The sounds of the symphony melodically drifted out onto the balcony where they stood. Liana made a small curtsy as was customary before accepting a dance, and held out her hand to Saintzer once again. His gloves were quite soft, but there was a concerning lack of warmth emanating from beneath them.

“Alright, so put your other hand here.” She placed one of his hands on her shoulder blade and placed her free hand on his shoulder. “Then the steps are in threes, moving counterclockwise usually.” Gently she lead him through the steps even if he was technically in the position to lead. “Step one, step two, together three. Good.” They went around once or twice to get the feel for it. He was a quick study, something Liana could appreciate, even if this was a very simple dance to learn. “You’ve got it.” Although he was still a bit tense, the fluidity would develop in time. She wondered if it would be too forward to ask him about himself. Generally she was content to know as little about people as possible, but she was curious and mildly drunk, what would it hurt. “So, this is your first Atebus Masquerade?” () ~ Devin tapped his chin thoughtfully. “More of the aerobic sort.” He pushed his empty wine glass away and stretched. “These benches are almost as inferior as their wine.” Rising from the seat he stretched his neck and rolled his shoulders back a few times. He had grown increasingly bored with small talk. But the prince had his pride and didn’t want to seem overly eager. It was a tricky game to play, but irritably easier when sober. ()

Ven stepped back as Devin stood up to give him more room. Ven hadn’t ever been the type to enjoy unnecessary close contact with another person, let alone someone so under dressed. Thankfully Devin had his eye on someone else and spared Ven the attention he didn’t want. Glancing at Jean he thought it best if they leave the two half naked men to their own devices. Going against everything he had thought he would ever say earlier in the night he let out a small sigh. He extended a tentative hand toward Jean. “Want to dance?” He asked informally but she was an old friend who he didn’t think would chastise him for it. ()

Sorn was likewise feeling fidgety and when Ven left he gave a growl and stood up. Stretching is long frame he said, "Hmm...that could be agreeable. Let us find somewhere, less public then." (lol and probly should just "black screen" any activity there o.0)

Promise? Reassured by Ven and Jean, Sihr poked her head back out again, and eventually ventured to retrieve her bit of tart, though she stayed close to Ven as she ate it. Her tail twitched lashed anxiously every time Sorn looked at her, but with two of her large friends watching over her it wasn't so bad.

Jean was amused by the whole exchange, and she smiled at Ven trying to sooth Sihr. She offered him the plate of tarts, and Devin just to make sure everyone had been offered one. The two half-dressed men were making eyes at each other, and she was pleasantly surprised when Venom asked her to dance.

"Yes, I'd love to," she replied, standing up and taking his hand with a smile. "I didn't know you did, but I guess it makes sense. Not all that different from fighting, is it? Just fewer sharp pointy objects."

"Ah! Yes, then books...but also I have other ideas." Shy grinned. She was certain some of the more crafty people she knew would be interested in helping her put together things that Kasiya might do. If he liked learning things, how-to kits might be a good idea. She made a mental note to put a care package together for him. "Is something I can bring you, maybe?" she asked, tilting her head.

Saintzer was beginning to smile as the steps she showed him became easier and easier to follow and execute. It was nice. He held her gingerly, increasingly aware of how his aura seemed to diminish her warmth. Perhaps it would be best to not stick around for long so she didn't grow cold. Especially since they were outside in the cool nighttime air. At her question, he looked up from the ground and nodded. "It is. From the large gathering of friends, I would assume this is not your first time," he said with a charming smile.

Kasiya chuckled at her enthusiasm. He gave her a gentle twirl in response. "I don't need anything," he assured her once she was back in his arms again. "I appreciate the gesture, though. You're making me feel guilty; I'll have to visit more than once a year now." Perhaps. If work would allow, anyway. He wasn't sure where he would be even a month from today, and he certainly couldn't make promises when his schedule was so erratic.

