, sorry, I missed that!

(I'm going to talk to multiple people at once. If the timings don't make complete sense, sorry. I thought I'd go for conversations had over the course of the event.)

Quercus turned as the gentleman walked up. She had seen him before while moving through the ballroom though she hadn't had the chance to introduce herself. "Hello. Are you enjoying yourself?" She recalled seeing him kissing another not long ago. "There are certainly a number of fascinating people here." She tried. She wasn't good at making conversation mostly thanks to her worry that she would say something wrong. She realised that there was another sensation, one that was not tied to nerves. Her plants were reacting to the stranger. (What? Why?) She gazed at him curiously. There was something that spoke of the forest. Strange. She wanted to ask but he'd moved before she could. (Maybe I should be more direct?) She asked herself. If she had another chance, she'd try and find out why her plants were reacting. Or, failing that, at least try and have a conversation.

The new comer didn't seem in the mood to talk but he had a healthy appetite. Quercus was going to leave him to eat but a flash to white attracted her attention. (So many foxes! Maybe I could bring Tipper at least.) She glanced around again, mentally seeing Tipper reacting to the scene. (Then again...) She reflected as a picture of Tipper racing terrified through the dancers, jumping onto tables and snapping at anyone who came near her. The little vixen really wasn't one for places like this. Instead she turned to the gentleman. "Hello. Who is your friend?" She indicated the little white fox. It was clearly magical which made her careful but she still felt she ought to be polite.

"I can see you want to have another try." She laughed a little at Jean's desire to drive a hover bike again. Quercus didn't mind the idea but had little desire to leave the ballroom. She'd seen the surface beyond and a landscape like that made her plants recoil. There were gardens here but a track of dust reclaimed from the moon held little appeal. Her instincts drove her to avoid places like that or to give up some plants to help things grow, something she really didn't enjoy doing. When the strange got up to head for the ladies powder room Quercus thought to follow her. But the lady's friend was ahead of her. She watched them go and wondered. She'd been to enough bars to know people like that ended up throwing a punch more often than not. She wanted to help but didn't wish to anger the person further. (I'll watch and step in if I need to. She's better off with someone she knows for now.) She turned to Jean. "Before you go riding, you still owe me a dance. When are you next free?"

Quercus merely grinned at the dark elf's comments. Some might have thought him rude but Quercus was relived in many ways to have someone blunt to speak to. After all the rules on manners and hoops she'd been asked to jump through tonight it was refreshing to have someone who spoke his mind. None the less, she turned a grateful smile to Venom for his explanation before she answered Sorn. "Good to meet you Sorn. My people call themselves forest folk, you're welcome to do the same. I'm half human, half plant." And because she enjoyed the challenge in his tone she turned her head and lifted her hair enough for him to see the vines and branches wound through her hair were rooted to her skull. People had screamed before when she had show them that, one of the reasons she kept her hair long. She knew others found it disturbing to see these things embedded in her. She doubted she'd get much more than a shrug from Sorn about them. "I'm a stranger here, learning how these dances work. Any advice?" This was probably pushing her luck but she was curious to know what the warrior had to say.

She had been surprised to see Venom dressed up for the event. He looked about as comfortable as she felt. (I think he suits travel gear better. When it comes down to it, we are people happiest on the road.) She shook her head slightly at the thought, wary of causing Sihr any discomfort. Still, Venom was one of the few people she trusted to let her know if she was in the wrong and she did need to at least try to fit in here. "If you have the time and feel inclined, would you dance with me?" She didn't mind if the answer was no, it was enough that she had asked and she knew Venom would not be here unless there was a purpose. She wouldn't stand in the way of that.

She turned at Goldy's quiet voice. "Sounds like a plan with everyone gathering. We could use some more tables and chairs too. But, before that, I owe you a dance I think. If you like, shall we dance now? Or," Here she moved back to scratch the little kitsune again. "Would you rather wait until your friend is well rested?"

