I was talking to Liana

Also I'm kind of slow to respond, I work second shift too so I feel like I miss a lot

Platina laughed, though his cheeks were quite pink at that last comment. "Oh my. That does sound lovely, but I certainly don't want to get on my in-laws' bad side... Perhaps a small ceremony would suffice?" He had funds that they could use to do something nice, but he didn't have an endless stream of money like some immortals he knew. Still, it would be enough to make it fancy should he choose.

"Then we can retreat for however long we like and see about that bedding arrangement," he purred into Daniel's ear as he pressed close to him. Oh, and a honeymoon! There was so much to think about. Platina looked at the ring on his hand and smiled before he caught Daniel's hand. "I'll get you a matching ring."

(( And all. Got a migraine so this was fun pulling through but hey its a reply.))

Sorn watched as Orion left and sighed before turning attention back to Garrin. The drow gave a glance at him. "I do not know you look a little shaky, like those high strung tinny dog creatures with big ears, a chalupa i think?" Then as an after thought he added, "I suppose I missed you a little. Would you care for a drink?" He was still looking for Jean and Ven but so far hadn't seen them and was not paying much attention to the other dancers at the moment.

(( I will assume Hikaru and shy went off and danced for a bit, and I can now step back in. Woo. Because I also cannot focus. And I used to do so well at these fast paced rps, too. At least I'm feeling better, and somewhat productive. sighs and cracks knuckles here we go. Still hoping someone pins my muse down, but she's being a right scamp. I'm always going in ten different directions, but I do think short but sweet helps me gear into properly paragraphic replies. And we're all casual here anyhow. ...Right?

Someone tell my anxiety to shut up and go visit the lounge.))

Shy waved farewell to Platina, for the moment, and let Hikaru take her on a turn around the dance floor. "The dances in Shengui Guo, are they like this?" she asked, once she'd settled into it. Her familiarity with the land was passing at best, that of a mere tourist.

"The court of birds? I don't know about that -- but a little bit of dressing up is fun, now and again. It's nice to feel pretty. ...Just never let me agree to anything like that Nancy gig again, please! The makeup alone took forever to wipe off." Jean shuddered expressively, but her smile stayed in place.

The vagabond tried to stear Quercus in the direction of the lighter drinks, and she was more than willing to accept the offer of a dance -- "But only once the people on the floor won't be too much of a problem," Jean declared.

Eventually she did split off to greet other friends, but Sihr stayed behind. The faeling was more than happy to nibble on fruit from Quercus's platter and stay well away from most of the people. I think we should say hi to Venom, she sent privately. Of course a fox was more distraction than she could expect the poor ranger to forego, though Sihr quickly made herself scarce in among the fake butterflies and real feathers. She was not a fan of foxes.

(( I'm going to guess that Quercus ends up with the kitsune-having Goldy and Liana, not with Venom, but if that's not right Slashy I can easily adjust. <3))

"If it isn't my favorite troublemaker, and our alchemist friend," Jean greeted her recent teammates -- had it really only been half a year or so? "And Coda too! It's good to see you three. Although to be fair Sorn makes enough of a racket that he's a little hard to miss. Are you really not wearing a shirt at all?" She sighed melodramatically. "At least Mr. Monochrome seemed to like it." She grinned at the drow properly. "It really is good to see you. I wasn't sure you'd come, after last year. Have you saved me a dance?"

(( ))

(( ? It's been too long since I've done anything this fast-paced, I'm not even talking to anyone yet and I'm having trouble keeping track of who's who and where...))

As if he could sense the gaze on him - and, indeed, perhaps he could - the little green dragon turned his attention toward the other creature that was eyeing him. Well, that was fast, he "said." Don't look now, Kyriel, but we seem to be being watched. The woman, Kyriel, followed his gaze for a moment, one eyebrow delicately raised. "You're being watched, you mean." She seemed distracted; she was sure she felt a few familiar presences around, but pinpointing them seemed to be more difficult than normal. "Do you have a point, Achemar?" The dragon spared her a glance before replying. You are anxious. Understandable, certainly, but no need to take it out on me. Relax. They'll probably find you eventually, when they're free. You are a little hard to miss, after all. Kyriel just sighed softly and ran her free hand through her hair once. "Yes, you're right, of course... Sorry." For now, she just found an empty seat and ordered a drink; either someone would approach her, or sooner or later she'd find someone herself... And the confidence to approach them. Maybe. She wasn't too sure about that part right now.

Daniel hugged him and rested his head on Platina's shoulder.

~Perhaps a small ceremony would suffice?" "I think it would. And don't worry, you know they all love you!"

~he caught Daniel's hand. "I'll get you a matching ring." The young man grinned. "Well, you'll have to see the craftsman about it. ... Yep, he's available." He chuckled. "I... I took the liberty of making one for myself beforehand," he confessed, blushing a little, "I was sure you would accept, you see..." Oh, right. He didn't tell Platina he made the rings himself. "Oh. I mean, I was the one who made them. I'm quite proud of how they turned out, even thought it was my first attempt at tinkering with such tiny pieces. I usually only deal with bigger ones, except for that year at Vanya's."

