(feel free to have whatever you'd like happen with the blade, I was thinking it spoke some but xD go for what you'd like))

When Quercus went introspective Sorn paid it no mind. He figured she had nothing else to say. When Ven asked to see the blade the drown nodded and pulled it from his back sheath. The blade was black including the hilt and guard. The inside edge was serrated and down the center was a blood-red line. Veins branched off down the line and pulsed. "Here you go, I know you are practiced with weaponry or I would refrain from allowing you to wield it."

Goldy grinned a little, "Me too, all of these people look almost noble, if not a part of nobility. I'm scared to offend any of them with my dancing." She was glad that she'd found somebody with similar dancing skill. The music was easy to keep step to, even with the stumbles the pair made, although she didn't feel brave enough to try anything fancier than the basic step. "When this dance ends we should probably check on the table." she suggested. She had no ear for when the music would end however and hoped she wasn't being rude.

Quercus focused on the music and her feet, trusting Orion to guide her in what she should be doing. The sudden spin did cause her to almost loose her balance but Orion proved to be an excellent partner, guiding her round so that for the first time she didn't feel like a lame duck on the dance floor. It felt like she was actually dancing. She was moving like someone who knew the steps and she was enjoying herself. Her smile grew as the dance continued. Some of the others were taking note of them. She had been marked early on as someone who just wasn't part of the social elite, yet here she was dancing with someone who might as well be a leading light of society and dancing well. Her expression was alive with her delight. "Thank you. This is wonderful. I had no idea it was possible to dance like this. You really are a masterful teacher."

Quercus nodded at Venom's assessment of the shoes needed for this sort of event. She'd been able to get away with some soft slipper like shoes rather than the heels she'd seen so many ladies wearing. She could only imagine how uncomfortable the formal shoes he had must be. "I'd rather have my boots any day."She agreed, thinking wistfully of her own attire. Formal dress had it's place but she always felt better when she could wear the clothes that made her feel at home. She stifled a sigh when Venom answered about his shoulder. She'd learnt long ago that if anyone could take care of themselves it was Venom. But at the same time, it had been her arrow that had wounded him. Even thought they had long since moved on from it, there would always be that fact. It was good to know the shot hadn't caused lasting damage. The song that was playing was a slow one and the dance had simple steps much to her relief. She took her place where she hoped she wouldn't run into anyone and let Venom lead the dance as was the norm here. "I admit, I didn't expect to see you here. Are you here to work?" She recalled Venom saying he'd take odd jobs now and then. Given who he was, she couldn't see him coming to such an event to enjoy himself.

The blade surprised Quercus. She'd seen that Sorn was armed from the first. Plenty of others were but this was something different. Even with her limited understanding of magic she could tell it had been enchanted at the very least. "It is drow forged?" She asked. "It must have been made by a master of their craft."

"I think checking on the table would be a good idea. Your friend might start looking for you. If she's anything like Tipper she'll probably start wondering off before too long." Quercus replied. She pushed the sense of loss over Star and Tipper back by focusing on the dance. She wasn't doing too badly and had yet to trip on her feet or misstep and cause her dance partner trouble. A disturbance close by distracted her. A stranger in a mask was loudly claiming a dance with someone. When the person they were challenging refused to move the cry of "Duel!" went up. She watched fascinated as the pair pulled out swords and battled in the middle of the dance floor. The challenger lost. He threw down a bag of the golden gears that were used for currency and stormed off, shouting he would not stop looking for partners to steal. Quercus turned back to Goldy. "Maybe we should go check on the table. I think the dance is over." As soon as they were off the dance floor she continued; "Do you know what that was? Are such things normal for here?"

"No," Sorn said. "It was forged with blood and bones and souls but it is not of drow design. I have recently acquired it. I do not know its exact origin." He gave a smile as the blade pulsed. "It is a hungry blade though. Desires death and destruction. Most glorious, is it not?"

Orion smiled at her delight. He was enjoying himself too. It wasn't often someone appreciated an art form like this one. "Lovely! Thank you for your kind compliments. It just takes a little practice... and some finesse." He winked flirtatiously at her as they swept across the ballroom floor, clearly the best couple at the moment. "You're picking this up wonderfully; you'll be a master soon yourself."

