Open [Seasonal Event] The Winter Ball

[Zivilist Gott]

He didn't want to be here, Zivilist knew that, but no one forced him to come. He wore his uniform since out of all his clothing -suffice to say he didn't have much- it was the most distinguished looking, it would have looked even more distinguished if he had bother to at least get some sleep beforehand. His face looked absolutely exhausted, but it wasn't his fault that sleep eluded him and the white mask aided in disguising his tired face. At his hip hung his Rapier, while his breastplate and shield were left at home since they wouldn't be needed. He hadn't mingled with anyone the entire duration he was here and would rather not to, but he had no doubt some would want to speak to the waveguard, if only to quench some bit of curiosity or perhaps to pass off a kind word or two to their city's 'Valiant Protectors'. He noticed a few faces he knew or at least was somewhat familiar with, a prime example being Ricky. Fisherman turned Wave Guard, he had respect for the man, although it was obvious he still felt pain over the death of his lifelong friend and pet, he seemed to be bouncing back quite nicely. Part of him wished he could return to his feet just as quickly, but it would take a small amount of time. for now he stood at a corner, content at simply watching others enjoy themselves 'its much needed, that is for certain' and hopefully the remaining winter days ahead will be at least pleasant, even if the weather is generally disagreeable.

[Nai'a]

Nai’a strolled down the great hall of the university’s west wing, where the party was. She felt a little over exposed in her mahair wool dress, she wasn’t used to showing so much flesh, but it was a warm winter night since it was so close to spring time. Though the wind was brisk and chilly outside, inside it was rather warm. She looked down before she entered the main portion of the ball, stroking the soft wool, ridding it of wrinkles. The white dress fit her body well, hugging her small frame and curves, with a large opening in the front that went at an angle from her upper thigh to her ankle, flowing as she walked. The open front showing her legs were more tolerable then the exposure of her cleavage. She wished she would have gone shopping sooner, but she arrived at the store too late, all the pretty dresses had been picked through, and she wasn’t left with many choices. A man offered her a choice of two masks, a white one or a black one. Nai’a smiled and thanked the fan, grabbing a black mask and putting it on.

Nai’a refrained from wrapping her arms around herself, as she walked into the crowded ball, looking at all the beautiful dresses, and well-dressed men talking amongst themselves, while sipping on champagne. There was a little bit of everyone from all types of class here mingling with one another, which made Nai’a smile. She was happy that this city did not turn their noses up at the poor. Nai’a peered around the beautifully adorned room, seeing a few familiar faces that seemed caught up in their own conversations. She did not want to interrupt anyone, so she just went to the table and grabbed a glass of champagne, taking a sip and giggling slightly at the bubbles that tickled her nose and tongue, peering around the room at all the people dancing. Nai’a really wished she learned how to dance during the early portion of the Winter season before the ball, but alas she doubted she would get the chance to dance anyways, so she abandoned that thought and continued to sip her champagne, refraining from laughing at the tickling of the bubbles.

[Erekez]

Erekez was looking forward to the ball. A masquerade. He had never been to one, neither would he have considered so in the past, but over his travels, all the adventures he had been on to new places, there was one thing that he felt he still need to do. Keep others at a distance. It was a lonely way of living, but past experiences had proven to him that carelessly trusting other people could lead to just as lonely, or even life-threatening, situations. He grew tired of always putting up barriers, keeping people away until he was sure of them, worrying about who or what was up ahead and how he could deal with it. His social life was supported by one big mask in the form of a smile. It was ironic how another one could allow him to be who he was. The ball was nothing short of extravagant and Erekez had felt like digging into his pockets for the little coin he had left for it. Something nice wasn't bad every now and then. His new black leather gloves sat tight, but not restrictive, on his hand. The black leather riding boots were comfortable to walk in as he strolled down the halls. His white silk shirt felt smooth against his skin. He felt relieved when he finished it all with the black mask he had been given upon entry. No-one knew who he was now. There would be no strings, no consequences of how care-free he acted now. He stepped into the great hall of the West Wing. Erekez strolled around the room, taking small sips from the water he had picked up. Water was a luxury when travelling. You never knew when you were next going to be able to fill up from a safe source. He looked around at the many different people enjoying themselves. He couldn't help but smile. The atmosphere was one of joviality. One that Erekez felt truly alive in. He saw how a lot of guests had spent large amounts of coin on their dresses or suits. Regardless of where he was, Erekez still preferred the practical and simple look. Tonight though, he had dressed smart. He was allowed to indulge himself tonight. There was one thing though that drew his eye, and that was the pink-haired woman standing out of everyone's way, with her arm wrapped around herself and a glass of champagne in the other. Erekez laughed lightly. If he planned on enjoying himself tonight, he wasn't about to let somebody else miss out on the fun. He started towards her. Erekez bowed at the woman as he drew near in greeting. "May I have the pleasure of your company my dear?" He didn't know the proper way to speak during an event such as this, but nobody knew who he was, and he was going to enjoy that fact.