(( No worries. snuggles))

Platina laughed and his wings fluttered. "It turned out beautifully. But please promise me you'll make a matching one. I'm allowed to be picky about things as important as this," he said, admiring the ring on his finger again. He took off his mask momentarily to brush back a few stray strands of hair before replacing it. "Let's celebrate with a dance, shall we?"

Orion managed to extract himself from a circle of young women in an effort to become more social with others. He spotted a lovely young lady sitting by herself with what suspiciously looked like a dragon. Though, where Orion came from, dragons didn't fit inside ballrooms. Curious, he crossed the room to where she was sitting. "Pardon me. Might I join you?" he prompted. Though perhaps he wasn't wanted here. His aura was black as night compared to this radiant creature. He was rather shocked Platina didn't seem to mind, being an angel himself.

((I hope you are feeling better! * tries to kick your anxiety out of the party * xD Don't worry, sweetie! The RP is just for fun, so it's ok to take your time :3 ))

He timidly took her waist as the next waltz started, and her hand in his.

"Not at all. There are several group dances for festivals, or artist's presentations, but nothing like this... being so close to another person." He wasn't half bad, though, for someone who didn't have such dances in his homeland.

"Eric taught me, if you're wondering." He chuckled. "He said anyone can ask anyone to dance, no matter what gender, so I had to learn both to lead and to follow. So I danced with him, with Hanami, and even little Anabelle, even though she is a toddler and to her it was just a game."

He spoke of them fondly. It was clear he longed for a family of his own, being a certain age and estabilished and alone.

"Don't worry, it will match, I promise."

Daniel accepted Platina's hand and returned with him to the ballroom. When they re-entered the grand salon, the girl standing by the doorway to the balcony was gone, but neither of them even noticed the difference.

((ooc: sooo sweet <3 and you are even actually wearing the ring * - * ))

Ven’s head tilted to one side as he considered what El said about Cottontail. Upon closer inspection he decided it much be some sort of necromancy, the thing certainly looked to be dead otherwise. “Interesting, are these common where you come from?” He suddenly straightened up and looked around. He felt like someone familiar had happened past, but wasn’t quick enough to catch it. Trying to sniff them out at this point would be impossible. At the mention of food he perked up, remembering his charge had stomped off toward the bar and was probably in over her head. “Speaking of, would you like to visit the Lounge? I need to make sure Miss isn’t too far gone.” () ~ Looking up toward the person who had addressed her, the lady sat upright and wiped the corner of her mouth. “Uh, sure. I mean, if you want.” She brushed her arm over the table and knocked the empty flutes directly onto the floor. She hardly flinched as the crystal shattered and paid no mind to the snooty offended stairs in her direction. It didn’t matter anyway, and a barback came to clean up the mess promptly as she eyed the newcomers pet. It reminded her of her own furry companion and she could feel tears welling up in her eyes. She turned away briefly to wipe them away and sniffle, hopefully unnoticed. Letting out a deep breath she sat back and straightened her mask, suddenly self conscious, a little more like herself. “Enjoying the ball?” Her tone was a bit strange, but she was a bit drunk. Another woman approached and offered to get some food. At the thought her stomach grumbled but not for hunger. She waved a dismissive hand. “I’m alright.” She hiccuped. “Maybe in a bit.” hic ( )

"Pretty common, ayup!" El chirped, continuing to manhandle the undead bunny. Cottontail, at least, didn't seem to mind all that much. Idly chewing on El's hair wasn't 'minding' was it? "I'm from Shadowglen, so. Y'know. Being 'dead' is kinda like having a really bad cold. It'll pass!" She was nothing if not cheerful about the state of affairs in her homeland-- and her current condition. C'est la vie, after all! C'est la... mort..? Whatever.

"Sounds good to me! I can spend these!" She patted her pocket, the trinkets within clinking.

Kyriel couldn't help but bristle slightly at the aura she felt approaching her, but she did her best not to show it outwardly. The dragon, on the other hand, peered curiously at the man, though not without a hint of wariness in his eyes. "Certainly, if you wish," she replied, voice more at ease than her body. "If I may be so bold as to ask, is there some reason in particular, or was this simply the most convenient spot?"

Orion smiled disarmingly at the woman as he took a seat across from her. Nearby so they could converse comfortably but not so close that he caused her alarm. No reason for that. "Thank you." He settled back with his chosen drink. "Oh, it isn't so much about convenience as it is about interest. I'm fairly new to this part of the world, you see. Everything is fascinating and new. Your companion is quite handsome, and you yourself are lovely. I tend to be drawn towards beauty," he admitted and gingerly sipped from the glass before he set it down and crossed his legs.

(not sure what else you wanna do with these two c: )

Platina danced with his newly betrothed, completely over the moon and head over heels at that. He had so much to plan and take care of, but for now... For now he would just enjoy the moment. He kept his wings tightly tucked against his body to avoid startling other dancers and simply enjoyed being close to Daniel.

