“It’s alright, I’ll punch him if he tries anything.” Liana smirked feeling confident but knowing full well she didn’t stand a chance if it really came to blows. “Kinda reminds me of this guy I used to know. Real full of himself.” But she needn’t remind herself of Devin now, he was kept locked well away from the world thanks to his merciful mother. The song they were dancing to was soon ending, but Liana wasn’t ready to face Sorn again so soon. “Do you like shopping?” She pulled out a few golden trinkets and pressed them into Ellenor’s hand. () “I’m just itching to see the new line the Menagerie put out this year. Wana check it out? I mean, unless I’m keeping you from something.” She blushed a little realizing she had been monopolizing the other girls time.

What’s the use of having power if you aren’t going to use it. Ven shook the thought from his head, and focused on the steps. “I do not fully understand the motivation I suppose.” Ven thought dressing up, spinning in circles, exchanging gears, and pretending was quite silly and a huge waste of time. Behind him his tail twitched to help keep his balance as he made a misstep. Correcting himself he resisted the urge to look at his feet. “I prefer to have my feet on the ground.” Despite the rocky start, dancing wasn’t turning out to be half as terrible as he thought it would be. Just a repetitive arrangements of steps kept in time with a rhythm. His interest piqued on the topic of weaponry. “Blades mostly, although I learned how to use a bow not long ago. Still, I prefer something with an edge that doesn’t fly far from my hands.” His right hand twitched almost if in agreement. ()

(( Shy! I just saw your ping XD I'll catch up in the next post ❤️ ))

"Nostalgia I suppose." Sorn sighed, "I shall try to condense. Where I was once from, I was a member of the court. My mother was the Matron mother, or drow Queen. Currying favour was something I am used to. I made a critical error long ago and was marked for death by my mother. My brothers took me to the above ground and attempted to murder me. I can never go back. I am trying to fit in this world but it is strange to me--this, this is something I understand in some way at least." Ven proved to be better than he expected. "My sister is a great warrior, she prefers blades or bows herself. I carry a few daggers on my person as well."

A female came up to them and Sorn smiled. "The lovely Jean, if I am not mistaken," he replied. Even his immense ego knew she was more excited to greet Ven.

she was surprised Liana had asked ellenor to keep her company.
relieved ellenor replied of course lets go! she smiled a genuine smile and let Liana take her hand. she was hoping to get away from the loud music of the Masquerade and away from the masked stranger Sorn.

(( i hope i spelled Sorn's name right))

((yep you did <3))

Happily Liana showed Ellenor to the Menagerie. () There were so many beautiful dresses it was impossible to settle on just one. But her heart truly skipped a beat when she found the row of new masks. It was a good thing she had been in attendance for years, or she would have had to choose between them. Instead she ordered one of each and instructed her purchases to be wrapped and left in her room at the local hotel. “See anything you like?" She asked Ellenor after they had a good once over. "I can help you out if you don’t have enough trinkets.” She shook her coin purse and laughed.

Sorn’s story was interesting to say the least, Ven was a little surprised he was willing to divulge so quickly. () “I am also an exile. Nothing compels me to return.” He was starting to get the hang of this dance thing. “But I’ve met far better people than I ever would have if I had stayed.” Besides that colors looked much better in the light, rather than the eerie red glow of the underground. Sorn had mentioned ‘above ground’ perhaps that was why their skin tone was so similar. Both being children of darkness, so to speak.

Suddenly a warm sensation just above his heart caused him to misstep and pause the dance altogether. Retracting from Sorn’s embrace he touched the broach on his lapel delicately. But before he had a chance to explain himself none other than his old traveling companion, Jean emerged from the sea of dancing finery. () “Jean. It is a surprise.” There was an obvious smile in his tone as he stood at attention and saluted his old friend. “Visit the moon often?” It was a little strange to see her in a dress.

The only reason Sorn said as much was he was curious about the other man--and his friend Cerac had been telling him he needed to act more "human." "Somethings I miss. I am sorry for your exile."

Sorn gave a momentary shift of uncomfortable. He really didn't know Jean and now he had two people near him. Old habits--he felt his muscles stiffen and wished Cerac was there to calm him.

