Liana lifted her mask and wiped her eyes quickly before turning around to face Shylarah. “I’m sorry.” It seemed like now that she had begun apologizing she wouldn’t be able to stop. Taking a deep breath she tried to smile. “I really should have brought him with me, I just thought this year… Maybe I would be brave… Turns out I’m just as useless as ever.” The crowd was getting to her more than she wanted to admit. But it was very relaxing to be hidden away in the powder room with a good friend. She took another breath and glanced in the mirror to assess just how badly she had ruined her makeup. ()

((I wish I knew how to engage Saintzer :(. I feel bad for him.))

What? This shocked Sabine. She never could have imagined she’d make him that upset. When Ven left she frown, paid for her drinks and went over to the group. “I am sorry, for creating a situation. It won’t happen again. Please forgive me.” She didn’t wait for a reply though, and swished away—out the door and the ball as tears crashed down her cheeks.

Ven arrived with a platter of food. “Thank you, most kindly,” he said as he took an horderve. Then he replied, “If you visited the under dark, I would suggest taking a guide. I would possibly entertain such a venture, however it would be my death if I was discovered.” He shrugged. “The sun burns my eyes. And all the strange scents and sounds… Though I suppose I am getting used to it.” Sorn wasn’t really sure what to say. He nodded to Saintzer as he left. “Rest well.” But the drow was socially awkward and was unsure what to say or do.

He sneered openly, however, as the blue dress woman approached and apologised—to which Sorn said nothing. He watched her leave as his hand twitched near mirror—though he did not pull the weapon.

(( : don't feel bad. x3 he's horribly shy and bad with people too. Just a little rough around the edges~ He responds well to empathy, but he's best when around smaller groups.))

(( Sorn's not shy per se, but he's very not used to niceties so it'd really wouldn't occur to him to go after Saintzer. He's trying though. Very much a fish out of water and fighting the dark nature he has with this new one of kindness.))

Devin looked up to see Ven returning followed closely by the woman in blue. He felt a knot forming in his throat but she apologized and ran off before he could swallow it. “Dramatic that one, isn’t she?” Perhaps if she hadn’t been so flighty, and vehemently opposed to public displays of affection… Devin shook the thought from his head and popped a few grapes into his mouth. No, he had his sights set much higher.

Ven set down the tray of snacks and was surprised when the woman in blue followed him. He had not meant to sound so harsh and could feel her emotions washing over him as she hastily departed once again. “Look’s like you got your apology…” He glanced around the group and found Liana was missing. She hadn’t tugged on his invisible tether so she must be in the restroom or something. He supposed it was possible Devin had annoyed her into an early exit as well, but the groups demeanor was much the same as when he left. Perhaps he should follow the other woman… But what would he say? He wasn’t very good at comforting crying women. At least not in the way he was usually expected to anyway.

Ven’s attention turned back to the conversation about the underground. “It took my eyes years to adjust and they still aren’t fully accustomed to all this light.” He held up a finger while pulling a pair of sunglasses from the inside pocket on his jacket and tossed them to Sorn. “Always good to have a pair or two of these around.” Although if there was one thing he did miss, it was the smell of molten rock and the strange lichen that grew close to a planet's core. ()

(( Oh gods. ...Devin is doomed to disappointment. AHAHA. <3 Poor man. I wonder if watching Liana and Saintzer go outside will make him jealous. wicked grin Feel free to take the lead getting to Saintzer, if Liana agrees~))

"No! No, not useless. Just...lots of people, and nervous." The girl gave her friend's shoulder a squeeze. "Is okay. Not bad thing, taking break." She let Liana gather her composure, passing her a paper towel. "In fact, I have idea~" Shy beamed. "/You/ not good with lots of people. Saintzer, I think he not so good with lots of people either. You good dancer, better than me by a lot. He learn fast. If you not mind shadows around him, should ask to dance. Go outside if you not want crowd in ballroom. Kasiya and I go out there earlier. Can hear music okay, enough to follow." To her, it seemed like the perfect solution. "Saintzer not bad, just...not used to people, I think." She frowned. "I think he afraid he make bad mistake like before, make trouble, but I don't think he will." When Liana finally replaced her mask, she gave the woman an encouraging smile. "Is good idea, yes? I help you find him."

