RP:Gala of Love 2022

Summary: An event is hosted by Kanna to celebrate Sweetheart’s Day. It is during the Gala of Love that Kanna unveils the story she has been working on translating. It’s a bittersweet but romantic fairytale. Whille Kanna spun her tale, Blaire gave thread readings to the party-goers.

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Mystic Stream

Kanna || Despite the chilled winter day, the warm colors decorating the stream just outside of the Kingdom of Enchantment’s borders are enough to make feel like spring is just around the corner. A large red arch conceals most of the mystical stream, which has been rerouted with the help of Enchantment’s best mancers so that it circles around. At the lone gap between the tunnel’s exits, a booth has been set up to admit entry to the polished white boats. A white sign in front of the booth, in rushed handwriting, reads “Amazing Threads Reading that is a lot more beautiful and complex to be reduced to the title of ‘auric matchmaking’.” It appears that you will have to get past Miss Fortune if you want to ride first, especially if she detects a lapse in your love life. At another booth, this one glimmering in pixie dust, pamphlets promoting the Snowflake Soiree being held in three weeks are being distributed by a young pixie man in a tuxedo as shockingly red as his brushed back hair. A stage has been set up where bards and entertainers from all walks are welcome to perform. Another stage at the opposite end of the marbled field has seats below, where Kanna stands greeting guests before the reading begins. Despite the light snowfall, none of the cold sticks to the polished dance floor, making it safe to traverse for those dressed up and dressed down. At the base of the stage, a large powder-blue flat-topped mushroom serves as a table where tomes of varying sizes for creatures of all sizes to comfortably are laid out. The title of the tomes all read the same: “The God of Undeath.” Kanna looks, of course, exactly how those who know her would expect her to dress up: A skirt fashioned like a cornflower blue fly agaric billows out with layers of white tulle beneath to resemble gills. Sheer white stockings give the impression that her thick legs are the stems of the fungus. A similarly white off-shoulder top with tulle to balloon the sleeves hangs over her torso. With bright red lipstick and ribbons in her hair as accent colors, the bardic necrobotanist is practically vibrating from how excited she is to be revealing the fruits of her labor.

Khitti was here with her son, Dominic. While everyone else opted for fancy gowns, Khitti went with one of her usual knee-length, sleeveless dresses (this one was black and had a tiny purple heart print all over it!), a black cardigan, and her comfortable, yet worn boots. Dominic was dressed up a little, with a pair of black pants, a black dress shirt, black boots, and a small purple clip-on tie. After grabbing some snacks and a couple of drinks, they took their food hoard over to where Kanna was going to be having storytime and settled down onto the seats provided in front of the stage. It was entirely possible that Khitti was more hyped for this story than Dominic was, but really, Dominic was happy to be anywhere. They hadn’t been there long before a bit of squawking was heard and Dominic’s three chickens came into view from the skies. “Alright you three, you can listen too, but you need to be quiet!” She put an index finger to her lips, and then Dominic did as well, the universal sign to be quiet, that the chickens surprisingly knew. As the redhead and her son got comfortable and started eating, the chickens triangulated themselves around their little human, with Henrietta in front and Locutus and Kevin flanking Dominic. Khitti smirked a bit at the four of them, then shook her head and turned her attention elsewhere.

Meri :: When plans for the Gala was first announced, Meri admittedly had not planned on coming. Trying to convince Magik to get dressed up for a romantic ball was not exactly high on her priority list. However, when the woman caught wind that Kanna was the one hosting this event? And that she had put a lot of time and effort into a little performance for everyone to enjoy? The blonde changes her tune, slightly. Come on Magik! Let’s just go. We don’t have to get all gussied up, but we should at least show up to show Kanna their support. Meri herself is not dressed to impress anyone; it has always been hit or miss as to if she follows the dress requirements for these events. The blonde lycan is wearing her usual attire, a pair of form fitting black pants that are tucked into a pair of sturdy black-leather boots, and a blood red off-the-shoulder sweater. Her raven-haired daughter is much cuter, however. Fleur is far more partial to dresses than her mother, and is wearing a sickeningly pink dress with a poofy skirt. The child has flowers in her braided hair and everything.

Demeter enters the fancy event, having been stopped at the ‘Love matching’ spot. With a heavy sigh, she agrees to it,as Demeter has no love life so the person was excited to do her thing. Seemingly needed to gain entrance.Next, she got to see Kanna, in which she gave Kanna a big bear hug, probably squeezing her too hard as her shoulder gave a sting. Accepting the paper for the next dancing gown devent, folding it and putting it away in a back pocket. One gray eye and one clouded blind eye darted around looking for whomever she may know, seeing Kanna helped attend this event. The Lamashtian is seen wearing a black leather backless jumpsuit, formed into a sleeveless bodice to allow the stitches to heal and breath on her left shoulder. A deep v-neck with black lace covering the space up, rubies stitched in the shape of a firebird. On the back is a criss cross leather wide straps over an open back allowing her wings to be able to move freely, with the same embellishment as the lace on the chest, but these certain rubies have been enchanted to make the firebird look like it was moving with swirling flames in place of tail feathers. The flared out leather leggings of this attire consist of red lacing details through platinum carved to look like feathers eyelets down the side of each leg to the knee. On her feet are heeled boots giving Demeter height of six feet to six feet and five inches in total. Over top of the jumpsuit is an enchanted overdress of black lace, rubies stitched in resembling flames along the bottom, giving an illusion that the flames were moving. The over dress reached no further than her knees. Giving a whole look of ‘girl on fire’, complimenting her pyromancer abilities. Black bands normally seen are not present upon her face, only across her eyelid with a wing at the edge. No lipstick or lipgloss as per usual, upon the pale lips. Blonde hair is brushed over the side, no braids present as she allows her hair to free hang into her natural curls. The side of her head she shaved is colored in with black. Wings are tucked in behind and hanging low showing she is relaxed, the right wing not wrapped anymore as it was stitched and healed properly by Joan. Reaching into her pocket pulling at a silver case, pulling out a herbal cigarette, placing it between her lips. Lifting up her right hand and holding the phoenix eye gem against the butt similar to one would do with a lighter. Puffing as the cigarette began to smoke, dropping her hand to her side, stalking towards where she can get a stiff drink.

Lanara holds Tiber’s hand as they arrive at the sweetheart’s event, admiring the decorations and taking in the beauty of the area, though her gaze continuously trails downwards as she keeps tabs on Aspen’s location. The advertisements didn’t state that pets weren’t allowed, so the witch thought up a cute theme to boost their chances at winning the best dressed prize, as well as embarrass her husband a little. The polar bear cub walks about four feet ahead of the couple, clad in a pale pink sash around his torso, white feather wings affixed to his back, and wields a small bow with a quiver of arrows. He makes a ‘beary’ cute Cupid! His big black eyes look at all the people gathered in wonder, and those that stop to compliment his costume will be given one of his ‘arrows’ as a token of his friendship. The arrows happen to be chocolate covered pretzel sticks with a red gummy heart at the head, and despite how obviously delicious they are, Aspen obediently doesn’t munch on any himself. Chocolate makes him sick and he was promised a special treat after the party! “Isn’t he precious, Babe?” Lanara giggles and stands on her toes to kiss Tiber on his cheek, hoping he isn’t -too- upset at being shot up by Cupid on their way over. Not that the witch looks much better! Staying true to their theme, Lana wears a bright pink off-the-shoulder dress that ends at her calves, along with a pair of white high heels. Since she had been victimized, there is an obvious crimson lace applique over her left breast, as though Cupid had struck her in the heart. The hem of the designer dress is torn in a few places, and there are shards of wood stuck in the heels of her shoes, as though the force of the wind had combusted the arrow! Lana’s usual sleek locks appear not to have been combed in days, she’s missing an earring, the mascara on her left eye is smeared, and one of her front teeth is coated in red lipstick. Clearly, Tibara has been lovestruck and their’s is a -wild- kind of romance!

Tiber was not about the whole costume thing. It was enough that Valentines Day existed, right? A dreadful holiday full of pink and hearts and mush. It was an excuse to buy a lousy box of chocolates and flowers for his wife. Flowers die, okay? Was that really a symbol of love?... Death? Not in his eyes. At all. Roses shmoses. Would he give into the lovey mush, however, to please his wife? Of course. One could say Tiber was a four star rated husband. He is not an idiot. Mostly. So yes, he too, shows up with the Kelvarian, Lanara, clad in a pink button up and a pair of simple khaki slacks. He, too, is struck by Cupid’s strike of the pretzel arrow, but his shirt is different. The man has three stitched out holes that also have the silken crimson fabric coming out of them. It took him a while to fall victim to love–clearly. His hair was tousled in those short blonde curls on one side of his head while the other was combed back on one side in the ‘windblown’ way Lanara’s hair was. A wild romance, indeed. Tiberius leads his wife to the mystical area as the event was not too far from their home. “I’m doing this because I love you, you know…” he looks around the area at the other patrons. The man sneaks forward to reach for one of the chocolate pretzel arrows from Aspen’s quip and Tiber prepares for a possible smack of the wrist, but it does not stop the man. Lanara had a stubborn, greedy husband. Tiber did not even want to get started on Aspen and his thoughts about that one. The happy-go-lucky bear looked excited to be roaming about through the fun festivities!

Blaire had dressed up for the occasion. She dressed up for every occasion, of course, but appearing as Miss Fortune meant extra effort. The customary excessively tight leather pants and platform heels were matched with a bright red leather jacket featuring extended robe-like sleeves and an embroidered black heart over her chest. In keeping with the mystery angle, she'd added a wide brimmed hat to throw a (possibly supernatural) shadow over her face, leaving only the red-tinted round spectacles to catch the light. In the spirit of merchandizing, the star attraction of her outfit was a long gauzy ribbon in sparkling, see-through pink that snaked around the woman in a continous flow. Moving in endless slithering circles like something in-between a snake and a river. Looping around her limbs in loose, endless spirals. "Don't miss your fortune," She winked at a bystander, throwing cane from one hand to the other and making the magic-eightballs in the skull atop the stick produce new outcomes in the process as she pointed the thing like the finger of whichever god behoove you. "All it takes is a little tug on the red string of fate, my friend. Can't tie the knot without untangling the line first."

Xiembantointh arrives on his own as usual. There are a couple unusual things to note on the man, other than his joyous grin. He wears a tailored baby pink suit with a matching tie and white undershirt, all of which was specially ordered from one of his sons, Tyres. His greying umber brown hair is left without the low bun he usually keeps it in and it waves lazily just past his shoulders, but what might grab people's attention most when noticing the six foot seven man is the fact that his beard is decorated with red glitter! He used to love embarrassing his five kids when they were teens with how wholeheartedly he celebrates every holiday, but even though they are all grown now and no longer live in Lithrydel, he still enjoys making a fool of himself. It has been a while since he’s been able to make an appearance at one of these things because he’d been far too busy starting up his construction business, but it seems things are going well and he finally has gotten to a point where he isn’t working all the livelong day. Xiem is happy to do the 'matchmaking game' for fun, unfortunately the dragon still mourns the death of his wife and won't be looking for anything anytime soon, but this in the spirit of Valentine's day he will partake in the festivities. Once he is permitted within the party his charcoal gray eyes spot the refreshments area and he marches on off to order himself a stout. He notices the curator of this shindig, Kanna, and raises his pint of stout at her with an impressed expression upon his weathered face. (OOC: Picture references will be posted in the Hollow Discord server in the #picrew and etc channel)

Haeli entered the area, mercurial gaze taking in all the decorations. She was dressed simply with a lavender gown that hugged her form. Her white wings are folded neatly behind her. Her plum lips curled into a look of awe. She'd never gone to a gala--or any party for that matter--and it showed in the twinkling of her eyes. It was all so pretty and that lady with the mushroom dress was too. In fact, everyone she saw was pretty, and that was okay. She offered a sheepish smile to any who looked her way. Khitti and Meri's attire helped shrink the embarassment of being underdressed. In fact, she admired both women, then looked to their adorable children briefly. She didn't want to stare too long at any one person. Demeter's dress, and by proxy her race, caught Haeli's eyes and she stepped a bit closer to the woman to fully admire her dress. When she was done, and if she wasn't caught staring, she'd shrink back to the proverbial shadows of the event.