"Almost monthly, actually. I love exploring the caves here, when I'm allowed to get near them." She gave him a brief hug, careful not to muss either of their outfits. "Of course sometimes I can find odd jobs in Ziara, but more often I end up working on Subeta. Did you hear about that fiasco in the Omen Islands? I was there for that, and man, it got rather intense for a while there. Could have used you and your sword. There were these giant stone guardians, and...man." Jean shook her head with a smile. "And then of course Blake smashed this stone that was keeping Merana trapped, and I'm sure we're going to pay for that eventually. But at least the Islanders are better off now. You should join me some time. There's ruins of more than just crypts there, and I could always use someone to watch my back that doesn't hide at the first sign of danger."

Hiding is the sensible thing to do! Sihr's mental comment was sent to all three of them, and Jean chuckled. "I'll admit there's a time for hiding, but I'd rather not get stuck, and that means keeping my options open."

Sorn seemed a little uneasy, and she blushed. "I'm sorry, I interrupted the two of you. My apologies, Sorn, I was excited that someone from the Fellowship was here, and thought you might've seen them. ...Which worked out rather nicely for me, but I'm still intruding." She gave them a polite curtsey. "If either of you wish to find me, it should be easier now that we know the masks to look for. For the moment, I'm going to see what sort of food is available today. I'm sure I'll see you around."

"No," he called back, "Please, do not leave." It wasn't exactly a lengthy reply but he felt bad. She was clearly happy to talk to the other man.

“No need, I’m better off. Maybe someday you too will find satisfaction in it.” () Thinking of home only made his heart ache for the brother he had lost. Pushing the memory away he searched the crowd for his charge, but failed to locate her or the girl she had disappeared with.

Jean’s hug snapped him out of it, but she let go before he had time to become bothered by it. () Instead he smiled. “I heard about the island, I’m glad you are OK.” Of course he would be interested in some exploration. It wasn’t a surprise she had been keeping busy. “As soon as I fulfill this contract, you can count on it. Ah, and hello Sihr.” He visually searched Jean’s hair but the faeling was really very good at hiding.

Beside him he could sense Sorn’s discomfort but couldn’t tell what had caused it. Perhaps it was the lack of motion. “Jean’s correct.” He was very blunt but didn’t speak out of malice. It was always good to reconnect with a comrade. He worried about what would transpire should the sorcerer become bored. “But we could join her, if you wish to socialize further.” Maybe they would even find the wayward Liana ordering another drink at the bar. “Oh right.” He took a few trinkets from his pocket and held them out to Sorn. “It is customary to exchange these after a dance. So I’m told.”

Sorn shrugged. Maybe, maybe not. "Perhaps," was his paltry reply. He gave them both a careful smile. "It is okay. You are comrades. I can move on," he offered. He looked curiously at the trinkets. "Thanks. What are they for?" This was not his normal realm.

"Ancient evil sea witch can't keep me down." She winked. "Excellent! I'll count on it. What contract are you handling now?" Jean was glad her friend was up for some spelunking in the Omen Island ruins. It would be a good time even if they didn't find anything in particular. And she could get a few more pointers on fighting, which she sorely needed.

Sihr peeped out from one of the woman's pauldrons just long enough to give Venom a shy wave and promptly vanished again. So many people. But at least there were a few friendly ones.

"I don't have to go, but I don't know any dances for three that would fit this sort of a setting." Behind her mask the woman's eyes twinkled. "However, you are welcome to join me in the Lounge. Trinkets buy the things there, as well as the items in the Menagerie. There's some lovely things this year."

((kinda amused how Ven is all black and Jean is a total rainbow.))

"It is agreeable to me to partake of drinks with you both--if you are sure my company is not intruding upon friends."

Goldy hovered at the door, her eyes looking for familiar masks or details of people. A few people tugged her memory but she wasn't certain enough to invite them to dance. She missed her fox companion, and her old outfit. Her new outfit was more elegant and flowy that what she was used to. Goldy enjoyed watching the others at the Masquerade dancing, but she was more interested in the food to start off with. Telling herself she'd go to the dance floor soon gave her enough courage to enter the enormous ballroom. Skirting the edges of the dancefloor she selected a few small treats and some punch before sitting in one of the many seats surrounding the dancefloor to eat her snacks. The new ones were delicious, and she welcomed the taste of ones from years past as she settled down into her seat for the time being.