Jean watched the lady in blue with a raised brow. So much drama. With Ven's return, the vagabond turned her attention to trying to coax Sihr out into the open, offering the faeling a piece of fruit tart but refusing to let her have it while she was still hiding in the man's collar. "You'll get crumbs all over him, Sihr. And it's a black jacket, too. Just come out, we won't let anyone hurt you."

((I appear to be doomed not to be able to get into this properly... Every time I almost get a conversation going, something comes up and I get left behind :c

You know, I'm almost tempted to let Kyriel try to have a word with Saintzer, but I dunno if she'd make things better or worse, considering...))

Maybe it was the anxiety, or perhaps the drinking, but Liana had caught herself a small case of the hiccups. She accepted the towel gladly and set to refreshing her makeup with an illusion charm before slipping her mask back on. -hic- The suggestion of dancing with the shadow man made her uneasy. Besides, two people who didn’t know how to carry a conversation would certainly make an interesting spectacle. But she would be lying if she said she wasn’t a little curious. Same with Sorn, as much as she didn’t want to admit it. -hic- Although Saintzer seemed more reserved and much more manageable than the sorcerer. All things considered Shylarah wouldn’t suggest something if she didn’t think it was safe, right? “We’ve all” -hic- “made mistakes.” Sort of the understatement of the millennia. “I suppose… One dance wouldn’t hurt?” She tossed her ponytail back over her shoulder and smoothed her dress trying her best not to hiccup and failing.

As Sihr stirred again, coaxed by food, Ven once more resisted the urge to scratch. “I didn’t think you liked me anyway.” He tried to catch a glimpse, but she was so well concealed by his coat and long hair he couldn’t quite see her. The group seemed to have thinned out. Liana, Shylarah, and Saintzer had all wandered away. But so long as Liana didn’t summon him Ven didn’t see any reason to feel uneasy. Selectively he reached for a cracker piled with what looked like a piece of fish and some garnish and popped it into his mouth.

Devin meanwhile began perusing the selection of foods Ven had brought back, but turned his nose up at most of the things considering they contained meat. Probably the only thing on earth the prince was not willing to try. Giving in he poured himself a third glass of wine. Afterwards perhaps another dance would do him some good. All this sitting around, while pleasant, was not entirely the reason he had wanted to attend the Masquerade.

(( / guna have to drag her along, she shy XD , sorry we move so fast :c Plz feel free to interject wherever you like. I don't think anyone minds. ))

Shylarah very much agreed that they all had made mistakes, though she thought privately that some were worse than others. "One dance not hurt at all!" she echoed, and took Liana's hand as she headed out of the powder room to go find Saintzer and possibly Kasiya as well. "He seem sad, and I not want that. ...If you see that, it not you, okay?" She wanted to make sure Liana wouldn't take it personally if the rather melancholy man looked down. "And if nothing to talk about, you do 'friendly silence' better than me." The young lady really didn't understand the concept of companionable silence very well, but she knew that it was something people like Liana liked, just being around someone but not talking. Shy did do that sort of thing at times, but never on purpose, and she wasn't clear on what it entailed. Liana, the girl reasoned, would be good at it. And Saintzer didn't seem the type to mind quiet.

It might end in disaster. Shylarah had certainly contributed to plenty of those. But she was never the sort not to try. She located the two dark men and joined them with Liana. "You go outside now?" she asked, not realizing that Saintzer had intended to leave and instead thinking they meant to go out to the garden again. "Oh, Kasiya, you know Liana? She good friend. Liana, he Platina's brother." Shy was certain her friend knew Platina, but she wasn't sure about Kasiya. "I thought maybe less people be better for both of us. So many thoughts." She wasn't a very good telepath, but with so many people around the amount of mental "shouting" increased dramatically. It was a good excuse, and not entirely a false one. She had a higher tolerance for it now, but the pressure was still draining. The girl always slept very soundly once the ball ended and she returned home.

She decided she'd give Liana a chance to ask Saintzer to dance, but if she didn't then Shylarah would suggest it herself. Besides, that way she could dance with Kasiya again.

I like you fine, Sihr protested, finally flitting out of her hiding spot to accept the offered morsel from Jean. She landed on the table and looked up at Venom. You're Jean's friend, and you're my friend. Why wouldn't I like you? She examined her prize, trying to figure out how best to go about eating it.

"That's not how I remember your first meeting going," Jean countered, grinning. "As I recall, you said something about being worried he'd eat you."

