The back of Ven’s neck tickled a bit but he resisted the urge to scratch. He knew Shir was hiding there and she was frightened enough as it was, she didn’t need to add dodging sharp black claws to her repertoire. Then suddenly Sorn’s energy had run out and Jean somehow managed to catch him. Ven was impressed that she could hold up all his dead weight. Without waiting for her to ask Ven bent down to help. From the look on the prince’s face, it was clear to Ven that he wasn’t going to be very much help at all. “Alright, I’ve got you.” Ven hoisted Sorn’s arm over his shoulder and helped the other man walk toward one of the booths just outside the lounge along the wall. When he had met the sorcerer earlier, if you had asked Ven how he thought the night would play out, he never would have guessed anything like this.

[img align=left]https://s26.postimg.org/rk8yht1ft/Dev2017.png[/img] Devin watched casually, clearly he wasn’t accustomed to having such tasks delegated in his direction. Sure he probably would have caught Sorn if there weren’t other around, but why strain himself when there were so many others ready and willing to do it for him. Dutifully he followed them toward the Lounge and waved an attendant over when they were settled. The attendant approached dutifully but had a worried look about his face. Clearly he had heard a bit about the commotion. Devin turned his charming smile on the man and place an order large enough to drown a cow. Not having much choice the attendant turned and hurried to retrieve the drinks his heart thumping inside his chest for possibly more than one reason.

Liana trailed after the boys. If her eyes could have rolled any farther back into her head they would have broken off. Devin was such a lazy jerk and everything that had happened had to be his fault. Without waiting for a server she slipped inside the Lounge proper and procured a large pitcher of water and some glasses. Returning to the table she set them down with such force a bit of water sloshed over the edge and puddled on the table top. Ven gave her a look but knew better than to say anything. Putting her hands on her hips she looked down her nose at Devin. “So that’s it. You have nothing to say for yourself? Oh right.” A bit of the anger lifted from her eyes. “Ven, this is Devin. Devin, Ven.” Manners first and all that, before she went right back to scowling.

( )

Hmm, something to consider. Being nice to further one’s cause down the road. It was an interesting concept. But Sorn had cut his magic off and Jean caught him and eased him down, she was stronger than she looked—he noted. Looking at her above him he said, “What is the use of frailty? I might work my body as well as my magic, or I would be too vulnerable to the unforeseen.” Though he was vulnerable now and he didn’t like it at all. Still Ven helped him up—and he noticed he selected the side Mirror wasn’t on—as well as his own weapon. The curtesy did not go unwelcomed. Once seated Sorn managed to shift himself a little. “Cancelling such magic will take a few moments to reabsorb back into my body. Thank you for your help, Ven,” he said as he placed his hand on the man’s shoulder—unaccustomed to giving thanks. “Once I have recovered, I will go. I know enough that I will be unwelcomed to linger.” Sorn frowned. He would never fit in. What the hell was he thinking? Open your heart, be like the surface dwellers, this is your world now—yes, this was the advice he’d been given and every time he tried things never went as planned. It was ludicrous to try. His brow rose at Devin’s order. “Thirsty?” he asked with a droll voice.

Kasiya kept Shylarah close to his side until the intense pressure from the drow's magic had ceased, leaving him quite powerless. As expected, he dropped like a stone. Kasiya stiffened when Saintzer moved to try and help, but Jean was faster.

Saintzer bit his lip and pulled his hands back to his chest and stepped away; it was likely the man would prefer to be handled by people he knew rather than a stranger after all. And, if this man was a magical being himself, he would likely feel what kind of power Saintzer held. That was something he would rather avoid and he was sure other people would prefer to avoid as well. It all made sense. But in the end, he was still quite alone in this world. He looked back at Kasiya with a slightly pained expression. His powers had manifested quietly around his body in the form of soft black and teal wisps of icy air. Perhaps isolation wasn't so bad after all.