Before Goldy could ask about Tipper a duel erupted on the floor. She was speechless, fighting over a dance seemed ridiculous. Never before had she seen something of the sort, although she told herself it probably happens more frequently than she realizes. "The table might be a good idea." she agreed, snapping out of her shock as Quercus spoke to her. "I've never seen anything like that. That was nut!" she told her new friend in a hushed voice, having no idea why she was speaking in such a way. "It probably happens more lowkey than that more often but never that gaudy of a fight. I mean who would be silly enough to be offended over a dance? That's ludicrous right?" she babbled on, her brain trying to process the event. This ball was supposed to be a happy occasion, not something that would cause a scene like that.

Ven’s eyes lit up as he came into contact with the weapon, so much so they actually began emitting a soft bluish glow. It was lighter than expected for its size, but it must have some sort of magical properties to it. As his hand closed around the hilt he heard a whisper, but he didn’t try too hard to hear what it said. Like with most demonic things, it was better to keep your bearings. If he leaned too far into it, the thing would no doubt try and consume him. Sorn even commented on it’s hunger. Another thing Ven was used to with his own weapon. Although he rarely gave in to it’s whines.

Tightening his grip on the blade he flicked his wrist slightly just to get a feel for it. A real shame they were in such a crowded space or he would have swung wide. Not that it was sounding like such a bad idea… What would one or two casualties really matter in the long run?

Snapping out of it, Ven handed the weapon back to its owner. “Glorious indeed.” He muttered, while quietly regretting his decision to hand it back over. Ven shook his head to clear his mind, irritated with himself and his own characteristic flaw of being so damn susceptible to the whims of other entities. Finding Sorn’s eye he nodded. “Although your faith in me may be misplaced.” Another small hint of a smirk flashed across his face. () ~ “I am.” Ven fell into place, Quercus intending for him to lead. He was better at dancing than he would admit, but still lacked the true enjoyment. “But it’s complicated…” He faltered with words in order to keep the timing correct. “I should probably check in after this.” A turn or so around the room he felt comfortable enough to at least try and conversate. “Are fancy dance parties your thing now?” He was only slightly teasing, masking his honest curiosity. “What do Tipper and Star think of your newfound pastime?” ()

Quercus gazed at the blade. "Yes. You could call it that. As long as you control the blade and it does not control you." It struck her that Sorn was probably drawn to the power he felt with destruction. There was something liberating about holding the ability to destroy in the palm of your hand. Such desires had overwhelmed better hearts than theirs before. Introducing powerful artifacts like the blade into the equation could lead to destruction of more than the one who held the blade. All the same, she had no wish to offend Sorn so she changed the subject. "If I may, I have been wondering about your attire." She indicated the rows of delicately woven golden chains that crossed his torso. "Are they the sort of things worn by your people to events such as this or is it a personal choice?" Quercus would realise later this was her naivety coming out again. She was frequently up front about things she didn't understand and while Sorn would have stood out regardless the replacement of a shirt with metal chains seemed excessively strange when he had attended an event like this one before. He had made it clear he cared little for the thoughts of others but Quercus couldn't understand his desire to be so blatant about it. Surely it made his life harder than it needed to be. On the other hand, if cultural norms were accepted here, maybe she could wear something more her style next time she attended.

Quercus laughed kindly at the idea that she would be a master of the art. "If I ever manage such a feat we would have to go into business together to avoid competition. I would hate to steal clients from you." She wondered if she would be able to handle some of the more complicated dance steps. (Best not to push your luck.) She thought. "Do you often attend these events? Your skill is remarkable and I would guess it's due to experience." She noticed again a few of the masked ladies gazing in their direction. "I'm guessing you are known to the nobility here."

"I think that man must be mad as well as drunk. I thought the people here would be sensible." She agreed with Goldy. A frown crossed her face. "If I had known there would be people like that attending I'd have insisted I'd kept my bow." She made a promise to herself that as soon as the word duel was uttered in her direction she'd punch the speaker before any blades could be drawn, whether she was challenged or not. Another thought occurred to her. "Your friend, would that have scared her? She wouldn't have run to look for you, would she?"

Quercus nodded, she wouldn't push the issue. Her smile faulted at the reminder of her missing friends but she recovered. "They... thought I was mad to come here. Tipper especially felt this was insane. Star laughed right up until she found out they wouldn't be coming. Then she was just angry." She gazed around the ballroom. "They would have hated it here. I still wish they could have come." She lowered her voice. "Truth be told, if I could have avoided this, I probably would have. But I would have missed seeing you and Jean again. It's good experience. Or so I was told. It's proven to be more fun than I thought." She couldn't resist teasing back. "You never told me you took dancing lessons."