I did not!

"You did. And I know this because that's always your first reaction."

Well I know Ven wouldn't eat me. He's too nice. Sihr knew the vagabond was teasing, but she flicked her tail in annoyance anyhow. ]Besides, first meetings don't count!

That made Jean laugh, and she shook her head. "If you say so."

(( snuggles Awww, I'm sorry. I do know the feeling, but yes, jump in anywhere, and just keep going even if you have to vanish for a while. It's all good~))

Saintzer opened his mouth to respond, but they were approached by Shylarah and another young lady in a mask. He looked between them and Kasiya. The taller man seemed amused by something but he couldn't tell what. Saintzer smiled at Liana, replacing his mask, before he swept a bow and offered a gloved hand to her. "It's a pleasure." He couldn't tell Shylarah that he was about to leave. He always hated disappointing people.

"I do believe I saw you and heard the name the last time I was here, but it is lovely to formally meet you," Kasiya said and offered his hand as well.

((seriously I’m happy to go backwards to interact :) ))

“Hmm,” Sorn uttered. He didn’t give the woman anymore thought. Smiling at Devin he tried to figure out what he was supposed to say or do. When Ven handed him a pair of sunglasses Sorn looked at them with curiosity. He’d seen people were glasses before. Putting them on he jumped back. “The room is dark!” Lifting them up everything was normal again. “What kind of magic is used?” He let them fall back down and giggled with pleasure. “How marvellous. What are these called? Where do you procure them at? Some kind of wizard make them?” He slid them off and handed them back to Ven.

He noticed a slight movement in Ven’s coat. “What is that?” he asked not knowing anything about Sihr. Then the creature came out of his coat and landed on the table. She was a fae-creature of some sort. Tail, ears...small, cute-- well, if it was anyone but Sorn might use the word adorable or cute. "Some kind of faerie or sprite? A sprite follows me, I named him Zhah. It means 'is'."

To Devin he asked, “see anything you wish to eat?” He looked to Jean and then to Devin and then Ven and shifted uncomfortable. It was clear he really wasn’t sure what to do or say. This really wasn’t his forte.

Liana giggled at Shylarah’s mention of friendly silence. It was true, Liana didn’t mind nonverbal communication at all. In fact if anyone asked she would probably say she preferred interpretive dance or a sculpture building. But sadly neither one of those things was considered the default communication method here so words it would be. Even if she wasn’t always sure how to use them properly.

When they approached the two men however her anxiety picked up, though she did her damnedest to conceal it. The hiccups made it difficult. “Nice to make your” -hic- “acquaintances.” She ignored the blush she felt and tentatively took Saintzer’s hand. When provoked she offered Kasiya her other hand. There was an intriguing atmosphere around the two men. But with all the guards she herself had in place and no doubt the ones they wore as well, it was impossible to decipher exactly what was hovering in and around any of them. Feeling sort of silly she couldn’t contain her laugh. “I can see the resemblance, Platina is not attending this year? I remember he was quite the violinist.” It was a shame, but she could understand why. In fact thinking back she suddenly realized that she had yet to run into Kai, and still needed to apologize to Kia and her date for the prince earlier. Glancing at Shy she nodded. “I could use some fresh air.”
~ Ven’s ear twitched and he looked up to see Liana and Shylarah disappear into the crowd. Nothing seemed out of order, but he would keep an ear turned toward their direction, just in case. Perhaps it was getting late, but you couldn't tell with the amount of people still filling the floor. Would they ever grow tired? Or maybe he was just bad at singling them out with all the costumery and mixed scents. However, Sorn’s reaction to the sunglasses elicited a small smirk. “No magic, just tinted glass.” He tapped his chin thoughtfully and rephrased. “I suppose science is a type of magic… Anyway, keep them. I’ve got a few on hand. You can find them at most shops, especially ones on the coast.” The thought of the sun reflecting off the waves still gave him a headache. “Oh, and this is Shir, Jean’s traveling companion.” Finally he reached up and gave his neck a good satisfying scratch.