Kyriel trailed after the others, leaving a touch of her calming power hovering over the area, hoping to subtlely soothe the other guests and get the Masquerade back to normal as quickly as possible. She wasn't quite sure what to say, if anything, to any of the people who had been involved, at this point. Her expression turned just a little sad, at that, though it was undoubtedly hard to tell under the mask she wore. Well, she'd hang around in case she was needed, at least, nevermind if no one bothered to really pay her any attention. Then again, hypothetically she didn't want to go flaunting exactly what she was and what kind of power she had access to... Especially around the person who was radiating a feeling of some kind of dark magic. For the best, then, maybe..?

Slipping onto the other side of the booth, Devin’s glittering blue eye met Liana’s disapproving stare without losing any luster. “If it’s an apology you want, you can get it from the lovely lady in blue over there.” He pointed across the way to the back of the woman who had so called challenged Sorn. Reclining back into the seat the prince put his arms up behind him as his eye moved to the sorcerer. “The alcohol here is lifeless. But you shouldn’t go.” His expression was almost pleading and perhaps it would have been fully had the others not been there. “If I left every party I caused a commotion at, it would have been all of them. When you recover I say we get back out there. Really give em something to whine about then." He shrugged toward Ven. "Besides, this terrifying guy right here he's got your back. What do we really have to lose?"

As strange a person as he thought Devin was, Ven had to admit the prince probably had a point. He remembered how frustrating it had been acclimating to his own new life above ground. All the years it took for him to begin to feel comfortable in social settings. The countless mistakes he made, and was doubtlessly still making. “He’s right, you should stay.” Ven pulled the mask of his head fully and tossed it on the table. A few black horns sparkled briefly beneath his hair before being covered again. Up close a very faint but jagged line could be seen stretching from the corners of his mouth back towards his hairline. “Do you require any sustenance?” ~ Liana’s eyes flickered to the woman Devin gestured to and scoffed. “You can’t be serious. Would it kill you to take responsibility once in your life? Oh wait, that’s right, I suppose it would.” She took a deep breath, and poured herself some water. It wasn’t very appropriate to berate someone like this in front of other people. But sometimes Devin just made her so impossibly upset she couldn't help herself.

Devin up until now had done his best to brush her off, she clearly hadn’t seen what happened but also wasn’t taking the time to ask before going at his throat. Not something he much appreciated. But her last comment had stung like she knew it would. His expression dropped and his tone became frighteningly serious. “I will not take responsibility for another person's prejudice. Frankly, my lady, it’s disgusting of you to request such a thing.”

All the anger blazing behind Liana’s eyes was immediately replaced with anxiety. If what he said was true she was making a massive ass out of herself by scolding him. Of course she should have asked what happened, but she had been so sure of herself. “Well I… guess I don’t quite know… exactly what happened…” Her face was no doubt the brightest red it had ever been.

Ven glanced down to the shaken lady at his side and nudged her gently with his elbow. “We came here to have fun, remember?” It wasn’t his place to tell her to take it easy, but when she got all worked up like this it never turned out well. “Maybe a dance would clear your head.” He glanced over at Kyriel still in sight in silent suggestion.

(( I know it's a lot, but I'm trying to break em up so I'm not just mostly talking to myself XD ))

Shylarah had been prepared to defend herself and others if it was needed. That was expected -- if there was danger, those who could fight did. She had /not/ expected Kasiya to keep her so close, nor for him to stand like he was ready to shield her if something went wrong. The young lady was too surprised to resent it, and she found it made her nervous in a way fighting monsters never had.

Once the drow was being helped off, she looked from Liana to Saintzer, frowning. Both were upset, but Liana and Kyriel were heading the same way, and the man radiating a dark chill didn't know many people at the ball. Even though she could see magic surrounding him, swirls of blue and black, Shy reached out and touched his arm. The air around him was cold, but not enough to hurt her, and she knew how to keep her magic separate from others. "You okay?" she asked him, what could be seen of her face concerned. "Is okay now. ...Come, I introduce to my friends." The girl gave him a gentle tug after the others, though if he insisted he didn't want to come she wouldn't make him.

"Not /always/ his fault, Liana," Shy told her friend, having arrived at the table in time to hear that the prince hadn't caused the scene -- for once. His tone was far more solemn than she'd ever heard it. Maybe he did have what it took to rule after all? "Only /almost/." She smiled at both of them. "Good to see you both. But Devin, you know if always making trouble, can't be surprised when people think it because of you."

