"Very true. He was very polite." Blossom assured him, and smiled slightly at Fairy. "If he had not been, I'm sure my fairy friend here would have been happy to douse him in a drink." She added with a grin.

---

@Ercassie

Snowflake

She laughed softly and shook her head at the chicken coop comment. "Thanks." She had spent a lot of time on it, and it was nice to hear compliments about her work. "Seems a shame that it might only be used for this one evening," She mentioned, a little regretful that she couldn't think of any other use for such a mask. "But it made him happy, and that was worth all the time put into it," She added quietly. Their brother could certainly use as much happiness as they could give him. And he wasn't the only one, either, she remembered.

She found his reply about the conspiracy to be a bit tricky to follow, which he was ever so good at doing, but managed to decipher it well enough; that he had known about whatever BroT was up to, but had not been involved himself. "Hmm," She sounded disbelieving with that wordless sound, but let it go. But she was a little surprised when he added about her not 'putting her oar in', and nodded slowly as she understood what he meant. "I was.. rather preoccupied at the time," She shrugged slightly as she reminded him of what he surely wouldn't need reminding. That had all been during the time when she had been lost in the darkness of grief, and busy with secretive forge-work besides.

She was drawn back out of those thoughts just in time, as her brother asked her a question that caught her a bit off guard. What? She looked at him briefly, then shook her head, almost incredulous. Her first thought to reply was, 'No, I'm perfectly fine with you not getting involved, thanks.' But then she thought of a different answer and smiled slightly. "Yes," she answered, looking up at her brother with a little smile. "I want you to keep out of it. Enjoy the ball. Like BroT said.. you got all dressed up, might as well stick around and have fun." She shrugged lightly. "So. Let's see how well you remember how to dance." She smiled encouragingly at him, without seeming to notice the difference from his usual height.

---

@Ercassie

Lady Cat

For a time, she kept her entire focus on following the stranger's lead, keeping up with the dance. It was far from what she had expected, and yet not unpleasant. A little smile lingered on her face as she went through the dance steps, but it widened a little in amusement at the compliment to her nimbleness. "Are you surprised to find a cat to be nimble?" She replied, one eyebrow raising slightly in question, amused at the wording.

Her gaze scanned his face as he spoke his next comment, or what she could see of it. The first time.. what? Between the mask and his beard, it was difficult to find anything that would identify him at all. When he finished what he was saying, the faint smile returned to her face. "That is something to wonder about, isn't it?" She replied, but it was a moment before the dance allowed further speech between them.

She realized, hearing him speak the words 'careful and daring' aloud, that one did seem to contradict the other. But it made sense in its own way, or at least in her mind. There were times to be cautious, and other times to take risks, and she was generally able to tell when do to which. "It is a bit swift," She admitted with a little laugh. "Certainly not a dance which I expected to encounter tonight. Yet, I don't mind. I enjoy a challenge." She concluded with a wider smile.

---

@Pele Alarion

Teal

"What made me decide? Well," He tried not to stumble when she misstepped slightly, and somehow managed to get them back on track. "All the talk about how wonderful it would be, and the fact that it is rather a unique opportunity. When else would I have a chance to attend a Masquerade Ball?" He grinned. "And the fact that everyone I know here was saying they were going." He shrugged.

"I do hope perhaps that we could try to have some sort of fun events like this after we get back home. It'd be nice, don't you think? Or, do you think folks back home would think this was all far too elegant?" He asked with a grin. "Perhaps we could practice these new skills out in the fields or something." He mentioned with a little laugh.

---

@Pele Alarion

Yellow Orchid

She was a little surprised to hear that he had orchids at home. "Really?" She had not really met very many young men, and it seemed surprising to meet one who enjoyed flowers, since it seemed to her that usually, most thought flowers were too girlish for men to enjoy. "Well," She smiled shyly at his question, "I would like to think that I am, at least. Resilient, that is," She laughed softly. "I'm.. not sure 'lovely' is very fitting, but I thank you for the compliment, anyway."

"It is indeed my first time being in this city," She nodded. "I believe my uncle has hopes of visiting with a friend before we return home, and perhaps we will have a chance to explore the city briefly. Do you live here, sir?" She smiled faintly at his comments about the masquerade. "I hardly know anyone here," She admitted, which would hardly be a surprise. "But I know my cousin and uncle. And I think I saw one or two others I might have recognized, but I'm not certain."

---

@Pele Alarion

The Hawk

"I guess there are some things that could be important." He agreed with a small shrug, but smiled as she seemed certain that her husband would come. "I'm glad, for your sake, then, that he will come. As for me, I think the only way anyone could get me to work on an evening such as this, is if they had asked me to join the band." He grinned with a little nod toward the musicians. "Which, no one did. So, I'm happy to enjoy the music of those with higher skill and musical education than I have." He was not very accustomed to playing along with a group, and wasn't sure whether he would have been good enough to keep up with their playing.

He was glad to hear that the lady thought his dancing skills were sufficient. "Thank you, m'lady." He smiled as they moved fluidly along with the music. His smile then grew bigger when she asked about him playing music. "I enjoy playing even more than listening, actually." He said with enthusiasm. "And singing... I've actually been learning to play an instrument with strings so that I can sing as well as play, but my favored instrument is, and probably always will be, a flute." He did have it with him, as always, though it was concealed well enough not to give away his identity too easily to anyone he might not want recognizing him. "I enjoy writing my own songs, too." He added with a small shrug. "And, what about you, my lady? Any musical talents of your own?"

---

@Lantaelen

The Fox

He gave a soft laugh at her question. "Perhaps, something like that." He glanced around the room briefly before looking back at the young lady. He was mildly surprised to hear her say that she had a river near her home. But, of course, there were many rivers. "Linhir is right at the mouth where the Gilrain and Serni rivers meet," He informed her, in case she was not familiar with this information. "There are many good swimming spots along the course of these," He grinned, and was happy to hear that she also liked to swim. Swan was quite an appropriate name, then, he decided.

He was a little puzzled when she declared him 'so very clever' and wondered what he had done or said to prompt this. "But do not the rivers pass through the forest, at times?" he pointed out, smiling. "And foxes come to the river for water." he added with a little shrug. He stepped away slightly and twirled her slowly. He thought for a moment while he was doing so, and as she returned to the prior position, he tilted his head curiously. "But what makes you think I would be a 'woodland boy'?" He asked with a little smile. "Aside from my choice of costume," he added. "Do I smell like the woods?" He couldn't help making a little joke, since he knew surely could not be the case after how well he had washed up in preparation for this.

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Night Sky Courtier 1 - Youngest, with the Snowflake

"Oh, thank the stars for that," he laughed with undisguised relief at Snowflake's answer. "Look, you know I'm not above giving some matters a little nudge, purely for the sake of entertainment," he did not have to remind her really, quite sure that their SisI would have told her about certain letters he'd been writing in the library, by now. And he was sure not above running other matters of 'interference'. Hammered 'invitations' for SisC, a protective detail for SisI, girl companionship for the Guard Recruit, a face-free ball for the Starlit lady, a cause at music halls to occupy BroT, .. sometimes things did need a little nudging to help people find their happy. "But besides the fact that I'd likely mess something like 'this' up," the young man acknowledged his own lack of experience upon the issue. "It would be rather too much like, well, pimping out my own sister, or something. And to a room-mate of all people ?" He shook his head, unable to settle with ease upon that notion at all.


With a reassuring smile then, the young Night Sky shrugged off the conversation he had somehow been shoehorned into, through no want of his own. Since the Snowflake was giving him permission to keep very much out of it. "I hope you two find each other tonight," he concluded sincerely, though notwithstanding that a masked ball was maybe not the best place to effectively 'find' someone in particular. Fate would have to play its part, as it inevitably seemed to. Despite his own disinterest then, in partaking of any 'conspiracy' to help the prospective couple along, the young man did trust that those more romantically-minded people who had gotten involved, .. knew a little more than he about what they were doing, in all sense of the word. While he had took his turn at being quite 'preoccupied', as his dancepartner had put it, lately. It had been .. one hey of a headspin, since the last 'dance' that their 'gang' had attended.


"I promise not to step on your toes, or anything, if thats what you're worried about," he grinned, rather than consider what she might really be worried about. Today being today. A person shouldn't feel guilty for having a good time, when it didn't hurt anyone else to do so.

As for here and now, it seemed the precision of an archaic debutante's dance had taught the young man how to showcase his partner, to support and allow her to shine. Given his promise then, the young Night Sky recalled how the Snowflake had smiled and twirled, in all her fetching get up, so he turned her one way, then the other ... and given the attention he'd afforded to his footwear for this event, it was a good job that he'd never had any concerns with balance as they went about some while longer. Though he was glad by this point he had not gone so far to incorporate his stilts ! He had undeniable respect for the ladies and all their elaborate high heeled feet, and no mistake.

"You've been practicing as well," he guessed, observing the true investment that the Snowflake had put into this evening. The dress, the dancing, .. disregarding the date .. it was about time that she smiled at this time of year again. And by the time that their revolution had travelled its course several more times around the room, without incident, the music was subsiding toward its latest denouement.