Kreekitaka didn't like the cold. It made him feel sluggish and stiff. In order to keep warm today, he'd included some warming solution in his water tanks. The problem with that was that his "warming solution" had an unexpected amount in common with brandy, which meant that the uyeer king was arriving to this ball already a little smashed. Not enough to make him staggery or slurry, but enough to make him really hope that somebody started some kind of fight in the middle of all this so that he could use this current uninhibitedness to suplex somebody. He was wearing a white-and-green kilt, and the shade of green slowly pulsed as he moved--sometimes pale, sometimes deep forest green. The embroidery--because he'd been correctly warned about the party's theme--was in pink and red thread and featured images of dancing and frolicking uyeer, with small kissing fish here and there just to accentuate the love theme. The sashes which held his water tanks in place were a similar material, and had hearts embroidered into them. In order to keep himself from going entirely insane while designing this cursed outfit, he'd hidden one small vignette of uyeer which, instead of frolicking together, were instead beating the absolute stuffing out of each other. Naturally, his first action upon entering the area and spying something that he was slightly familiar with--thread, in this case--was to march up to the matchmaker, slam a claw on the desk and demand, "Expyain TAH!oo me how HHHTHreaDAH! is abo TAH!oo show who I am TAH!oo be paireDAH! wiHHHTH." To him, of course, thread was just a material you worked with. Nothing really sacred about it.

Joan slowly made her way towards the entrance to this evening's gala, the vampire wearing a sharply tailored three-piece ladies' pants suit in a dark purple color, vested top, jacket and pants where fitted tight to Joan's frame, shoes were fabulous matching heels, something she normally did not wear, her hair tho was on point as she stopped by near the red archway, for once the vampiric healer felt nervous as it caused her that pause, she also didn't know where her escort was! She seemed to arrive before the lycan pirate, running her hands down along the front of her sharply tailored jacket the vampire slides her hands into the jacket's pockets, waiting for Leoxander to show, she rather hoped he wasn't still cross with her, the thought had the woman's icy pale lips turn in a small frown, but her eyes looked around and took in the glamour of the whole event. She'd like to snag one of those tomes whenever she got the chance.

Demeter caught eyes on her and someone standing close to her. Without looking backwards, she flexed her wings to see how close Haeli was to her. If her wings smacked the person behind her she would know that was a tad too close, high pointed ears twitched. Turning her head to use her good eye to see an avian trying to hide behind her, no smile would appear but her brows relaxed. Giving Haeli a nod, keeping her wings flared outwards somewhat to offer the seemingly skittish avian a place to hide behind. If Haeli hadn’t ran off yet that is. Turning to the bar, picking up a fancy glass. Sniffing, cringing up her crooked nose at the smell. It smelt of sweetness, like a rose. Narrowing her brows, deciding ‘why not?’ taking a sip and then turning her head spitting it out. Putting the glass down as she rubbed her lip, sticking her tongue out to show her disgust in the fancy drink. “Pleas’ tell me you go’s some whisk back there?”Rolling her eyes as her accent came rolling out, “Whiskey please, just give me a bottle. I’ll pay extra.”

Kanna || Taking a seat on a mushroom chair, Kanna holds up the tome, her addition to the Necromacer’s Miscellany as one of the few folklore tales available. “This story dates back to a time when the pixies and the fae shared the Kingdom of Enchantment as one, and is a tale of death, undeath, rebirth, and love.” Kanna turns the first page, which has been delicately illustrated with a landscape split in two, one with long ethereal figures sitting amongst the clouds, and one of a hillside where it appears a war is taking place. Leaning over the clouds is a black-cloaked figure. Though its face is obscured by clouds, those well-versed with deities might recognize an item worn by the figure last known to be guarded by the famed Tenebrae: the Eye of Vakmatharas. Joining Kanna on the stage for those too far away to see the book properly, a shrouded figure makes his way out to one end of the stage, putting a skeletal hand to his eyes in a pantomime to scan the crowd. “Long ago, towards the end of the Second Dark Ages, Vakmatharas looked down at Hollow from the Realm of the Gods. Death was rampant, fights to the death were initiated over petty grievances, and puppets of the dead were used as pawns in combat as the mortals fought to ascend their temporary life.” Kanna turns the page to show the same shrouded figure facing the other way, glancing down from the clouds to a prospering seaside village. With a wave of her fingers, the skeletal actor shambles his way to the other end of the stage. “Despite this bloodshed, communities grew, colonies blossomed with new life, and the God of Death’s work was beginning to spread thin. Where the other gods had the leisure of only having select mortals decide to worship them, to bestow gifts upon, Vakmatharas affected everyone.”

Jaxson Ravencroft has learned to accept the fact that a few things in life are truly worth spending the coin on to get the true quality out of something, and if ever in these recent days has that belief rung true it was today. Since the mayor elect of Cenril, Valrae Baines, accepted his proposal to be his date for this Gala since the duel between Kanna and Vexar days have been spent planning the entire evening. As his date would prepare for this self-proclaimed magical night, so would the warlock himself. In a world filled with ancient powerful creatures like dragons, entire organizations like the many guilds and kingdoms ruled over by powerful figureheads, Jax knows one power that has remained towards the top since it first ever came into existence. Wealth. With his family’s seemingly endless coffers the soon to be head of his family spared no expense. Valrae was given free rein to go wherever she wished to acquire her dress, and Jax trusted the woman to take full use of that offer. With that knowledge, this freed up room for Jaxson to see exactly what Cenril truly had to offer someone with as deep of pockets as he had. The port city did not disappoint. Doors flung open he never knew existed, especially since the pandemic that’s sweeping the area has had a true impact on local businesses, and every time the man left one of these shops, he left feeling that he had helped in some small way to impact a suffering community. There are plans to directly help soon enough, but for this evening his focus would be on his date with Ms. Baines, and oh did his focus pay off. From the depths of this ancient forest comes the thundering sound of hooves, though no carriage can be seen down the twisting and ancient pathways that navigate the endless woods that make up Southern Sage. No, they do not come from the normal well-trodden pathways, for the warlock has procured the service of a unique carriage service this eve. The canopy of the forest flows back and forth like the rolling waves of the ocean as a team of winged horses break the tree line, pulling behind them an absolute marvel of a carriage behind them. The coachman, garbed in a well-maintained suit of his own, with matching bowler hat and the most legendary of handlebar mustaches, navigates the well-trained team of thoroughbreds to bring them down in a one smooth motion, bringing the carriage to a stop at just the right angle so that the door for his patron’s is pointed towards the entrance to the Gala itself. A moment is taken, for effect of course, before the door will swing open, and one of the many enchantments upon the carriage comes into play, As the door swings open, a small series of steps unfold one after the other, followed closely by a carpet rolling out to allow for a better grip for the passengers. The coachman himself comes down from his perch to hold the door, a deep bow offered and held as he awaits the departure of his clients to their intended destination.

Meri :: Given the number of people here that Meri is familiar with, it is almost impossible for Meri’s writer to greet them all while keeping her post a respectable length. They are all greeted in passing as Meri moves over to where Kanna is telling her story with a wave of her free hand and Fleur copies her mother, waving to the same people that Meri does…just a few seconds after Meri does. Delayed reaction, Fleur has to look up to her mother to check for these non-verbal cues. Anyway, Meri’s and her family claim a spot front row to Kanna. Meri claims a chair and then pulls her daughter protectively into her lap. How long will the child be able to remain there? Well. Kids sometimes. Her ability to sit still will likely hinge on how engrossed the little one ends up in this story.

Blaire had not expected the first customer to be a giant bekilted and seemingly agitated and possibly drunk (probably both actually) crab-man interrogating her about the red string of fate. She reached her free hand up and tugged the brim of her hat down, making the shining lenses of her glasses and her extraordinarily white teeth revealed in a mischevous grin the only features of her face not hidden by shadows. "Never heard of the red string of fate, eh?" She chuckled mysteriously. "Your destiny is part of a greater tapestry my friend." She pointed the cane at him, the eyes in the skull at once saying 'Stay the course' and 'ask again later'. "You're connected to the world around you in various ways, and it is my very special privelidge and perogative to tug on the strings that form that connection! Why, I can eaven weave with it." At that, the gauzy ribbon slithered down her arm and out past the cane to curl lazily around Kree in a wide spiral. Seemingly moving of it's own accord, or perhaps at some whim.

Valrae arrives by way of very impressive carriage with Jaxson. They are accompanied by a small entourage of guards in plain black formal wear who follow at a comfortable distance. She’d been designed a wistful, asymmetrical gown of shimmering crimson raw cut silk. The neckline was low, cut in a straight line beneath her collarbones, with a lone sleeve hanging in a drape off of her right shoulder while the left one remained bare. The waist was cinched tight, tight enough that breathing would be a small chore, with glittering gold crystals forming an open crescent that exposed the milky pale skin of her ribs on the left. Fabric was gathered and draped artfully at her hips, giving the illusion of impossible curves, and the skirt ended in a short train behind her and split nearly up to the beginning of her hip. Her heels were high and open, glittering with the same crystals at her hip. Her hair was half pinned and and half not, a waterfall of curls tumbling down her bare shoulder and dotted with crystals that glittered with movement as if starlight was caught in the long waves of gold. Atop her head sat the triple moon diadem. Gold dusted above her eyes and glittered in her dark lashes and her lips were painted the same bold shade of red as her dress and small handbag. As the witch steps carefully down the stairs of their magical ride, she takes in the night’s splendor with a wide smile, eager to say hello to Kanna and compliment her on how lovely the space has been decorated. And she was absolutely going to need Jaxson to take her to have her “threads” read, whatever that might mean.

Lanara snags a glass of wine and strolls through the area with Tiberius, taking one of the pamphlets and scanning it briefly, “Wait. -WE- are hosting the Snowflake Soiree?! I -knew- Lunalesca had something up her fairy wing when she mentioned that she had a ‘surprise’ for our wedding party.” She nearly spits out a mouthful of wine, but she recovers quickly, “Honestly, I haven’t hosted in a long time, and I’m sure we’ll do a wonderful job.” It will take a lot to match the glamor of this event, as Kanna has outdone herself with the decorations and enchantments. As the well-dressed woman begins to read a fairytale, Lana grabs one of the books, and tugs Tiber gently over towards the matchmaking booth. They can hear the tale from further away, thanks to their enhanced hearing ability. Lana’s -certain- they are soulmates, but in the spirit of fun, she decides to let another fortune teller work her magic! “Want to kiss and snuggle on the love boat, Ty? It will be -so- romantic!” At long last, they come up to Blaire, and the witch reaches out to snag some of the thread to see who will be her partner in sailing the stream.

Leoxander broke through the barrier and made good on his debt. He was there. Late, but not too long after Joan had arrived. And would likely never live that moment down. The pirate had in fact washed up but hadn’t bothered to shave, despite that it was something of a tradition of going into battle. More so, he was actually dressed in something beside his usual leathers. There was leather, of course, buckled in the suspenders usually harnessing blade holsters, which layered over a dark gray, buttoned waistcoat vest, layered in turn over the long sleeved black shirt Kreekitaka had made him some time ago. Lanara’s request those years back? Hard to remember, but he still had it. The sleeves were rolled up just beneath his elbows to reveal the ink that went from there down to his knuckles. Combat boots overruled dress shoes, but distressed leather was replaced with equally distressed denim, a dark shade near black with the cuffs falling over military-style tied laces. A silver chain was visible from the open buttons of his collared shirt along with hints of ink on his chest, but that was about as far as his attire went for formality. His hair was still uncombed and disorderly, but hey, he wasn’t cowled by a hood and mask. There were some concealed blades on his person but the rogue was trying to ‘make nice’, or appear the part, begrudged and overdue to attend his first prom. His arrival was marked by the first of many sneezes into the bend of his arm and a muttered curse word, a glare warding away any pixie attendants that tried to approach, that same warning expression probably a ticket passed Miss Matchmaker. There wasn’t enough alcohol in all of Lithrydel to handle this. Maybe the Uyeer would spare an IV to whatever was in his tanks.

Kanna turns the next page. The scenery of clouds and the sea shifts to that of a serpentine skeleton covered in black butterflies. ”An apprentice was needed, one that would eventually split the crown of bones. Undead, it’s stomach pressed to the fetid earth, like a blade newly forged, rose from the ground.” The Vakmatharas puppet waves a hand, and with the help of a simple Minor Illusion spell, black butterflies descend from the trees to congregate at one spot, forming a humanoid shape. Emerging from the fluttering wings comes a pitch-black insect-shaped head, eyeless and with a thin line for a mouth where pincers would be. Its mouth opens to reveal a spiral proboscis similar to how butterflies feed. The spell fades, and the insects disappear into the trees, leaving the creature standing wearing a cloak with the symbol of Vakmatharas as a brooch. “Vakmatharas bestowed upon the creature the name Alithyk Caluss, and set it free into the mortal world to ensure no one was attempting to circumvent death without his permission. The God of Death was so confident in his creation, and gave it domain over the Underdark and the surrounding areas.” Some of the younger attendants cry out in panic as the creature’s head darts around. Kanna, so accustomed to the macabre that she didn’t think of how it would appear to the faint-hearted, snaps her fingers quickly, the creature’s head being replaced by the visage of a generically handsome elven man.

Shishi shows up with the twins. The Blue Demon spends most of his time drinking and being bothered by fans that are amped up for the imminent conclusion of this year's Titan Tournament. He teases that something big is on the horizon and that they should grab up their tickets while they can, before indulging in lighthearted smack talk involving Kanna. Orange will scoot over to Blaire's operation after a bit of peer pressure and makes several threats during her reading that indicate she would not like to be matched with anyone present whatsoever. Yellow wore a suit and will do his thing, asking any animals present what they eat and trying to sneak them hors d'oeuvres.

