It wasn't too difficult to render Kai speechless, but there was a profound depth to his stunned silence. He stared down at the little velvet-covered box for a long moment before looking up at Archer for only a second before returning his gaze to the box. The first movement Kai made was to reach up and remove the small lens-like mask, but he fumbled and dropped it. The creation of glass and metal tinked against the stone of the balcony and came to rest on the very edge, narrowly avoiding falling to the garden below. Ignoring the mask completely, Kai looked back up at Archer with wide violet eyes. "How long have you been planning this?" he asked, his voice deceptively normal. The box remained untouched on the railing, overwhelming all of Kai's attention that wasn't laser-focused on Archer.

(( lol and nobody really knows the half of how bad it actually got, considering it lives in a word document on our computers and was never posted anywhere XD))

(( I figured -- I have always wanted to read that, but I know it's none of my business. totally a stalker for rp things ONly reason I know is from talking to you. =P))

(and anyone XD))

When Shylarah introduced Kyriel to Sorn he made a small head bow. What could he possibly say though? Sorry I almost killed people but thank you for the offer of safety though I still question your motives for doing so? “Apologies, again, for the…uh, cultural misunderstandings. Wouldst you all care to sit and drink with us? Devin has ordered enough for at least a first round. And whilst I may not have trinkets, I certainly have enough gold to cover another round or six.”

“Thank you,” he said looking a Jean as she arrived back, “Jean, for your assistance. I must admit, I was not expecting you to attempt to catch me. If I had, I would have tapered of my magic slower, so as to not collapse.” She impressed him—which was not easy to do especially as a human. “I suppose now I owe you a favour in the near future. Though I wonder, what I could offer.” His face showed how curious he was about her.

He didn’t know who Kasiya was but nodded to all the introductions. “What is a taxi? Police?” Sorn asked. He gave her a nod. “I am making them a lot. I kissed my brother in law after an argument. I thought everyone was to kiss and make up—apparently this expression is not literal in all cases.”

Ven slipped into a seat beside the lady in blue that Devin had pointed out earlier on, for curiosity sake. Although he did not make any attempt to converse with her, he could tell she was still somewhat ruffled. Making small talk the the bartender Ven picked out a sampler platter and sat back while awaiting its delivery. A few people shot him nervous glances, he wasn't wearing a mask any longer and clearly a few of them thought he ought to be.

Liana covered her mouth as she giggled at Shy’s story, and her grin remained throughout Sorn’s as well. She had made her own fair share of mistakes and remembering them was still embarrassing even all these years later. Recently she even learned what a sunburn was and that there was a simple preventive ointment most everyone, aside from babies, knew about. Thankfully her shoulders had stopped peeling a few days before.

Devin drank deeply and finished a glass of wine in record time before reaching for another. So far the company was pleasant, but a drink made anything more so. Especially if the topic was cultural misunderstandings. “I should tell you, if you ever visit Centropolis, and you should. They expect you to wear what they call layers.” Devin had actually worked a few days at a boutique when he was stranded a year back. While there he learned more than he ever wanted to know about human vanity and their definition of a decent outfit.

(( I got to work an hour early u.u So have a phone post XD ))

"You really don't owe me anything, Sorn," Jean told him, waving a hand. "However, if you insist...hm. Ah! I know. Firstly, if you encounter Boudewijn -- blonde hair, brown and gold outfit, knave mask. He's the one cutting in on everyone's dances -- promise me you won't injure him. Humiliating him is fine, but I don't think people wish to see blood tonight." She paused for a moment before breaking into a slightly malicious grin. "I /may/ have slipped him an itching curse last year when he wouldn't leave a friend of mine alone. He hasn't bothered either of us since. And it serves him right, too, with how much he upset her.

"Secondly, and this one is entirely for me, you will allow me to purchase the next round." She held up a hand before Sorn could object. "I know, that's technically two, but I guess that means I'll just have to do something for you at some point, now doesn't it?" The owl-masked woman gave him a smile.

Shylarah giggled at the various mishaps. "Taxi is...um." How did you explain it to someone who hadn't seen a car? She'd not understood them well at all initially. "Is like...carriage, but without horses, and loud and fast, and taxi is special carriage for people without their own. Bright yellow. Police is like town guards. Is not good to fight with them, because then they use little boxes with lightning in them, and put you in chains and take you away, and you get in /lots/ of trouble." Oh she remembered that. Thank goodness for the Professor.