"Come on," he was not quite done with the Snowflake just yet. "Let's sit a while, spy out how the scene may have shifted. And see how our feathered friend is faring upon your dare. Maybe help me find that lady with the rose-painted complexion ?" he pondered aloud, this last before completely realising.

"I think perhaps my learning who could accomplish such .. face work .. might be of cosmetic comfort to my Starlit Lady friend," he justified his remark then with a shrug, though did not cease steady scrutiny about the room, in order to gauge the Snowflake's reaction. To either his quite evident distraction or the fact of counting his long time "crush" now as his 'friend'. "I could ask her about that," he realised, quietly. As though he required some cause and couldn't quite have explained why.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

The Fairy

The Dragon was kind enough not to focus on the way she's gripped his arm before shaking his hand, and the Fairy was glad to go along with that. Mentally, she shook her head at his happy smile. Somehow he both fit more and less in a place like this. More, because it was a locale suited for smiles and laughter, much more so than the woods of Eriador had been before the War's end. And less, because she was unused to seeing him thus. His beard, for one, breathed the woods much more than the city. The Fairy held back a brief laugh and turned it into a privately amused smile instead.

The smile softened when Blossom agreed that she might have made a friend. When the lady included Butterfly, the Fairy touched Blossom's upper arm - a friendly touch, brief and light - to show her appreciation. "You are kind, my lady," she said quietly. "Miss Butterfly is quick to make friends. I am sure she would agree."

At the Dragon's question, the Fairy smiled. "Depends on what you mean by area," she replied with a mysterious smile. "The accent hails from the shores of Belfalas, and the city they call Dol Amroth. But who is to say that is where I hail from, as well?" she asked, her amusement seeping into her voice. "Maybe I live in this very city, instead. Or somewhere else entirely."

Grateful that she was no longer eating grapes, for surely the fruit would have gone down her windpipe upon hearing the appellation 'Sir Cheddar', the Fairy breathed a sudden, genuine laugh even as the Dragon asked Blossom what she meant by that. Comfortable in her disguise, and moreover rather relaxed in the presence of people whom she would never need to face as their ranking officer, a giggle escaped the Fairy at Blossom's explanation about the cheesy compliments, especially after following Blossom's gaze over to the man in question. Oh, Fairy knew who that one was. The hair, combined with the man's posture, was a dead giveaway. Which made it all the more amusing. She stifled her laughter, resulting in an additional half-giggle, half-chuckle.

"You would be hard-pressed to catch that one in an impolite moment," she managed. "But yes, if any of the men this evening might give you any trouble, I would be glad to treat them to a flying drink," she grinned. "It goes with the wings," she laughed, as if it would be a proper explanation. Tilting her head toward the Dragon, she added: "Whom else are you referring to? It seems that a few Belfalasians are here tonight, but perhaps a few are also fooling friends and family." She tapped her mask. "Opportunities abound to go anonymous this evening, after all. But I do not believe that not knowing someone's given name or origins should prohibit any sort of friendship. Do you?" It was a more important question than the Dragon knew, of course...

---

@Rillewen

Golden Boy / Sunbeam of the Forest

"Yes, you did," he emphasized. "I love laughter and seeing someone happy. And you have a most excellent laugh, m'lady! Not to mention an exquisite grin." He nodded his head with a smile at her suggestion. "I will gladly escort you toward the banquet." He started them off after waiting for her to put a hand on his arm. Sunbeam did not rush, nor did he dawdle. He was in no hurry to leave the young lady, and he most definitely did not want to give her the impression that he was. There were simply limits to the time a man about a decade her senior could spend with her without it looking... off. Right?

Halting near a spot where fresh plates awaited them, he picked one up and gallantly offered it to her. Off to the side, he spotted a few guests conversing together. One was the blonde lady with wings - he'd caught sight of her by the bar, before. Another was a brunette in a lovely pink dress. The third was a man in a dragon mask, whom he'd seen out on the dance floor several times. The man seemed to be of a similar mind as he was, himself - determined to enjoy the opportunities of the evening. Perhaps mister dragon was intending to find his next dance partner? But when speaking to two ladies, that presented him with a problem, didn't it? Sunbeam flashed Miss Wildflower a grin. "Well. Looks like someone else might be able to use my help," he declared. "Do you mind, miss? I think I'll go save that gentleman from having to leave one lady behind, and the lady in question from such a fate."

[Pele Alarion]

@Lantaelen

Black Lips

“I certainly hope you will not figure out who I am by coming across me after the event and seeing any of the lingering black,” Black Lips laughed some more. “Though perhaps who cares – I don’t think I will do anything I’d have to be ashamed of.”

It turned out that there was some blackberry wine available, and she accepted the cup from King Cheddar.

“To a wonderful evening!” she responded to the toast, taking the cup he offered to her and lifting it slightly. She took a small sip and savoured it thoughtfully. “Somewhat unusual, this. But not unpleasant.”

“It was a great dance, sir,” she returned his compliment then. “And who knows what the evening will yet bring.”

@Rillewen

The Gilded

“Right? I think even people on the streets seemed to whisper and gossip all about this masquerade,” Gilded agreed; it was not that she had sat around and listened to people talking, but it was quite unavoidable with the hype that had taken over the whole city even if not everyone would attend.

“We should try and get close to our King – perhaps he would invite us to a ball in the Golden Hall of Edoras,” she laughed as she looked at Teal. “Imagine how that would be? Though I doubt I’d ever earn that much renown, being quite a nobody. A dancing party out on the fields, more like it,” she mused, and in her mind’s eye could see people dancing on some slightly decorated meadow.

Red Rooster

“Yes… Though those are my mother’s plants; I do tend to them sometimes,” Rooster explained, seeing that Orchid expressed surprise. “They make the home more homely, I would say.”

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you are not lovely, not even yourself, m’lady,” he insisted, smiling at Orchid. “None of the young ladies should think of themselves as un-lovely. Being resilient should not really make someone less lovely.”

For a moment they ended up in the middle of the dance floor, though Rooster soon guided them away again, briefly glancing over his shoulder to make sure not to run into anyone.

“I do live here,” he said, when his eyes returned to look back at her. “I suspect there are many more people here that I should know than I have been able to identify this far. I must say though that I haven’t been actively trying to do so.”

Amethyst

“No one asked you to join the musicians?” Amethyst tilted her head slightly and smiled. “Perhaps that is because you have not made yourself recognisable enough yet?”

“I prefer listening to music,” she admitted easily. “And I love the sound of flute. What stringed instrument are you learning to play?”

She studied Hawk more closely with interest and then questioned him some more: “You seem to be very talented in music. You must be playing somewhere? Or do you not do it for public and only reserve it for yourself and people closest to you?” She was quiet a moment, and then added: “Is there no way I could convince you to play tonight?”

[Karis Ziranphel]

@Arnyn

The Wolf

Her responses to his words were subtle, but Thûllir thought he caught a flash of something for a moment around her smile that hinted at familiarity. Then her smile turned crooked at his question and her reply was swift but deliberate as she danced through her response. Saw something he liked and swept her off her feet. Butterfly’s amusement colored her tone, and Wolf found himself smiling again. “Is that so? Perhaps it is, to all appearances.”

His attention was on that crooked smile, and he had to think swiftly to come up with anything to say rather than just watching the lady in his arms. It was almost time for this dance to end. “I am interested in learning how anyone could sweep you off your feet if you already had the gift of flight, Lady Butterfly. Would you care to join me for the next dance as well, or would you prefer another partner?”

Ziranphel

Ziran laughed lightly as Macardil sent her into a twirl, and her smile lit her face. She had no reason to deter his delightful attention. Her heart kicked up and her breath caught as he swept her into a dip, and her fingers tightened over his even as she kept her hand on his shoulder from clutching tightly, trusting the support of his hand on her back. Her eyes closed briefly so that she could focus on the words he whispered by her ear, before they opened to look at him intently as he drew back.

He was the one making it difficult with such moves. Yet her answer was simple. “I do.” Ziran’s fingers slid along the smooth material of Macardil’s coat until they found purchase on his collar and close to the dark locks that brushed there. “Lead on Hervenn.”

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

Pink Wildflower

Though the dance had been quite fun, she was understanding of the fact it would end sooner or later, and it wasn't as if she had hopes of dancing with Sir Sunbeam all evening. There was someone else she hoped to dance with, after all, and she tried to subtly catch a glimpse of him as she allowed the friendly gentleman to escort her toward the banquet tables. She did not see him, but she was not as tall as some of the people gathered into the tavern this evening.

As they neared the tables, she smiled as he offered her a plate. "Thank you, sir." She accepted it with a small curtsy (or her best effort at one), then smiled again to hear him already plotting about who he could help, next. "Of course not," She assured him, when he asked if she minded, and followed his gaze to see who he was talking about. She smiled faintly, recognizing one of the dresses of the two ladies standing there, though she wasn't sure which of her friends was in it. The other was completely unfamiliar to her. "Thank you very much for the dance, sir. And I hope the rest of your evening is excellent." She told him with a smile.

---

@Arnyn

|
Blossom | Green Dragon

"Aha, that explains it." Blossom declared, as Fairy mentioned that Butterfly was quick to make friends. She smiled over at Dragon, when he tilted his head in curiosity.