Jaxson shifted in his seat as Valrae made her exit of the carriage and her entrance into the gala, his nerves were getting to him worse than when he had to fight Mesdoram. Of course, his date, Val, looked just absolutely incredible, and the grace in which she moved had his attention was always focused on her. Golden curls and impossible curves, what could a man do? But he quickly gets himself together so that he could join his date, he did after all have his own look to reveal. Kree would have demanded he get his act together and rock this look, as the man was after all, representing the fashion designer and one of his signatures looks. And so, the nobleman makes his way down to join his date, taking careful steps as to avoid designer shoes from getting marred too badly. As he joins Val, Jax would offer his arm to his date because he isn’t a brute. Doing so moves him into view and people could see his own look for the night. The suit is a deep, deep blue, almost black, and shimmers with an ever-so-slightly glossy outer layer, like staring into the bottomless abyss of the deep ocean. Embroidered in shimmering red threads, both on the lapels of the jacket and the back, are trilobite shapes, the distinctive mark of Kreekitaka's work. The outline glows a faint blue, the inner lining and tie are a dark red. Tiny red lights appear and disappear as the suit moves, hidden until the sparkles are directly reflected, giving no two people the same view of the outfit. The overall effect is like wearing a suit made out of a hot summer night, on which crimson fireflies’ beckon to each other for partners. Allowing whatever eyes would, or would not, fall upon them get a good look, the man will follow Val’s lead, he was there to support her and ensure her night was a spectacular one.

Loravelle ;; Miss Mahri is running late, according to the note slipped to her by a passing child in Gualon. Loravelle will be arriving alone in this case, though she debated arriving late with the other woman for this...thing. She's uncomfortable, but something tells her Miss Mahri would be proud of her if she showed up not only on time, but by herself, and didn't hold onto the excuse of that self-imposed time limit to be with her sisters. Miss Terra might be proud too. Perhaps that was the plan all along? Instill that girl with some more courage. So the maid arrives in a lovely gown that was gifted to her recently. Not on time though, it seems. ...Late. Just a little bit late. She's swathed in silk, dyed in blues and greens, reminiscent of the sea, and all hemmed in precious gold thread. The bodice sits tighter on her figure than everyday wear, with its sheer keyhole neckline left bare of necklace or other adornment. The fabric transitions up into a high collar band of gold silk, closed with a gold brooch fashioned into a miniature sun at her throat. That sun's light is reflected across the length of the gown with golden embroidery, dusting the fabric in a myriad of swirls that provide a subtle shimmer in the light. Her sleeves are wide, cinched at the wrist with gold cuffs, and slashed open at either shoulder to reveal her pale and skinny upper arms. The winter chill bothers her a bit, but not enough for her teeth to chatter, thankfully. Her sisters lent some of their jewels to her for the evening; a pair of iolite and pearl earrings dangle from her ears like water droplets, her raven hair bound, braided and partially hidden beneath a dianzi covered in kingfisher feathers adhered to gilt silver and pearls, arranged to look like flowers, crowns her head. Bangles of pale jade cuff either wrist, a band of red jasper on her ring finger. There's another ring, though it's out of place. A crow's head, fashioned from onyx with stylized, outstretched wings comprising the band. It's far too big to fit on her delicate fingers, but it rests, albeit loosely, on her left index finger. She wears long, gold nail guards on pinky and ring fingers of both hands, simplistic in their design with a slight curve to them. They insisted on painting her face as well. Red lips, darkened eyebrows, a thin line of kohl on her upper eyelids, a bit of red eye shadow on the outer corner of each lid. Blush wouldn't be necessary for the maid – her cheeks turned pink enough on their own. She skips the horse-hoof platformed shoes of her homeland's noblewomen for fear of tripping, swapping them instead for a borrowed pair of blue slippers to match the dress. Perfume oil is dabbed behind either ear and inner wrist. Agarwood, for its woody scent and subtle floral notes. The blue, circular fan with its ivory handle that she carries isn't necessary, but the girl needed something to do with her hands to keep her nerves in check. She gently fans herself with it while keeping to the perimeter of the party, unintentionally wafting her scent out as a result. Her eyes occasionally drift to the exit to escape.

Haeli definitely got close enough to brush Demeter's wings, which had her coiling backward for a moment. Then she realized that despite what seemed like a stern look, the other avian, also scarred, and significantly taller than the unusually short winged woman. She offered Demeter a slight upward turn of her lips--a semblance of a smile she couldn't fully muster. Haeli graciously accepted the cover of Demeter's wings when Kreekitaka arrived, the lobster-like monster terrifying her. She had no problems petting nagas, but talking sea food was an entirely different line. The scarred avian wondered briefly what Kree would taste like boiled with some butter. Oh how that made her hungry. Peeking around the massive black wings of Demeter, she said quietly, "What is /that/?" to Demeter.

Tiber crunches away on the pretzel stick. His mouth is full as Lanara grasps the flier about the Snowflake Soiree. A puff of pretzel dust escapes his mouth. “A surprise? That sounds like wor–” he cuts off because he knows the Kelvarian had hosted those events for years. Even when they were first acquaintances. “It’ll be great,” he corrects himself. Then, the man is off, trailing behind with Aspen who is sprinting ahead to the thread teller. Clearly Aspen wants to ride on the love boat too at this point. “You… me…? Yeah,” Tiber has a lazy smile as he stares at his ‘lovestruck’ Kelvarian. “Though… uh, what about Aspen…?” The bear looks like he’s ready for a solid thread reading as well. Would the boat hold three? Would they even all get to be together? Time to find out.

Kreekitaka tilted his head. Destiny and fate, huh? I mean, it was obvious of course that his destiny was bigger than all this--he was, after all, a conqueror. His destiny would affect the world, and he was certain of it. The skull's eyes giving contradictory messages were ignored, and one claw reached up to brush it aside and get it out of his face. The ribbon that swirled around him was regarded with suspicion, but allowed to persist--it wasn't like she could strangle him with it. "Hmm. I see! So." He made some kind of snapping motion with his claws that produced a sound similar to popping knuckles. "YeTAH! us see who you expecTAH! me TAH!oo engage wiHHHTH TAH!onighTAH!." That term--"engage with"--was spoken in a more military fashion than romantic. It was clearly the threat of a fight against somebody, and this gave him the excuse he needed to wander over and start swinging.

Valrae was currently ignoring her own nerves. This event was a little high stakes for a first date, and that is what Jaxson had called it. The ride over had been fun, if awkward in the way of all first dates, as she’d made a big show of enjoying the view. The witch had always adored flying. She takes his arm easily, smiling up at him as her dark eyes come alive with the glint of mischief. “Do we want drinks first or should we head straight toward the Threads stand? It seems pretty serious, we might not want to go on that journey totally sober.” Her attention moves from Jaxson for a moment, her face turning toward Kanna’s story. “Drinks, catch some of the story action, and then threads?” Val waits for a heartbeat, watching his face closely. “I want something bubbly and pink.”

Meri half-wondered if this story would be too scary for Fleur, especially when some of the younger spectators seem to cry out in fear. Fleur did not seem to mind, she was engrossed with the visuals, even if it was a little bit on the macabre side. The content of the story itself was beginning to give Fleur a lot of questions. The child whispers to her mother periodically. Things like “Who is Vak-ma-fo-mo?” Fleur was old enough that she could talk quite well, but some of these names were a bit complicated to say for the young girl. Meri did not try and explain, not mid-story. They could have this lesson later. For every question Fleur asks, Meri presses a finger to her own lips to indicate that the kid should listen. They could talk more about this later.

Kanna || Turning the page again, a soiree in the castle of Enchantment is illustrated, watercolor rainbows of pixie and faerie wings and ball gowns blotting the spread like a wildflower field. In stark contrast, the depiction of Alithyk Calluss as a lone black figure behind a marble pillar draws the eye to the page. “What Vakmatharas did not know was that his creation was an envious one. Over the years, it grew to envy the lives of mortals, how easily and carefree they lived their short lives, and envied the worship that Vakmatharas and other gods received. Caluss found that it had a gift for the arts of necromancy, able to effortly raise the dead and grant them new life as undead.” Another turn of the page, and this time, a landmark known to all denizens of Sage Forest and Enchantment is visible: The Trembling Tree, one of few known pathways to the Underdark. From the tree hangs five large spider cocoons, and the visage of what is presumably Alithyk Caluss stands with his back to it to face the reader, wearing a black cowl over his face, a silver ring on the end of one his extended claws with a dark-ruby encrusted skull set on its face, and a matching brooch to clasp the cloak shut set in an ornate frame of hematite that replaces the brooch of Vakmatharas. In a burst of black butterflies, the actor playing the villain transforms to match the picture. Kanna continues with a more dramatic tone, “Behind the God of Death’s back, the creature decided ‘why must the title of a god be limited to these old names? I am more powerful than he knows. I am more powerful than God of Death, yes, I am the God of Undeath. And what is a God without a Goddess to rule by my side?’”

Joan gave an exhaled sigh of relief once she spotted Leoxander, from her corner near the entrance, one hand moving out for her jacket pocket to lightly wave him over where she waited, once he neared her, she'd turn towards the full swing gala and jerk her chin to indicate she was ready to walk in with him as her escort, she didn't reach out of try to take his arm or anything, nope just a cool controlled walk-in for her. She did manage to mummer to Leo that he looked rather nice and smelt good. She lips would crack into a full smile once she spotted Demeter, and Jaxson, out of the corner of her eyes she spot the maid Loravelle, once she had walked in with Leoxander the vampire would nod her thanks before making her way towards the storytelling area, snatching at the treats and a drink as she passed by the buffet table.

Lanara hears some children screaming from the story and she shakes her head, muttering to Tiber, “Just like the time you told Fleur that crazy story about some wolf-pig hybrid!” It wasn’t -that- scary, okay? Lanara was being -dramatic- and it -may- have given her nightmares, but Meri’s kid seemed thrilled at the twist on Little Red Riding Hood! “Of course Aspen will come with us, he can sit at our feet, probably.” As they wait for their threads to be read, Lana’s gaze trails over the crowd and she waves to Joan and Leoxander, before offering a warm smile to Kreekitaka. Any others that catch her eye are given a curt nod in reply, before her attention is swept up by Blair.

Khitti couldn’t help but hear Fleur’s questions about the story. She smirked at her niece and Meri. If Meri needed any help explaining this stuff to Fleur, she’d definitely help her sister out. She’d return her attention to Kanna and her story and give Dominic a pat on the head. Poor kid looked like he was in a trance. It’s fine. He’s fine. Definitely. Maybe.

Xiembantointh heads on over to the line where one gets their 'threads read' or tied or something, with his half filled pint of stout. While waiting he watches the story unfold on the stage and continues to take generous gulps from his drink. There is a content grin hiding in his well groomed, yet glittery, beard and then he reaches a hand up to fish a fleck of glitter off his tongue, but what did he expect - really?

Tiber frowns at Lanara’s observation of the screaming children. Beyond the crowd, she notices Fleur next to Meri. If Meri were to catch a glance, the man would wave her direction. “Look, the girl is -fine-. Look at her, all entranced by the story. The rest of the kids are wimpy.” Did Tiber just insult children lowly to Lanara? What a charming man he was as the two waited in line for Blaire.

Jaxson should be used to such events, and truth be told the -event- wasn’t so much the issue that has his nerves rattled like a chihuahua in the winter, but the fact he is on a date. It’s been forever, and while he seems all charm and sophistication on the outside more times than not, he is currently unaware of what he should do next. These events are almost mandatory for certain people, you must show face after all, and even as he is a noble, he is also a Titan of Winter participant that has now made it close to a trip to the semi-finals. As one official said not too long ago.” Getting a little less crowded in here.” But, then Val’s squeeze of his arm and the excitement in her eyes and the way she seems to just be having fun cut through the nerves he was having and help him settle down. Its Val, they enjoy one another’s company, there is no reason to overthink anything! A deep breath, before that charm and confidence makes its faux return to the fold. Fake it till you make it, you. “Drinks! Yes! I hear enchantment has some of the land’s best vineyards!” Looking about it doesn’t take long, something pink and bubbly is easily spotted, as well as the sweet smell of wine. Leading the way briefly, Jaxson grabs Val a drink first because, well manners, then gets himself a glass of wine. No need to get piss drunk on whiskey tonight, that could be saved for when he drops in on Val in the cove again. He smirks at the memory, before he sees the line for the thread starting to fill up. “Better get over there soon!” He says, as they head over.