Sorn watched carefully as Ven enjoyed playing with the weapon. He was deeply pleased with how Ven reacted. When it was returned to him, Sorn shook his head. "Doubtful," he said, "I know how to put someone down, without using lethal force. I would not have let you come victim." He slid the weapon back into its sheath, quieting the blade.

Sorn gave a liquid shrug. "I am four hundred years old. I am well versed with weapons such as this. The wielder must balance the blade within his mind as well as his hand. I do not fear its lust."

Quercus' question was strange to Sorn but he didn't show it. "I chose it. Why?"

Ven scoffed. “Hardly, just the basic instructions so I wouldn't make a total ass of myself.” Although there was still plenty of time for that. “I’ve seen numerous small creatures here, you should bring them next time.” As the song came to a close, Ven bowed. “That way, you could all suffer together.” He handed over some trinkets as was to be expected, although neither of them probably really cared about the rule. “It is good to see you and Jean again though. Can’t say I regret coming. Although I could do without all the… pleasantries...” He quickly avoided eye contact with a group of ladies hovering around the sidelines. "Actually, I think I could use a drink." () ~ “Comforting.” Ven may have sounded a bit sarcastic, but his response was genuine. He would much prefer to be knocked out than to become some mind slave. Even with all his years of experience, there was just something so incredibly tempting... Ven didn’t trust himself to dabble much deeper than the connection he had with his own weapon. Although he had a feeling his own blade would become jealous if he were to become truly infatuated with another weapon, bladed or otherwise. He wasn’t that interested to test the theory. Just to be safe he detached the cane from his hip and held it firmly, finding solace in the familiar weight and internal pulsing only his ears had been attuned to. ()

Quercus inclined her head. "Honestly, I would not have guessed you were so experienced. It's encouraging to know you are though."

She sighed. "Mostly because I would rather not be dressed so formally. I was wondering if I could dress with something easier to move in. I was told it is best to wear a gown and not show much skin." She frowned at it. "I like it well enough but I miss being able to move. I think I might try something less traditional next time. That and it is a very elegant look."

Quercus tried to picture Star and Tipper in the dance hall. "I think Tipper would either be clinging to me, you or Jean while Star would be snatching things from people's masks and headdresses. Sometimes I'd swear she is part magpie!" She noticed the ladies at the edge of the dance floor and smiled. "Then let's go to the bar. I owe you a drink or two if I recall." She deliberately positioned herself so she was between Venom and any ladies looking for a dance partner. "You don't have to worry about pleasantries with me. If you like I'll keep any other dance partners away. Or we could go and see if there's a place for training. They may not have my style of bow but it would be nice to shoot at a target for a while."

Sorn had a feeling the words were not sarcastic and he bowed his head slightly. "Anytime," the drow said. He liked Ven a lot, felt a kinship to him.

"And why is that?" he asked gruffly.

He shrugged. "Dress for the occasion but wear what you wish. I have always found a way to wear what I want but yet still functional enough that it does not provoke ire. If no one is going to start a war or kill you for what you wear, why fret so much?"

Quercus looked surprised. "You cannot have survived for four hundred years without coming across a few fools who think they can wield such a weapon without risk. I would rather such things are in the keep of those who know the danger and have the experience than those who think a cheap amulet is enough to keep them safe."

"A wise philosophy and one I would like to follow. Maybe I just do not like unnecessary conflict. I frequently have enough trouble with my appearance without offending nobles and their ideas of what a person should be." She turned her gaze to the dancers on the floor. "Experience has taught me when you lack the backing of friends and a home it can be easier to go along with the way people expect things to be. But I am not as familiar with the ways of the world as you. Nor," And she couldn't help but smile. "Have I the good fortune of convincing people with a glance to be respectful." As if anyone would be anything less to a drow warrior armed and catching more than a few admiring looks.

"You said you would not have guess I was experienced," Sorn said. "Your reply has not answered that." Had she thought he was such a fool?

"As you wish," Sorn said. He thought it was needless to worry so with the world above so docile. "I lack both of those." He did smirk at the respecting at a glance. "Yes, a healthy dose of fear plays into this I believe."