Devin shrugged and stifled a yawn, the food was not as appetizing to him as the carnivorous people around him. But he would not fault them for their anatomy. “This drink is more like a sleeping drought. I should have foreseen this inadequacy.” He probably would have brought a bottle from his room but he didn’t feel like bringing a bag or wearing anything with pockets. Once again he attention was drawn to Sorn’s discomfort. If there was one thing Devin was highly proficient at it was all things comfortable and relaxing. “Is that tension I sense? Tell us what will put you at ease.” His eye shimmered deviously as he regarded the sorcerer from his reclined position.

(( ))

((Aaaa, sorry that Kia and I are vanished!! The convention is this weekend and we're in the midst of sewing hell. We'll be back around on Sunday, in theory!))

((Oooh, have fun at the con, and ! Hope you got enough trinkets for everything, Kia~ waves at

If Devin likes, Jean has a plate of fruit tarts. He's welcome to have some. =P))

"She's a faeling," Jean told Sorn, hiding a laugh at his awe of sunglasses. "Very small, very shy, and apparently very commonly seen as prey by larger carnivores." She watched Sihr move closer to Venom when Sorn showed interest. "It took her a while to trust Ven -- despite her protests to the contrary."

Shylarah quickly opened the door for the others and held it. "Saintzer, Liana help teach me dancing." She smiled at him as he passed, letting the door swing shut behind them and stretching her wings briefly now that she had space to do so. "Maybe she teach you more? She good teacher." At least, she was in Shy's opinion, though whether Liana agreed with the assessment was debatable. Either way, she hoped the two would get along. You never could be sure ahead of time.

She took Kasiya's hand long enough to tug him away from the other two. They wouldn't be so far that they couldn't be seen, but she could support Liana from far enough not to intrude on the conversation if not asked, and Shy had realized that Saintzer was far less comfortable with Kasiya right there. Besides, she wanted to ask him a question.

"Earlier. When Sorn flare, start casting lightning." She hesitated, looking away as she tried to figure out a way to say it without being too unkind. "Is not that I not appreciate you defending." The memory of how he'd kept himself between her and the angry drow made her ears turn red. It was...almost flattering, that he wanted to keep her safe. But at the same time it was upsetting. Back home she would be almost old enough to enter the second stage of training to become a guardian. She would be expected to know how to fight, how do defend herself. Maybe she'd not gotten to finish her training, but all the same it stung. "Is nice. But...why you think I need?" It was harder to be nice about it. Usually she'd just snap at the person and be done with it. "You think I not able to fight? Or...?"

(( : don't feel like you have to~ no worries. x3 ))

Saintzer absently tugged on his gloves as though to make sure they were in place. He smiled a little at Liana. "Ah, yes. I don't know much about dancing. Shylarah has shown me a few things but... compared to some of the dances I saw on the ballroom floor, my performance would be mediocre at best."

Kasiya looked at Shylarah with some confusion before he made an 'oh' with his mouth. Right, he had done that. "No offence meant, Shy. It's just a reflex I have." He wasn't about to make any sexist judgments here; she was a spitfire even if she didn't look like one. "Plus, you're short and delicate," he teased with a smirk, "I have my manly moments."

(I want to be able to interact with you--and everyone. Part problem is on me. I'm rather shy even with friends at times. But I do try--which is why I role play some extroverts. I just also have to work around Sorn's own issues as well)

“Such an intriguing thing,” Sorn said turning them to inspect the glasses anew. A smile appeared on his face. He look a little giddy. “Thank you.” He was saying that a lot—it was strange on his lips. Slipping his new sunglasses into his pocket he had to wonder why the gift. Currying favour? Desire for mating? Hope for niceties later down the road? This concept of friendship he was still trying to grasp? Sorn wasn’t sure.

“Companion like a pet? Or this ‘friend’ thing I have heard of? Or both? Is she capable of speech?” He listened as Jean explained. So Sihr did communicate then. “A carnivore?” He couldn’t help it though, and amused laugh escaped his lips. He looked at Sihr now with far more interest. “Little thing, I do not eat solely meat. Where I came from, we ate mushrooms and lichen just as much as rats and fish and other types of flesh. But in this new world I enjoy plenty, particularly fruit. Yes, magic made it so some fruit was grown but not in abundance like here.” He shook his head. “No little faeling, I shan’t wish to eat you.”

“Apologies, I just do not know what is expected of me and thus I find myself questioning—questions which I cannot answer.” Sorn gave Devin a smirk. “And what pray tell, young prince, would you do if I said more of kissing and other activities?” His hand slid up to Devin’s leg.