Meri :: Fleur had absolutely loved Tiber’s rendition of Little Red Riding Hood. The story resonated with the young lycan, it was neat to hear a fairy tale about another wolf. Plus Tiber was so animated when telling it. Who know that the bard actually had a knack with kids? Meri was surprised to learn of it, even if she was not present to witness it. Much like that story, Fleur seems absolutely enamored with this story. She might not fully understand who all of the figures are, Meri’s stance on religion had not afforded the girl much chance to learn on it. But! They’d certainly be talking more about it going forward, thanks to everything that Fleur was hearing. Khitti was certainly have to help. For now, Fleur was just in awe and gasped with the delight at the sight of the black butterflies.

Blaire pulled her cane back from the dramating pointing gesture, and the ribbon came with it. "Let's" She smirked at the uyeer, twirling the cane and tucking it under one arm as she brought her hands up. Fingers twirsting in the air as if she was indeed tugging and twisting on invisible thread in a sort of cats cradle motion. "I'll make you a bracelet. If another thread – another person – with a complimentary color comes near you, it will connect the two of you. Trust me, it'll be unmistakable." she slid her hands apart dramatically, revealing a shining thread of deep, vibrant purple color. "Boistrous Byzantium. I suppose you're large in spirit as well as body, hm?" Even with her glasses on, it was easy to hear the wink in her voice. "Wrist please." Assuming Kree did present his wrist, or something analogous, "Your complimentary colors would be--- ah, but that'd be telling. I'm nothing if not a lady!" she tied the string around his limb before turning to the line forming behind the hulking crab. "Who's next, ladies and gentlemen? I assure you I've no shortage of time or skill! It does't hurt! At least not at first. And even then, I hear heartbreak is still worth it!"

Joan had one of the mighty tasty chocolate hearts in between her teeth, snapping off a small piece as she notices Lanara's wave towards her, Joan having left Leoxander on his own once she nears that buffet table. A finger wave was given in turn while she chewed that chocolate in a quite manner listening to Kanna's story.

Demeter looked where Haeli asked, spotting the sea monster her eyes did nothing but go wide. “I have no idea, little one.” Offering her hand to allow the tiny avian to come stand at her side if wanted to, or stay hidden in the soft feather cover. SIghing heavily when the barkeep said they had only wine, “I said I’d pay extra..” With a stone stern tone, the bartender moved and grabbed a bottle wiping the dust from it. Tossing a gold coin sack to the male, looking over to Haeli. “I will walk slowly for you.” Moving to head over to the line behind the pink tux man with glitter in his beard, if Haeli followed she would look over to her. “I think he is a wingless cupid. Have some fun little one, get your thread read. I will if you do, but I know mine will have no love match.”

Leoxander raised his jaw in a silent greeting to the purple dressed healer, easily spotted, and closed the distance to her with another sneeze to sleeve mid-step. His eyes were watery and narrowed in that less than friendly way, but it was mostly unintentional. Hands went into the pockets of his jeans, a flask stuck into one at the back, following her lead in direction toward the crowd surrounding Kaana. If he heard Joan’s polite compliments, he didn’t react much, and didn’t have the courtesy to return kind words. Nearly every face there was familiar to the rogue in some way with one or two exceptions, and he scanned the area to note who was present - not to scope for possible profit, for once. Once they arrived within earshot of the story, he took the container of blended whiskey in hand for a drink, his vision caught on green-blue silks a second longer in his drifting gaze before he settled it on the botanist telling the tale.

Kanna gasps and puts a hand to her face in an exaggerated fashion, looking across the field so the others do the same. Emerging from behind a curtain of willow branches emerges a human-sized faerie, wearing a sheer cerulean ball gown. The blue fades to a soft pink as it dips down, matching the same soft pink of her curled hair that accentuates her chestnut face, and rosy sparkling butterfly wings. Bright blue eyes peer out from behind an ornate silver fan that matches the silver crown upon her head. The Caluss actor throws his hands up to his chest where his heart would be. Kanna smiles and continues. “What Caluss did not realize was that the gods could not fall in love, much less so with mortals. His undead heart bled with unrequited love for the Princess of Enchantment, Princess Calliope, the youngest of the nine royal children and next to ascend to the throne.” The woman playing the princess makes her way through the audience slowly, greeting all the children with a curtsy and a loving smile. “Love is not always meant to be, though, for Calliope’s heart belonged to another. It was a prohibited love, for though she was betrothed, her heart belonged to the High Priest of Delisha, Thorndew Lovesong.” Emerging from the same bout of willows comes a very nervous looking man. It would seem that the enchantment for wings had failed, as he has a set of false bright red and gold faerie wings strapped to his back. “C-C-Calliope, m-my love…” It would seem the actor has come down with a terrible case of stage fright now. Kanna’s brows furrow with concern for both him and the rest of her reading.

Lanara ’s lovestruck look whenever she gazes at her husband seems to fade when he lowkey calls -her- a wimpy child for fearing the wolf-pig. She’s about to say something equally snarky, but it’s Sweetheart’s Day, so instead she lifts her hand and waves to Meri and Fleur. They seem to be enjoying storytelling, as well as Khitti and Dominic. Are those the three chickens that were adopted from Happy Tails? It warms her heart that they are alive and well, and that they are oddly enjoying storytime. Lana offers them a wave, too, before she steps nearer the booth. It seems that Blaire has just finished tying a ribbon around Kree’s claw.

Valrae was delightfully surprised at how easily she fell into sync with Jaxson. Though, if she’d thought about it she shouldn’t have been. He had a natural precedence in rooms like these, something she’d come to accredit to his own charisma for more than even any tricks he might have learned growing up as a Ravencroft. The witch hides a soft smile behind the flute of champagne he hands her. “Where did you hear that?” She asks, a hint of playfulness in her tone as he leads them both over to the booth for thread readings. “Also, do you think this is like an aura thing?” She eyes the line that was forming. Was that Lanara? The witch offers a small wave of her drink and a smile. And was that Kreekitaka?! Valrae offers him the same half wave. She was fairly certain she’d seen Khitti somewhere as well, and Leo too. She leans around Jaxson for a moment, looking to see who he’d arrived with after all. She nudges Jaxson gently, hoping he follows her eye line to the lycan. “Who do you think conned him here in the end?”

Kreekitaka liked the word "boisterous", and accepted this bracelet with no complaints. He liked the color, too, very royal. From here, he started stalking through the crowd like a shark, waiting for the tug of the bracelet, just -hoping- that at some point somebody else's would react to his and he'd get to absolutely wreck them.

Haeli shook her head and finally stepped out from behind Demeter to stand beside her. She watched as the gold was exchanged for a bottle of something harder. There was chocolate liqueur to be drank up, and Haeli requested a cup from the tender while they were still there. When Demeter suggested the threads, Haeli looked in the direction of the line and frowned. "I don't have a love life either," she said, recalling how her past relationships ended up. There was a reason she was single, and it was mostly her fault. Okay, in the case of one of those she'd loved, it really was her fault. Disappearing. Drinking too much. Having a little too much fun with pixie dust. But then... why did she come to the gala? Was it not to meet new people? She suddenly found herself reconsidering the offer. Demeter said she'd do it too, so that would work. "Maybe it'll do us some good to get out threads read." She moved toward the line, glancing behind her to ensure that Demeter hadn't abandoned her. She wasn't a very trusting bird.

Meri issues a second wave to Lanara and Tiber, but her attention is quickly pulled back to Kanna’s story. Out of all of the entertainment being offered, the bard was gaining a bulk of her attention as well as her daughter’s attention. Fleur was processing the imagery and the story. Gods could not fall in love? While Meri’s eyes go wide when it seems that the actor seems to have come down with a case of stage fright. Personally, Meri could not blame him.There were so many faces present today. However, there was little Meri herself could do. The protective mother did not feel comfortable leaving her daughter with so many faces present. She knew that Khitti would do her best to protect Fleur if any trouble should arise, but still…two momma bears was always better than one.

Loravelle kept an ear open for Kanna's story, but as much as she loved myth, her attention gravitated toward Blaire and her...fated threads? She heard something about a red strand. This was something familiar from her homeland. So she drifts Blaire's way, grey eyes just so happening to pick up Miss Blackheart – unaccompanied, which gives her pause. Wasn't...Her head turns briefly, but she stops herself. Perhaps he skipped it. Good for him, though Lora can't help her small frown. At the sound of Blaire asking for who's next in her line for her colorful threads, Lora looks around, uncertain if the pair of avians nearby are in line or not. She raises her fan slowly, waves a little. “Me, unless I'm cutting...”

Quintessa emerges from the crowd, a blood red gown hanging from her gaunt figure like the moss on a fallen tree. Dotting the red gown are gold and black jewels, alternating across her chest and across to her bare pale arms to form the illusion of a a spider's web. A similarly gold and black headpiece holds her ebon hair up. Swiftly, Quintessa raises to take the 'High Priest of Delisha's' side, whispering something into his ear that seems to ease his nerves. Passing the red and gold faerie wings off to the changeling, she takes his place as High Priest for the remainder of the play. "Calliope, my love," Quintessa says, arms outstretched to show herself off, "Your High Priest is here."

Kanna breathes a sigh of relief. Thank goodness for Quintessa’s natural flair for the dramatic. …She was acting, right? The next page shows Caluss holding a beautiful pale-blue rose in his inky claws up to Princess Calliope, who turns her back to him to embrace the Delishan priest. Similarly, the Caluss actor gives an exaggerated wave of the hand, where a frost-fire rose materializes. Holding it by the stem with his talons, he offers it to the princess, who goes to Quintessa for comfort. “Undeterred by the presence of another, Alithyk Caluss pursued the princess. He offered her the most beautiful flowers that would never perish, all the riches a god could possibly give a mortal--” At this, the rose falls, wilting rapidly before it hits the floor. Gold coins rise from the sticky tar that make his claws, as he desperately offers it forth. Calliope shakes her head. Kanna continues, “--everlasting life as an undead. But the Princess was pure of heart. She did not envy those in her family with more riches than her, or those who would live longer. So long as Priest Lovesong was in her life, she could face any hardships before her.” Kanna holds the book up slightly so her mouth is concealed. “Say something romantic, Priest.” She mutters to the newfound Thorndew actor.

Leoxander had been quickly abandoned for the buffet, and a loud sneeze might not only interrupt Kanna’s story, but issued him to step off to the side and away so as not to completely ruin her performance.

Jaxson follows Val's eyes about the party as she scans the other guests, the man taking note of whom she seems to settle on to try to keep up with hwo might be important to her or not. He knows she wears many hats, and may have to rub political elbows here and there, but she probably also has allies and even friends, all of whom the man has no clue about, nor they him. Meeting these friends would be as scary as his future bout with Dyraxdiin. Oh hell! Thats tomorrow! His date with Val had cleared all else from his mind for a while! Tomorrow he fights a dragon. Here come the nerves again, but then the red witch's voice cuts through it all once more, her attempt to get his attention working wonders to get him out his own head, as his cerulean gaze settles on the legendary rogue and the lycan's obvious discomfort with so much pink and lovey dovey things. "Oh.. looks like even legendary outlaws are not above falling prey to the powers of a woman's desires." Had to be a woman. No way the Cap'n came here on his own free will. But it is Val who gets Jax's attention, as he just takes a moment to appreciate her beauty, and the effort she really put into getting ready tonight. " You look just... breathtaking, Val." Eyes follow the flow of the dress briefly, before he'd quickly snap them back up, taking a sip of that wine to try to cover his embarassment as his cheeks get a little flush with color. AFter a moment, he'd say. "Ah.. aha, I mean.. you look great." Why was he so awkward around her?

Blaire with the Uyeer shifted out of the way, Miss Fortune shifted her hips and turned her playful grin on the pair of Lanara and Tiber. Raising her free hand to beckong then over with a finger. "Right, you two. Come to test your trust? Assess your affinity? Compare your compatability? I believe I can oblige!" She knt her hand together again, smiling at the two as the ribbon curled out and made a complicated shape around the pair. Painting a picture as it were. Slowly flowing into loops and hearts. The vampires smirk only widened as she pulled her hands apart. Producing a shining spiral of interlocked red and turqouise, "Surging Aqua and Boiling Crimson! It'd seem you're in luck, my sweet lovebirds." With a motion of her hands the threads whipped themselves around the two's wrist, forming a loosely connected set of bracelets of the two threads entwined. "I do believe you may proceed to the love tunnel. Enjoy you reward." She went on, stepping aside and gesturing past her.

Demeter bit the cork off the whiskey bottle, lifting up her heeled boot to put out her smoke. Dropping the cork into her hand, then putting it into a pocket. Looking back to Haeli, holding up the whiskey bottle, “Salute.” Tilting her head back, taking long drinks from the bottle. “I’m Demeter, who are you little one?” She was always the kindest to avian’s, especially the females. ANy male she was less trusting of. “My love life is with my sword.” Seeing the smile from Joan, she gives a nod. Spotting Quintessa, she gave a gentle wave.

Xiembantointh steps forward to Blaire’s booth as he was next in line for the reading, but Loravelle spoke up and he gestures for her to go ahead of him with a warm grin on his lips. “Go on miss,” he gestures to the space in front of him.