With the dark man more or less calm for the moment, Sihr's attention turned to the one that looked a bit like a fawn. He smelled like the deep forest, and reminded her a little of certain nature spirits that were usually friendly. ...Usually. Devin might be able to catch a glimpse of her pale fur as she shifted for a better look.

((Kuroi, as I mentioned on skype, if there's an issue lemme know and I'll change things. <3 But unless Kasiya like...physically stops her, that's what Shy does.))

Saintzer only gave a soft sigh at Shylarah's question, and he did not expect her to pull him along. Meet friends? He wasn't sure he could handle it. People's tension were no doubt running high thanks to the previous event. The least he wanted to do was meet them and possibly make them aware of the dark aura that never dissipated. Such was Henir's curse. Even as he felt a quieter, calming magic, the void magic that surrounded him seemed to cut a rift in the angel-woman's magic. He glanced at her, and then quickly ducked his head.

"Shy, I don't think..." he started to say, but she determinedly tugged him along so he grew silent once they approached the table where everyone was. He tried to hide himself behind the fairy-girl, but he was a few inches taller than she so it didn't work as well as he would've liked.

Kasiya kept a watchful eye far away from the rest of the group. Perhaps this would be good for Saintzer. It would give him a chance to interact with more people and relax. It was Kasiya's hope that finding a friend or two would dim the black aura and help him open up again.

Sorn had noticed several people watching him and it wasn’t just because he was gorgeous. There was definitely a look of fear in some of the crowd. He wasn’t sure of some of the faces though. Was it pity? Curiosity?

He did get look at the wings of the girl who had spoken to him as he was led to the benches—they were real. His thoughts went to her as he thought of the events. Was her offer of safety genuine? How could one tell? He didn’t know and that bothered him.

Sorn smiled at Devin. “I agree, I would feed my newborn niece these beverages. They are so weak.” He looked at those around him with mild confusion. “You do not wish me to leave?” He figured he would be shunned after such a miscalculation. “Are you sure my prince? I am prettier than you are,” he said with a smirk that was more his normal demeanour. Sorn laughed at the description of Ven as terrifying. “If he is terrifying, what am I?”

He nodded to Ven and Devin as he capitulated, “Very well, I shall stay.” He smiled at Ven. “Leave the mask off,” he said, “you look to pretty to be covered. True beauty should be shown to the world—which is why Devin and I remain unencumbered.” His tone was devoid of flirting, honestly, Sorn felt a strange belonging with Ven—a kindred feeling that had nothing to do with attraction. “You called me friend…” The sentence dangled a question but he didn’t ask it. He did nod at the question of food however, “something to eat would be nice.”

Sorn shook his head to Liana. “It is my fault,” he said, “from where I came from dances such as these often break out in er…public sex—and battling. Our enjoyment of each other I guess passed a line with the lady. I mistook her action as the way of my people and reacted. It is all my own misunderstandings of this world. I take full responsibility. The Prince has done nothing.” He smiled to her. “I would offer a dance, but I know you do not like me. Perhaps you can make Ven have his dance with you.” Sorn gave a nod to the new group arrive, complete with the first person he danced with. He expected anger so he tried to look as friendly as possible. “Forgive me for my display,” he said, “cultural difference.”

Archer sighed heavily and gave Kai's hands a squeeze back as he gave his boyfriend an apologetic look. He nodded, reluctant to admit that Kai was right. "I am sorry, I suppose that I've gotten complacent living in Centropolis, coming home and kissing you every day," he said with a wry smile. Archer glanced around them, noting that the lounge was getting more crowded, he took a deep breath and pursed his lips thoughtfully. "Let's go out on the balcony, it's quieter out there." after that conversation, Archer had a feeling that Kai wouldn't want a crowd around for this.

Devin smirked at Sorn when he said he was prettier, the other man’s energy must be returning. Although if there was any truth to his statement, Devin wasn’t sure. “Overwhelmingly radiant, of course. As you said.” Just in time the attendant from earlier returned with a tray heavy with cocktails, glasses, and two bottles of wine.