"Explains what?" He wondered.

"Why she ended up talking, and then dancing, with you first, this evening." She smiled, then to Fairy explained, "Sir Dragon is also extremely quick to make friends."

He let out a little laugh. "Yes, I suppose people of that sort do tend to find one another swiftly, and become friends just as swift, don't they?" He grinned with amusement, imagining already how his brother would be sighing about this. "But that is half the fun in going to something like this, isn't it? To meet people and make friends, have fun, and.. who knows what else." He smiled happily, feeling quite free of cares this evening.

"Hmm, yes, it is a rare and pleasant occasion, to have an evening with no responsibilities or cares to think of." Blossom agreed, though of course, some part of her mind was still occasionally thinking about the two young ladies in her care, and wondering if they were enjoying their much quieter evening.

"Dol Amroth," Dragon repeated, thoughtful as Fairy mentioned it, but paused at the suggestion that she may actually live here in the city. "Well, I suppose anything is possible." He agreed with a smile. He watched with a bit of amusement of his own as the Fairy giggled over the name that Blossom had given to the other fellow.

Blossom grinned when Fairy offered to treat any offensive gentlemen to a flying drink, saying it went along with the wings. "Oh, of course." She agreed.

"Ha," Dragon couldn't help putting in, "As unthinkable as such an instance is, I have no doubt that Lady Blossom could take care of such a thing herself." He grinned at her, then spoke to Fairy as if sharing a secret that he didn't even try to hide, "I've been on the receiving end of her scolding, once or twice. She can be quite fearsome, you know."

Blossom raised an eyebrow at Dragon with a mock stern look, though there was a little twinkle of amusement still in her brown eyes. "Oh yes, that's right... and I don't suppose you'd like me to share that story, would you?" She asked him.

Caught off guard, Dragon cleared his throat a little awkwardly. "Uh.. no, I would not, actually..." He answered with a slightly nervous laugh. "Please don't..." He was very glad for the Fairy's question then, about who else he had met with that accent. "Oh.. lady Butterfly," He answered, his smile renewed. "And of course not!" He added to her latter question. "Why should any of that matter, really?" He shrugged. "You don't know my name, nor where I come from, any more than I know yours, or where you come from. Yet I see no reason why we could not be friends." He smiled.

"Quite true." Blossom agreed. "Though it does hinder the likelihood of finding those friends later on," She added thoughtfully, quite unsure how she was going to recognize either of these two new friends if she saw them again later.

---

@Ercassie

Snowflake

"'Nudge' is an understatement," Snowflake muttered under her breath, as Night Sky spoke, but quiet enough not to outright interrupt what he was saying. And, as he concluded that thought, she blinked and was tempted to put her hand over her face and shake her head. But she managed to maintain her composure, though the look on her face, easily seen through the holes of her snowflake mask, showed that she was less than impressed with his comment there. "Yeah..." She was momentarily unsure how to respond, and simply said, "Well.. uh, thanks. For staying out of it." She was glad then to move on and let the matter rest, though she was still no more educated about whatever their other brother had done.

A smile found its way back to her face at the young man's promise not to step on her toes, and allowed him to take the lead with the dancing. She couldn't deny that it was fun. With all the twirling and spinning and whatnot, the dance with BroN was more enjoyable than the slower dance earlier, with BroT, which had involved a lot of damp eyes and sniffling, in the cover of his shoulder. She grinned a little at the 'accusation' of her having practiced. "BroT had some concerns about his skills having rusted up," She explained with a little shrug of one bare shoulder. That still felt weird, but she tried to ignore it.

When Night Sky suggested they go find a seat and watch the other dancers, she gave a little nod, recognizing that he might be in need of a change of scenery or something. "Sounds good." She agreed, then raised an eyebrow curiously as he so randomly brought up the rose painted girl. She knew exactly who he meant, having caught a few glimpses of Wildflower earlier, herself. As he hastened to explain his 'reasons' for wanting to find her, Snowflake nodded slowly, yet in a 'suuuure' sort of way. "And what if she isn't willing to share her secrets?" Snowflake asked as she let her brother lead the way toward the tables with chairs around them. "You might have to ask the young lady to dance, just to get her to talk to you." She added, keeping her face completely serious as she said it.

---

@Pele Alarion

Teal

"Yes, it seems like all people have been talking about ever since we arrived." He agreed with a little laugh. "Hard not to hear about it, when it's being discussed around every corner. Everyone asking 'are you going?' or 'did you come to town just for the ball?', and so forth." He shook his head in amusement. "Well, now I can see what all the fuss was about. It's truly spectacular."

Hearing her suggestion that they try and get close to the king, he gave a little laugh. "Oh, yes, I can see it now. We'd probably get tossed out in the grass or something. Though I don't know, I've heard he's actually quite nice, but I doubt some insignificant someone like myself would ever get within twenty yards of any royalty." He shrugged. "I guess we'll have to stick to dancing in the fields." He smiled at her.

---

@Pele Alarion

Yellow Orchid

"Oh, yes. My family has many flowers in our garden, at home," She nodded in understanding. "My aunt likes them, and so does my cousin." She did think they were pretty, but somehow thought they were all much prettier when they grew wild, out in the field or somewhere that people had little to do with their growing. When he spoke and insisted that she should not let anyone tell her she was not lovely, she smiled softly. "Thank you," She replied shyly.

Listening curiously as he said he hadn't recognized anyone, and hadn't been trying to, Orchid couldn't help asking, "Do you not wish to know who anyone is, or do you simply not feel like trying to figure it out?" She wondered. "I can't help being curious, but there are only so many people I would be able to recognize anyway." She smiled slightly. "I certainly have no idea who you are, and feel sure I have never met you before. Especially if you live in Minas Tirith."

---

@Pele Alarion

The Hawk

"Perhaps," He shrugged slightly in answer to the lady's comment that maybe he had not become recognizable yet. But, that had been partially on purpose, and he'd had his reasons for it. He smiled as she asked about his instrument. "It's called a zither," he answered with a little grin. "It's got thirty-seven strings, and it sounds very beautiful, when it's tuned properly." He added with a little laugh. "I only recently figured out how to tune it, and I've been figuring out the chords and how to pick out songs. There's a gentleman at the Hall of Song who's been helping me, and I'm very grateful to him for that."

He was smiling as she asked him a few more questions. "I do play in public, wherever I can." He admitted. "I've even been known to play on the street corners, before... though not here in Minas Tirith." He grinned. "Mostly, I play in taverns, wherever they'll have me. Like the Guest House, places like that. Never here," He added with a glance around, with some awe, at the place. "I've never even been in this place before tonight. But I have played a couple of times at the Bay of Belfalas, thanks to a friend who set it up with the owner." He added with a little smile.

He took that opportunity to twirl the lady, but this time it was a double twirl. As he returned her to the regular dance position, he smiled at the next question she asked. "Here?" He grinned slightly. "Well, I wouldn't mind playing, but I don't know whether I would be welcome," He explained with a brief glance toward the musician band. He looked back at the lady. "I wouldn't want to get told to leave, you know?"

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen

The Gilded

“And it really is nice to be able to be here, to see it all, right,” Gilded hummed contentedly. “Simple folk like us also need a taste of… fancy stuff. Now and then.”

“And fine. Fields it is then back home,” she accepted grudgingly though she kept smiling at Teal. But at any rate she was happy that here and now he had been able to handle her misstep quite well and they hadn’t ended up stumbling into someone else.

“Say…” she asked after a while. “How is your healing stuff going? Have you learned something really interesting?”

Red Rooster

“There is not much room for a garden in the city; only a tiny one,” Rooster explained. “So we do what we can to add some green to the white of stone.”

“It’s just that…” he looked at Orchid with some amusement. “I am not that good at guessing especially when people do a lot to disguise themselves. I don’t think I’ve come by anyone I know, at least of the ladies I have danced with this far.”

He smiled at Orchid. “I suppose it is true that we have not met before, or perhaps I would eventually guess who you are,” he admitted.

Amethyst

“That is a lot of strings to master,” Amethyst commented with a small smile. “But if you have a good ear for music and you are already skilled, then I suppose you would be able to make the best of it easily.”

“I do not visit taverns often but perhaps I should make it a point some time,” she laughed softly. “Perhaps then I would be more knowledgeable in matters of who plays what music in which establishment.”

Amethyst completed the twirls with flourish, and a merry twinkle shone in her grey eyes when she regarded Hawk once again. “Well. If you feel like playing tonight, you just go ahead and tell the musicians that you’ve got my permission. They should not reject you then,” she suggested.

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

The Fairy

"Is that right?" the Fairy asked, quietly amused when Blossom said the Dragon made friends as easily as the Butterfly. She did wonder which of the two might win if they were to make it a contest. She wasn't sure, but she might actually have to give the edge to the Dragon rather than the Butterfly...