Quintessa glances at the floor to check if she was in the right spot, scooting a couple of inches to be in the center of the 'x' on the floor. Then, mismatched eyes gaze upon the actor portraying Calliope, the changing taking her hands into her own. "Oh, my love, the stroke of death is as a lovers pinch, which hurts and is desired. Hear my soul speak! Of the very instant that I saw you, did my heart fly at your service."

Loravelle was close to cutting the line, it seems. Well, she'd take a step back, even at the sparkly-bearded man's insistence that she go on ahead. What a strange choice of clothing. She tips her fan upside down by its handle and gives a little flick of her wrist forward, motioning Xiembantointh to go right on ahead before her. “After you." She didn't mind waiting. It might give her some time to locate the pirate rogue, if he's here. Or Miss Mahri, or Miss Terra.

Meri was relieved that someone managed to relieve the absolutely terrified actor before he completely botched his role and ruined Kanna’s story. Fleur, in typical kid fashion, would exclaim loudly, “That is not Caluss! That is Tessa!” Meri looked briefly embarrassed and glanced Khitti’s direction, shaking her head at her sister as a result of Fleur’s antics. What was Meri going to do with this one. And to think she was thinking about having another with Magik at some point in the future. Send him, something is wrong with Meri’s brain.

Lanara smiles at Blair, her big brown eyes widening at the ribbon show, the feeling of merriment and magic thick in the air. A moment later, both the witch and the lycan are sporting new matching bracelets. Aqua and Crimson. Delighted that their love is true, as if she had any doubts, Lana grabs Tiber’s hand and they proceed to one of the waiting love boats. She’s careful as she steps into the boat, making sure there’s enough room for Aspen to squeeze in by their feet. Snuggling against Tiber’s side, she nuzzles his neck, “So… Are you the boiling crimson or the surging aqua?” Her voice falls to a mere whisper, “After this party, we can exchange our Valentine gifts… I’m sure we’ll be satisfied sapphire!”

Khitti catches sight of Lanara’s wave, after seeing Meri wave to the witch. Initially, Khitti’s hesitant, but eventually returns the wave. Afterward, Khitti eyes her sister briefly, noting the blonde’s tenseness because of all the people. She reaches a hand over and places it on Meri’s shoulder, letting her know it’s alright.

Kanna || The bard giggles, using a cantrip to throw her voice so only Fleur and Meri can hear. "Tessie is helping me pretend to be the hero, so let her play pretend, okay?" An illustration beneath the text shows the insectoid figure in a cloak with a halo around its head holding the hands of two faeries in each of its claws. The rosette curls and silver crown indicate that this is the Princess of Enchantment. The two copies of her appear to be identical, save for the fact that one has sunken eyes and a slack jaw, while the other has her eyes closed, the universal symbolism of a ghoul and a corpse. The Caluss actor forcefully pulls Calliope away from the Thorndew actor, holding her in an unwanted embrace. The princess gives a squeal, lightly batting at the creature with her fan. The children in the audience recognize the cue immediately and boo the villain, shouting heckles such as ‘doodyhead’ and ‘meanie’. Kanna goes back into her dramatic tone, continuing, “Enraged by the spurned advances, envious of the love denied to it, Alithyk Caluss decided ‘She must be blind to the beauty that undeath brings. If I show her, she will choose to stay by my side!’ And so, the God of Undeath committed a cardinal sin of the necromantic arts as put forth by its creator…” The actress playing the fae calls out for Thorndew before fainting in Alithyk Caluss’ arms. The black butterflies return again from the trees to cover the princess for a moment. When they disappear, the cerulean and pink gown has been changed to one of black and white, her pale pink curls and wings transformed into white as well. “Calliope was turned into the first ghoul.” Booing intensifies. Cue devastated Thorndew.

Valrae smiles sweetly at Jaxson’s compliment, letting it warm her. She pretends not to notice the path his eyes take but is quietly pleased with the design of her dress. If he was thrown off by her, she pretended not to notice that as well. “You look great yourself,” She says, nudging him again. “That’s a design by Kree, right? It’s amazing. I feel like you could pull off a paper bag though.” Her eyes flash again and she takes a moment to look at the line ahead of them. When she hears “heartbreak” mentioned by the thread vendor and her eyes dart back to Jaxson. “Yeah, we definitely needed drinks for this.” Her lips bow into a mock frown, “You weren’t supposed to know I was going to break your heart until at least the third date.” Her attention is pulled Jaxson and to the story Kanna was telling and the entrance of Quintess. She takes a moment to admire how stunning she looked in the red gown she wore as she tried to pick up the line of the story they were acting out. Caluss? Her lips turned downward again, this time there was no faking her distress. Her mind goes back to Cenril, and the people suffering there. Suddenly, the champagne tasted sour on her lips. She blinks, struggling to push this newfound guilt down and enjoy her time with Jaxson. “Hey look,” She points to Xiembantointh with her glass. “He did wear pink! That’s our next look.” She tilts her face to Jaxson again, “The next time we go out we just wear matching pink suits. Brilliant.”

Joan would make her way over towards Demeter and Haeli once she finsihed up her piece of chocolate heart treat, one of those chocolate liqueur drinks take up as she moved away from the buffet towards the other ladies. "Hey, you did say I might run into you here, as so it was true." She offer a smile to the smaller avian Haeli, "Hi, I'm Joan."

Mahri arrives, perhaps a little more than fashionably late, but at least she's here. For once the lycan is wearing something other than black leather. The dress has tight sleeves with jade brussels lace, a v-neck neckline, a short skirt and cinched waist and an overdress of feathered cream silk faille decorated with pleated flounces. Mahri's hair is even curled and piled atop her head with a few coils falling loose to bounce against a cheek or her neck. Silver-grey eyes drift lazily over the party goers, pausing on familiar faces to give a smile or wave in greeting.

Tiber watches as Miss Fortune begins to make the twisted shape out of ribbon. Red and turquoise twine around their wrists to make similar bracelets and when the lycan gets the confirmation of the reading, he lets out a big, “Aha!” He lets out like a know-it-all. Why? Because he is childish and annoying. The man proceeds to make kissy lips that are full of jest towards the Kelvarian before moving to the opening of the boat. Aspen, although not necessarily a part of the reading, follows suit. He’s a bear, afterall–and family. The man guides Lanara in before he slides in next to her. An arm wraps around the woman before slinking back in his loafy, confident posture. “I think you can guess which one I am,” he smirks before slapping the hand on his knee. At the pick up line, the man grins slyly towards the witch. “I can’t -wait- for the gift,” he wiggles his brows. The man leans in to kiss the Kelvarian, but then, suddenly, Aspen is trying to ‘small lap-dog’ the witch and lycan to get in between them. “Aspen! You’re too–” Fat is what Tiberius wanted to say. The boat begins to rock back and forth causing ripples and waves throughout the stream.

Quintessa feigns devastation, the back of her hand resting on her forehead as she arches backward in lamentation. "My enchanted lovebug- The light of my life! She has been corrupted by that abomination, that Alithyk Caluss which defies the very course of nature! It shall not get away with this."

Leoxander was there, against every urge to stealth away. Itching his sun-spotted nose with the back of his arm, he tried to avoid all the tables and booths that glittered with that wretched dust and found someplace to drink from his flask, turning his eyes in the direction where the giddy newlyweds had disappeared into the tunnel of love. Good riddance. His gaze followed purple as she mingled with the two avian, one of which he recognized from a brief interaction during a tournament duel. Valrae and Jaxson earned a glance, almost a smirk, too, seeing how the wizard had managed a fine catch with the witch on his arm, and it was impossible to not see the man in that baby pink suit, which nearly made Leo landsick. Another drink was the remedy for that as he found a tree or somewhere to lean back against slightly. Mahri - he did a double-take at. He couldn’t rightly recall the last time he’d seen his pack-mate out of her usual attire and in… well, damn.

Haeli || "Salute," Haeli echoed, and downed the chocolate liqueur like it was water. Her nerves were on edge and gods she wanted a pull from Demeter's bottle, but she didn't say as much. Whiskey was the avian's poison of choice, after all. When Demeter asked her name, her gaze darted away for a moment. "Haeli," she offered after a few moment's hesitation. Her mouth opened to say something else, but at that moment they were joined by a third person. Haeli's muscles tensed, as if she were fighting the urge to return to the least occupied area of the gala. She didn't though. Instead she sucked up her courage and replied to Joan's introduction with, "Hi, Joan. I'm Haeli."

Jaxson felt the shift, and had a guess as to at least one reason why her mood would sour. Her people. He felt it too, as he always does, because he has a soul unlike the other elites in the port city. While they dance and are merry, people suffer back in Cenril. But such was the game Val had to play, given her position as a runner in the election games going on. Events like this, while a blast, were also great networking opportunities and, more than anything, a way for her to unwind and refresh her chakra. The cove could only do so much, and the man knew only a little of the massive weight upon the woman's slender shoulders. She -needed- this night, so that her resolve didn't crumble, and so he was here to try his damned best to make sure it was a good night. "Hey." He says, his tone filled with authority, confidence and just the energy he hoped she needed. "We will be up and at it early in the am, making sure you food drives are ready, your meetings are met, and that we get the supplies needed to all those who need them." His tone is low enough that hopefully it is just the two who hear any of this, but regardless, the man didn't care about anyone else. He'd squeeze her arm just enough to try to reassure her, showing that if needed, she could dump all that negative mojo out on him by squeezing back if needed. "But tonight, you remind yourself of who you are as the woman, not the politician. Ok?" He hoped he made sense, as the line seems to get shorter and shorter as towards the threads of fate. Oh boy.

Kanna || This spread shows the watercolor stretch of Enchantment Castle’s dance floor and soiree attendees from the pages before, with a significant difference: The ghoul of Calliope stands where Alithyk Caluss stood before, and those waltzing have ashen skin instead of rosy skin. The supposedly undead princess blows kisses to the audience, despite the children trying to help her by calling out that her real love was right behind her. Kanna nearly laughs at how adorable the children are reacting to the play version, and how intensely her guildmates are studying the pages she holds. “‘Go forth, my bride. Let us gift the entire world with undeath so that they may appreciate their new God. With the armies I amass, I will be given a seat in the Realm of Gods, revered as a God amongst Gods!’ Alithyk Caluss had gone mad with ego, forcing Calliope to turn the other denizens of Enchantment into ghouls as well with her kiss of undeath.” The insectoid actor raises his hands dramatically, miming his speech while Kanna narrates. As the fae actress bends down to give a little avian girl a kiss on the cheek, the girl squeals and runs behind her parents, giggling all the while. Turning the page, Kanna murmurs to her Thorndew actor, “Take a brave stance.”

Meri smirks at she hears Kanna’s voice while Fleur looks absolutely perplexed. The blonde takes a few moments to have a hushed exchange with her daughter, trying to briefly explain the concept of actors to the girl. They were just playing pretend. Once she is sure that Fleur seems to understand, Meri looks Mahri’s direction and grins wolfishly at the sight of the silver-eyed lycan in a dress. If Meri were not so close to Kanna and her storytelling, she might catcall the dark-haired woman. For a change, Meri behaves herself.

Demeter watched Joan move over to Haeli and herself, “I always speak the truth, and not make promises unless I know I can keep it. Word is as strong as one’s sword, ma’am.” Offering Joan the bottle of whiskey to see if she wanted a swig, if she did and once given back would offer to Haeli.

Lanara offers Tiberius her most breathtaking smile, leaning in ever so close, their lips a mere centimeter apart. Before she knows what’s happening, they are gently pried apart by two white paws, and Aspen is climbing onto the little bench. It seems that this boat ride will not be spent making out, as they had intended! Either way, as they enter the tunnel, Lana reaches for Tiber’s hand and Aspen rests his paws atop their joined palms. It’s un-bear-ably adorable, so the witch cannot be mad that their plans had been foiled. The water seems to pick up speed, especially since the cub wants to stand on the bench and jump up and down, and again, the newlyweds are forced to break their handhold. “Aspen. Sit down! I am -not- going in this river!” Tiber will -never- let her live this down if they take a dip in Enchantment, at a public event, no less!

Quintessa || Indignant and defiant even in the face of his former lover, Quintessa portraying the Priest of Delisha crosses the stage to meet her, standing in her way of fulfilling Caluss's orders. "No, Calliope. Though my heart still carries the love it has always for you I cannot allow you to do this! End this now, Calliope."

Tiber twists his body to face the bear who is rocking the boat. “Aspen!” Water is splashing left and right. Left and right. The water is already soaking the man’s shoes. “I will take you -straight- home!” The tunnel echoes. With the large boom of Tiber’s voice, the polar bear finally sits steady. Poised like he did no wrong as he stares big eyed at Lanara. Clearly the bear is looking for a pity party.