(( I thought I saw you somewhere in my dances! Heya, been a while! glomps And you're looking absolutely lovely!))

glomps back I was so happy to see the masq dance group get pinged! I miss rp'ing, it's been so long! Thank you! You're HA and Shy's image on the thread look awesome! How've you been doing?

“I am not bothered by it.” His tone was very matter-o-fact, and he was interested to see what Sorn would order. () Ven himself was partial to adding his own tincture to most any drink. Especially the watered down ones they served at most human run establishments. But he couldn’t complain. The drinks that got him drunk would certainly kill an average man and business with dead people wasn’t so good… Unless you were talking Shadowglen.

“Protection services, concludes a week after this event.” He replied to Jean’s inquiry. () One of the better contracts he had signed in recent times. It hardly required him to do much besides stand quietly during meetings and seem intimidating. The lodging was comfortable, and the pay was outstanding. Usually he would be itching for some action, but his shoulder was still recovering from an archery mishap and he was thankful for the non complicated work. They even had a meditation room that was quite relaxing to loose time inside.

Speaking of, he knew he needn’t worry about her very much. After all she could call him like a summon if needed. But he much preferred to travel of his own free will, and once again searched over the crowd for his charge. He thought he caught a glimpse of her mask, but lost it just as soon as it was spotted. Only if he felt an invisible tug would it be cause for alarm. She had insisted on a link, so that if either of them exceeded the premises of the grounds, the other would be made painfully aware. So far he had done well to ignore the slight pressure and found he was actually comforted by its presence despite his earlier protests.

(( feel free to have Kyriel follow Shy. ^.^;; ))

"The more the merrier," Jean agreed, offering each man an arm. "Shall we, gentlemen? First round is on me." She had trinkets from the year before, so she figured it was only fair. "Hope your charge isn't too much of a handful. I still remember that one job you wrote about -- I was sorely tempted to attempt my first kidnapping, just to get you out of it." Not wanting to leave Sorn out, the woman explained, "I tend to go for archaeological stuff, expeditions, ciphers, that sort of thing. Ven here prefers...how did you put it? Contracted protection services? But then, most of what I know in the way of an actual weapon discipline I learned from him. Only so much you can do with a knife and improvised weapons."

The young lady was intensely curious about the dark-haired and dark-auraed man in the corner, and even though she'd only got half an answer from Kyriel she started making her way towards him.  He reminded her a little of someone she'd encountered a few years before, but Shy wasn't sure if it was the same man.

She wasn't really the sort to be reserved in any fashion, and she approached the quiet man with a bright smile.  "Is reason you stand all alone when most people come here for seeing others?" she asked him.  If it was the same man as before, her memory had blurred enough that she couldn't tell.  Regardless, there was no reason for being so gloomy at a place like the Masquerade.  "Something wrong?" 

Saintzer had just passed off the empty flute of alcohol when he heard footsteps approaching. He looked up and blinked as a brightly dressed young lady approached him. He squinted a little and shifted back, angling his head so he wouldn't look directly at her. His posture immediately clammed up and he rested the backs of his hands on the small of his back. "No, nothing is wrong," he said. His voice was quiet, unsure. He didn't think anyone would approach him, especially with how late it had gotten in the night. He had watched couples come and go for what was probably hours. He was more surprised that a beam of light like this girl approached him of all people.

Her ears tilted upwards slightly. With the chatter coming from the dance floor, his soft voice was nearly lost. "Well, if nothing wrong, maybe I may have this dance?" Shy'd learned that particular phrase as being suitably polite and formal, but she still managed to get it a little tangled. She had managed to learn that one always used the right hand for shaking, and she offered hers. "Am name Shylarah," she added. "Nice to meet you."

Saintzer's first reaction was to say no, but he knew that that wasn't an acceptable answer for social events like these. He looked at her hand before he reached for hers. His own was gloved. He frowned at how dark he had made her and exhaled softly. "Saintzer. The pleasure is mine," he said smoothly, lifting his eyes. He had been given dance lessons before, but that had been a long time ago. He hesitated, "I don't know how to dance, though." That, and he didn't like the idea of being exposed out on that dance floor with so many prying, judgmental eyes.