[Nai'a]

Nai’a had already had 3 glasses of that tickling champagne, she had never had any type of alcohol before, and she was already beginning to feel slightly happy for no reason other than the tickling bubbles. She stood there with her left arm wrapped around her midsection, her right elbow resting on it as she began to sip on the champagne. She peered over her glass at all the individuals having fun, dancing and socializing amongst themselves, and she felt out of place slightly. Of course she was out of place with her long pink hair, cascading down her back in curls. But she felt out of place because she had no one like the other people that surrounded her, she kept her distance of people usually, finding more comfort in books then socializing with humans. It was a rather lonely life, leading her into depression at times, but she valued her friendship with the few she did consider friends.

As she watched the crowd before her with her dark grey eyes, she saw movement heading towards her, Nai’a turned her head in the direction of the movement and noticed it was a tall, strong looking man heading her way. He wore a white silk shirt, that Nai’a could not help but want to touch, and black leather gloves and boots, but what caught her attention the most was his eyes. Oh, yes his eyes. They were so unique, like her hair was unique, one being a deep blue like the deepest of the sea she had swam in, the other being a beautiful green that reminded her of the Jade pool she swam in earlier this winter in the Wild Lands. He was a sight to behold, and she wondered why he did not have an equally beautiful woman at his side. Maybe he was heading towards that woman? Nai’a thought, looking around at her surroundings and noticing she was all alone, she was just about to move out of the man’s way, assuming he was after something to drink or eat, but he came up to her bowing in front of her. She could not help but think that this gesture was so polite and fitting for a gentleman like himself.

“May I have the pleasure of your company my dear?” he asked in a strong smooth voice.

Nai’a looked around her again, just to be sure he was talking to her, and then pointed at herself, “Who me? You want my company?” Nai’a asked in a calm shy voice, a pink blush igniting on her cheeks. She was a little shocked that such a man as himself would want such ordinary company like herself. So she could not help but ask if the man was talking to her, or maybe he was indicating someone she had not seen that was around her, but she kept her dark grey eyes on him, staring into those mysteriously colored eyes of his, not being able to control herself not to look.

[Erekez]

Erekez watched her look around her before she pointed at herself. It looked as though she had been caught off guard by his request. He gave her a gentle smile. Erekez found her innocence cute, especially when she checked that it really was her he was talking to. He watched as her cheeks changed colour, widening his smile. It was an honour that this woman thought highly of him to react as she had. He could never honestly say that before. "Of course." He replied. "You're here to relax and have fun. Unless your idea of doing so was to stand out of everyone's way and drink, I don't believe you would've made the effort to look as stunning as you do now." Erekez held his smile as he spoke. It was no longer a task to do so. It was a genuine smile this time, not a forced one to seem polite. Looking around the room, Erekez noticed the upper half to the hall. No doubt there would be a good view over the entire ball from up there. His thoughts returning to the woman before him, he wondered about her. Habits died hard, and Erekez still felt he needed to analyse someone before he went into a deep conversation with them, but that need was so small, it almost felt like something else. Curiosity, perhaps, instead of caution this time? A much softer feeling, one he welcomed. His gaze returned to her again. He took the time to truly look at her this time, rather than just her hair this time. She was smaller than him by a bit, but that meant nothing. She already seemed like a person he would want to spend his time at the ball with from her reaction to his introduction, somewhat timid, almost like she was happy to only be around to help others. It was a nice dress she wore also. It complimented her figure very well. He couldn't really make any further comments on it than that. Other than looking good on her, he really didn't know on what else he was meant to looking at. It didn't matter what she wore though to him. He couldn't really comment considering what he usually looked like. She was looking at his face now, almost mesmerised. Does she know me from somewhere? Is she going to figure out who I am? Erekez was filled with a sudden fear, a plea that he wouldn't be exposed to anyone, especially not so early in the event. Just let me have a little time, please? It took a second, but he noticed that she wasn't concentrating on his whole face. she was looking at his eyes. All worry left him, replaced with a sense of elation. He still had time to be himself, and she seemed to take interest in what he prided most about himself. He offered an arm to her. "My request still stands. Would you like to accompany me?"

[Aaryn Broadbent]

"By the Gods. Why did I decide to do this?"

Aaryn stood outside of the University, pacing back and forth in the cold night air. He hadn't been to The Winter Ball in years. Not since Kayle died. Not since his life had fallen apart. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, adjusting his cloak for the thousandth time. He'd decided on an all black ensemble. Black cloak, black shirt, black breeches, and a pair of black boots to top it off. He felt foolish.