"I agree wholeheartedly," she added. During midsummer the Fairy had been roped into apprehending criminals - but she was adamant on escaping any and all business this midwinter. When the Dragon said Blossom had scolded him a few times, the Fairy smiled as she looked between the two. "Now, now," she said, feigning shock. "You are making me curious, dangling what it obviously a very good story right in front of me and then taking it away..." But since the Dragon was clearly not in favour of sharing this story, whatever it was about, the Fairy raised her hands slightly, as if she were allowing the matter to be put to rest. "I will pretend like I did not hear anything. For the sake of a fun evening," she added with a smile, "where no one needs to share what they wish to keep a secret."

She couldn't help a brief, quiet laugh when the Dragon so easily agreed that names or origins were no prerequisite for friendship. "Right," she said whilst nodding slowly. "Someone's actions and behaviour are what make them a friend... or what disqualifies them."

"Not if the friends in question agree to meet at a certain time and place," the Fairy countered, realizing as she spoke the words that this would open the door to the Dragon finding out who she really was. But did she really need to think about all that right now? Probably not. And so, very uncharacteristically, the Fairy ignored reality and reason, and simply smiled at the two people with whom she was conversing. "I am quite sure I would recognize you, lady Blossom, if I saw you outside of this hall, without your mask. It is not too conceiling, after all." She would recognize sir Dragon as well, but she wasn't about to give that away just yet!

---

@Rillewen

Golden Boy / Sunbeam of the Forest

At Miss Wildflower's reassurance, the Sunbeam gave her a broad smile. He bowed low, almost making a show of it. For if he could not do such a thing here, then where? "I thank you, m'lady," he insisted. "I wish you the very same!" With a final nod, the Sunbeam stepped away to approach Blossom, Dragon and Fairy.

When he heard a small pause in their conversation, he smoothly stepped forward. "Ladies, Sir," he greeted them - polite and friendly, but self-assured. "I could not help but notice that you are faced with quite the conundrum," he continued earnestly. "For how on earth is Sir Dragon supposed to ask one of you ladies to dance with him, if this forces him to leave another by herself? Such a thing would be altogether unacceptable." A charming smile mastered what was visible of his face as his gaze flicked between all three of them in turn. "I gladly offer my services to aid in this dilemma." He bowed.

[Arnyn]

@Karis Ziranphel

The Butterfly

"You will do for a second dance, Sir," she agreed. You move well," she praised him - moderately. "Yet it surprises me that you are interested in how I was swept off my feet. As you have made it quite clear that you are only interested in your firey lady, and I imagine that since you call her yours, you have managed to woo her already?"
Lady Butterfly slanted her head, questioningly. "Or do you perhaps seek to do the same all over again, this evening, and you are looking for inspiration? For I must reiterate that the young man who claimed my heart all those years ago was bold both in words and actions. His approach might not work as well on every woman." She bit her bottom lip to hide a smile that would have been very much like her. "Even if it worked rather well on me, another lady might have opted for a slap..."

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Blossom | Green Dragon

Blossom couldn't help a small grin as Fairy seemed obviously intrigued, and yet it would be difficult to venture into a story without having to use names and such to make things easier to understand. "Perhaps some other time," She offered with a little smile. "It was really not so bad, and I will say that Sir Dragon did have good intentions at heart." She offered a smile to him, which brought a slightly relieved smile back from him.

Dragon, while glad that Lady Blossom had clearly forgiven him for using poor judgement that time, was even more glad to let the matter drop. And very glad also that Lady Fairy was willing to let it drop. The idea of prearranging a time and place to meet with new friends was quite intriguing, and he lit up slightly at that idea.

Blossom spoke up in reply before he did, however, smiling. "True," She agreed. "I didn't feel it necessary to wear a mask that hid so much, seeing as no one here is likely to recognize me anyway." She shrugged with a little smile. "It would be fun to meet again, sometime." She added with a little laugh, knowing Dragon would certainly like that.

"Does that mean you would be agreeable to such a meeting, Lady Fairy?" He asked with a little grin. But, before much more was said about that topic, a new voice spoke up, joining their conversation. Turning, Dragon smiled and nodded to welcome the newcomer in a friendly manner. His smile widened to a grin at the man's next words. How very perceptive! He turned back to the ladies, grinning still. "Indeed, that was quite a dilemma for me," He confessed with a bit of a laugh. "For, I actually did come over here with the thought in mind to ask for a dance with the lady I came with," he made a little motion toward Lady Blossom so that the newcomer would know who he meant, "Yet.. there were two lovely ladies here, when I finally found her."

Blossom laughed softly. "Whatever is a gentleman to do, I wonder." She glanced at Fairy with slight amusement before turning to the gentlemen. "That is very kind of you, sir," She said to Golden/Sunbeam, smiling. "As I have yet to have a dance with Sir Dragon, who did indeed pressure me to come tonight, I suppose it would be most fitting that I dance with him. If Lady Fairy has no objection," She added with a glance toward her to check she was in favor of this plan.

---

@Pele Alarion

Teal

"Yes, now and then." He agreed. "Maybe we can fancy up the fields," he laughed softly. "Put ribbons in the grass and.. I don't know what else." He grinned, trying to imagine how they could dress up a field to look anywhere near as fancy as all this. "It would be quite a difficult task, I think," He said regretfully. "Do you think we should worry about that, or perhaps just enjoy the fields as they are?" He smiled, thinking of the mountains where he had grown up. "Now, up in the mountains, there's trees and rivers and things. Those would be easier to dress up, I think. Not that they need it.." He wasn't really sure why he was talking about all of that still, in fact, and went quiet, for a moment.

When she asked about the healing stuff, he smiled. "Oh, plenty," he answered with a dismissive shrug. "But this isn't really the place to be talking about all of that. How are you faring, here?" He asked, curious what she had found to do while she was here. It seemed like a long time to go without wages, unless they were somehow sending her those by mail, which seemed very unlikely.

---

@Pele Alarion

Yellow Orchid

Nodding slightly, Orchid thought about the problems that must come from living in a city such as this. "I know what you mean," She sighed softly. "But, you have the Pelennor, yes? Plenty of fields for horses and flowers and things, right?" She had only seen it briefly as they passed through in a carriage, but it had looked very nice. "I wonder.." She paused, and sighed softly. "I don't suppose I would have any chance to explore that, while I'm here."

She nodded in understanding as he mentioned not being very good at guessing people in disguise. "I suppose that is sort of the purpose though, isn't it?" She asked with a little smile. "To keep people from guessing who you are, I mean." She wondered briefly how many ladies he had danced with so far, but didn't know if that would be polite to ask. She returned a little smile at him. "I suppose, as long as you're having a good time, it doesn't matter all that much who you're dancing or talking to, right?"

---

@Pele Alarion

The Hawk

"It is a lot of strings," He laughed. "It's not so bad though, once I got them in the right tuning." He grinned. "Now that I've got the strings right, and figured out how to work it, I can make whatever melody I want with it." He smiled as he heard the lady laugh, thinking it was a very nice laugh. "There are a few I would not recommend for a lady to visit," He mentioned in reply to her comment about taverns. "Even here in the city, though they aren't as bad as some I've encountered in other places." He shrugged slightly. "But places like the Bay of Belfalas are quite nice, and they have musicians play there."

As she completed the twirls, he smiled and let her spin gently out to the end of his arm's reach before drawing her back in, and back to the regular dancing position. "Do you enjoy twirling, m'lady?" he asked with a little smile, partly to make sure that she didn't mind it, but going by the smiling, he thought she must be. He was a bit mystified with her comment about telling the musicians that he had her permission.. and wondered if she was making a joke, or perhaps if she had some say about it. Perhaps she was someone in charge? He had no idea who owned and managed the tavern, for instance, nor who had been put in charge of organizing the event tonight. "Well in that case, perhaps I will at some point." He answered with a lingering smile, unsure quite what else to say there.

"I haven't got much to hide, after all." He added. "All of my friends who are here have already recognized me.." He paused. He was pretty sure the one friend had spotted him, anyway, though the guy might have been preoccupied at the time. "Of course, I suppose it probably has something to do with the fact that I told all of them what I would be wearing," He added with a little laugh. "And all three of them had some part in helping me put the costume together, in fact."

---

Seashell

After parting from Sir Rooster, she had been asked to dance by another young man, and so with hopes of getting some more useful information or leads, she agreed and went out to the dance floor with him. She tried being more subtle with her questions and small talk, and therefore, learned very little. As he walked her back to sit at the bar, Seashell was trying not to feel frustrated, and smiled faintly as the guy bid her a good evening and went on his way.

She tapped the bar thoughtfully with her fingernails and sighed, staring absently off into space, while her other hand was busy holding up her head. Perhaps it was not quite "ladylike" to rest her elbow on the bar counter, but she didn't really care. She needed to think of an alternative plan, since this one was not working.

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen

The Gilded

“To tell you the truth,” Gilded said somewhat thoughtfully when Teal spoke of ways to decorate fields and trees. “Nature is beautiful just the way it is. I figure all the decorations are necessary for indoors. And there’s always the option of dressing ourselves up a notch.”

“What? Is talking jobs too business-like for an event like this?” she laughed softly. “I haven’t really done much all this time and lived on what the cavalry had given me for the trip and my own savings, but now I think I might run short with all the expenses.” While it did sound that she was complaining, yet Gilded was very happy and did not actually regret investing in the dress and other necessary things.