(tried to send you a dance, couldn't find it) "Tanwen will be okay here." Goldy responded, gently sliding off of her chair and pouring Tanwen back onto the chair and onto the warm spot created by her sitting there. She hoped she wouldn't be lying when she said Tanwen would stay put. "Let's dance then we can get food for everybody." She offered Quercus her hand for the dance. It couldn't be that bad, maybe she actually knew what she was doing and she'd be able to fake it.

(( We can have them interact… say he is back? xD))

“I see,” Sorn replied. “Well at least you are not overwhelmed now are you?” He allowed himself to be pulled closer and gave a slight smile. “Well I shall not say I am disappointed to be stolen.” The drow’s eyes flicked back over to the others. Was it his imagination or did Garrin look upset. Could it have been because he left? No, that would be reaching into the sky and finding a fish. He shook his head and then back to Orion.

((btw, Sorn’s actually a sorcerer who has warrior skills. He loves playing with his magic.)) “Part plant, I see,” the drow said unfazed by the vines and branches. “I have never come across one of your kind in the many years I have conducted raids on the surface. Does fire harm you? Are you stronger than humans or weaker?” Sorn shrugged to her question. “I do not know very much myself. I was only here last year.”

Orion chuckled at Garrin's reaction. "You're welcome. I didn't realize some of these refreshments were... ah... different. If you're feeling adventurous, let me know and I can be on stand-by to nullify any unsavory effects," he teased the man with a wink. Maybe it was his way of making sure he at least had someone he could talk to and be on good terms with. If he had it his way, he would have many 'someone's.

Orion nodded. The atmosphere was clearer now. Perhaps all Sorn needed was a quick break. Well Orion seemed to have fulfilled that need. He smiled at the drow. "I'm glad to hear it." They spent a single song away from the others before Orion, a little reluctantly, brought Sorn back to continue conversing with them. He would be around.

His pale blue eyes glanced her over with interest. "Indeed. I am enjoying myself. Your ensemble was masterfully done," he complimented her with a warm smile. Despite the genuine warmth to his voice and expression, there was a coolness to his presence. She was a piece of nature, a living, breathing piece of it. He squashed his own personal feelings and offered his hand. "Call me Orion."

Garrin looked up at the new woman who'd spoken to him and he vaguely recalled hearing her name somewhere. 'Quercus - that's it!' He thought rapid fire before answering his question about Coda. "Coda is a Silvox, a magical breed similar to your human Vulpes and felines. She's neither of them by blood but it suffices as a way of explanation to her looks." Garrin gestured to Coda casually as he spoke.

Meanwhile Coda was appraising the newcomer and sending a thousand quick images and thoughts into Garrin's mind. He was quite used to this at this point and just let the information flow into him. It was part of the security defenses that Coda was primed to do automatically upon greeting any new situation or being.

"My name is Garrin," as he spoke his name he stood and extended his right hand in greeting, hoping to meet hers. She obliged and placed her hand in his and he gently kissed the top of it.

"Sounds like a plan." Quercus agreed. She took the offered hand and moved towards the dance floor. "I must admit I've not tried to dance to these songs before. Do you mind if we stick to the edge where we won't bump into anyone? I promise not to step on your feet." Now she was actually facing a real dance, she was feeling the pressure to get it right. She just hoped her partner would forgive her for getting a few of the steps wrong.

"You still have greater experience here than I and your company is clearly enjoyed." Quercus replied. She turned to his other questions. "It doesn't surprise me that you haven't seen many of my kind. We rarely leave the forests. I don't burn any better than if you were to set anyone else on fire, nor do I fear it more than anyone else. I'm used to making camp fires and have burned myself before so I have tested it, if only by accident. I am stronger though. The plants go down to my bones. They give me greater strength. I heal faster and can take heavier blows than many would think I could at first glance. This is again thanks to experience. How about you? Are you part..." She searched for a suitable phrase and recalled Venom's explanation. "Shadow? Can you sense things using the dark?"