The petite lady was very light on her feet and was enjoying herself quite a bit. “I’ve been to a few.” Liana said dismissively, sounding much braver about it than she actually was. “Not everyone finds these sort of activities enjoyable, but I’ve made a few friends I only get to see here… That, and I’m very fond of dancing.” She blushed realizing she was probably talking way too much. Generally a reclusive person she would be lying if she said she didn’t occasionally desire more interaction. This was where she got her fill and then some. Not to mention is was a decent place to make sure her old abilities weren’t rusting. Having it be socially acceptable to hide behind a mask was an added bonus. ()

“Only once before, but I remember the motions.” It was the enthusiasm Ven was lacking. “Liana said the same thing.” He could see how it made sense, but this ballroom stuff was a bit slow for his liking. Although it did give him a slightly broader perspective on this sort of human interaction, weird as it may be. Incredibly formal occasions never had been his forte. “Not all battles are fought with, ah, sharp pointed objects.” Sometimes he took things a bit too literally. When he realized he was doing it he let out a small huff. “This one for example.” Comparing the act of dancing like Jean had for the sake of his own understanding. “Will be the battle of not stepping on your toes.” ()

Maybe it was the recycled moon air, or the energy emanating from the sorcerer himself, but Devin was somewhat intoxicated by Sorn’s presence. Couldn’t be the wine they were serving, had to be the company. “I’ve reserved a suite, and I’d be delighted to give you the tour.”

(( I realize I just kinda escorted you out of the conversation :c I’m rude. Feel free to time-skip and jump back in. Devin is hard to write and I kiiiinda wana leave him out c: Also yes, let's not speak of what happens. I like my account here XD ))

((

Its okay Cheshire, totally okay I get wanting to leave a character. Honestly I love rping and whathaveyou and wish I had more but at the same time I'm very unsure how to reply/play this. So, i really don't know what to do. Maybe it would be best if I just leave? Edit: I'll give it another go. ))

(( it is hard, not having a plot past "being here" to go off of I agree. But I do think Ven would like to spend more time with Sorn, and I know Liana could learn a thing or two from him. But she is kind of a standoffish brat sometimes when she's jealous XD If you do wana step out that is OK. But we should play them together again some time! ))

( she jealous of Sorn, he'd love that. I'll try again. I do wanna play I'm just not sure how. So I'll try. I really do wanna rp)

Some time passed and Sorn swept back into the dance area in new clothing. He lent his body against the wall looking for a familiar face. The little side frolic had at least elevated some boredom if nothing else.

((I'm pinging to come back here now that the convention is over <3

We won best "novice" (based on how many times you've entered, not necessarily your skill level...) group cosplay at the contest, btw :3 Got a sweet trophy and everything!))

(( MAZEL TOV! Wow, that's impressive. I demand pictures! Let us be awed by your skill! <3 Also welcome back. ^.^;; ))

"You best be careful if you step on my toes. I might just do it right back!" Jean grinned. "I don't think you're likely to, though," she added. "It's actually fun, once you know enough to let muscle memory handle enough to relax. ...You should have seen my first time trying to dance, though. I was still a kid, but I wouldn't be surprised if that boy fled at the very sight of me -- or more specifically, my feet." It was easy to laugh at how clumsy she'd been in her younger years.

"Yes, you visit again soon!" Shy readily agreed to the proposal, her smile brightening. "I take day off class easy. Come any time. Always something that can be done." Even if it was just going for a wander in a forest preserve or a field, or staying in and talking, she'd never had trouble finding something to do. "No feel guilty, not your fault if busy. But maybe can try harder to find time." Her expression was impish.

((sorry for poofing! And lovely HAs, both of you!))

(( I think pings must be broken or something. I got the notification for this post yesterday and it is dated 4.20.17 ... wtf ))

(( ahhaa that's because I edited in an actual post instead of just an OOC comment. =P))

(( AH! lol, that explains it. I have been crazy busy irl myself so no worries there. Also I'm glad you like my HA XD thank yew loll, your layers are so pretty! Congrats on your win!! What outfits were you wearing??? ))

(( I don't have any pictures because I never do - though eventually we plan to put the outfits on the dress form and get some pictures that way. But we were dressed as Syaoran and Sakura from one of the fancy artbook pictures for Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle.))

(( I NEED TO SEE THIS SO BADLY. And you need to start taking pictures! How can you even go to a con without a camera?!))

((Sigh, as of today every RP in the RP forums is considered... Dead))

((

I feel you man))

(( Yes, go ahead. If I manage to drag anyone back, we will make a new thread. Thank you~))