“But I am thinking that I might see if I can specialise in something while I’m here. Perhaps along the lines of horse care – while horses are not common within the city itself, there are some on the Pelennor, right? They have to have horses for travel and working the fields after all,” she spoke and then added after a moment: “At least I might investigate that option.”

Red Rooster

“Ah, yes. Pelennor,” Rooster agreed. “There are fields and farms, and orchids. But most people don’t make much of it as worth sight-seeing. You seem to have different thoughts?”

“Perhaps others are more into guessing, but I’m here mostly for the fun, dancing, and nice conversations, even if I might have no clue who the person behind the mask is,” he admitted, and then queried. “Say… how long will you be staying here yet?”

Amethyst

“You know… I might not even be allowed to visit taverns easily,” Amethyst laughed lightly again, as she imagined telling her husband that she’s going off pub crawling. “But perhaps at some point.”

It seemed that Hawk was willing to accommodate her joy in slightly more complicated dance moves, and she replied: “I think twirling is a great part of a dance, whenever possible. Very fun. Perhaps not that much for you since you are the one making it possible by your guidance.”

“Yes, if you do decide to play, just point me out to them when you tell them you have permission,” Amethyst grinned. “I am trying to hide a little bit contrary to you. I figure you can always have the comfort of conversing with your friends without guessing whenever you meet up again after dancing and such.”

[Arnyn]

@Rillewen

The Fairy

Golden Sunbeam

"I am sure he did," the Fairy obliged when Blossom said the Dragon only had the best intentions at heart. While the Dragon's question gave her pause, an interruption by another man made her reaction obsolete - at least for the moment. Taking in the man's appearance, the sound of his voice and the easy way with which he spoke, the Fairy had little doubt of who he was. The Fairy inclined her head toward the newcomer, smiling faintly considering the knowledge she had. Would he recognize her as easily? She was not meant to be easily picked out, but this gentleman had a near lifetime of knowledge on her, as well. Who was to say what he might figure out?
"I have no objections," she reassured Blossom. "I have the feeling this gentleman in gold and white is a most excellent dancer," she mused out loud as she returned her veiled eyes to him.

Sunbeam seemed to take that as his final clue, and he bowed again, though not as deeply as before, extending his hand gallantly. With a smile toward Blossom and Dragon, the Fairy quietly excused herself and put her gloved hand into Sunbeam's.
"I dare say our masks match," he said, easily making conversation as he led her out to the dancefloor.

The Fairy smiled. "But our clothes do not. You are day and I am night."

"I disagree," Sunbeam countered gently. "Your dress is not so dark as to have completely banished the sun from the sky - and neither are your wings, my lady. Did your friend just refer to you as Lady Fairy? For that does seem quite apt."

Fairy laughed briefly. "She did. I have another one of the ladies to thank for that," she mused ruefully, almost seeking out Butterfly over his shoulder as he turned her toward him.

Sunbeam picked up on her seemingly negative disposition toward the appellation. He could not see why the lady might not approve, and sought to provide her with the silver - or golden, if you will - linings. "It is a good name to be given, I think. A mystical, magical, winged creature from folklore. And is a fairy not usually deemed beautiful?"

Frowning slightly behind her mask, the Fairy's attention returned to Sunbeam's face. They started off into the dance, and the gentleman led the lady as easily as he had the others he had danced with previously.
"Perhaps," the Fairy allowed, "but fairies of that sort are also often deemed delicate and romantic, which most people would tell you does not suit me at all," she mumbled.

Her dance partner shrugged before twirling her around once and returning her to his arms. "Perhaps you have yet to find the person whom you can be delicate and romantic around?" he suggested lightly.

The Fairy said nothing in direct reply to that, only offering a small nod and slight smile. "There are also fairies of a different sort. They are considered dangerous. Powerful, deadly..."

"Then do you not like that better, my lady?" Sunbeam asked with a grin. "If delicate does not suit, perhaps dangerous does?"

She looked at him for a moment, as if balancing a serious reaction with a much lighter one. After a few breaths, she laughed. "Perhaps that depends on the situation. On who crosses me, and how."

"I shall endeavour not to cross you in any way then, m'lady Fairy!" Sunbeam vowed as he turned with her through the dance. "You are quick on your feet," he noted out loud, with a pleased kind of expression on what was visible of his face.

"Thank you, sir." She accepted the compliment without second-guessing it. "I happen to have a dancing enthousiast in the family, which has helped tremendously with my own skills as I was growing up."

"It's always good to have such a one in your inner circle," Sunbeam grinned. "Not that I am biased, being that very person in my own family myself."

"Of course not," the Fairy agreed with a brighter smile than before. "A gentleman would not dare fall prey to something as common as bias."

"Exactly," Sunbeam grinned as he tried one of his more intricate moves. When the Fairy could keep up, and he noticed once more the way her wings floated behind and around her as she moved, Sunbeam shook his head. "Your wings, if nothing else about you, are delicate at least, my lady. How did you think to include those into your attire for the evening?"

[Karis Ziranphel]

@Arnyn

The Wolf

Her agreement and modest praise, which fell far short of a compliment beyond saying he moved well, brought a ruefully amused tilt to Thûllir’s lips. Had he managed to woo his fiery lady already? Why yes. Yet he never wanted to become complacent about their relationship, and tipped his head in a slight nod of acknowledgement at Lady Butterfly’s question. When she continued to elaborate on how she had been swept off her feet by boldness in word and action in a way that might well have earned a slap, he heard an echo of his own rash bravery on that long ago night. His blue-grey eyes caught the motion as she bit her bottom lip, and they flicked to it as he spun them slowly together to the closing notes of the song, turning almost in place before they drew to a halt.

If he were taking leave of her, he would have stepped back for a bow at that point, but instead stood still a moment, listening to the starting notes of the next tune to catch the style and rhythm as he considered her words. The tune had a little more zest to it than the sweeping melody of the first. His chin tipped up slightly in challenge. “I am always looking for inspiration in wooing, M’lady.” Her words fit more with Kaylin than the demure attire before him, speaking of boldness that should have called for rejection rather than acceptance. These hints had him suspecting that she had indeed performed the great transformation and taken on such a disguise, but the dance of words was amusing. “You must be a rare lady indeed to inspire such recklessness, and cover your eyes to keep others from being drawn in, m’lady Luithien.” His smile turned a tad wolfish to match his mask. “I sympathize, for I was enchanted the moment I saw my Bainhûrruin,and have remained so in the intervening years.” His arms tensed slightly to indicate they were about to start the more spritely intense dance that would require a quickness of feet and good communication, and his hand at her waist slid a little further around her back, and then they were off.

[Rillewen]

@Arnyn

|
Blossom | Green Dragon

As the other two agreed on pairing up together, Blossom smiled as she turned to Dragon. He offered his arm and led her toward the dance floor. "Are you glad you came?" He asked, curious if his 'pestering' had paid off.

She laughed softly. "I am, yes. Thank you," She smiled as she turned toward him. "And you?"

"Absolutely!" He grinned. "It's too bad.. the others.." he refrained from using names, "missed out on all this. But perhaps they would not have enjoyed it as well as we are," He added with a little shrug. He knew his brother would have been unwilling to seek out dance partners, and he also suspected that at least one of the girls would have been hiding out in a corner somewhere, dreading the very thought of any young man asking for a dance. He might have rolled his eyes at the thought, but he was now keeping his focus on leading Blossom in a dance.

"You do seem to have improved since we practiced this, last night," Blossom commented, noticing that he seemed much less awkward about the stepping.

"I was hoping it would be noticeable," He grinned. "What about this.." He twirled her slowly and carefully, smiling as she came smoothly back to his arms.

"Very much improved!" She smiled bigger. "Good for you. Lady Butterfly helped with that, didn't she?" She was pretty sure the lady had said something of that sort.

"Yes, she was very nice." He smiled, and they continued chatting quietly between themselves as they danced for a little bit.

---

@Pele Alarion

Teal

Teal grinned at her comment about nature. "I agree, actually. But for a festival, sometimes a few bows and ribbons can dress things up to be a bit more festive." He shrugged slightly. "It somehow seems more necessary in the fields. There isn't much there, you know.. just grass and grass and more grass, sometimes, for as far as you can see, until you get to the river anyway."

As she answered about the job, he tried not to be terribly concerned.. like she said, it was a night to have fun and not worry. But he couldn't help thinking about what she was saying. "I'm sure you could find something," He agreed, encouragingly. "If nothing else, perhaps you could ask Eryn's family for a job while you're here? I can ask about that as well, when I see her. If you want."

---

@Pele Alarion

Yellow Orchid

"Fields and farms," She repeated softly. "I like fields." She smiled faintly. "Though, I've never really seen a farm. Nor orchards.. what sort of orchards?" She wondered. "I've heard of apple orchards, but I'm sure there must be other sorts..right?" She tried to imagine what one of those might look like. "Why would those not be worthwhile to see, while here?" She added, curious. "I never get to see things like that. It must be very beautiful."

She tilted her head as she considered his other question. "Oh, I don't know. My uncle has a friend who lives in the city. I know he'll want to visit with him, but I'm not sure when. And of course, my cousin and I will come along for that. Aside from that, perhaps another day or two.. why do you ask, sir?"