"It is a pleasure to meet you Orion." Quercus replied, accepting his hand. She wasn't completely certain but she had a feeling he was displeased with her. Certainly he seemed far more comfortable with the others which puzzled her. (Maybe because I am a stranger? Or has he a bad experience with someone that resembles me?) She wasn't sure but she had no wish to encourage any negative feelings here. "You are very kind. I wish my skills were on your level. You look like one of the leading lights of the event. It makes me quite envious." She returned the compliment. Her plants were reacting again. She lowered her voice. "Please do not think me rude but... Are you... fond of plants? Some have a kinship with them. I think you might." She pulled back, she was being personal again. Her people tended to be up front and it sometimes caused her to forget that not everyone was the same. "Oh, pay me no mind. I'm caught up with everything. You dance very well, have you ever taught?"

Quercus nodded at Garrin's explanation and turned to the Sivox. "It is good to meet you Coda. Forgive me for not greet you properly before now." She bowed a little, not trusting herself to curtsy as she had seen so many ladies do. She turned back to Garrin. "I take it you and Code are friends? How are you finding the event? I must admit, I'm a little overwhelmed by it all but I'm enjoying it." Garrin seemed to understand how this event worked and she did feel she could trust him to be honest with her. She hoped she might gain some insight on how she was supposed to behave at gatherings like this.

Orion bowed over her hand briefly, brushing the back of it with his lips. He let go as she pulled away and smiled at her. "I don't have a particular affinity towards them," he replied, "But I find that those closest to nature and with magical affinities tend to... ah... gravitate towards me, I suppose. As for teaching dance, I did several years ago. I did enjoy it but the lack of students made me give it up fairly quickly," he said with a laugh. It was fun while it lasted. Most things to do with mortals were short-lived after all. He eyed the vines attached to her body. She was sensitive. He would need to be careful with this one.

Ven couldn’t help it, Sorn’s comment made him laugh. But before he was able to reply the dark elf was whisked away leaving Venom to wonder why he had been pulled over to begin with. Letting it go with a shrug he turned back to Quercus. “Eh, if you insist I guess.” His formality was failing, but he felt comfortable enough around Quercus to not expect any backlash. Besides, he probably owed her a favor or two. Anyway he really couldn’t hope to get out of a dance or two when attending a dance party anyway. Although the ones Cinderrin attended were slightly more Ven’s speed. ( )

She either didn’t hear Shylarah call after her, or didn’t want to. Bumping into a lady in a much too large bright pink dress as she passed, Liana flung herself into a bathroom stall and lost a bit more than her lunch. Some time later when she was able to stop crying, she wiped her eyes and when she felt composed enough to face her friend, she went out to wash up in the sink. Ignoring the mutters from the women filtering in and out, it really didn’t matter to her what they thought anymore. She splashed her face with some water, and pulled out a small black pencil to try and fix her eyes as best she could. They were still a bit smudgy, but under the mask it would be impossible to tell. Sure she was still drunk, most definitely. But much more in control now than before.

“Shy, I’m sorry. I’ve behaved like an asshole, and I don’t blame you if you would rather not be seen with me… I apologize.” Her eyes found the highly polished marble floor and stuck there. She had excuses, ones she had practiced telling herself over and over. But the reality was she didn’t have very many good reasons to be acting so absurdly childish. It was just a culmination of bottling all her feelings up for so long. It had only been a matter of time before she found her tipping point. Mogget probably had a fair bit to do with it after all. ()

(( and come back soon I miss you! Hope you guys had tons of fun at the con :D ))

(before coming back. I finished the reply when he returns from dance) Sorn doubted her assessment. “I see. You are most curious.”

(you all, i assume can hear his explaination) Sorn nodded to Orion. Suddenly the drow wondered if the other man was deliberately attempting to calm him. Why would he do that? Now the dance was over and they were back in front of the group. Sorn took a seat feeling unsettled. “Miss me Gerald? Of course you did,” he said smoothly to Garrin.
“To answer your question,” Sorn said to Quercus, “I am not part shadow. I am a drow, or dark elf. The light elves tell that supposedly a light elf was brought to deep sorrow. They allowed their anger and hate to slowly consume them. Then they started shifting and becoming evil. Loving murder, torture, chaos… Hating the light, the twisted elf turned from the surface and went to live in the Underdark.” He shrugged on the origin story. “I can sense darkness and things that are aligned with it. I have excellent vision and hearing so yes, I can see in the darkness. But all drows have some degree of magic and we can all make light.”