Blaire waved the gentleman over, "You may dance with the lady after your reading, sir. That way you won't hold up the line doing it." She said with a widening smirk. Then she lightly tossed the cane over to Loravelle in a silent 'hold this'. She snapped her fingers, calling the ribbon back to curl around her as she resumed her cats cradle routine. "You do look dashing in pink. But somehow I doubt that's your color." When she pulled her fingers apart, they were linked by a brilliant sunlight yellow. "Ubiqetous merigold. Quite a ray of sunshine." she chuckled, "Arm, if you please."

Joan took the offered whiskey flash and took a quick hard swallow before returning it to the avian warrior woman, Joan would offer another smile towards Haeli once she gave her name in way of return greeting. "Haeli, nice name. How do you know Demeter here? I just healed her after her duel last night. Woman had a tore muscle and ragged wing, but you can hardly tell now." Joan goes on telling the smaller avian while offering Demeter a full fanged smile with a wink following.

Leoxander tipped his flask in her direction as Mahri approached, to salute her style. He took a drink from it before offering it her way. “Be still m’ heart.” Said in a flat, but teasing deep monotone. “Is this what I been missin’ all this time?” She managed to coax a truer smirk from the pirate with presence alone. “You see yer girl?” He motioned with his stubbled jaw subtly Loravelle’s way, blue eyes lingering on the silk-dressed maid servant with her fancy crown, jewels and fan.

Lanara is about ready to turn this boat around, because Aspen is acting up and soaking their feet, when Tiber’s voice booms within the tunnel. It hurts her sensitive tapered ears, sure, but it hurts her feelings even more. The cub is giving her that wide eyed gaze and sniffling, even going as far as dabbing at his unshed tears with a big paw. He’s eating up the sympathy she’s giving him, as Lana pulls him onto her lap and cuddles -him- the rest of the boat ride. The witch casts fleeting glares at her husband for being so cross with their baby bear, and this causes Aspen’s mood to improve greatly. It’s not the first time he’s come between the couple's romantic attempts, and it won’t be the last! The boat circles the area and comes to a gentle stop at the dock, where they are expected to depart. Lana narrows her eyes at Tiber, “I think you should apologize to Aspen…”

Loravelle thinks that eyeliner her sisters painted on her lids might make her sneeze. The corners of her eyes are watering just a bit, at least. She turns away from the line in that instant to be polite as she sniffs, using her fan to shield the bottom half of her face and nose, and spies two of the three people she had hoped to find. Miss Mahri, who she can't help smiling at, and Leo, who the sight of causes the girl's breath to still. There's absolutely no subtlety in her stare. Those pale grey eyes sweep over him from feet to head with an expression that shifts a few times. Sadness to worry, forgiving to enthralled. The language of fans may not be something that he knows, but she uses it here all the same if her gaze meets his. The fan she carries isn't a folding one, but the ivory bead affixed to her fan's top acts as substitute for a closed fan in this instance. She subtly taps it to her bottom lip as if in thought, then lifts it just enough to obscure all but her eyes again to hide a timid smile before she turns back to Blaire and her colorful threads.

Valrae seems taken aback by Jaxson’s clear read of her. She watches him, still trying to puzzle the man together. It stuns her for a moment, how this man she’d only met a handful of days ago could see through her joking so easily. And she felt a little vulnerable, something she’d usually run from, and fast, but the way his arm pressed against her was reassuring and more than a little grounding. The witch gives him a small nod and her own squeeze, hoping her smile told him what words failed. Thrown off by the heaviness of the moment, she takes another drink of her champagne. “Thank you,” She finally manages. He was right, underneath all of it. She was doing what she could for Cenril. Wringing her hands day and night over what more she could do was helping nothing, and these events were exactly what she was supposed to be doing now. And how lucky for her she had a handsome man on her arms to share the night with and remind her of that? The line moves up a little and they move with it. “Are you nervous for tomorrow?” She suddenly asks, hoping to keep the conversation going as they wait to have their threads read. “You’re going up against a literal dragon right?”

Kanna || This spread shows the red and gold of Priest Thorndew Lovesong embracing the colorless princess. The dark fae sees the page and pulls Calliope into an embrace in turn. On the story's pages, cerulean tears drip down her pitch-black eyelashes, serving as the only color on her side. “Calliope’s colorful beauty had been taken away by the God of Undeath, as had her love for life. This did not matter to the Delishan Priest, though; she was still the Calliope he had fallen in love with, and he knew her soul was still buried deep within. As powerful as a necromancer Alithyk Caluss was, he could not truly separate a soul from its vessel like Vakmatharas’ powers could. And so, Calliope’s soul rebelled against her new form, and she refused to harm the person she loved most. Rage consumed the God of Undeath. All the powers of the Realm of Gods could not grant him everything he wanted. In a fit of anger, he committed another sin: He struck down the Priest of Delisha.” Kanna turns the page to reveal the black-cowled figure holding a sword over the red fae, whose hands are held up in self defense. Behind Caluss, Calliope can be seen clasping her hands together in prayer, blue tears streaming down her cheeks. The actor playing Caluss brandishes a wooden blade and wedges it between Quintessa’s torso and arm to imitate impalement. Kanna clicks her teeth and nods her head at the mushroom growing behind her so that Quintessa can sit without ruining her gown.

Xiembantointh lets out a boisterous guffaw and shrugs, "what can I say, I try." He holds out his wrist and turns that infectious and joyous smile on the ladies around him. "Thank you miss," he offers to Blaire before finishing off his pint and meandering his way back to the bar for another.

Haeli blinked at Demeter. "But I don't have a strong sword," she mused aloud, wondering how her word is taken now. Once Joan was done with the whiskey and Demeter held it out to her, Haeli reached for it and took a good, hearty pull of the amber liquid before handing it back to her. When Joan asked her when she met her, Haeli lifted a bare shoulder. "I just met her," she answered. She was going to say more, but then Joan flashed that fanged smile at Demeter. Almost instantly, she took a step closer to Demeter. "Please don't bite," she choked out, her words almost a strangled cry. Her hand went to her throat, to the scar that ran across it. Haeli and vampires, which is what she assumed Joan was, didn't have a good track record.

Mahri snorted in amusement and rolled her eyes at Leo. "This and them some, Captain." Following the line of that chin, she finds Mouse and quirks a brow. "Not bad." From the corner of here eye, Mahri doesn't miss that lingering look from the rogue. "So...you and Mouse...? Not your usual type." But then again, who was she to say. Not like she'd made the best choices either.

Meri fidgets in her chair as Kanna’s story goes on. It’s not because Meri was not enjoying it, no. But she has had Fleur in her lap for the duration of the tale and so her legs and butt were starting to go numb. Honestly though, the bard should take this as a compliment. If Fleur were not enjoying the story? Then Fleur surely would have had a fit by now and insisted that Meri free her from her seat.

Demeter looked up to see the pink tux guy smile at the ladies around them, her eyes narrowed when he smiled at her. “Pretty sparkly boy.” Arching a brow as she looks away, down to Haeli. “If she was a bitey vampire like a feral, she would have when my shoulder was leaking blood, also when cleaning my wing. I think she is the polite type that asks first.”

Blaire waved the man off with a waggle of the fingers of her left hand, then turned to look at Loravelle. One hip cocked, an eyebrow raise and a general air of expectation. She raised her hand towards the lingering woman, stretching long fingers with sharpened red nails. "I believe that makes it your turn finally, my ever so polite admirer."

Tiber narrows his gaze at the bear who is turning up the level of emotion. The bear is clearly tugging at the animal empath’s heartstrings. The blonde knows that glare from anywhere. He is about to be in the doghouse. No ma’am. Tiber refuses. As they come into the light and the boat parks itself, the person at the end of the boat ride is waiting for the two to get out with a puzzled look because the couple in the boat have clear frowns on their faces. “I think you’re a coddler. Aspen knows better. He’s doing this on purpose. He knows the word ‘no’.” When Aspen looks at the lycan, the bear just blinks, but when Tiber catches Aspen’s gaze, the bear turns back into Lanara to up the show for the Kelvarian. Tiber begins to point, “Look! He -knows-.”

Quintessa || As the sword 'impales' the Priest, Quintessa's presence on the stage visibly deflates. She chokes and sputters and ends up falling back on Kanna's mushroom, pale fingers still reaching out for the actor portraying Calliope. "Live in thy shame, but die not shame with thee! These words hereafter thy tormentors be! Convey me to my bed, then to my grave; Love they to live that love and honor have..." And with those last words her hands falls to the floor, lifeless. The priest of Delisha and lover of the First Ghoul has expired.

Jaxson is glad to see a smile, a true smile not one of those painted on ones, return to Valrae's face as they wait for their turn in line. He'd wait patiently as she takes all the time needed to process, recollect and ready herself to fully enjoy this evening, the man more than happy to play his supporting role as she does so. He has seen it firsthand, he tireless attempt to single-handedly lift the city she loves from its current ails to a new, brighter future. But he has seen the toll such missionary work can take, as his own mother was just like it. He was raised on stories of how she wished to do more, and how she always went out her way to do all she could or at least inspire others to do anything they could as well. Val was very much like that currently, and while it was endearing and admirable and one of the reasons he was drawn to her, he knew the pitfalls this could bring. But he doesn't push the issue, she is more than capable of handling things on her own, and he has already said what he needed to. Of course, it seems its his turn tho, as she reminds him again he has to fight a gds be damned dragon tomorrow. A brave face is the mask he chooses, as he says. "Oh yeah! Totally forgot." He plays it off, saying. "Nothing but an overgrown lizard, I got this." A flash of a charming smile before a sip of the wine hides a silent prayer to Selene herself, her blessing coming in the form of the line moving up.

Kanna || A crack of soft thunder and a glowing red light from behind the treeline heralds the entrance of the final character in this tale. Kanna turns the page to reveal a page of lightning behind a woman who looks just like the actress that emerges. Well-dressed in a bright red ballgown with a string of pearls around her neck, and a mask upon her face, black on the left, white on the right, and glowing red eyes to symbolize anger; this is the face of the Goddess Delisha. “The elder Goddess Delisha could feel the untimely demise of her best priest immediately. Enraged, she summoned Vakmatharas to demand an explanation as to why he had taken Thorndew before his time.” The Goddess marches to the stage and pulls the Vakmatharas actor to his feet, who had been hiding under an enchantment of invisibility. “It was only then that the God of Death realized his mistake in letting his creation run rampant. Alithyk Caluss had abused his power, and destroyed the binary of life and death in a quest to sate his own ego. The God of Undeath had to be stopped!” This prompts cheering from the children in agreement. “Alithyk Caluss!” The skeletal actor calls out in anger, his voice carrying across the field. Kanna turns to Quintessa to mouth a question: ‘You okay?’

Loravelle must've missed somewhere in the chaos that Blaire tossed her cane at Lora, but let's just say she caught it. She's used to having canes and umbrellas tossed her way. She hands it back to Blaire, not entirely certain what the next steps would be. Girl's been distracted. Assuming that the lady required her hand, she extends her left, holding her fan in her right for the time being.

Leoxander took the offer of the flask back when she presented him with that question, his eyes returning to Mahri, narrowing, the smirk fading, though hers probably would only grow. “What’dyou mean, me n’ mouse?” He helped himself to another drink, gaze trailing back toward the ribbon lady as she addressed Loravelle. “She practically pissed herself the first time she saw me.” Bitterly reminding himself after he swallowed another dose of whiskey. He needed somewhere else to look. Anywhere else to look. Quintessa was putting on quite a show and seemed to be that fix.

Lanara abruptly rises from her seat, the swift motion nearly tipping the boat over, as she gasps at the accusations that Tiber is tossing her way. “I am -not- a coddler! He is a bear cub, frozen at this age, forever a child! And you!? You are a grown man that’s acting like a child!” Aspen sticks his tongue out at Tiber as he senses Lana’s rage, delighted that he is now the center of her attention. However, when Lana glances at the bear in her arms, he’s whimpering softly and nuzzling his fake tears against her bright pink dress. Without waiting for the man to help her out of the boat, or even for Tiber to assist, Lana steps over her husband's legs. She nearly falls but catches herself at the last moment, which earns her a few catcalls from some single males in attendance. Thankfully, she’s wearing a calf-length gown, so that legendary derriere wasn’t entirely on display! Cooing to the cub, she moves through the crowd and it seems as though she’s trying to lose Tiber, “Let’s get you a nice sugar cookie, hm? A little treat to remedy your hurt feelings.”

Quintessa peeks at Kanna just long enough to give her a wink and a thumbs up before she resumes playing dead.

Joan gave a frown when Haeli reacted as she did, the vampiric healer taking a step back as she held up her chocolate liqueur drink and her other free hand up and outwards in a 'whoa' fashion. "Yeah, I'm not that type of vampire, I'm a noble polite one." She said why nodding along to what Demeter said about Joan. She'd shoot a glance towards Leoxander, to make sure he was doing okay and to judge the distance she may need to travel towards her escort if Haeli didn't settle her nerves.