---

@Pele Alarion

The Hawk

He was pleased to hear that the lady enjoyed the twirling and such, and shook his head a little when she mentioned how it might not be as much fun for him. "I enjoy dancing.. moving along with music.. however that may be. Some of the livelier tunes are a bit more fun to dance to, but it's also nice to see whoever I'm dancing with having a good time," He smiled. "Ladies do like to show off their finest dresses, I hear." he grinned at the lady before twirling her once more.

As they resumed dancing regularly, he considered her comment about the taverns, while nodding slightly in reply to what she said about hiding her identity, and all that. He decided to return to the previous topic. "Perhaps you might not have to venture to any taverns to hear some good music and singing, m'lady." he mentioned. "I mean.." he paused to think how to explain. "One of my friends had an idea that he was trying to get rolling, a few months ago. But I was out of town at the time, and then different things have kept me busy since I returned.. but I haven't forgotten."

He wasn't quite sure if he should even mention this, since there were not even any definite plans for this thing to actually happen, but somehow, he felt comfortable enough mentioning the idea of it to the lady. "My friend's idea was to put together a concert in the Hall of Song. He wanted to get me and my other friend, who is also a musician, to take charge of the project, and make this concert happen. The idea is that the proceeds would go toward, I think it was to benefit wounded and disabled soldiers, rangers.. you know, people who fought in the war and all that and who were injured in the line of duty, that sort of thing.. as well as widows and orphans of the ones who did not survive." He explained quietly.

"I'd like to make it happen at some point this coming year, because I do think it's a great idea. But.. well I haven't really had much chance to discuss that with my other friend, since he's been fairly busy with things. And.. as for me, I wouldn't have a clue how to even begin to put something like that together." He smiled faintly. "I've.. um, never really been in charge of anything of that nature before.. and, well. I'm sort of a nobody, so.. I doubt anyone would listen to me if I tried to organize anything." He gave a slightly shy shrug as he said that. "But anyway, if the concert does ever happen, I'm sure the entire city would be made aware of it well in advance... Perhaps even further than the city. So, I don't know if you live in the city, ma'am, but, perhaps you could manage to attend. If the idea ever gets made a reality, anyway." He suggested with a little smile.

[Pele Alarion]

@Rillewen

The Gilded

“Like… plant poles with ribbons in the field?” Gilded suggested with a small laugh at remembering Mettare festivities. While it had been different, it had also been fun, and a beginning for good friendships to be forged.

She was not too happy to admit that she was not doing that well in the area of finances and when Teal offered to ask Eryn about a job for her, she looked at him with an embarrassed smile. “I can usually get things done easily,” she muttered, “But somehow it has not been that easy now; or maybe I haven’t managed my resources well. Think it would be all right to ask Eryn and her family all that?”

Red Rooster

“You haven’t seen farms and orchards, m’lady?” Rooster wondered, his brown eyes grew bigger, as he looked at Orchid. “Where do you live then? In the middle of a city? You see… most people don’t think it is anything out of ordinary. Though I would say it is beautiful.”

His smile grew slightly as he tried to describe it to her: “Imagine? Open or fenced plantations of apple trees, or pears, or cherries, plums, peaches, perhaps even hazels to pick nuts from. Sometimes in neat rows, sometimes not that much. And then all the trees bloom in spring – all clad in white blossoms. And then the delicious harvest of fruit in autumn.”

“I simply asked how long you would stay because I wanted to know if you’d have time to visit the Pelennor, Miss,” he explained, smiling. “Though currently the trees are not in bloom, and not even properly clad in green. Is it an option for you to talk your uncle into taking a detour here and there in Pelennor when you leave so you can see?”

Amethyst

Amethyst laughed gently at Hawk’s comment on ladies wishing to show off their dresses. “Well, yes. When there’s a perfect opportunity to display the dresses and their own beauty all at once,” she chuckled. “Who’d want to pass that up.”

When Hawk began to describe the idea for the concert, Amethyst listened intently, keen interest in her eyes.

“That is a very good idea, I would say, Sir Hawk,” she expressed her approval of it. “Though it might take a bit of planning. If you do not feel like you could organise it by yourselves, you should present it to people who could step in and assist you, perhaps with knowledge in various areas of organising events, perhaps with some influence to reach those who would not be reached otherwise. Ask more musicians, even. I’m sure it would be appreciated!”

[Arnyn]

@Lantaelen

Lady in Red

Once the drink had been served, she eyed it thoughtfully, sipping it as she went over the options. After a while, she turned around on the barstool. Her back was straight, her shoulders were rolled back - for the perfect posture. Her glass floated about halfway between her lap and her lips as she watched the dancers. The wheels of her mind were turning.

At least the Fox would be easy enough to keep an eye on, with that blaze of rusty hair and the telltale mask and attire. Drawing in a deep breath, her gaze finally shifted to the people around her. Noting King Cheddar glancing her way, she slanted her head in greeting, and then leveled it once more to take another, much slower sip of her drink, not looking away from him as she did so.

---

@Karis Ziranphel

The Butterfly

Her eyes narrowed at his words, her shoulders stiffening slightly. Had he figured her out? Or would he dare to call anyone a Luithien? The latter was not a thought she liked. Did he only have a suspicion and was he trying to draw her out? She had been the one to challenge him to all of this... The possibilities were plenty. And she did love that smile he was wearing, even if she wouldn't have been at all so enthusiastic if any other woman had been its recipient in her stead. He saved himself, though, as well as settled her, with the words that followed, confirming his dedication to her. Most of the tension dissipated from her shoulders and her neck as she looked into his eyes and saw nothing but truth there.

Speaking of the truth - truth be told, Butterfly hadn't been paying all that much attention to the change in music. Yet she moved along with Sir Wolf easily when he started them off into a quicker dance. It was the kind of rare melody that allowed for both the slower dances balls like these seemed to invite, as well as a more quick and snappy variety. It took the Butterfly a few counts of eight to realize this might be his own kind of test. He had chosen a quicker pace for the two of them, and a dance of a more convoluted nature. A dance not everyone would know how to navigate. But a dance that Thûllir and Kaylin knew very well. He had just drawn a clue from her - one that indicated she may well be the lady he was seeking.

Unable to resist, the Butterfly decided to try and throw him for a loop. What would he do? Intentionally moving one of her feet too slowly as they moved, she stumbled over her own feet. And lost her balance - accompanied by a dainty little gasp...

[Ercassie]

@Rillewen

Night Sky Courtier 1 - Youngest, with the Snowflake

When the Snowflake had pulled a face at his remark, the young man merely refrained from declaring his point well made. Thankfully his sister seemed to be convinced that he did not know anything about what the Hawk had been up to. That was the important thing. For since their other pseudo sibling had not confessed his efforts to her, then she had no place learning about any of it from him either.

“Seems as though it paid off, at any rate,” he observed, finding a seat even as their feathered friend sailed across the floor with a strikingly statuesque lady. A slight rise of the young Night Sky’s head indicated to his company where to look, though the dancing pair would have been very hard to miss, even amongst all the variety and wonder that the room boasted.

He was certainly not shocked to hear that their peer had been practicing steps with the Snowflake, for BroT had told him of an elusive romantic interest he’d met during his travels. Clearly the Hawk had hopes of his own that somebody so significant would somehow defy all the odds, and show up at this event. Honestly it seemed as though suddenly everyone was obsessed about submitting to romantic notions. So this was what a dance did to previously normal, sensible people .. The young man had not missed the Snowflake’s elegantly raised eyebrow, so rolled brown eyes of his own.

“Then I suppose it is a good job that I got some practice in as well,” he shrugged, omitting the vey obvious cause that had served as inspiration for that. “But we’ll have to find someone else to take you out twirling instead then, won’t we ?” he threatened her with the prospect of fun. Whether she wanted it or no. “That would be double dare, right ?”


In a grandiose sweep of gold, the Starlit Lady swooshed another graceful turn about the dance floor, summoning his interest, even though the lady now had his cousin in hold. Still, straightening up in his seat, the younger man noted how unusually smiley that tall man was looking. The lady of course had that effect on most men, but it was about time for his kinsman’s sake. Perhaps more than one of their group would properly enjoy the anonymity this evening ? There were an awful lot more people all about and in the midst of amusing themselves but the seated Night Sky let his grin grow wider, to recognise a rare blonde youth caught up with a pretty dark-haired cohort. Sheer elimination aided his belief that he might know who they were. While he had far less hope about another masked mystery.


Over at the bar, the man he knew to be his father was still affording all of his attention to the short brunette. A mysterious companion who was somehow keeping the clearly besotted member of their little Sky Court from even remembering his untouched drink off to one side. The child in the younger Night Sky’s mind had quite immediately assumed that the woman must be his errant mother .. even though the odds of that ... were about as crazy as his parent turning up with any female companion at all really. But this year had thrown out an immense number of improbable surprises. So he merely and sincerely hoped that he was wrong in his guesswork. Short of going over and asking of course, he was unlikely to find out. And for now, he was happy to remain so uninformed. It was easy enough to distract himself .. especially if he gazed instead and in some wonder of his Uncle, who was also caught up with a lady whom his audience could not name.