“Sorry, Ven, you were saying?” Sorn asked after he explained what drows were.

Goldy relaxed a little, "I'm not that great at dancing, the edge is fine." she told Quercus, "It sounds like we both have two left feet." she added, watching the other dancers to try to learn the dances pattern, waiting for a good spot to join in on the dance floor. As they approached the dance floor she began counting the rhythm of the dance, it sounded like a waltz. Those weren't too difficult, the box step was a little rough to get back into but other than that it was okay.

"One, two, three, one, two, three," she whispered to herself as she turned to face Quercus, "Do you waltz?"

“An arena for sparing.” He put an emphasis on sparing, somehow managing to conceal his toothy grin. “Quercus is actually one of the best sparring partners I’ve had.” Sure the drow would probably take that comment as a coverup, but Ven was about as interested in sexual contact as a rock or a dead animal would be. Hell even hugs made him mildly uncomfortable. Although he was getting more used to them as most of the people he met seemed to have an affinity for them. “If you aren’t too tired after the ball, perhaps you would indulge me.” He was eyeing Sorn’s blade again with a seldom seen sort of hunger in his eyes. ( )

(( god everything I type I’m just reading as innuendo, SORN WHY XD ))

Quercus nodded at his explanation. "I see. Maybe you have a gift for plants." She wasn't sure why her plants were reacting but she wouldn't pry. "That is a shame, though I find it hard to believe you could not find enough students. You dance so well." An idea came to her. She just hoped Orion would be willing. "If I could, would you be willing to teach me a few steps? Most of these dances are new to me and I really do not want to step on the feet of those I dance with. That is, if you do not have others waiting for you." She added hastily. (He doesn't need to if he does not wish to. I will not be unhappy. It would be nice to have some help is all.)

Quercus felt herself relax at Venom's comment. Dressed up as they were, there had been an edge of the unreal to the evening. It was good to see that clothes hadn't affected Venom and a relief to be able to drop all the manners for a short while, to be herself again. She could with Jean but had no wish to disgrace her friend when faced by all of those Jean knew. She liked meeting new people but all the rules of the event were wearing her down. "Thanks. If you want, we can hide at the edge rather than dance. I'd hate to trip you on the dance floor." She meant it as a joke. Venom was far too good to be downed by a clumsy forest folk in a borrowed dress. As soon as they were far enough so she was sure they wouldn't be overheard she lowered her voice to ask; "How's your shoulder?"

"Why, thank you." Quercus replied to Sorn's comment on her being curious. "Always nice to know I've made an impression." She listened to the story of where the drows came from without comment. "Sounds to me the light elves wanted to excuse their own behavior. Darkness is as much a part of life as the light. You can no more leave it behind than you can the rain or the seasons. Your people just found something more in the dark than they did." Whether Sorn heard her or not was unclear, he had turned back to Venom. She did hear Venom's comment about her fighting ability which caused her to smile and turn away. Partly to let them organise when and if they would spare and partly because of the events that had happened the last time she and Venom had spared. (It was fun if a little worrying at times.) She reflected.

"No. I have only waltzed once in my life. I very nearly tripped my partner." Quercus admitted. "But, if this dance is familiar to you, would you mind leading? I would love to learn how to dance this one." It was a relief to know her partner wasn't an expert. She'd fully expected to trip and have half the party goers looking down on her for her mistake. A simple dance with someone who understood was all she'd been hoping for. "Have you danced many waltzes?"

Orion couldn't help but feel flattered. She was good at that. He preened a little, brushing his bangs back with a sly smile. "I'd be happy to. The basics aren't difficult to pick up; an intelligent lady like you should have no trouble with it." It wasn't like he had a line forming in front of him like Sorn. He offered her his elbow and lead Quercus to the edge of the dance floor. "This song is a waltz," he mused, mostly to himself. It was easy to tell from the way the music swayed. Mortal music was nice but it was ever so much better when played by immortals. "Perhaps I should ask how much you know first."