He checked his cloak pockets for his journal, his quill, and his inkwell and sighed heavily. He had no more excuses. No more reasons to stand outside in the cold night. It was time to face the music. He grimaced and squared his shoulders, before pushing the doors open and making his way through the atrium and to the event itself. He stopped for a moment when given the choice of mask, hand hovering over black before settling on white. Let them chew on that.

He adjusted the mask and stepped into the hall, feeling the discomfort that came from being around so many people immediately. He had a pounding in his head.

"Why did I ever do this to myself?" He muttered to himself as he cut through the crowd. He needed a drink. He needed several drinks. He needed enough drinks to make him forget that he'd ever bothered leaving his quarters. That was what he really needed.

He shouldered his way to the refreshment table, murmuring apologies to those he jostled. He bumped a pair as he reached for a glass, a girl with pink hair and another man, tall and broad. Yet another murmured apology. He grabbed a glass of champagne, drained it, set it down. Grabbed another, drained it, set it down. One more for good measure, drained it, set it down. He picked up a fourth and held it in his hand, eyes scanning the crowd. He'd drink and leave as soon as he found his opening.

Gods but he hated parties.

[Valo]

A man with long back hair, wrested his way to the refreshment table before his eyes and Valo could simply not help him self but take notice of the stranger's haste. It was only then, upon the stranger's accidental shoving past Nai'a, that the artist took notice of the woman. First thought perhaps was to stroll over and say hello in his politest of manners, a charming smile painted into his features; but there was a man with her already and Valo wasn't in the mood for stealing her away. Perhaps later, out of common curtsy and his fondness for her, he would acknowledge her presence. Until then however, he would leave them be. The artist was honestly just mining his own business, sipping passively from the glass of champagne in his slender hand. It was not his means to pry upon the life of another, especially during an event such as this. Yet the haste of the stranger beside him was more than apparent, for he simply downed the alcohol without indulging in it. And perhaps it was a hypocrisy on Valo's behalf, he decided to speak out none the less. "What ales you sir?" he asked in his most polite of tones. A warm smile playing upon his lips and a manner of genuine concern within the elegant Inarta. A voice smooth as honey with subtle notes of a foreign accent entwined within it. "For you drink the champagne as it if was merely kelp beer. Indulge it it a little and I assure you, the experience will be much more pleasant. And if blissfully intoxicated is what you seek, then perhaps you should join me in such merriment after the ball." It was perhaps the propriety of the situation that kept Valo from acting the same as the stranger before him. And perhaps a gentleman, the young Inarta had more experience with strong and strange beverages, and all the terrible and wonderful adventures alike, that may fallow such a reckless condition. Truly intoxication was no stranger to him and much like any man, he could not deny the pleasure it granted. Yet there are times a man should drink till his liver fails him and there are times he should merely indulge in the social action of sipping it passively. The Winter Ball was indeed such an occasion.

[Nai'a]

Nai’a chuckled softly from behind her hand at the man’s words. It was not her idea of fun to hide out and drink, she never really consumed alcohol that much anyways. His kind words at her making an effort to look stunning made her smile up at the man. If only he knew it was a haphazard mess of a woman running late, he probably would not think that. But the compliment made her smile all the same; he was being kind which was all that mattered. His smile touched his mystical eyes, making her smile in return. What beautiful eyes he possesses.. Nai’a thought to herself, looking into his eyes intently.

The man offered his arm, wanting her to accompany him. She reached out about to accept his request when she was pushed out of the way by a man with long black hair, held in a ponytail. The glass of champagne she held jostled in her hand, slipping out and crashing to the floor. Nai’a gasped and frowned, directing her attention at the ill-mannered man that shoved her aside so carelessly and with a rude behavior, only to find him drinking the alcohol as if it was water. Nai’a placed her small hands on her hips, about to say something to his rude manners, when her eyes caught the color of bright red. Nai’a lost her breath, she could not breath no longer when she turned her head to see Valo standing there.

Oh how she was so fond of this man, her feelings for him was hidden, she did not want to break the friendship that they had formed over the winter season. She vaguely placed her hand on her stomach then quickly with-drew it. Maybe it is best for me not to drink anyways.. Nai’a thought to herself, as she stared at the exquisite man, Valo. Her heart pounded against her chest, in expectation, and memories of their passing. She wanted to reach out to him, to speak to him, but she feared to do this. She was worried he would notice the difference of her, notice the secret that she kept hidden. She did not want to ruin his life by what they had formed. Nai’a chewed her lower lip nervously, wondering whether or not she should say something. Valo was talking to the rude man now, maybe she should approach.

”If you would like, I would have a word with that rude fellow and a familiar face. Care to join me?” Nai’a asked the kind man with beautiful eyes, hoping her would grant her his company, so she would not have to face this alone. Besides, his company already seemed like a breath of fresh air. He was a gentleman, but something laid hidden beneath that mask, something that Nai’a was curious about to be sure.