“See anyone you recognise ?” he asked the Snowflake. “Or anything you’d like to eat, while we’re here ?” he wondered, turning from his quiet scrutiny so that the young lady could be sure that he was speaking to her. “Because I think I saw some berries over there ..” he admitted, and knew she’d understand. They were after all, something of a favourite and he had not had a chance to try any of the food here yet. And for all the time he had put into watching the dance floor, that floral-faced beauty seemed to have disappeared entirely, as though she really had been only the evocation of a happy memory. Berries then. Berries made everything better.

[Lantaelen]

@Pele Alarion@Arnyn

King Cheddar

The pair toasted and the blackberry wine was certainly something else. Not unpleasant, indeed. She returned his farewell praises with grace and mused what would be next for either of them. ”Whatever comes next, hopefully will be an elevation from the great experiences thus far. Good evening, my Lady. And let me reiterate, your secret shall be safe with me, even from myself.” He joked, referring to possible discovery of her real identity. Though now he was growing curious who she was. He didn’t think there was any shame at all from her actions or demeanor. She tried something new and that should be commendable in itself.

He finished his blackberry wine and gave her a final nod, before moving along to find his next dance partner and pretty spectacle to behold for the next part of his evening. His eyes soon found the nearby Lady in Red, looking elegant yet strangely alone and bored. A lady, with such characteristics, alone? He ought to remedy that, approaching the bar nearby to where she sat.

”Now what could evoke such a thoughtful look? Surely there are marvels down here to match the far off stars you must be thinking of, my Lady.” He said as a way of introduction to the Lady in Red. ”Might I perchance a perusal at your thoughts? Maybe there’s something in there about sharing a drink with a fellow deep thinker.” He flashed her a teasing grin, ready to offer his cup up in a toast if she would accept his company. And a dance too, no doubt.

---

@Rillewen

Lady Swan

While he shared the names of the rivers that passed by Linhir, something every person versed in Gondor geography ought to know, she didn’t share the rivers she grew up by. Just south of where the Ringló entered the Morthond, forming one mighty river that thus flowed into the sea. ”There you are, being so clever again, with your wisdom.” She noted with a sly quirk of her eyebrow, as she returned to face him after another magnificent twirl, after his drop of information. ”Though one could also argue that almost all animals of the woods eventually come to the rivers and streams for a drink. Why pick a fox, out of the collection of mighty bears, wolves and stags?” She hot back at him.

”Your choice of costume is the primary give away. Most here seemed to have dressed in some way that represents their home, or some true aspect of themselves. Like you, your cleverness, and foxes being known for their intelligence.” She came around to that again. Third time she praised his wit. That must be the wine in her talking. And she really, really liked foxes. She couldn’t wait to tell her friend all about this encounter.

”And you smell…” She leaned in and gave a few cursory sniffs, much like a curious fox cub herself. ”Like a prince.” She concluded with a kind grin. Everyone here smelled amazing. ”But if your costume is indeed another layer to protect your true self…I would not be discontent by such a surprise and correction.” She looked him pointedly in the eyes and seemed to challenge him about that.

[Karis Ziranphel]

@Arnyn

The Wolf

Thûllir’s heart lifted as they flowed through the dance from one energetic move to the next, stepping and turning together, Lady Butterfly’s movements matching his as only one other woman’s ever had. Even Ziran couldn’t dance with him with such fluidity and grace, as their skills and interest in the varieties of dance had diverged many years ago. Perhaps there was another like to Kaylin in skill within the city, but Thûllir’s certainty was solidifying that this was indeed his Flame.

And then suddenly, just as he was moving forward and she backward, Butterfly’s footwork faltered and she stumbled with a little gasp. Thankfully, Thûllir was only just about to plant his foot, and he lengthened his stride into a classic lunge as his hand at her back slowed and then arrested her movement in a deep backbend. It looked for all the world like an intentional and flashy dip as he leaned over her and paused for a brief count, looking intently at her masked face. “I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.” The words from his serious mien were a quiet murmur before he brought them out of the deep dip to return to their feet and guided them back into the rhythm of the dance.

Only a few steps later he lifted his hand to direct her into a twirl, once, twice, thrice, as he walked the steps beside her with his other hand behind his back to show her off, and then swept her back into his arms and the flying swing of the dance. Had she intended to stumble? Would she do so again? “You dance most marvelously. I barely need to direct your steps.”

[Rillewen]

@Pele Alarion

Teal

He grinned slightly. "Yes, plant them," he said, a little amused at the wording. "Maybe they will grow and blossom with more ribbons and bows." He shook his head a little, smiling. "Sorry, couldn't resist that." He grinned. "Did anyone ever figure out what was the purpose of that ribbon pole, by the way?" He wondered, recalling that their whole group had been rather mystified by that thing.

He gave a reassuring nod when she asked about their mutual friend. "I don't see why she or her family would mind," He answered. "She spends a lot of time at the houses of healing, so perhaps her family could use someone to help out while she isn't there?" He suggested. "At the very least, it couldn't hurt to ask, right?" He smiled.

---

@Pele Alarion

Yellow Orchid

"No, I'm.. afraid I've never had the chance," She replied, unsure if she ought to be embarrassed to admit it. She smiled slightly at his question about if she lived in a city. "Yes, I do, actually." She answered, though she did not offer up any information about which city she lived in. "I suppose some people might consider such things boring, if they've seen it all their lives." She acknowledged with a small shrug.

As he tried to describe the orchards, she listened curiously, trying to picture it in her mind. "I think they sound very beautiful," She smiled, imagining rows and rows of flowering trees. "But wouldn't each kind of fruit tree have a different color of flower? Or are they all white?" She wondered, quite unsure about such things. Orchid considered the question about convincing her uncle to take a detour, so that they could see the orchards and farms. "I don't really know," She answered with a small sigh. "I don't think that my cousin would have very much interest in taking such a detour, you see." She explained, a bit shyly. "She.. usually gets things her way." She added softly, then took a quick glance about to check if said cousin might be anywhere nearby.

---

@Pele Alarion

The Hawk

Hawk grinned at what the lady replied about ladies liking to show off their beautiful dresses, along with their beautiful selves. "Some are a bit harder to convince than others, but I agree, it is not an opportunity that should be passed up. Ever." He smiled as they danced along, matching the steps with the music.

It was nice to see that the lady seemed quite interested as he told her about the idea for the concert, and he was even more pleased to hear that she agreed that it was a good idea. "Well, I am planning to mention it to my musician friend. I think he would know more than I would about how to make it into a reality, and he has far more knowledge about how to organize events and things, than I do." He shrugged. "And I would certainly invite as many other musically talented people as I could find, to participate!" He grinned. "I definitely have no interest in being the primary focus of the concert, and although I think he's an exceptional musician.. I doubt my friend would want to have too much attention focused on himself, either." He laughed, shaking his head slightly at the thought of making it all about any one musician or singer.

"Thank you, by the way." He added a bit belatedly as they moved gracefully around the dance floor. "For offering your advice, I mean. And.. for not saying that the idea is silly, or.. that it's too much to try and put a thing like that together.. or anything like that." He smiled slightly. "Since I heard about the idea, I've been thinking about it a lot, but I haven't told anyone else yet, because I wasn't sure how to.. do it. And I think my friend had a great idea that's worth trying, but I don't really know how many other people would support the idea, you know?"

---

@Ercassie

Snowflake

Following his nod toward where Hawk was dancing with the lady dressed in purple and blue, Snowflake smiled and gave a small nod of her own. It looked as if he was enjoying the dance quite a lot, so she felt quite pleased, and not at all bad about having pushed him to dance with a total stranger. It seemed to sort of make up for her own 'dance' with him earlier, which she couldn't imagine would have been very much fun for him. "Any idea who she might be?" She wondered, curious if Night Sky might have any sort of insights that she did not, which might enable him to hazard a guess at who their brother's dance partner could be. But she wasn't tremendously worried about figuring it out, as that was the whole point of the mask thing, right?

She offered a small smile to his comment about having practiced. He had partaken of more than one kind of practice for this night, she knew, but didn't make any comment about his shoes. "Actually," Snowflake replied to his next words with a small shrug, "I thought I'd take a break for a bit. I'm not used to all that twirling and.. stuff." She might have added more, but thankfully, he seemed to get distracted by someone out on the dance floor, about that time. Following his gaze, she smiled faintly.

Together in a mutual silence, they watched the other people out on the dance floor for a bit, and each retreated to their own thoughts for the next minute or two. Snowflake was drawn back out of her thoughts then, upon hearing Night Sky's next question. "A couple of people, maybe," She answered somewhat elusively. "The only ones I know for certain are you and Hawk.. and of course, your lookalikes." She added with a smile. It had not been difficult to tell which ones were which, at least for someone who knew at least two of them. And the other two, she had met at least once in her life before. As for the lady of that group, she had never actually met her, but had heard so much about her that she almost felt as if she had.