“Sparing would be acceptable.” The drow snorted. He took the comment as a challenge. “Well, once we are in the arena, you shall surely change your mind.” He smirked. Then he caught the look at the blade. “You wish to see the blade? It’s demonic and has a will of its own. I also have Mirror with me, the blade you met last year.”

Sorn laughed. “Yes, light elves are pompous. They see themselves as perfect beings. They got one thing right at least. We do enjoy murder and torture.”

((Sorn says that’s cos Ven secretly wants him ;) haha.))

((guess whose friend got her sick again?! whale noises))

"I can try, I haven't lead in awhile. It's the only dance I learned, and that was years ago." She gently placed her hand on Quercus's shoulder, "I'm never good with where to place my hands." she apologized. "The step is in a one, two, three pattern." She was used to being the follower, stepping right, then left then back, over to the left, right to join that then up, doing the opposite was a bit harder. It took her a little while and some stumbling before she got the opposite step going in time with the music. "This isn't too bad." she commented.

(Oh no. I hope you feel better soon. You have been getting a lot of illness coming your way lately. Take care.)

She was relived to see some of the chill leave his manner. He seemed to be happier now. (I will not bring up the subject again.) Quercus told herself firmly. She would just have to ignore her plants for now. They weren't telling her to beware, just that there was a connection and she wasn't worried about that. Though she did blush at his compliments. He was clearly as skilled in pleasing others as he was at dancing. She went with him to the floor listening to the music and trying to work out what the steps were. "Truthfully, I have hardly any experience. I've... danced like this once or twice but I'm not good at knowing where to put my feet or how to move with my partner. I want to be better though." She felt it would be rather nice to glide over the dance floor and not worry about tripping someone else. She waited for Orion's instructions, hopeful that she might improve.

Quercus didn't bat an eyelid at Sorn's admission of enjoying violence. She'd moved in the world long enough to know there were people with such attitudes. As long as they didn't lash out at random she had no wish to clash. Least of all here. (At least he laughed. He seems happier now.) She thought. She wondered if she should invite him to a dance. That did seem to be the right thing to do here. But her dancing skills were not as polished as his. (I doubt he would suffer my mistakes willingly. Better to let him keep his good humor.)

"This is most enjoyable." Quercus replied. She was finding it easier now and Goldy's occasional stumbles had helped her feel less of an outsider. She knew she was making mistakes, in fact most of her focus was on avoiding Goldy's feet as she tried to get the dance steps down. But that was okay. There were others here who had the same issue and wouldn't take offense. Even if she did miss a step now and then she was finding the rhythm of the music and how she was expected to move. "Thank you for agreeing to this. I admit I've been worried that I would end up causing one of the higher ranking people here a great insult by not knowing how to dance. This is much more fun."

Orion chuckled. "Well that's good. I can give you a foundation, then. Let's begin." He began giving Quercus gentle instruction, making sure to lead well. "The nice thing about dancing is that if your partner knows what they're doing, it makes it very easy to follow. See?" Without verbal prompting, Orion gave Quercus a gentle spin, smiling as he tugged her back in. "Perfect. You're doing wonderfully."

“I think I would be the one tripping. Shoes are a nuisance.” Ven glanced down at his highly polished shoes with a frown, eagerly anticipating the time he got to peel them off and discard them. “My shoulder?” He rotated it unconsciously. “Completely fine. No cause for concern.” In the past he had suffered much greater injuries, besides his warm blood caused him to heal at an accelerated rate compared to most. “I’ve had worse believe me.” She had seen him shirtless after all, the deep scars that lay across most of his body remained clear reminders of his resilience. ()

There were not many things in this world that Venom get excited about, but weaponry was one of them. Even if his facial expression didn’t let on, he began shifting from side to side like a happy child when Sorn offered to introduce them. “Yes, of course.” Ven then pressed his cane into a clip on his side so his hands would be free, and cracked his knuckles. Sorn seemed to have quite the collection. Demonic blades were rare especially here, and one that was awake was even moreso. He didn’t even catch the comment about drow enjoying murder and torture, something he was very familiar with but held no affinity towards. At least not any more. ()

(( plz feel better soon! We need to get you a hazmat suit ))