Meri’s kid is amongst those who are cheering in agreement. Meri cheers too. Why the heck not.

Mahri watched Leo more than the play, or the line slowly moving towards the small boats. "Hmmm," is all she says and takes a drink from the flask.

Valrae laughs, her head tilting back. The light catches in the tumbling waves of her hair and the crystals sparkly like raindrops in tilting afternoon sunlight. “Right,” She agrees. “Totally forgettable. You do have it though. I’d bet my gold on you.” She nudges him again. “Big bad wizard of Cenril? Whats a dragon got on that?” She gives him a reassuring squeeze like the one he’d given her earlier. She meant it, even if she’d never seen him fight first hand. He seemed capable enough, and clever if her limited stolen moments had shown her nothing else. She watches as Loravelle steps into the booth to have a thread assigned to her and idly wonders what awaits the pair as their turn draws near. The pessimist in her half expected some black, ominous warning about her own future, even if this particular reading seemed to revolve around paringins and love. She’d never had much luck in that department anyway, and if this had anything to do with auras her own ‘unaliving’ situation could sour the reading further. Still, Jaxson had gone out of his way to show her a good time and she was going to do her level best to enjoy herself. “If we get some cryptic, doom riddled reading,” She says, tilting her face to him again, “I’m going to promptly throw myself from our carriage on the ride back. Just warning you.” She was only half joking.

Haeli quietly disengages from Demeter's protection and waves to Joan. "I'll take your word for it. If you don't mind though, I need to go." And with that, the avian beat her wings down and flew away from the gala, her limited social spoons eaten up for the time being.

Kanna || The necrobotanist giggles at Fleur’s rapt attention to the story. Turning the page again, this spread shows the God of Death on one side, and the Dark Mother on the other, this spread shows the figure, its cowl ripped off and jewels gone, its inky claws buried in the fetid earth as it is dragged towards a portal. Likewise, those playing Vakmatharas and Delisha descend on Caluss, grabbing each of his arms. “Having incurred the wrath of the Gods, Alithyk Caluss was sentenced to exile. No more would he interfere in the realm of mortals, and no more would ghouls be allowed to roam the world of Hollow!” This prompts cheers as the actors drag Caluss, who very dramatically yells “Nooooooo!” back behind the treeline. Kanna makes a surprised gasp to get the attention back. “But what of the princess and her lover?” Vakmatharas comes back, to the ashen princess and the ‘deceased’ priest of Delisha. The shrouded skeleton kneels, taking Calliope’s hand with his left, and Thorndew’s with his right. "Forgive me, my children. My hubris blinded me to the dangers that my creation possessed. While I cannot undo the memories of his crime, I can reverse his curse upon thee. Rise again, and live out the remainder of your lives in peace. Come home to me when you are truly ready.’ Vakmatharas declared.” Butterflies descend for the final time, this time, butterflies of all colors cover the stage for a moment. The creatures fly into the audience and cross the festival as Calliope, her colors restored, and Thorndew stand hand in hand. “And with that, the life was restored to the two for their bravery and show of true love in the face of Alithyk Caluss’ terror. Deciding they would live their newfound life to the fullest, Calliope and Thorndew left Enchantment to be married.” Kanna smiles and closes the book. “And they lived happily ever after.” Of course, there was more, according to interviews, this incident would have weight in the royal fae’s ultimate exodus from Enchantment, but as it was not mentioned in the original tome, it was left out. Let’s leave it with a happy ending.

Leoxander wasn’t oblivious to the voices from the tunnel with his sensitive ears, and at any other moment he might have laughed to himself as the lovey couple quarreled, ironically, in the tunnel of love. Joan’s glance from the distance, since Larana’s voice brought his gaze back in that general direction, is caught. As promised, he’d come along to the ball and had been observing her now and then, but asking him to make an effort to socialize beyond the conversation he was having with his beta was probably asking too much. He still wasn’t entirely pleased with the situation she’d put him in the other day. The rogue valued ongoing subtly.

Tiber holds his arms out as if that would even steady the small boat as it rocks when Lanara rises. Physically and emotionally. Tiber knows he is doomed by that posture of the witch. Doghouse. He is in it. “I am -not- a child.” One would beg to differ. Honey glazed eyes catch the tongue that is being stuck out at him. “How are you not seeing this?!” He gestures to the bear who is acting especially naughty today. “He’s using his age as a manipulation tactic!” The Catalian flails in observation, but it is ignored as Lanara is storming off in stumbles. The catcalls hit his ears and he shoots daggers at whoever dares whistle at the girl in the hot pink dress, and then she is lost within the crowd. The man tries to balance himself as he stands in the boat before hopping out to walk after Lanara. “Boiling crimson? I’ll tell you what, that sure as heck is not -me-.” Hm. “I’m as smooth as aqual. Tranquil. I’m very transparent and see through fake, emotional water.” The man at this point is mumbling to himself to catch up with his wife.

Mahri doesn't say anything more on the matter. A strand of hair tickles her neck and the wolf absently brushes it away.

Meri when Kanna announces that they lived happily ever after, Meri promptly claps her hands for the bard. There is some hooting and hollering as well. And wouldn’t you know it? Fleur copies her mother, just like when Meri was waving at all the people she knew earlier. Now that the story was over, Meri would slide Fleur from her lap. The two would likely be taking their leave shortly after…but first Meri needed to get the feeling back into her leg. And then she needed to lift a few sweets for the road. Fleur wanted it now, of course, but Meri would try and bribe her daughter with the typical ‘after dinner’ gimmick.

Joan pinches at the bridge of her nose once Haeli flew off, the vampiric healer having never encountered someone afraid of her in quite a very long time.

Mahri shifts her eyes towards Lora getting a reading. She considered briefly getting one herself

Khitti || Dominic let out some cheers once he realized the story was over with. Khitti too was fully satisified with the performance and when it was definitely over, Khitti stood up and peered down at Dominic and his chickens. "You guys almost ready to go home? Your mother has just become keenly aware of how many people are actually here." Dominic nodded his head and yawned, looking a little sleepy. Storytime before bed was the best time ever, after all, so it looked like he was likely going to nap on the ride back to Cenril. "Alright. We'll stay just long enough to see who wins the contest and then head out."

Loravelle flinches just a bit as Blaire weaves that viridian bracelet around her wrist, half expecting it to snap against her wrist. She's pleased when it doesn't. Blaire's words are taken to heart, and she nods. Orange or red. A fate with flames, then. This she had always known. “Thank you,” the girl whispers with a slight dip of her head. Then she steps out of the line, peering down at her new bracelet. She closes the distance between herself and Miss Mahri, and Leoxander as a result. “Hello, Miss Mahri, Leo. I was a little late...” And she's back to fiddling with her fan, despite it being winter.

Demeter offers a nod to Haeli as she left, looking to Joan now. “Getting your thread read? What is even a thread?” She cringes her nose in confusion, but remains in line.

Leoxander gave Mahri another brief side-eye glance. “Quit lookin’ at me like that.” Muttered lower under his breath before he took another needed drink.

Lanara hears some of Tiber’s incessant ramblings and shoots daggers over her shoulders, those captivating chocolate eyes dancing with darkness. When will he ever learn not to further provoke an already emotionally unhinged witch?! As they arrive at the dessert table, Lana hands Aspen a few sugar cookies, and she snags a slice of cheesecake with strawberries for herself. A waiter engages her in some brief conversation about how -she- is definitely the surging aqua, because she oozes serenity and has such a calm demeanor around animals. That assures her that -Tiber- is the boiling crimson in this match! “Ha! I knew it!” She continues their conversation, showing off the ribbon around her wrist, and telling the girl all about the disastrous ride through the love tunnel. Lanara has made a mistake, however, in loading Aspen up with sugar cookies. The bear isn’t eating them, no, he’s building an arsenal! As soon as he sees Tiber breaking through the crowd in search of them, he starts hurling them at the male. One is aimed straight at his forehead, another at his chest, and a few of the confections fly wildly through the air! One cookie is flung to the far right, heading straight for the throat of Leoxander, and another is pinged towards Valrae’s shoulder! Lana, meanwhile, is oblivious to the madness, and enjoying her cake.

Jaxson smirks once again as she goes along with his obvious faux bravado about casually forgetting he is facing the great blue wyrm known as Dyraxdiin. Just one of the few that had their names tossed in for role as archmage of the land, right? Yes, gold not only bought the man a nice suit and a fancy carriage ride, but its also bought him information as he went about studying his opponent in advance. Preparation was often the key to survival. But Val’s presence continues to ease the tension about tomorrow, and finally the man decides that he’d deal with tomorrow (and the damn dragon) then, and so he finally settles all his attention back on to his date as she rightfully deserves. Her joke about flinging herself from the carriage makes him chuckle, and he’d lean in to playfully add. “Just make sure you clear the thing, because I didn’t get the deluxe “avoid another doomsday scenario” insurance package.” The wine was kicking in, the edge was slowly going away, and the man was settling into this date enough that his hand would shift down and take a hold of hers, if she’d allow. This all happens as his eyes were on the events ahead of them, as he was actually getting excited about the whole fate reading ordeal that they were in line for. If he even noticed he was trying to hold her hand or not is unknown, but if she does allow it, she’d find he’d give it a little squeeze of excitement as the line yet again seems to move forward. “Almost time!”

Kanna takes a small envelope from a pixie girl with bright blue hair and opens it. "Congratulations to... Valrae Baines and Jaxson Ravencroft!"

Leoxander reacted without knowing exactly what was about to pelt him in the throat, opening the hand that shot up to look down at the half crushed cookie. Only as the crumbles and pieces fall from his fingers does he look toward Loravelle. “What’s that about?” He motions with the hand still holding his flask toward the bracelet.

Mahri just smirks at Leo but then her attention is taken by Lora. "So was I" Late that is. "You look nice. "

Blaire answered Demeters question for her. Those pointed ears aren't just for show. "A thread, oh skeptic, is a metaphore. You are connected to everyone around you by your deeds. Your thoughts. What you think. What you might do. What you would do. These connections can be exploited. Made real. Pulled on like strings. A thread, then, is a conjuration of your spirit. A manifestation of your connection to... everything else. And you can tell quite a lot about a person by it's color. And whom that person might form connections with." Her grin widened, "It is the string to cupids bow!" At this she twirled on the spot and, in a single smooth motion, hurled her jacket off. Beneath she wore a red leather brassiere, rather matching the discarded jacket. And, more importantly, an archers full-sleeve brace. Which the gauzy ribbon wrapped arounnd as she raised the cane and strung it like a bow with a brightly glowing red string. "And I'm a proficient archer." She grinned wider, pulling the string back as if to fire an arrow at the avian.

Joan offers the avian warrior woman a tired sigh as she glances towards Blaire, the other woman should be a guild mate of hers within the necromancers guild by now and Joan had only limited interaction with the other. "I think...it's some nonsense about supposely fated love and lovers." She takes up her glass with the desert treat liqueur and drinks it down.

Demeter watched as this woman started speaking, crossing her arms as she awaits. "Cupid string, cupid is real? What.." Before she got to finish she watched as the jacket was removed, and revealing the red leather brassiere. Staring at the brightly glowing red string, "woah now." She spoke out as the woman seemed to about shot her with an arrow.

Valrae laughs again as their fingers intertwine. She fake ’tisks’ at him, shaking her head. “Always spring for the “avoid another doomsday scenario”. It’s key.” She takes time to applaud the ending play, cheering for Kanna and Tessa loudly as she does so before stealing Jaxson’s hand again. It was around that time a cookie smacked into her bare shoulder. She squeaks, the sound girlish and embarrassing, as it slides from her skin and leaves a streak of frost down the front of her silk skirt. “What in the-” Before she can finish that sentence, she hears her name announced. She looks up from the cookie on the ground, her eyes wide. “What?” Her eyes find Jaxsons again, her face a mixture of shock and pure confusion.

Loravelle doesn't know who or what is pelting cookies at people, but she's glad she wasn't a target. ...Yet, with her luck. To answer Leo's question, she peers down at the bracelet on her wrist, but just as she's about to explain, she overhears Blaire give a better explanation than she could. “My thread, that twines with...” her shoulders rise and fall with a shrug. She used that word for her and Leo once before. Twined. Before she can explain further, she's complimented by Miss Mahri and cannot help the flush that rises to her cheeks. She hides a bit of it with her fan. “O-oh, thank you...I...” Her eyes settle on Leo for a moment. Did he want people to know he gifted the gown to her? She'll exclude his name, just to be safe. “The dress was a gift. I've never owned silk before.”

Khitti cheers for Valrae and her date--whoever the heck -he- is--before giving a wave to everyone she knows and heading off with her kid and several chickens in tow.