"Deviiin, they not expect /layers/." She rolled her eyes. "Just expect /one/ layer! I bet you not wear anything. ...And they no like weapons, either." She grimaced. "Sometimes people so strange. Like my one teacher, he find me up on third floor roof. He say, "Young lady, you get down here right now!" And then he mad when I jump down." Her wings flared slightly in a hushed emphasis, and her eyes danced behind her mask. Just because the humans couldn't fly didn't mean she was in any danger. "The look on his face was hilarious."

Saintzer gave a smaller smile. It was always a bit awkward when old friends were back together. Shyer and softer people like Saintzer tended to fade away a little bit. It was fine though. He didn't mind watching their interactions. Upon mentioning the trinkets, he paused and removed a pouch the size of his hand that was positively bursting with them. "I ah, a friend gave them to me. He said to use them as much as possible. So, if it would please you all, we can use them for drinks and refreshments should we want them." Was it presumptuous of him? Would it offend someone? He wasn't sure, but if so, he would find out very quickly. Platina was quite generous to give all of these to him, and it made it sound as though he had no intentions of returning to Subeta any time soon.

Upon hearing Shylarah's story about leaping off a building, he chuckled quietly. "I'm sure that would alarm anyone. I'm sure it was worth it, seeing as there was no way you could've gotten hurt."

Sabine saw a man slide in beside her. She wasn’t afraid of him, so she smiled, trying to be sociable again. “Hello,” she said. She was unaware her temper had caused so much problems.

“Layers?” Sorn asked Devin, “that sounds painful.”

To Jean, Sorn laughed. “Alright, I can easily humiliate this man. I could remove all my clothing that should do the trick.” He nodded his agreement.

The description of a car intrigued Sorn. “Hmm, sounds very interesting.” He considered the police as well. “Your police sound interesting. I wonder if I could take them on. It would be difficult to catch me.” He started formulating an idea of causing enough chaos to bring them around to see how they dealt with him. He was unaware of guns. Shylarah added to the converstion of “layers.” Sorn frowned, “they wish to cover up the beautiful ones. I think.”

Saintzer offered his trinkets to share more drinks. “This would please me. I am not in the mood to dance yet anyway. I have yet to see a time when libations are not in order.”

Archer moved to pick up Kai's mask as it dropped, frowning seeing the cracks in it. His attention goes back to Kai as he placed the mask on the railing next to the ring box. "For a while now," he said vaguely, even though he'd had that ring on his person since before their fight. Though the fact that Kai's immediate response wasn't 'yes' made Archer had butterflies fluttering around in his chest. "When we were apart Kai, I just, I didn't feel like myself like there was something missing and being with you again things feel right now and I hope that you feel that way too. If you don't want to, that's fine... I just want to be with you."

Kai turned to face Archer properly, lifting both hands to smooth the lapels of Archer's jacket. If one knew what to look for, it was practically possible to see the gears turning wildly in Kai's head, the intimate little gesture a sort of delaying tactic for his thoughts. Kai wet his lips and opened his mouth to speak... but hesitated. It took another moment before he finally said, "My mother has been harassing Kia and me about marriage since we were sixteen years old. I've seen the photos and information of more young ladies than I can count. To be perfectly honest, I try to think about marriage as little as I conceivably can." He looked away as he cleared his throat. "So perhaps it should not come as a surprise that what you're proposing-" he paused, coloring to the point that even the tips of his ears turned pink, "-Is honestly something I hadn't, er... I hadn't quite realized was possible..." his voice trailed off into awkward silence.

Archer uffed a breath through his nose at Kai mentioned his mother but he let Kai continue talking, not moving until he was done. Archer cupped his hand on Kai's cheek and smiled. "I think anything's possible with the two of us." he chuckled. "If you need time to think it over, I think that's understandable, but I think i should tell you that I asked your father already and he is all right with it all and if the time comes he'll take care of your mother."