Orion laughed. "Oh, my dear lady, I'm sure that would indeed be the case. Anyone would rather take tutoring from a lovely woman rather than a man." He winked at her as the dance drew to a close. "I would be a fool not to take you up on your offer to open a dance studio as partners." As far as that went, that could be quite fun. Something he might look forward to... He hadn't had the pleasure of looking forward to something in a long time. Orion offered her some trinkets as was the tradition and lead her back to the small group they had left, namely composed of a gentleman named Venom, Sorn and another lady whose name he did not know. ( - if I'm wrong on these people being together, I'm sorry! D: )

"No, Tanwen would be fine, once she gets settled she's difficult to move." Goldy replied, "Yeah, she hasn't moved." she chuckled as the table got closer and she could see ears peeking out over the table. She sat down on the edge of the chair to give her feet a rest.

I think so?

Ven’s left ear twitched slightly as they set off toward the Lounge once again. The evening had been progressing smoothly, it seemed. Ven caught himself stifling a yawn.

“Bored already?”

Ven jumped slightly at the sound of her voice. There was only one person who was really good at sneaking up on him. “Apologies.” He muttered, turning to find the woman who spoke exiting the powder room once again. Clearly she had been drinking, but he was slightly relieved to see she wasn’t in any sort of trouble, considering his absence. Especially considering the amount of alcohol he could smell on her.

Liana waved away his formality. “It’s fine, you don’t have to pretend anymore.” Her eyes seemed tired. “Who’s your friend?” She leaned over and waved a small hello at Quercus.

Ven let out a breath upon her release. Whatever inspired her change in attitude he felt he owed his gratitude. “Does that mean I can take off my shoes?” He knew she wouldn’t let him, but she had just given him permission to speak freely. “This is Quercus, an old acquaintance of mine.”

Liana pinched her nose and groaned. “Not unless you want to kill us all.” Second guessing her words she cracked a small smile. “I mean, I’m sure you want to kill me for having you wear them… Don’t be rude, she isn’t old at all.” She gave Quercus a playful look. “You owe us both drinks for that one.” Although she only intended on ordering a fruit juice as opposed to any more booze and maybe some bread to help settle her grumbling stomach.

( - I'm just sort of mashing my kids back together. The masq was fun this year guys :D Did everyone get all the things they needed?)

I haven't had a chance to get stuff, working in healthcare means no weekend for me unfortunately lol

Quercus nearly laughed at Sorn's persistence but felt he was probably annoyed enough. She shook her head. "You wear your age well. I would not have guessed you were as skilled as you are because you lack the scars I would expect of a seasoned warrior." She indicated some paler lines on her skin, scars that were still healing. "Most of the warriors I know have marks from the fighting they've gone through. You seem to lack them or, rather, they are so few as to be non-existent. To live and fight for four hundred years with so few is a tribute to your skill and gives me confidence that you can wield such a blade without succumbing to it."

"Oh I don't know. I'm certain there are more than a few ladies who would jump at the chance to be taught by you. You ensured I didn't not disgrace myself. Thank you." There was a great deal of warmth in her voice as she offered the tokens in exchange. They returned to their group, Quercus wondering if she really could be good enough to teach others. (It would certainly make me faster and lighter on my feet.) She reflected. As they reached the group she couldn't help but say; "I would like to dance with you again some time. It would help me see if I have improved. In the mean time, would you like a drink? My treat."

"That is a relief. Tipper would probably have started climbing the walls as soon as the shouting started." Quercus gently scratched Tanwen. "You're more used to this I think. Or possibly have more courage." She turned back to the few remaining plates on the table. "Would you like anything from the bar?"

Quercus watched the exchange with an amused expression. She laughed at Liana's response to her being an 'old acquaintance'. "Ah, on a night like this who cares if you are young or old?" She held out a hand in greeting. "We met briefly before but I didn't catch you name. Would you like me to get some food for the table? There are some things I would still like to try and a good meal would help our energy." She hoped the lady would agree. After the amount of drinks she'd consumed before dashing off, Quercus was keen to ensure she had something in her belly to help deal with the affects.

Orion smiled warmly at her. "It would be my pleasure, Quercus. And I certainly won't turn down a drink, though perhaps I'll be a little cautious considering what happened to ah... Gwyndolen not too long ago." He winked playfully as he escorted the lady towards the refreshment table. He almost wished he wore gloves. Every time his bare skin brushed against hers, he was reminded how close she was to nature, and its effect on her. Still, he did his best to pay it no heed; he wasn't going to make her uncomfortable. She had been kind to him and had certainly flattered him beyond anyone here... except Sorn.