Tiber is almost in the clear towards the back of Lanara until Aspen is grabbing and chucking sugar cookies towards, one, his direction, and then Leoxander’s and Valrae’s. Tiber is knocked in the forehead which causes frosting to slide down and hit, also, the tip of his nose. The cookie falls. Amber eyes gaze towards Leoxander in a ‘see what I have to deal with’ sort of expression before moving forward. Did that cookie hit Valrae…? Because that would be bad. It looked like an expensive outfit. Either way, Tiber is red-faced in fumes–not embarrassment. Tiber charges up to Lanara. “You’re going to tell -me- he is not grounded now?” the man clearly points to his face before he looks at Valrae who now has a streak of icing on the silken skirt. Yikes. He gives Lanara a look. A finger swipes his own nose before he reaches out to smudge the frosting on Lanara’s face in harmless ‘revenge’. “We’re going home. It's decided before we get kicked out and ruining the event.”

Blaire lowered the 'bow' and tucked it under her arm again. Instead of shooting anyone, she shifted her weight and popped a hip while stretching her hand out towards Demeter. Palm up, expectant. "So. Care to take your chances? Maybe find something out about yourself?" Assuming that the avian actually took the invitation, she'd get a deep red bracelet woven around her wrist. "Sharp Carmine, eh? Suppose the inside matches the outside. Lucky you. Just remember, it's ill advised to grasp a sword bare-handed."

Mahri has her suspicions but will keep them to herself. Hearing there's a winner for some contest and seeing that everyone seems to be leaving, Mahri glances at Leo, "Your escort duties done yet?" She still wanted that drink and chance to catch up and talk. To Loravelle, "Silk suits you."

Lanara turns around as she hears Tiber’s ranting, and she lifts a brow and smirks at his disheveled appearance, “What the heck did you-” Her voice cuts off as soon as her husband has the audacity to wipe some of that frosting onto her face, and it looks as though a gasket is about to blow in the witch. If a crumbled cookie wasn’t lying in the grass at Leo’s feet, and if the beautiful Valrae’s skirt wasn’t smeared with icing, the witch would have thought Tiber capable of concocting up some elaborate story so she would punish Aspen. She hadn’t witnessed his naughty episode of going full on Cookie Monster, and so Lana naively looks around the area and hugs Aspen tightly to her chest. Tiber -never- speaks to her in -that- tone, so when he pulls rank and uses that Alpha voice, she has no choice but to surrender. Admitting defeat, both the bear and the woman bow their heads and slowly trudge out after the Catalian. It had been a hell of a first Valentine’s Day for the newlyweds!

Demeter extended her hand, offering it to the woman. "yes." Maybe she find more answers about herself in ways to help her inside grow. "Carmine..I'll remember that."

Leoxander twisted the lid on his flask to return it to his back pocket, a thumb under suspender fixing its place on his shoulder. Loravelle’s reply to Mahri had his gaze lingering around the keyhole cutout before he realized what he was doing and turned a sidelong glance toward the silver-eyed wolf. “I s’pose so. Ditched me the moment we got here.” He wasn’t exactly mad about that, having preferred to avoid the mingling and such. For the most part, he succeeded. Sounds like love’s fleetin’ this place quick.” A shift of attention briefly follows Lanara’s exit.

Tiber feels mildly uncomfortable with the thought of bossing his wife around. The drop of her head solidifies it. Yeah, yeah he will definitely be in the doghouse for the rest of the evening. No special surprise for the evening for him–nope. The naive look that Lanara casts has Tiberius dumbfounded with parted lips of regret, but instead he bites his tongue to continue further. Eyes shift around at the guests before he catches up to Lanara. Although the bear and Kelvarian’s head are bowed, Tiber leans down to mumble something with a softer expression than one he once had. Time to beg for forgiveness for the rest of the evening–even though, in the back of his mind, he wants to claim that he is still right. What a lovely Sweetheart’s Day. The two then disappear from the gala.

Jaxson is just as surprised by the flying cupcake Meri cookie like projectile that hits Val, the warlock quickly making sure her dress isn't stained by a clever use of that eldritch magic at his disposal, (Like a Tide Pen but "magic powaz"). Hopefully the spell is quick enough that the woman doesn't have icing on her anymore. Eyes dart out to find the culprit, but he is stopped in his tracks like a deer in the headlights by two things. They are holding hands. He hadn't even noticed! He must have done it subconsciously! But she -held his hand-! Before he could even process this, the anouncement of their victory for soem award he didn't even know they were in! But hey, nailed it! He' do the wave one does as they win any award, you know the one, before he'd look at Val with a "wtf is going on?" look, that he quickly swaps for that charming smile to continue his role of dashing date of Ms.Baines. Kree would be happy, his client winning best dressed would have to cement the creature's work as top of his class. Worth all the gold spent, and makes the man anxious for that line of suits he preordered now. Then, what they've been waiting for, the threads of fate line open up, meaning the pair are up next. Much excite! The warlock would lead the witch towards fate's awaiting embrace.

Joan gives a questionable glance down at Demeter's new braclet while she fishes out another candy heart she snuck into her jacket pocket before she left from the buffet table to join her avian friend or friends? Possible but the way Haeli acted had the vampire needing something sweet to calm her own rattled nerve.

Blaire tossed the cane from one hand to the other and pointed the skull at Valrae and Jaxson, the eyes rolling to say 'Probably not' and 'Outlook isn't great' which surely wasn't an omen of any kind. "Another couple, is it? I applaud the bravery! Would you lovebird prefer to be read together, or one at a time?"

Mahri passed a look between the Captain and the Mouse, a real smile tugging the corner of her mouth. "Ready to bug out, then?"

Demeter Moved out of the way, moving her head in a gesture for Joan to follow unless she wanted to wait to get her's read, then Demeter would wait.

Valrae stops brushing at the frosting on her dress, which was actually only making it worse, when Jaxson uses his magic to spirit the stain away. She gives him a grateful, happy smile. “Thanks. Why didn’t I think of that?” She laughs again. This dress was the most expensive thing she’d ever had on her body and it had caused a small panic within her to have it ruined so quickly. She follows his lead in accepting the award, happiness blooming warm in her chest like a shot of whiskey. She turns back to the booth for thread reading as Jaxson leads her forward. It surprised her how nervous she suddenly was. Unsure of what she would need to do, she hands her glass over to Jaxson before offering both of her hands out. “Do me a favor, if your threads say anything about doom and disaster, just lie to me okay?” She whispers to Blaire, flashing her brightest smile.

Loravelle runs a palm over the opposite silky sleeve of her dress at Mahri's compliment. “T-thank you. It's the nicest thing I have ever wor-” She doesn't necessarily glare at Leo, but it's obvious she's a little flustered once she notices whwhere his eyes have wandered. She lowers her fan over that opening in her gown. Her free hand reaches up to check her headdress, pinkie and ring fingers glimmering like sharpened claws with the guards slipped onto them. Grey eyes settle on Leo, concern apparent. Did he sleep after she left? “How have you been?” Before listening for an answer however, she almost wants to throw herself at Mahri and give her a hug. "Please." Too many people. Far too many people.

Joan took a big bite into the chcoclate heart, chewing it up the vampiric healer would follow after Demeter, Joan had no use for 'threads of fate', it wasn't her vibe or thing. Should they pass by the buffet table on their way out the woman would scoop up more of the free treats, a parting glance of 'thanks is sent Leoxander's way as she leaves.'

Blaire smirked at Valrae as she leaned in conspiratorically to whisper to the girl. Both hands on the skull of the cane, her voice a clearly audible stage whisper, "I'd never share spoilers." That said, she let the cane just... stand on it's own. The pink ribbon slipping from her arm and wrapping around it, pulling it out of the way like an autonomous third arm of see-through cloth. Miss Fortunes own hands held onto Valrae's wrists, a mischevious smile on her face. "Deep roots on you, flower. You're harder to pull out than you think." a deep brownish pink bracelet wrapped around the womans wrist when the vampires hands pulled back. "Rosewoods pretty. But it's got thorns. Shall we see if your gentleman friend can hold you safely?"

Leoxander was going to at least have the courtesy to bid farewell to his ‘date’, but looking up, he noticed Joan already taking her leave with new company. A bandaged palm raised for a simple gesture of farewell as he stood out of his lean, ready to abandon that place that made his eyes water, and cost him another sneeze into the crook of his arm with a rough sniff. “Survivin’... though doomed if I stay here another damn minute.” Perhaps when he convinced himself no one was watching his path of departure, the pirate picked up a single white rose off the table to take with.

Jaxson smiles as Val appreciates his help, before his attention is drawn to the woman calling for them and her question about who'd go first. Of course, Jax says. "I think solo readings would be fun." No need to rush into the couples thing, yeah? Of course, this sis only because the thought of them being a thing makes him turn as red as the hearts fluttering about magically. "I'll go after." He says, letting the woman go meet her fate. "Don't worry, I probably have a boring fate." He says to Val as she'd go get read.

Loravelle pulls a handkerchief from her pocket, because this gown has pockets, and hands it to Leo for his nose. That onyx crow's head ring on her index finger just so happens to slip from her with it as well. A gift for him. “Let's leave then?” With Miss Mahri of course, who she looks to with a smile. She's kind.

Valrae watches with wonder lighting her dark eyes as the thread appears. The witch audibly gasps as the color is revealed. She listens with intense seriousness as Blaire offers her a few words of explanation. “Thank you,” She murmurs sheepishly, stepping away to make room for Jaxson. Her eyes were locked on the pink bracelet around her wrist, even as she moved to take the drinks from Jaxson’s hands so that he could take a turn.

Mahri 's ready to go and whether she notices the taken rose or not, it's not her business. The smile she does give Mouse is real before she and the dress are put of there.

Leoxander was going to decline the offer and not ruin the lady’s kerchief, but the dust was starting to really get to him by that point. His free hand took the cloth and he felt the weight of another object in his grip. In passing, Leo sends a look toward Jax and Val, whether the pull of his smirk is noticed or not. But should either look his way they’d witness the slight twitch of a wink and a click of tongue, the rogue’s stamp of approval for the pairing and their win.

Valrae catches Leo’s grin and sends a playful wink his way as she waits excitedly for Jaxson’s reading.

Loravelle prepares to follow Miss Mahri out. It's odd, walking ahead of Leo, so she peers over her shoulder at him to see if he's following. Or are they staying put? She stops. Seems pretty dead here, now.

Jaxson moves up after Val gets her reading, glad to see she doesn't have a look of dread upon her face than man is hopeful for his own reading. Please dont tell him he gets eaten by a dragon... Moving up to the fate reader, the man says. "Hope you're not too bored with mine!"

Blaire stood idle, her cane in her hands behind her back. Slowly rotating like a propeller as she watched the two change places. Her face an idle expression of endless patience. "I don't tell the future. Not today anyway. Today I tell you about yourself and who you might have a future with." She said, a mysterious smile creeping across her shadowed face. The cane kept spinning when she brought her hands forwards and weaved her fingers throught the air. Finally twisting a shining gold cord out of the air before wrapping it around the mans wrist. "Burning Gold. Eyes on the horizon, I see." She smirk grew, if possible, even more mischevious. "A good match with roses, as it happens." In fact, the two bracelets seemed to be stretching loose, thin threads out towards eachother. "Rare metal, rare color." She looked past Jaxson to Valrae. "I'd hold onto this one, were I you."

Jaxson watches as the thread wraps about his wrist, forming the golden bracelet, though his true attention is upon the woman's words. Eyes on the horizon? This makes the mind think. Though it was the mention of matching with a rose that has his mind really wandering. Looking at the burning gold bracelet, he says. "Thank you." To the woman, offering a charming smile as he is thankful his fate doesn't end in the belly of a dragon. Yes, he is slightly obsessed with his survival tommorow, as in case you didn't know, he is fighting a damn dragon. I mean. c'mon! Who wouldn't be? But, then the man's eyes flow from his new shiny bracelet to Valrae,Miss Fortune's words towards the witch passing right by him as he seems just enthralled by his date's beauty once more. Dragons are washed from is thoughts as he makes his way back to the woman, and asks. "Anything else you'd like to do? Or shall I escort you home?"

Valrae smiles at Jaxson as he joins her again. “Gold, huh?” Her dark eyes flash. “There is a joke about money here somewhere I just can’t find it.” She looks down at the drinks in her hand and the bracelet on her wrist. It was still doing the shimmering, reaching out to him bit. She was enchanted again. “I’m ready when you are,” She says, passing the drinks off to a nearby table. Absently, she reaches out for his hand again. “I guess you didn’t need the “avoid another doomsday scenario” insurance after all, huh?” The witch teases as they walk toward the carriage. She ignores the guards that follow them like shadows. “How long did you rent this for?” She whispers conspiratorially as she climbs the stairs, her hands gathering the silk of her skirt so that she doesn’t trip on the length of it as she goes. “I’m actually starving.”

Blaire realized the line was gone and the party was splitting up into those drinking and those going home. Taking an opportunity, Miss Fortune slipped her jacket back on before mysteriously disappearing when no one was paying attention.