Kai looked up quickly, his eyes very wide. "You- you spoke with my father?" he asked, flabbergasted. "Does everyone know about this except for me? Well, of course they would, since you were obviously trying to keep this a surprise. Which it is, certainly. I mean..." Kai reached up to rub the bridge of his nose. "That is, I mean to say... I should have led with this, shouldn't I?" He laughed, the sound warm but sheepish as he rested both palms flat on Archer's chest and leaned in to gently kiss him. "Yes, of course I will marry you. I can think of nothing I could ever want more."

(( flailing Kai is adorable when he's flustered. Or any time he's not all formal, really. You two need to be around more often because you both rock. <3

So many rp engagements lately, though. knows of like...five sets, including you guys))

Ven nodded to the lady in blue. “Good evening.” He watched her body language carefully while the wheels in his head were turning trying to figure out what this human could have done to set Sorn () off the way she had. “Enjoying yourself?” He really couldn’t help but pry, at least a little.

Devin grinned . “Don’t know how they do it. Suffering under all those stuffy buttoned up whatever they’re calleds. In the summer time no less.” Not to mention the city was about ten degrees warmer than the Glade making the idea of pants, a shirt, and shoes all at once sound terrible. He finished another glass of wine and began absently toying with the empty glass. Tasted like they added sugar and water to further dilute the already weak bouquet. So much so he wasn’t feeling rushed to fill his glass again.

Liana was growing fidgety herself. She glanced toward the Lounge wondering what was taking Ven so long. He was probably hiding so he wouldn’t have to dance. But Shy’s story of jumping off the roof caused her to smile, and a bit of the tension melted from her shoulders. “He should have known better, you do have wings after all.” For a brief moment she even felt like she knew what it was like to have a pair of her own. But as quick as it came the moment was gone and she was back to feeling anxious for no apparent reason. Maybe she needed some fresh air. ( ) (( & ~ you guys are so cute I can't take it. My heart. It's exploding. X3 ))

"I was until the dark man looked he was about to indulge in private romantics in front of all. I came to dance not watch people mate." She frowned. "I shouldn't've hit them though. I should have just asked them to take it to a room, like most people do." She supposed she made a scene--though the truth of that was far larger than she realised. "How about yourself?"

Sorn smirked. "You should live in the under dark Devin. Lava flows freely. It can get very hot there, though it is cooled with magic. Of course having little on is not only freeing but much easier for mobility. You should see some of the tight pants I've seen people wear. So tight you can see if they have under garments on or not."

Jean blinked. "No, don't take off -- augh." She shook her head. She wasn't going to handle that particular misunderstanding. She'd done enough to keep things calm for the moment. It was someone else's turn.

Shy looked at Sorn with her eyes wider than usual, then cracked up. "No, no, you bad as Devin! Not take off clothes, not here! Ahaha, you two /impossible/." She took a seat and waved Saintzer towards another. "If you not going to dance, sit. Have drink. ...Relax, is nice people." She caught the attention of one of the staff and ordered herself something, since she wouldn't touch anything with alcohol in it. She was hoping that he'd try talking to some of the others there, or that they'd engage him. This was partially so she could slip away again to rejoin Kasiya, and her gaze kept wandering in his direction. For the moment, however, she was fine with spending time iwth old friends.

"So Liana, how is Old Wizard? Learn anything fun?" she asked. "...Find any good books in library?" Shylarah knew the other woman was a huge bookworm and since she seemed nervous, perhaps talking about something familiar would help. "Where Mog? Usually he always want food. Surprised he not begging already." She'd not seen the friendly feline around yet, but it wasn't like she'd been there long.

((Hope everyone did all their dancing!))

Saintzer looked between each of the people here and then gently touched Shylarah's elbow. "I'll go check on Kaisya," he said quietly and then slipped away. He didn't have a place here. It was evident. It just meant he didn't belong in this particular world. He was more comfortable with the cold, silent void of his cell. He walked away, removing his hat as he did so.

Kasiya looked up when Saintzer approached him. "What's wrong?" he prompted.

"Let's go," was the soft answer. "I'm... done." Kasiya regarded him for a long moment before he sighed.

"All right. Let's go, then." He would come back; Shylarah wouldn't forgive him if he left without saying goodbye this time. He would at least take Saintzer back though. The younger angel looked like he'd had enough.