Sihr dropped her bit of tart when Sorn peered at her and shot back into Venom's hair. At least this time she stayed outside his collar, but she was trembling. She watched the drow warily from her hiding place, hoping he'd decide to pay attention to something else so she could finish her treat.

"She's never much cared if someone was a carnivore or an omnivore, or even just a hungry-looking herbivore. Don't take it personally," Jean explained, holding out the plate of tarts to Sorn as he mentioned liking fruit. "Actually, she only liked me initially because our first meeting was me rescuing her after a particularly bad storm."

"Ah." The young lady considered Kasiya's answer, and then nodded. "Well okay, I guess I forgive you. ...Is nice thought, even if I not need." His comment about her height made her draw herself up as tall as she could, not even a full five feet. "I not short!" she exclaimed, though she couldn't help her smile, nor the dark blush that spread across her cheeks. "Is not /my/ fault orophim grow like trees! Look at you, all tall and looming!" She folded her arms, but she was laughing.

"I never think of it that way," she admitted after a moment. "I guess if I only one you see, then it makes difference. Really not delicate, though. Not going to break, promise." She gave Kasiya a very self-conscious smile and offered him a hand so they could walk like the other pairs she always saw around the ball.

"I coming to visit this year. Not waiting until next Masquerade to see you again. Or Saintzer. He need friends." Shy didn't intend to back down on that, though she might be persuaded to let them visit her instead. "Hey, any idea if he like books? Maybe what kinds?" It was a simple sort of thing, but the red-winged man reminded her of Liana in some ways, and she knew the shy woman adored reading. Maybe she could get Saintzer a few books to keep him company.

“So, better than bad?” There was a smile in Liana’s eyes. “Shy mentioned you were interested in learning… I’m not the best teacher but I know enough. Would you like to dance?” She wouldn’t force Saintzer into it, he wasn’t Ven, he hadn’t signed a contract, and she didn’t know him well enough to think he could benefit from it. But Shylarah had been adamant for one reason or another and the drink Liana had earlier was giving her some confidence. Curiously she evaluated the man before her once more. There was something dark just beneath the surface, but so long as he didn’t try anything she didn’t see a reason to pry. Everyone had their demons, some chose to walk with them. Who was she to judge. ()

“You are welcome.” Ven nodded. It seemed that for now Sorn was getting the hang of it. Although being born of the shadows himself, Ven wondered how long the sorcerer could keep it up. Admirable though, he had stuck it out this long. Too bad this wasn’t the type of venue to allow friendly sparring matches. Then again, perhaps it was better to let the notion of friendly sink a bit more. Blood lust was a real thing and only thanks to countless hours of deep meditation had Ven ever even begun to overcome his own. “He isn’t going to eat you, I wouldn’t let him.” Ven muttered to Shir amusedly as she hid behind a curtain of his hair.

“I would say it was about time, and whatever took you so long.” Devin flashed a wicked grin, but considering what had happened earlier he thought better than to press himself against the other man in clear view of the other guests. Perhaps it was the weak wine he had to thank for the clarity he so rarely had after three glasses. However he did nothing to resist Sorn’s advances. “As relaxing as this has been, I feel the urge to stretch my legs.” And perhaps a few other things, but with Ven standing over them and Jean so close by he didn’t feel it was necessary to include that thought. ( )

(such a long and wordy post of mine lol. )

Sorn shook his head. “Eat your goodie, little one, I shan’t harm you.” Sorn waved Jean off. He wasn’t offended, more amused than anything.

Sorn gave a liquid shrug. Was it wrong of him to be feeling bored? He looked at Devin. “Well, what kind of stretching to you wish?” A smirk on his face.

( : Certainly! I completely understand. :3 )

Saintzer smiled a little more. "I would." He offered her his gloved hand. He would need to learn quickly. Even if he'd never dance again, it would be a shame to steal Liana's time. Surely she had other more important people to attend to. He was grateful for her kindness all the same.

Kasiya nodded. "He would appreciate that more than some. As for books, I'm not entirely sure. He does enjoy learning new things though. I expect any book you gave him would be enjoyed." As for what Saintzer did as a hobby, he didn't know. The young, red-winged angel had been thrown straight into the fire, so to speak, and didn't have an opportunity to get to know himself or his world. And then he spent a long time in solitary... Anything was better than nothing.