Ven laughed deeply, he couldn’t help it. His laugh sounded very unused. “I’ve been called many things, but pretty was never one of them.” Seeing him with a grin was sort of strange. His teeth were very sharp and there seemed to be more of them in there than a normal mouth. Soon enough his grin dissolved once again. “Say no more, I’ll find something good.” It was time to put his superior nose to work, anything to avoid having to dance again. Fluidly he turned and made his way into the Lounge.

Sorn’s explanation of what had transpired sounded mostly believable. Because of it, Liana felt increasingly worse about what she had said to Devin earlier. The way she had treated the prince, despite his usual deserving of such treatment had indeed been wrong. In fact, she had been horrible to him from the get go. Not even giving Devin the chance to give her a reason to be angry with him. Suddenly her stomach turned when she had the realization that maybe she actually missed him.

“I don’t dislike you, I just don’t trust you.” Liana tilted her head to the side in consideration as she regarded Sorn, but jumped when Shylarah said her name. Despite the shock she was glad to see one of her oldest friends. “Yes, you’re right. I shouldn’t have overreacted.” She would have gone to hug her, but there was someone trying his best to hide behind the winged girl. Curiously Liana leaned over to try and get a better glimpse. “Hello there, Shy is this your date?”

(( ))

Saintzer froze when they were addressed and he tilted his head downward so his hat would hide his face a little better. His cheeks were bright red and his heart pounded against his chest. He hadn't been in a crowd this large in a long time... and it was frightening to him. He didn't like this. He felt too exposed. Still, he wanted to try and feel 'normal' again. He tried to stifle the void magic within him, but the cool, dark aura remained. He cleared his throat and lifted his head again, giving the appearance of being relaxed. He smiled, but didn't respond since he wasn't properly introduced, and butting in on a conversation was rude.

Kai could see a few people he was certain he recognized, but they were part of a larger group at this point and they all seemed to be getting into the party atmosphere - at least if the enormous spread of drinks was any indication. The Lounge was likely to become even more raucous as the evening wore on. "That sounds nice," he agreed, moving with Archer toward the door. "I never tire of viewing the stars from here," Kai added with the hint of a sheepish smile touching his lips. "There are many things I enjoy about living planetside, but I do sometimes miss the view."

It took most of Archer's control to not stand behind Kai and wrap his arms around him, but that likely would get another stern look from Kai, which would not fit with Archer's plan for the evening. He instead stood next to Kai, shoulder to shoulder looking up at the sky with him. The stars were impressive as always, painted across the sky in familiar patterns that he'd looked at since a child, and now would watch planetside with Kai in their garden. Archer took a deep breath and glanced around the balcony.

"The stars are amazing, but nothing beats looking at you," he smirked and reached out to gently tuck away a small lock of Kai's hair. "I remember the first time you and I were out on this balcony," he laughed and teased. "I think you were less worried about being caught kissing then."

Sorn beamed. “Yes, of course, I am that,” he readily agreed. His magic swirled around his body and settled back in. He took long breath. He regarded Ven again, “then it is far past time, friend. You are very pretty.” Sorn’s statement was sincere. He was very interested in Ven for friendship and the common link they shared. Ven left to find food and Sorn turned to Liana. He smiled, “Of course you do not trust me and you are wise to do so. I am a lot of things young one, and most of those are not pleasant.”

He looked back to Shy and her, date? “I am called Sorn,” he said. Now he was recovered he could feel a pull around the other man. Something familiar and dark. Magic. “I am most pleased to meet you,” he said with a smile.

The air was cooler outside than it was in the ballroom, and Kai took a deep breath that he hadn't realized he'd needed as much as he did. While it was true that too much canoodling would make him uncomfortable, it felt nice just to touch shoulder to shoulder and share the spread of stars. He leaned his head on Archer's shoulder for a moment before the gentle touch in his hair caused him to stand up a little straighter. "Flatterer," he said with a small grin. The grin faded under the onslaught of the sudden blush Archer's words caused. "That time... was very different. I was deeply intoxicated and profoundly unhappy. Which is a stark contrast to now, where I am..." Kai paused. "Not even fuzzy around the edges, and I couldn't be more pleased to be right here with you." He slid his arm around Archer's waist in order to hold him just a tiny bit closer, enjoying the warmth of his presence.