Sorn gave a shrug at the pair of ladies. "Fine, I will remain clothed."

"Saintzer," Sorn said as the guy was leaving, "did I do something wrong again? I-I thought you were going to have a drink?" Had Sorn done some wrong again? He looked at everyone. The conversation was spinning from one thing to another and he was lost again. He felt like he really should be going.

“Sounds dreadful.” Ven could see it all playing out now. “I was, until I had to talk down a very angry sorcerer from destroying this building and everyone inside of it.” Monotone as usual, but there was a smile hiding in his eyes. “Although, it sure beats dancing.” He didn’t entirely mean it, in fact he enjoyed the repetition, but he wasn’t quite ready to accept it himself. The plate he ordered earlier was soon delivered and he nodded the the attendant and deposited a few trinkets on the bar top. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.” He nodded to the lady in blue before gathering his plate and heading back to where the others were waiting.

Both Devin and Liana watched as Saintzer turned to leave. Liana recognized the nervousness and insecurity he was feeling, but Devin only saw someone who wasn’t any fun at parties. “But you’ve only just arrived…” Liana’s words were too late, but it was unlike her to reach out to strangers much anyway. The hand she lifted reached for a sparkling glass of something that looked like a galaxy instead.

Devin watched with a lifted brow. “I thought you didn’t like to drink…” Liana took a breath and set the empty glass on the table, wobbled a little but forced a smile. “You’re right, I don’t. Sorry for earlier, by the way.” Her cheeks were flush but it could have been the drink. “Oh I’ve learned so many things!” Shylarah’s question lit a spark. “The library is all scrolls though, impossible to keep your place.” Her eyes lit up but when Shy inquired about the whereabouts of Mog her smile slipped away. “I, I left him at home.” Were there tears in her eyes? Was she really that much of a lightweight? “Please excuse me, I need to powder my, n-nose.” She had stumbled a bit over the last word but either hadn’t noticed or didn’t care.

The thought of living underground gave Devin the chills. As much as he hated the matriarchy back home, he could never live in a place without sunlight. His brief adventures into the Underground of Shadowglen were more than enough to prove that to him. Even if their libations were some of the most potent he had ever had. “Perhaps a visit, but I’m afraid my people are what you call, sun worshipers.” He had to thank the sunlight for his toasted marshmallow tan, besides. He would likely be the color of fresh snow if he avoided it for long and that color really only looked good on a few individuals.

()

Shy looked up at Saintzer, able to tell that he was not as engaged as she'd hoped. She was disappointed, but she wouldn't make him stay. "Okay, I see you later." She squeezed his hand with a smile. "Not hide /too/ long, okay?" She called it hiding for lack of a better word, but she didn't mean it in a bad way. The young lady could recognize someone anxious for some time alone, and she understood. "Or if not tonight, you take care." She hoped he didn't intend to go home, but she wouldn't blame him if he did.

She was glad to hear that Liana was doing well at the Wizard's place. She did not get to visit nearly often enough. Her friend's sudden change in demeanor concerned her, and the girl got to her feet to follow as Liana excused herself. Once they were away from the others, Shylarah looked at the woman closely. "You okay? What wrong, Liana?" Even with a drink or two on her, this was not entirely in character for her, and Shy was worried.

Saintzer did pause upon hearing voices call out to him. He smiled. "I'm a little tired from my travels. Thank you all for your company." His gaze lingered just a little longer on Sorn, the one being he felt, perhaps, might have a connection with himself. Even so, he didn't want to stay here. It was too glaring of a reminder of how much he just did not belong.

Kasiya and Saintzer headed for the ballroom exit, the crimson-winged angel removing his mask as they walked. "Are you sure?" Kasiya asked again, "It takes some effort to get to know people, you know."

"I know," Saintzer assured him, "And I'm sure. I wouldn't want to intrude on anyone's relationships here. It... reminds me too much of my past anyhow."

"And you want to return to your cell because you're shy?"

Saintzer's cheeks turned red and he raked a hand through his dark hair, effectively messing up the style he had pulled it into. "I..."

"This is the last time you'll be able to get out before your parole is up, you know." Kasiya's violet eyes were unyielding and straightforward. "A thousand years is a long time, Saint."