"You learn good," Shy commented approvingly. "Yes, anyone dance. Leading can be fun, but also harder. I not -- I am not very good at that." Of course if she judged herself by the standards of people like Platina and Kai, then she was bound to fall short.

She recognized homesickness easily when it crept into Hikaru's voice, or what she interpreted as a sort of homesickness. To her the idea of home was as much family as anything else. She was only barely an adult herself, not yet interested in any kind of settling down, though the age ranges for such things were rather wide amongst her kind.

"Children are cute but annoying," Shy said, subconsciously pulling her wings in tighter to her back. "Is different, if they're yours," she allowed, but on the whole any round-ear under ten was more trouble than they were worth.

((

I have to ask. Is Devin at all involved in Liana's mood? Even indirectly? WAIT DID HER CAT DIE?! Oh nooo. flailing either way Oh, and she might notice Sihr.))

((ooc: I liked the idea of copying the line you're replying to, so I'm stealing that idea :B ))

(~"You learn good," Shy commented approvingly) "Thank you. I think I'm a rather fast learner if I do say so myself..." He smiled politely, as if he was humbled by her remark, but his reply had a slight tune of arrogance to it.

(~..."Is different, if they're yours,") Hikaru laughed an easy, low voiced laugh, characteristic of the controlled manners of court members.

"I suppose. I guess we will have to agree to disagree."

((ooc: Shy, I have to go now, got some things to do, not sure when or if I'll be back tonight O: so feel free to go interact with someone else if you like ^^ I'll catch up later!))

Shadowglen, he should have guessed. Although the regions of this world were still somewhat new to him. Ven had heard stories about the un-dead who lived under the ground. Meeting someone from such a place on the moon however... He watched El thoughtfully, her mannerisms and slight movements. If she was in fact un-living, the magic or whatever kept her mobile must be incredibly strong. There were a number of questions circling around his head, but asking them here seemed out of place. Even if she did seem open to discussion. ()

(( Nope, Devin has nothing to do with it. Although he was mopey for a long time after she left. The feelings were not mutual. Also want Slashy to be able to catch up before I reply sooo this is a long stroll toward the Lounge X3 ))

Sorn looked at Jean. He was pleased to see her. It had felt like forever since he had. "You are looking regal tonight. Much like G-string here," he said, "Though I pull it off better. Still the important thing is you tried." He patted her shoulder consolingly. "I made no such noise in my arrival. That was merely everyone else crying because such perfection shall never been seen on their bodies like it is on mine. Surely if you allowed yourself the pleasure of my body you would know this. Yet, you deprive yourself." He shook his head. "Such a pity for you. Of course I wore no shirt. Why should I? My body likes to be free and all love to gaze upon it. I am likewise pleased to see you. How many weeks did it take until you were able to function without my presence? Or are you still pining for me? You do look a little under-nourished." He smiled. "Of course I shall dance with you. With or without clothing?"

Jean sighed. "Long enough that I managed to forget just how narcissistic you are, at least." She was still smiling, though now it was tinged with fond exasperation. "However, if you think you are pulling off anything here you had better think again, and quickly. The clothing -- what there is of it -- stays on in public. Although I imagine there are a number of people here you could convince to join you somewhere more private." She gave him a wicked grin. "Such a shame for /you/ that I am not one of them." The vagabond nodded at Garrin and excused the pair of them, saying they'd be back at the end of the dance. "After all, I shouldn't like to monopolize Sorn's attentions, what with the entire room torn between scandalized and intrigued." The drow always brought the most sarcastic side of her out, but he also provided her with the chance to hone her wit -- and once you got past the egocentrism he really wasn't a bad fellow.

(( I doi think shy will wander off. But you should rejoin us whn you can, whichever of us you care to have Hikaru join. <3))

"Last time there were children, they pull my wings." No, they were definitely going to have to disagree on that count. When the dance ended, Shylarah excused herself. She'd spotted a few different people she recognized, but there was one in particular that had not yet appeared, and it was unlike her to be so late.

She finally located Liana in the bar with a couple others, and was distressed to find her not at all like her usual (if wallflowery) self. "Liana?" Shy asked softly, touching her elbow. "You okay?"

(( @ ... I think that's all of you.))

"If you forgot, then your claims that it is a bad thing are unfounded. Besides, I know you secretly want me. You are just afraid to let yourself enjoy the treasure I am." Sorn smirked. "Surely you would rather my clothing came off than I destroy the ball room as I came close to doing last year?" He smiled thinking of the incident and gave a lecherous grin at the mention of the private rooms. "Yes, I did partake of those last year with Devin." He missed the sarcasm. He nodded to Garrin. "Quite right, dear Jean. It would not do to make these poor people stand in pallor next to such as I for too long. The weeping of envy would drown us all in tears and sweep our corpses far away." As the dance started Sorn said, "I have missed your company. As I have missed Garrin's as well. Do not tell him though."