Nai’a walked up to the two men, Valo and the rude one, and looked at the man now holding another glass of champagne. ”Maybe you should drink less, it seems to have blinded you to the fact that there are other people amongst you.” Nai’a glared at the man, her comment harsh and cold. This was so unlike Nai’a, she never talked to others in such a way or tone, but something had changed in her over the season, may hap it was what lay hidden inside her. Nai’a ignored the man, not letting his comment reach her ears as she brought her attention to Valo.

”Valo… It is so good to see you. You look handsome as always.” Once again Nai’a was being blunt, but she could not control the words that came out, for they were indeed true. Nai’a blushed at her boldness, but held that warm delicate smile on her face, the one she always had for Valo, and only had for him.

[Valo]

To his very surprise Nai'a approached and her boldness was forthcoming. A woman who would take no nonsense from the rude stranger and when she spoke to Valo himself, that boldness remained in her voice. ”Valo… It is so good to see you. You look handsome as always.” He smiled and set down his own glass on champagne before taking her slender hand and bringing it to his lips. A gentle kiss play upon it briefly, before he released her from his grip, only to lock his eyes with her in an unbreakable bond. "Flattery my beautiful Nai'a. And a pleasure to see you too. I trust you're enjoying the night, for if the case is not so then perhaps you'd allow me the privilege of a dance?" He was so very fond of this woman and though their friendship was difficult, for she enticed him exquisitely, almost on the level where his self control was shed in her company. She however seemed always by his side. A loyalty and strength of friendship, even in the darkening days in his timeline. He knew not how to pay her back for the kindness on his behalf, but perhaps a dance would be the start of it all.

[Erekez]

Erekez lost his smile as the man in black shoved the pink-haired woman to one side, muttering his apologies as he did so. The insincerity of his words further angered Erekez. If the man truly meant what he said, then he would not have done what he was apologising for, it was just a quick way of dismissing any comments that others may make towards him. Still, although it was not the kind of thing someone should be doing at a party, Erekez was not about to let it ruin his night. Not this one. He turned back to Pink with a smile again. Partially forced now, because of the other man. He'd feel better once they were away from him and he'd just be 'that man from earlier'. However, she was looking over at someone else. Over in the direction of Black. Erekez followed her line of sight to see who she was gazing at. He saw the man, long red hair, slender build, held himself with confidence in his appearance before others. Erekez respected that. He was talking to Black now, though he did not know what he was saying, he seemed to be making conversation. It was not Erekez's place to intrude on other people's business. Looking back at Pink, she was biting her lip, considering if she should approach Red. He was not about to keep her away from him, if she truly wanted to speak with him. Erekez had approached her initially with the intention of letting her enjoy the night. He was about to offer lead her over to Red, when she stated that she wanted to have a word with Red, who she referred to as 'familiar', but also to Black as well, offering an invitation to join her. He was happy to follow behind her, only now being able to see the full length of her hair, admiring the way the curls swayed from one side to the other. You're just checking her out! He pulled his eyes up instantly. He had a mask, that wasn't an excuse to start staring. Teasing people he knew was fine, he didn't turn red easily and it was fun to see how far he could push people, but he had only known Pink for a few chimes. He had no right at this point. When they reached Red and Black, Erekez stood behind Pink, almost protectively. Why is that? Perhaps because of how shy she looked when he introduced himself. However, her comment to Black about his mannerisms and amount he drank made him instantly change his thoughts about her. That was nice. I liked that. He smiled to himself. Looked like Pink was more than just a pretty picture, she had personality as well. Her comment to Red was just as forward. It was good that she made her thoughts known. That usually meant she had nothing to hide when questioned, unless there were good personal reasons. Turned out that Red's name was 'Valo'. He only intended on using his name if he introduced himself as such. It didn't seem right to use someone's name after they hadn't introduced themselves to you. Valo had greeted her by kissing her hand. Erekez had no initial thoughts on the man, but he seemed like a decent guy. He picked up on Pink's name during his greetings, Nai'a. His thoughts started to swim again. They would undoubtedly ask for his name at some point. Would there be harm in providing a name? Erekez continued to think about it, but decided he would deal with it as and if they asked him. He heard Valo ask for a dance. Erekez hoped Nai'a would take him on the offer if she truly wanted to dance with him, without any concern on leaving him as she did so after inviting him along with her to meet with a friend. Erekez had intended on letting her enjoy the night and, if that meant she was more than happy to dance with a friend, then he would be glad for her. It didn't mean he was going to disappear suddenly. For one either caution of initial impressions, or curiosity for one that stands out from the rest, Erekez wanted to know more about Nai'a.