Next considering the food question, Snowflake cast a thoughtful glance over that way. "Hawk brought a few pastries to me, earlier," She answered. "I'm alright. But you go ahead and get some berries if you want," She encouraged with a little smile. She was perfectly capable of getting her own food if she felt hungry later, and as it happened.. she had caught a glimpse of pink loitering over in that vicinity. She certainly didn't want to burden her brother with obligations to bring her food, which might hinder him from asking someone to dance.

---

Pink Wildflower

After Sir Sunbeam had parted from her, Wildflower smiled slightly as she watched him set off to the dance floor with the fairy lady. She couldn't help wondering which one of the ladies it was. She had no idea how to tell which was which, and she laughed softly to herself as she thought that she did not envy the gentleman who would have to figure out which was his lady. Mentally, she wished him luck, and then turned to see what food options were available.

She had only had a few berries earlier, and now investigated the other options. She didn't want to fill up on too much right now, and so she only selected a few of the yummiest looking options, then moved to stand off to one side of the tables, holding her plate in one hand while she tried very daintily to eat with the other, somehow without managing to stain her gloves. Quite unintentionally, she had placed herself near the table with all the fruit and berries, yet again.

---

@Lantaelen

The Fox

He smiled as he refrained from rolling his eyes and saying 'of course all the animals go to water to drink'. No sarcasm was allowed tonight, he told himself firmly. Not that sort anyway. And he did not know if the young lady would find the same humor in such a comment as he might. So, he kept quiet and paused to think about the question she asked next. Why a fox, rather than the other animals he could have chosen? He definitely would not have considered dressing as a wolf, for that particular animal had too many unpleasant feelings and memories attached to its symbolism, for him. And a bear might have been too close to symbolizing his real identity, for those who might be looking for such things.

He shrugged slightly while smiling at her. "Perhaps I simply like foxes." He answered with a little laugh. "Besides, what animal could have gone better with my hair?" He added, raising his eyes upward as if he could catch a glimpse of his coppery-colored hair. That little floppy bit of hair had come out from behind the top of his mask again, and he tried to smoothly fling it back with a small motion of his head. It did not work. Ah well. "In truth, I considered several different animals, but foxes.. have a somewhat special place in my heart, you might say." He admitted. "I like most animals very much, so it never even occurred to me not to dress up as an animal when I had the chance to dress up in costume." He smiled, though what little of his face that could be seen was beginning to get a bit pink, as she continued to speak of him being so clever and intelligent. "You're really too kind, my lady." He wasn't quite sure what else to say in reply to the compliments.

When she actually leaned in and seemed to take a couple of dainty sniffs, he came close to laughing. He supposed he had sort of invited that, with his question about whether he smelled like the forest. But the fact that she actually did that made him want to laugh. "I do?" he asked, amused. "And what does a 'prince' smell like, I wonder?" he asked curiously, grinning. He couldn't help a slightly teasing comment, then... "I suppose it's fortunate for you that I chose a fox for my guise, rather than a skunk." With a hint of mischief showing in his grin, he twirled the young lady then, before she could reply, while feeling fairly satisfied with himself for having evaded the 'challenge', or at least put it off for a few minutes.

[Arnyn]

@Karis Ziranphel

The Butterfly

Her grip on his hand and shoulder had tightened as she stumbled back, to little avail of course, since the stumble had been intentional. Butterfly found herself wondering how exactly Thûllir would manage to respond. She was convinced he would not wish to drop anyone, and she knew he had the reflexes to react swiftly. But perhaps he might be a tad too distracted this time around? It was only a tiny possibility... but it was there - and it would be rather embarrassing to actually fall down in the middle of the dancefloor...

The very next moment, all of these hasty thoughts were erased from her mind. When he caught her in a way that had her leaning backwards, with her utterly and completely at his mercy. Him leaning over her. So very, very close. The Butterfly closed her eyes, enjoying the little moment of surrender.

'I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.'

Her heart instantly beat louder at the serious yet soft way he spoke those words of reassurance. Because he did - have her. Somehow he always knew just what she needed, and the day had yet to dawn that he was not willing to grant it to her. Once he'd guided her back upright, she was in need of a deep inhale. Not that she was all that interested any longer in regaining her equilibrium.

If she had been able to choose, she would have listened to the tune of her heart rather than played by the musicians. She wouldhave stepped into a slower and closer dance with him. But he was of a different mind, letting the external notes of the instruments guide him, and he was guiding her. And so the Butterfly fluttered along once again with his cues, and twirled - twirled - twirled... For him.

When he had her returning to his embrace, she enjoyed the sureness of the way he held her. Had it changed a little, as opposed to before? Was it just her imagination? At his compliments, she smiled. "And thank you for catching me just now," she said. "I must admit... I enjoyed that."

---

@Lantaelen

Lady in Red

The words drew her attention to King Cheddar, who had approached to stand at a conversational distance from the stool she had claimed. Big and sultry brown eyes took in his appearance, making it no secret that she was sizing him up. Her gaze finally settled on his own, two grey pools within his mask.

"Yes, there are," she agreed, blatantly referring to him. "And the marvel you present, Sir, would indeed be even greater if you, in addition to your striking presentation, turn out to be a deep thinker as well." She raised her glass to him while she kept her eyes on his. "In which case you might not only match the stars, but outshine them. And how could a lady possibly refuse such company?" She moved the glass to her red lips, for another slow sip.

[Pele Alarion]

&
Black Lips & Meadow

Meadow waited for a mere count of breath or two after King Cheddar had left before she sidled up to Black Lips and leaned forward to cast a suspicious glance into her cup of wine.

“What?” Black Lips grumbled softly at her before lifting the cup out of reach to take a sip from it.

“What is it you have there, sis? Not a tea cup half filled with honey? Really?” Meadow teased, and then proceeded to whisper. “Have you managed yet to dance with the gentleman over there?” She nodded towards Golden when she spotted him among other people. “A really excellent dancer.”

Black Lips cast a brief glance at him, and then looked back to Meadow. “Not yet, but others are dancing quite well also. Wait… Is that a subtle way for you to tell me that you have a crush on someone?” Her blue eyes sparkled merrily, while she then checked on Meadow's drink in turn. “Hot chocolate, no less.”

“Silly!” Meadow stuck the tip of her tongue out at Black Lips. “And yes, hot chocolate. Delicious, by the way.”

@Rillewen

The Gilded

“Who is to say that poles are not magical and that they would not bloom or bring forth fruit,” Gilded laughed. “And I don’t know? Didn’t someone say the ribbons were supposed to hold unto and dance around that pole?”

“Well, I guess you are right. Asking would not hurt,” she agreed with Teal’s suggestion to ask. It could only get better and not worse, after all.

“Say, would you like to go for some refreshments?” she then asked, and added with a small laugh. “Dancing seems to be a bit of work and it has made me thirsty.”

Red Rooster

“Boring, or simply not worth their while. Like, below their lofty selves,” Rooster added in relation to people who did not enjoy the beauty of fields and orchards. “But it is their own fault if they have such an attitude and miss out on good things in life.”

“Ah, mostly white, m’lady, the blossoms. But some more towards pink, or even red, so not all plain white. And there’s a bit of yellowish in the middle,” Rooster said with some enthusiasm as he looked at Orchid. “Imagine? And a lovely sweet scent wafting across the fields. And lush green of the grass.”

When he saw that there were not many options for Orchid to get to see the fields, Rooster sighed. “Well, bother,” he said with some disappointment. “You made it sound like your schedule was all but set in stone, else I would suggest to sneak out and take a walk at some point if it can’t be managed otherwise.”

Amethyst

“Why would it be a silly idea, sir?” Amethyst asked, a smile lingering on her face. “It is a worthy cause; and if presented well it should become clear to most people. A good combination of being able to show support and enjoy good music as well.”

“Does your friend have some good connections to start with?” she further asked of Hawk. “I would assume that you would have to finalise and sum up that idea of yours so that you would be able to present it to those managing the Hall of Song, other musicians, the prospective audience, perhaps a sponsor or two? Unless you would want to cover any possible costs yourselves?”

Amethyst had ended up diving into the matter even though she had meant to keep things at an easy conversational level with all dance partners. She then smiled apologetically. “This has turned into a business dance of sorts, but I am truly interested in your idea,” she said. “Though perhaps you would prefer to keep it for discussion at another time?”

[Karis Ziranphel]

@Arnyn

The Wolf

Thûllir allowed them to gradually slow and find a gentler pace after the brief reflection that her fall may not have been entirely intentional, as everyone could stumble now and then. It would help them catch their breaths as well, although their movements still held more intensity than the first dance. He had noticed her deep breath earlier, although it may have been due to the lack of control rather than the pace. Her smile now in reply to his words shifted things into place for him, and it was good to hear that she enjoyed the experience. He didn’t think a stranger would have truly enjoyed the moment in the same way. “I am glad.”

They navigated a turn while he debated with himself whether to ask or keep dancing around the question of her identity. This tune wouldn’t last much longer, as such energetic dances frequently wore people out too quickly to maintain long. That smile. It would be his first time this evening actually asking directly rather than searching for clues, but he was quite certain. And if he was wrong, well, then he would know. His look was gently inquisitive but intent on her face as he asked quietly, “If I may be so bold as to ask…are you the one I have been searching for this evening, my Bainhûrruin in disguise?”