((gosh dangit you guys with your running ahead while i'm performing and stuff.))

Kyriel just barely caught a glance thrown in her direction, but never quite got the chance to respond before it seemed the conversation drifted elsewhere. Drat. She silently resolved to pay better attention. To that end, she cut off the flow of power that had been radiating from her for the last few minutes. It wasn't distracting her in itself, but the... Disruption of it surrounding one individual in particular was. It set her on edge, and she kept throwing uncertain glances in his direction. Instinct told her he must be bad news, but... He was with Shylarah, and frankly Kyriel didn't think Shy would be around him like that if he were malevolent. Still... She sighed and shook her head, trying to properly focus on the conversation, instead of just half-listening like she had been and not quite picking up on anything. She hoped she hadn't missed anything too important.

Jean returned in time to catch Ven laughing, and she smiled, the last bit of tension leaving. If he was relaxed enough to laugh, then things had been settled. Excellent. And she suspected Ven's palette would be closer to Sorn's than...well, probably anyone else's present. Even better that he was going to see about food for the drow, though she'd order some things herself soon, no doubt. For now she grabbed a seat and listened.

Shylarah had no compunction whatsoever about giving Liana a hug, though she was careful of their outfits. The other lady's question made her blink. "Date? No, no -- is new friend, come with Kasiya." She blushed again -- she was so off-balance tonight, it was ridiculous. "Ah, other friend, he not here since a couple years. I think maybe I should introduce him, since is first time for Masquerade." She glanced over her shoulder and took Saintzer's hand again, trying to get him to stop hiding. Her smile was reassuring, and she gave his gloved hand a squeeze. "This Liana. She one of my very closest friends. We meet at my first Masquerade. Liana, this Saintzer. Lady with wings, she Kyriel, another old friend from here. And fawn prince, he Devin. And this Sorn. I meet him earlier. Is good dancer -- maybe he teach you better than I can."

The girl looked between Liana and Sorn, and sighed. "Is hard, not being used to a place. You think just dance hard? Try land in city, not know language, not know what taxi is. I see yellow monster /eat/ people, I go after with sword. ...Police not happy." The girl didn't mean she'd had a harder time of it, but in retrospect the situation was rather amusing. She wrinkled her nose. "I think sometimes mistakes is normal."

(( gasp I'm guessing Archer never proposed since drama happened...BUT I REMEMBER HIM HAVING A RING! Is this it?!

oh gods, no, please, she can miss him but don't tell me you're considering anything beyond that. I can't see that ending well for either of them.))

When Shylarah introduced him, Saintzer swept off his hat in an elegant bow, careful not to accidentally hit anyone on the way down or up. He righted himself and replaced the hat where it had been. "It's a pleasure," he said, nodding to each person in turn. He felt less frightened and more anxious than anything. He did feel the tug towards the man who had elicited magic, something he was familiar with. Sorn. Yes, he was sure that was the right name. Saintzer chuckled at Shylarah's mention of a 'taxi'. "Well don't be too concerned about that. I'm afraid I haven't the slightest idea of what that is, and your description sounds most intimidating. I doubt I would have acted any worse." Actually, yes he could. He swallowed that thought and tried to keep the smile in place. He needed to be 'normal'. At least for a little while.

Archer took a deep breath, perfectly content with Kai's arm around his waist. He glanced around quickly to ensure that they were along before leaning in to press a kiss against Kai's hair. "I'm glad to hear you say that." Archer took a deep breath and reached into his pocket for a small box. "We've been through a lot of ups and downs since we met and I think we've pretty well established that we're both pretty miserable without each other."

Archer paused a moment, taking another breath and put the box down on the railing in front of Kai. "And so, I'm hoping that maybe we can stay together for the rest of our lives."

(( it might be :D ))

(( squeaking yeee~

pretty miserable without each other Ahaha, understatement. Man, you guys were...it was pitiful.))